Percale
Percale fabric begins its life as two sets of
undyed, interwoven threads, known as a "greycloth" that will later
have its color and pattern "sprayed" on. Since the threads are woven at a 1:1 ratio,
the same number of threads will be found along one inch of the length, and one
inch of the width. The number of threads along one inch (in each
direction) makes up the fabric's "thread count."
The thread count of the fabric determines its
density, and that generally gives you a good gauge of its softness, although
there are other factors that impact the softness of the fabric even more than
its thread count. One such factor is "content."
The content of percale can vary widely.
Though many people assume that "percale" means a polyester-cotton
blend, this is untrue. A percale can be made of 100% cotton, 100%
polyester, or any combination in between. Even a high thread count 60/40
percale blend won't be as soft or luxuriant as a lower thread count 100%
cotton. Also, a dark colored cotton percale will feel stiffer than a
lighter colored percale with the same thread count.
Even within cotton itself, there are many
differences in grade. Just as grapes grown in certain regions are favored
by wine connoisseurs over grapes grown in others, the quality of cotton can be
estimated by its origin. Our own domestic cotton is an excellent breed
called "pima" cotton. This is a long-staple cotton, and is
relatively inexpensive, considering its high quality. The fertile Nile
valley which also produces the same breed of Pima Cotton as the United States,
calls their more luxuriant textile "Egyptian Cotton." With its
longer, silkier, and thicker fibers, this cotton is woven into the absolute best
percales. Unfortunately, since it must be imported from Egypt, it carries
with it a heavy price tag.
At the other end of the spectrum, some imported
percales are very inexpensive, and for good reasons. A combination of low
thread count and high ratios of polyester to cotton causes these percales to rip
easily and feel rough to the touch.
All of London Bridge Linens percales are
domestically produced, have thread counts of at least two hundred, and contain
no more than 50% Polyester. 50/50 Polyester/Cotton
percales of this quality can stand up to a great deal of abuse. They
resist wrinkling and can be washed frequently, in whatever conditions desired
(hot or cold water, line or machine dry).
100% Cotton Percales and Sateens, on the other hand, are
more difficult to maintain. They should be washed in cold water, and line
or tumble dried. They do tend to wrinkle, and can be expected to shrink
1-2% the first time they are washed. This shrinkage is taken into account
when the sheets are manufactured. For this reason, they may fit loosely
before laundering, and provide a snug fit afterwards.
Percale fabrics are generally available in
widths great enough to provide a sleeping surface without any add-ons or seams.
Extremely large or thick mattresses may make add-ons necessary.
The
images below reflect our current stock of percale fabrics. You may wish to
bookmark this page to keep up-to-date on current fabrics. This page is
updated whenever the fabric stock changes.
200-TC 50/50 Poly Cotton Percales
