Brooklinen Percale vs. Luxe: Which one is better?

Brooklinen Percale vs. Luxe: Discover which sheet set suits you best. Cool and crisp Percale or silky, warm Luxe - find your perfect sleep experience now.
Written by:
Spencer Lanoue

The Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets and the Luxe Sateen Sheets are both best-sellers, but they offer completely different sleep experiences based on their cotton weave. The Percale sheets have a crisp, cool, and matte finish ideal for hot sleepers, while the Luxe Sateen sheets feature a silkier, slightly heavier and warmer feel with a subtle sheen.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Brooklinen sheets for your bed.

Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets

The Classic Percale sheets are Brooklinen’s crisp, lightweight option, often compared to the feeling of high-end hotel bedding. Made with a simple one-over, one-under weave, these sheets are noticeably breathable and cool to the touch, making them a favorite among people who tend to overheat at night or live in warmer climates.

  • What it is: A sheet set made from 100% long-staple cotton with a crisp, matte percale weave.
  • Key features: 270 thread count, lightweight and airy feel, OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety, gets softer with every wash.
  • Price: Starts at $129 for a Queen Core Sheet Set.
  • Style: Clean, minimalist, and classic with a matte finish that doesn't have a sheen.
  • Feel: Crisp, cool, and smooth, similar to a freshly ironed cotton shirt.
  • Pros: Excellent breathability keeps hot sleepers cool, durable weave is resistant to pilling, has a classic, timeless hotel bed feel, becomes softer over time.
  • Cons: More prone to wrinkling than sateen, can feel slightly rough to some at first use, before being broken in, not ideal for those who prefer silky, heavy sheets.

This sheet set is perfect for anyone chasing that cool, crisp hotel bed feel and prioritizing breathability above all else.

Shop this product: brooklinen.com/collections/percale-sheets

Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets

As the name suggests, the Luxe Sateen collection is Brooklinen's more indulgent, premium-feeling sheet set. It uses a different one-under, three-over sateen weave that exposes more thread surface, resulting in a buttery-soft, silky feel with an elegant, luminous sheen. These sheets are ideal for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their bedroom.

  • What it is: A silky, heavier sheet set made from 100% long-staple cotton with a lustrous sateen weave.
  • Key features: 480 thread count, incredibly soft and smooth feel, slight sheen for a more luxurious look, OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety.
  • Price: Starts at $179 for a Queen Core Sheet Set.
  • Style: Elegant, sophisticated, and luxurious with a slightly luminous sheen.
  • Feel: Buttery-smooth, silky, and drapes well over the body with a heavier, more substantial feel.
  • Pros: Incredibly soft and gentle against the skin, less prone to wrinkling than percale, luxurious look and feel elevates bedroom decor, warmer and cozier for year-round comfort.
  • Cons: Higher price point, less breathable than percale which may not be ideal for very hot sleepers, sateen weave can be slightly more prone to snagging over time.

The Luxe Sateen Sheets are designed for sleepers who prioritize ultimate softness and a smooth, elegant feel over the crispness of percale.

Shop this product: brooklinen.com/collections/luxe-sheets

Brooklinen Percale vs. Luxe Comparison

Feel & Comfort

The primary difference between these two sheet sets is how they feel. The Classic Percale weave creates a fabric that is crisp and structured. Think of your favorite cool, cotton poplin dress shirt - it's smooth, lightweight, and almost airy. This feel is ideal for people who don't like to feel too constricted or overly warm when they sleep.

On the other hand, the Luxe Sateen weave results in a surface that is silky, buttery-soft, and drapes more closely to the body. It feels smoother and less textured than percale. If you want sheets that feel like liquid softness against your skin, Luxe Sateen delivers exceptionally well.

In short: Percale is crisp and airy, while Luxe is silky and drapey.

Materials & Durability

Both collections are made from the same high-quality foundation: 100% long-staple cotton, which means the cotton fibers are longer, stronger, and smoother than short-staple cotton. This results in bedding that is softer and more durable in the long run.

However, the weave itself affects durability. The Percale's simple grid-like weave is very tight and robust, making it highly resistant to pilling and wear. With proper care, these sheets can last for many years. The Luxe Sateen's weave exposes more thread surface, which is what gives it its incredible softness but also makes it slightly more susceptible to snagging from things like jewelry or rough patches of skin. Both are very durable, but Percale has a slight edge on long-term wear resistance.

Heat Regulation

This is a critical consideration for many sleepers. The Percale sheets are undoubtedly the winner for heat regulation. Their lightweight and breathable construction allows for airflow, wicking away moisture and heat to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. They are a top recommendation for hot sleepers or summer months.

The Luxe Sateen sheeting is slightly heavier and less breathable due to its tighter, silkier weave. It retains more body heat, making it feel cozier and warmer than percale. While it's still quite breathable compared to synthetic fabrics, those who sleep extremely hot may find it too insulating. It’s an excellent choice for a year-round sheet or for people who tend to get cold at night.

Style & Appearance

Your choice also depends on your bedroom's aesthetic. The Classic Percale set offers a casual, laid-back style. Its matte finish is unassuming and clean, perfect for modern, minimalist, or coastal decor. Keep in mind that percale is prone to wrinkling, which can either add to the relaxed, lived-in look or be a minor nuisance if you prefer a perfectly pristine bed.

The Luxe Sateen set has a more polished and upscale appearance. The subtle sheen catches the light beautifully, lending a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room. It drapes beautifully on the bed and is naturally wrinkle-resistant, helping your bed look more put-together with minimal effort.

Price & Value

The Classic Percale sheets are more affordable, with a Queen Core Set starting around $129. Given their durability and quality, they offer great long-term value for a daily driver sheet set. The Luxe Sateen sheets are a pricier investment, starting around $179 for a Queen Core Set. The extra cost goes towards the higher thread count and the more complex weave that produces the silky feel and lustrous finish.

Value here is subjective. If breathability and durability are your priorities, Percale offers better value. If unparalleled softness and a luxurious appearance are what you're after, the higher price for Luxe is justified.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both sheets deliver outstanding comfort, but they cater to very different personal preferences for how a bed should feel.

Choose the Classic Percale sheets if:

  • You are a hot sleeper or live in a warm, humid climate.
  • You love the crisp, cool, and airy feeling of classic hotel bedding.
  • Your bedroom style is minimalist, clean, or casual, and you don't mind a few wrinkles.
  • Durability and pilling resistance are major priorities for you.
  • You're looking for an excellent quality sheet set at a more accessible price point.

Choose the Luxe Sateen sheets if:

  • You prioritize a silky, smooth, and buttery-soft feel above all else.
  • You want your bedding to have an elegant, almost luminous sheen.
  • You tend to sleep cold or want a cozy sheet that feels great year-round.
  • You dislike wrinkles and want your bed to look neat and polished.
  • You are willing to invest more for a truly luxurious sleep experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Brooklinen Percale and Luxe?

The main difference is the weave of the fabric. Percale has a one-over, one-under weave that creates a crisp, light, and matte fabric. Luxe Sateen has a one-under, three-over weave that creates a silky-smooth, lustrous, and slightly heavier fabric.

Which sheets are better for hot sleepers?

The Classic Percale sheets are significantly better for hot sleepers due to their superior breathability and a lighter, airier feel that allows heat to escape.

Do Brooklinen Percale sheets wrinkle a lot?

Yes, percale cotton is naturally more prone to wrinkling than sateen because of its crisp finish. To minimize wrinkles, remove the sheets from the dryer promptly while they are still slightly damp and make the bed immediately.

How does thread count affect the sheets?

The Luxe Sateen sheets have a higher thread count (480) compared to the Classic Percale (270). While a higher thread count can contribute to softness in sateen, it's the weave that truly defines the feel. Don't choose based on thread count alone, focus on whether you prefer the crisp feel of percale or the silky feel of sateen.

Which sheet set lasts longer?

Both are made with durable long-staple cotton. However, the tighter, simpler weave of percale makes it slightly more resistant to pilling and abrasion over years of use compared to the sateen weave, which has more exposed threads.

How deep are the pockets on the fitted sheets?

Both Brooklinen Percale and Luxe Sateen collections have fitted sheets with 15-inch deep pockets, which are designed to fit the majority of standard and deep mattresses comfortably.

Can you mix and match Percale and Luxe sheets?

Absolutely. Many people enjoy pairing sheets from different collections. For example, you might use a breathable Percale fitted sheet with a silky-soft Luxe Sateen top sheet and duvet cover for a balanced feel.

What is Brooklinen's return policy?

Brooklinen offers a generous 365-day return and exchange policy. They encourage you to sleep on their linens to decide if you love them, and you can return them in any condition within that window.

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