What is the difference between percale, satin and linen?

Wat is het verschil tussen percale, satijn en linnen?

Suite 702 sells the best quality bedding. And because everyone has their own preferences, we have a wide range of colours, materials and weaving techniques. We want to zoom in on those last two things in this blog. Because what exactly is that? For example, what is the difference between 'normal' cotton and percale cotton? What material is satin made of? Is satin a material or a weaving technique? And what exactly is linen? We explain it all to you and tell you what the advantages are of percale, satin and linen. Then you can make a well-considered choice when selecting bed linen. 

What is percale?

We love percale, and for good reason. It is a lovely, light fabric that breathes and stays beautiful for a long time. Percale is made from 100% cotton. Bedding from percale you see a lot in hotels, that's why people call it hotel quality. The material feels wonderfully smooth and crispy.

What is the difference between percale and 'normal' cotton?

Percale, or percale cotton, is not a specific type of cotton but stands for a symmetrical weaving technique. Both 'normal' cotton and percale come from the cotton plant. However, percale is very finely woven and has a very high thread count, also known as 'thread count' or TC. It has all the fine qualities of normal cotton, but is of even better quality. Where 'normal' cotton sometimes feels a bit rough, the higher thread density of percale ensures that the fabric feels softer and finer. Our percale bedding has a 300 thread count, which means that the fabric is very finely woven. 

What are the benefits of percale?

  • Percale has a luxurious look
  • You can easily maintain percale
  • Percale feels soft
  • Percale stays fresh and cool
  • Percale lasts a very long time

 

 beddengoed van percale

Percale bedding feels wonderfully soft and fresh.  

 

What is satin?

Many people think that satin is a material, but this is a misunderstanding. Also, satin is often confused with silk, but this has nothing to do with each other. Satin (just like percale) stands for a weaving technique. Because four weft threads run over one warp thread, a beautiful 'satin' shine is created. This allows the yarns to be woven even closer together and the fabric becomes even more flexible. 

What material is satin made of?

Satin can in principle be made from any material because it is a weaving technique and not a 'type of fabric'. With bedding you see that it is usually made of polyester, silk and cotton or a mix of the three. It suite 702 . satin bedding is also made of 100% high-quality organic cotton. Usually satin-cotton fabric has a thread count or thread count of 200, but with suite 702 it is 400. That's why our satin bedding is of such a luxurious quality and feels wonderful. In addition, we only use GOTS certified cotton† This is the strictest quality mark in the field of sustainability and social conditions. 

What are the benefits of cotton satin?

  • Cotton-satin has a beautiful shine and a luxurious appearance
  • You can easily maintain cotton satin
  • Cotton satin is breathable
  • Cotton satin retains its quality
  • Cotton-satin is moisture-absorbent 

 

Satin bedding has a beautiful, subtle shine

 

What is linen?

Linen is a material that comes from the flax plant. The long fibers are used in clothing and bedding. Linen is a very strong and durable material. However, it can crease a bit faster and the fibers are not very elastic. That is why linen is often woven according to a simple weaving technique. 

What is the difference between linen and cotton? 

Linen is made of a very different material than cotton. While percale cotton and satin cotton all come from the cotton plant, linen comes from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen bedding is 3x as strong as that of cotton and therefore lasts longer. On the other hand, linen does wrinkle a lot faster than cotton. In addition, it is better for the environment. Linen is often seen as a luxury product: this fabric can regulate heat very well. This makes it a very nice material for both winter and summer. 

What are the benefits of linen?

  • Linen provides a warm, exclusive look
  • Linen can regulate heat perfectly 
  • Linen is relatively less harmful to the environment
  • Linen is very strong
  • Linen feels nice
  • Warm in winter, cool in summer

Our linen bedding: a cotton-linen mix

As you have just read, both linen and cotton have very fine properties that are perfect for clothing and bedding. Our linen duvets are therefore not made of 100% linen, but of 55% linen and 45% cotton. This is how we combine 'the best of both worlds'. By using a cotton-linen mix and the way of washing and dyeing, our linen bedding feels a lot more flexible compared to material made of pure linen, but it does have the sturdy, sturdy look & feel that you are used to from linen. 

The benefits of a cotton-linen blend

  • Cotton linen is very strong
  • Cotton-linen feels relatively smooth 
  • Cotton-linen is moisture-absorbent
  • Cotton linen has a cool yet luxurious look
  • Cotton linen lasts a long time

 

Linen bedding is sturdy and has a cool look

 

Are you going for percale, satin or linen bedding?

As you may have noticed, there are many misunderstandings surrounding the materials and weaving techniques of percale, satin and linen. The choice you ultimately make is very personal. Do you love beautiful shiny fabrics of excellent quality? Then our satin bedding is an excellent choice. Do you want high-quality bedding with a luxurious look and soft feel? Then our percale bedding is perfect! Do you prefer somewhat rougher material and are you looking for a cool yet luxurious look? Then our bedding made of a cotton-linen mix is a very good choice. Of course you can also buy all three. Then you can switch things up and see what you like. And oh, you're not there yet. Now you have to make a choice between our the dozens of beautiful colors. 

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