Percale or sateen? Both cotton. Both different.

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At Joro, we understand today’s need for harmony and connection. Long ago, humanity traded the beauty of starlight for artificial light in our homes, and began a journey of replacing the natural with the synthetic.

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Our Fabrics

We’re always searching for the best ways to bring nature’s purity back into your home.

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When you’re shopping for bedding, it can be tricky to choose between this duvet cover, that sheet or even which pillowcase to choose.

You know you love soft, organic cotton (in which case, you’re definitely in the right place). But when it comes to what look you’d like, and how you want your bedding to feel when you snuggle down at the end of the day – it’s helpful to know a bit more about the fabrics.

Here’s how you choose…

So let’s have a look at our two blissful bedding fabrics: cotton percale, and cotton sateen.

It’s all in the weave

While our classic percale and sateen fabrics are both lovingly crafted from 100% organic cotton – the key to their difference lies in the way the threads of yarn are woven together.

Percale has what’s known as a ‘plain weave’, where every single warp (vertical) thread goes over and under every weft (horizontal) thread, in a one-over-one pattern.

Sateen on the other hand, has a looser pattern. Each warp thread crosses a number of weft threads, before weaving back under.

This difference in weave affects the look, feel and function of each fabric. Now let’s do a deep-dive to find out more – and discover which could work best for you…

Percale: crisp and cool

Woven in a one-under, one-over pattern, cotton percale has a tight weave which gives it a fresh, crisp feel and a high quality matte finish. At Joro, our percale has a high 300 thread count too (that’s 300 threads per square inch of fabric), which makes it feel even more luxurious. So that’s how it’s made – but how does it translate into what works for you?

It’s crisp and keeps its shape The tighter weave means there’s a higher number of thread intersections in percale cotton. This constant criss-crossing of threads gives the fabric a unique strength, helping it keep its shape and structure on your bed – and giving you a top hotel-like aesthetic in your home.
It’s cool and breathable Percale’s unique one-under, one-over weave allows air to circulate easily, regulating temperature by preventing your bedding from trapping heat. So it always feels cool to the touch, and breathably fresh throughout the night.
Percale is soft yet robust It’s always annoying when your bedding starts pilling. What was once smooth and fresh gets bobbled and tired-looking. However, thanks to our percale’s tightly packed weave (and some rigorous testing), your bedding will stay crisp and structured for much, much longer.

Sateen: smooth and elegant

A sateen fabric is one which is made by weaving one warp (vertical) yarn over four weft (horizontal) yarns. This creates a greater distance between interlocking threads, and a higher number of ‘floating’ threads on the fabric’s surface – which gives sateen its beautifully smooth, light-catching finish.

It’s smooth and lustrous Thanks to the longer distance between interlocking threads and a looser weave, sateen is super-soft on both sides. The looser weave catches the natural light for a smooth lustre and oh-so-subtle sheen.
It drapes without creasing Sateen’s loose weave gives it a more relaxed structure, so it creates an elegant ‘draping’ effect wherever it’s used. Plus there’s less need to iron it, as it’s less prone to wrinkling – either in the wash or on your bed.
It’s skin and hair-friendly There’s a reduced-friction effect with sateen, too. Its unique weave and smooth surface makes it a good option if you’re prone to skin irritation or hair breakage… and even better if you simply want your smoothest night’s sleep yet.

So which one’s for you?

Both our percale and sateen bedding options offer a wonderfully pure, regenerative sleeping experience. Each fabric is woven from 100% organic cotton, and made sustainably and responsibly with no harmful chemicals. Plus, both are super-soft, durable and easy to care for.

But of course, your sleep is so precious – and your needs are so personal to you – that it’s important to make the right choice. Here are a few pointers to help you get started:

Are you a hot or cool sleeper? If you tend to overheat at night, the breathable weave of percale cotton will help cool you down, with its one-under, one-over pattern letting more air circulate. If you love an opulently cosy sleep, sateen will help lock in that warmth for the ultimate in nighttime comfort.
Want an elegant, draped or structured, crisp look? Sateen’s looser weave allows a relaxed yet elegant draping style, with less need for ironing. Percale’s intricate weave however, gives it a fresh, tailored feel that keeps its foundational shape. Whichever aesthetic you choose, style is guaranteed with Joro.
Like a matte or subtle sheen finish? Percale’s intricate criss-cross weave gives it a traditional crisp, satisfyingly matte finish. Sateen has looser intersections of the warp and weft however, letting the fabric catch the natural light for a beautifully subtle lustre.
Want to stay wrinkle-free? Sateen is your double-friend. As well as being less prone to creasing, its sublime smoothness means there’s less friction on your skin… which can help keep your complexion smoother too.

Whichever you choose, bring a sense of nature into your home

Whether you go for cotton percale or cotton sateen, when you choose your bedding with Joro, you’ll know you’re getting the ultimate in natural goodness.
Made from organic cotton with no harmful chemicals or dyes– and in a sustainable, responsible way that helps our planet breathe and thrive – we’re committed to helping you create a pure, bliss-filled sanctuary at home.

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