What is better for bed linen: percale or satin?

Today, buying bed linen is not an easy task, not because of a lack, but, on the contrary, because of the breadth of choice. Manufacturers use both traditional, habitual to the older generation fabrics, and technological developments of recent years. Interesting exotic novelties have appeared: fabrics made from bamboo and eucalyptus fibers. Mixed webs with non-uniform composition of threads are actively used. But the undoubted favorite among the mass consumer was and remains cotton linen. Let us dwell on two varieties of cotton fabric: satin and perkali.

By themselves, both satin and percale are simply different ways of weaving. Due to variations in the arrangement of the main (vertical) and weft (horizontally directed) threads, the fabric receives completely different mechanical and technological properties. Its appearance also depends on it. Satin is made from double twisted yarn. Long-staple cotton varieties are used. Twisted weft yarns, interlaced with the main rare step, create a silky front side of the fabric, the purl remains matte.

The composition can be either 100% cotton or non-uniform. Initially, satin, leading its history from the Chinese province of Quanzhou, from where the ships of overseas merchants carried it around the world, was a fabric of silk fibers of special dense weaving. Then the Chinese applied such a method on cotton threads and obtained an excellent inexpensive fabric with a shiny satin surface imitating luxurious silk. Modern technology has expanded the range of satin fabrics. Today there are several types, depending on the density, composition, processing.

• Ordinary and printed satin - Cotton fabrics with a density of about 85-100 and 150 threads per centimeter respectively. This is not very high density, so inexpensive bed linen is sewn from such sateen. For very budgetary options, pigment coloring is applied, affecting only the surface of the material, such products may fade and fade over time. Better reactive dye penetrates deep into the fibers and leaves the pattern on the fabric bright and clear even after many washes.

• Printed satin - density is up to 170 threads, in fact it is the same printed fabric, but it is colored according to the size of the final product: pillowcases or duvet covers. Effective and harmonious sets with an unusual design are obtained. Cotton fibers undergo a mercerization process - a caustic alkali treatment to increase the strength of the threads and better fix the subsequently applied paint.
• Jacquard satin - this fabric combines the advantages of silky satin and traditional jacquard weave, creating luxurious embossed patterns on both sides. A density of 170-220 threads per square centimeter is used, so the fabric will be particularly durable.Jacquard-satin is made from 100% cotton, and can be mixed: with the addition of viscose or polyester.

• Stripe - Jacquard satin with a dressing in the form of stripes and geometric shapes. Compared to typical jacquard with rich floral ornament, stripe is its strict version. It is ideal for premium kits. The alternation of matte and satin stripes from both the face and the inside out makes the underwear particularly exquisite.
• Mako - for its manufacture, long-staple cotton is used, which is grown in Egypt without the use of pesticides. The density is about 220 strands. It turns out extremely dense, durable, but light and thin canvas. Thanks to ecological cleanliness and excellent technological qualities, only luxury clothes are made from mako-sateen.
• Silk satin - An expensive option with the addition of silk.
• Polysatin - mixed or synthetic fabric, visually resembling a natural analogue with a silky face.Dries very quickly, does not shrink and does not deform, retains its color well. Polysatin often sew kits with 3-D printing. The disadvantage is poor breathability. Can electrify.
• Twill Satin - an interlacing method that combines two ways, which makes this fabric a little more loose and less dense than classic satin.

Regardless of which fibers are used, the fabric with satin weave will be dense, soft and silky, with a slightly shiny surface. It distinguishes it from other fabrics: regular cotton, calico, calico. Satin bedding has the following advantages:

• silk-like appearance but lower price;
• simple leaving: fabric practically does not wrinkle, quickly dries;
• high durability: in the luxury categories with a high density - up to 300 washes;
• natural satin is an environmentally friendly material, does not electrify, is hygroscopic, passes air;
• perfectly keeps heat, such a set of bed linen is ideal for autumn and winter;
• the lower matte side does not slide along the base of the sofa or mattress, unlike silk.

Among the shortcomings it can be noted that sometimes the satin smoothness of the front side of such underwear can be inconvenient - silk pajamas will slide over it. Satin fabrics (with the exception of mako-satin) may seem too hot for some people to sleep during the summer.

The basis of natural fabric percale, which was invented in India is a long-staple cotton variety. Non-twisted yarns are very closely interlaced, forming a smooth thin canvas. Additionally, the fibers are treated with a harmless bonding compound - a mixture, this makes the fabric incredibly durable and not subject to wear and damage, removes hairiness.

Due to such properties, earlier percals were often used by aviators for covering aircraft and sailors for making sails, it was also used for sewing tents. Percale bed linen is a high-quality, not cheap set, because this fabric is considered one of the best for the production of bedding.Pillowcases are also sewn from it: a dense weaving does not let out feathers and feathers.

The composition of the percale is:

• 100% cotton;
• with the addition of flaxseed;
• with a small amount of polyester.

The colors on the velvet surface of the percals are perfectly laid down, therefore any design solutions are applicable to this fabric. Other benefits are:

• very high durability - it is provided by adhesive impregnation, so the laundry can withstand up to 1000 washes, does not form the pellets;
• preserves the brightness of colors, they do not fade and do not fade;
• good breathability, underwear "breathes";
• hygroscopicity;
• gives pleasant tactile sensations, does not slip;
• natural composition suitable for allergies.

But this fabric is not perfect. Giving it an unprecedented strength special composition complicates care, makes the fabric moody during washing. Percale requires ironing - it is crumpled material.

Disadvantages:

• the complexity of care, as you need to wash at medium temperatures, without soaking,bleach and low spinning speed (in the wet state, the percale is very wrinkled);
• Ironing is recommended not at maximum temperatures, not higher than 150 degrees;
• high price.

Everyone chooses for themselves what is preferable: satin gloss satin or velvet perkali. Percale will cool the body pleasantly in summer, and satin will warm in winter. Satin loses in strength, but is easy to clean: it does not require ironing and restrictions when washing. But the touch is smooth and non-slip percale more familiar.

Satisfied customers, who have opted for a percale bed set, note that this linen can withstand numerous washings, while remaining equally bright, smooth and durable. Negative reviews are often associated with mislabeling or a dishonest manufacturer.which gives for a percale cheaper coarse calico or deliberately incorrectly indicates the composition, hiding a synthetic additive. The same problems are sometimes found with satin linen buyers, when polysatin is sold under the guise of natural.

In the next video, you will learn more about fabrics for bedding, including calico, perkali and satin.