Percale vs. Sateen: How to Choose the Right Cotton Sheets for RV or Home
6th Nov 2025
When it comes to cotton bedding, not all weaves are created equal. The difference between percale and sateen sheets comes down to how they’re woven—and how they feel. Whether you prefer the crisp, breathable comfort of percale or the silky-smooth finish of sateen, this guide helps you choose the right weave for your sleep style, climate, and lifestyle.
Plus, discover AB Lifestyles’ signature bedding collections, made for RV and Airstream mattresses and proudly sewn in South Carolina, USA. Each set is designed to fit right, last long, and bring home-quality comfort to life on the road.
Two Weaves. Two Sleep Experiences.
Both percale and sateen are woven from the world’s finest cotton, but they deliver distinctly different feels. Here’s how to pick your perfect fit—and the AB Lifestyles collections that deliver it.
What Is Percale?
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Percale is a plain weave—one thread over, one thread under—creating a breathable sheet with a matte finish and that crisp, fresh feel of classic hotel bedding. It’s lightweight, cool to the touch, and softens beautifully with every wash. |
Key Percale Features:
- Crisp, cool, and lightweight — ideal for warm sleepers and hot climates
- Breathable and durable — softens over time while holding its shape
- Matte finish — clean, classic, timeless look
Best for: Warm sleepers, summer months, humid climates, and anyone who loves that freshly made, crisp-sheet feel.
Percale Sheet Collections
| Collection | RV | Airstream |
|---|---|---|
| New Adventures – 200 Thread Count, 100% Cotton Percale. Our most affordable collection—crisp, cool, breathable comfort. Proudly sewn in South Carolina. Optional NoTuck Top Sheet®. | Shop New Adventures for Airstream | |
| Tuscan Traveler – 300 Thread Count, Italian Pima Cotton Percale with Embroidered Hem. Refined percale with Italian craftsmanship—soft, cool, and elegantly detailed. | Shop Tuscan Traveler for RV | Shop Tuscan Traveler for Airstream |
What Is Sateen?
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Sateen uses a different construction—typically three threads over, one under—for a smoother surface with a subtle sheen. The denser weave adds a bit of weight and drape, creating an ultra-soft, polished feel. |
Key Sateen Features:
- Silky-smooth hand with a refined, lustrous look
- Slightly warmer and heavier—ideal for cool sleepers and shoulder seasons
- Naturally smoother appearance right out of the dryer
Best for: Cool sleepers, air-conditioned spaces, or anyone who prefers a smooth, elegant feel with gentle drape.
Sateen Sheet Collections
| Collection | RV | Airstream |
|---|---|---|
| Road Ready – 300 Thread Count, 100% Cotton Sateen. Silky-smooth comfort built for durability—ideal for everyday travel living. | Shop Road Ready for RV | Shop Road Ready for Airstream |
| Venetian – 300 Thread Count, Italian Pima Cotton Sateen. Luxury-level softness with a refined, lustrous finish. | Shop Venetian for RV | Shop Venetian for Airstream |
| American Traveler – 500 Thread Count, 100% Cotton Sateen. Our most indulgent sateen—rich, soft, and substantial. | Shop American Traveler for RV | Shop American Traveler for Airstream |
Percale vs. Sateen at a Glance Comparison Chart
| Feature | Percale | Sateen |
|---|---|---|
| Weave | 1 over / 1 under | 3 over / 1 under |
| Texture | Crisp, cool, breathable | Silky, smooth, slightly heavier |
| Finish | Matte | Slight sheen |
| Best For | Warm climates, hot sleepers, RVs | Cooler climates, year-round home use |
| Wrinkle Resistance | Moderate (crisper look) | Naturally smoother |
| Durability | Long-lasting, tight weave | Softer, may show wear faster (but still very durable!) |
| Care | Machine wash warm, tumble dry low, and remove promptly from dryer. Softens beautifully over time.
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Which Weave Fits Your Lifestyle?
Love that freshly made, crisp feel? Choose percale—cool, lightweight, and perfect for warm climates.
Prefer a silky, refined hand? Go with sateen—soft, smooth, and just a bit warmer.
Either way, you’ll get AB Lifestyles’ signature fit, with features like our NoTuck Top Sheet®, and the American craftsmanship from our South Carolina workroom that ensures every sheet set is made to last.
Crafted in South Carolina for Wherever You Roam
If you love the crisp, cool feel of freshly laundered hotel sheets, Percale is your perfect travel companion. Our Percale Collections are made for life on the road—lightweight, breathable, and easy to care for.
If you prefer a silky, polished touch and a little extra warmth, Sateen offers that touch of everyday luxury. Our Sateen Collections provide softness that feels indulgent yet practical for home or extended RV stays.
No matter which fabric you choose, every AB Lifestyles sheet set is made right here in the USA with precision craftsmanship and the fit you expect. Whether you’re outfitting your home, RV, or Airstream, we believe comfort should travel with you.
Related Reading
- Learn More About Thread Count ›
- Shop New Adventures Percale Sheets ›
- Shop Road Ready Sateen Sheets for RV ›
Made to Fit. Made to Last. Made in the USA.
Bedding for home and wherever you roam.