Percale or Sateen? Which One Is Right for You?

 

 

Choosing the right bedding is more than a matter of taste — it affects your sleep, your wellbeing, and the feeling of slipping into bed every evening. Two of the most popular materials are cotton percale and cotton sateen. But what's the difference — and which one suits you?

Our cotton bedding is 100% pure cotton — for maximum breathability and skin compatibility.

Cotton Percale – Cool, Crisp, Timeless

Cotton percale is a tightly woven fabric made from 100% cotton with a matte surface. It is woven like linen — in a plain weave, where warp and weft threads cross each other evenly. This gives it that fresh, crisp feel reminiscent of linen — without the roughness. It feels light and airy, gets softer with every wash, and is ideal for warm nights or those who tend to sleep hot. Our percale bedding is made in Italy — from 100% combed cotton, without a centre seam, for the highest level of comfort.

Cotton Sateen – Silky, Lustrous, Luxurious

Cotton sateen is defined by its characteristic sheen and the smooth, velvety feel against the skin. It is woven like silk — in a satin weave, where more threads lie on the surface, creating that silky shimmer. The result: a fabric that feels silky-light, glides gently over the skin, and conveys true luxury through its characteristic lustre.

What Does Thread Count Mean?

Thread count refers to how many threads are woven per square centimetre — the higher the count, the denser and softer the fabric. Our collection ranges from fine cotton percale to luxurious cotton sateen with up to 2,000 TC in combed, double-twisted cotton — a level of craftsmanship that meets the highest standards of softness, durability, and texture. Combed cotton means shorter fibres are removed before spinning. Double-twisted means two yarns are twisted together — for an exceptionally even, refined weave.

Perfect Sleep All Year Round

The beauty of high-quality natural fibres: they adapt. Our bedding in cotton percale, cotton sateen, linen, and silk is not made for just one season — all materials are comfortable to sleep in both summer and winter. Natural fibres regulate body temperature naturally: they absorb moisture, release it, and create a balanced sleep climate — night after night, all year long.

Our Recommendation

• You sleep warm or it's summer? → Cotton Percale or Linen
• You love the feel of silk on your skin? → Cotton Sateen or Silk
• You want the very best? → Cotton Sateen with a high thread count in combed, double-twisted cotton
• You're undecided? → Visit our store in Vienna-Währing and experience the difference for yourself.

Straight to You

At Federica Tabarretti, you choose directly, straight from Italy to your home — without intermediaries. That means: fair prices for the highest quality, personal advice, and products truly tailored to your needs. No markup, no compromise — just the best for your sleep.

Personal Consultation – On Your Schedule

Can't make it to our store during opening hours? No problem — we're happy to arrange an appointment outside of regular hours, entirely at your convenience. Or we can send fabric samples to your home, so you can experience the quality at your leisure before making a decision.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, simply send us an email — we look forward to hearing from you and are happy to help. Don't hesitate to get in touch!