What Is Percale? A Guide to Percale Fabric Types for Hospitality

Percale is one of the most searched terms in bedding — and one of the most misunderstood. It refers to a weave structure, not a specific fabric. A percale weave uses a one-over, one-under interlocking pattern that produces a smooth, matte, crisp finish. The fabric used within that weave — cotton, polycotton, or a blend — determines how the sheet feels, performs, and lasts.

At Linen and Co, we offer percale sheeting in three fabric types, each suited to different property types and operational requirements.

1. Polycotton Percale 200TC

Composition: A blend of polyester and cotton (typically 65% polyester, 35% cotton), woven in a percale pattern at 200 thread count.

This is our first recommendation for most hospitality properties. The polyester content is what makes it perform so well in commercial environments — it adds dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance, and durability that 100% cotton at the same thread count cannot match.

• Wrinkle-resistant — comes out of the dryer looking presentable with minimal ironing
• Fast-drying — reduces laundry turnaround time and energy costs
• Holds its shape and size wash after wash — no shrinkage, no distortion
• Excellent colour retention — maintains consistent white across hundreds of wash cycles
• Cost-effective total cost of ownership — longer lifespan per set than comparable 100% cotton

View the full Polycotton Percale 200TC Fabric Profile →
Shop Polycotton Percale 200TC →

2. Cotton Percale 200TC

Composition: 100% cotton, woven in a percale pattern at 200 thread count.

Pure cotton percale at 200TC is lightweight, highly breathable, and ideal for warm climates — making it well-suited to South African conditions. It has a natural hand-feel that softens with every wash, and performs well in commercial laundering at the temperatures required for hospitality hygiene standards.

• Highly breathable — excellent airflow for warm climates and year-round use
• Natural hand-feel that improves with washing
• Suitable for commercial laundering at 60°C–90°C
• Lighter weight than 300TC — faster drying than heavier cotton fabrics
• Good choice for 2 and 3-star properties seeking 100% cotton at an accessible price point

View the full Cotton Percale 200TC Fabric Profile →
Shop Cotton Percale 200TC →

3. Cotton Percale 300TC

Composition: 100% premium long-staple cotton, woven in a percale pattern at 300 thread count.

Our 300TC cotton percale is the premium option — a denser weave with a noticeably softer hand-feel that guests at 4 and 5-star properties expect. It is not labelled Egyptian Cotton — a term that is widely misused in the industry. It is made from premium long-staple cotton that meets our quality standards, and we let the fabric speak for itself. Read more about why we don't use the Egyptian Cotton label →

• Softer, denser hand-feel than 200TC — guests notice the difference immediately
• Crisp, cool, and breathable — the classic percale sleeping experience at its best
• Durable construction that holds up to commercial laundering
• Consistent finish and colour retention across reorders
• The standard for 4 and 5-star hospitality properties

View the full Cotton Percale 300TC Fabric Profile →
Shop Cotton Percale 300TC →

Which Percale Is Right for Your Property?

A quick guide:

• 1–2 star / high turnover / budget-conscious: Polycotton Percale 200TC
• 2–3 star / 100% cotton preference / warm climate: Cotton Percale 200TC
• 4–5 star / premium guest experience: Cotton Percale 300TC

Not sure which is right for your property? Contact us or WhatsApp us — we're happy to advise based on your specific setup.