percale

[ per-keyl ]

noun

1. a closely woven, smooth-finished, plain or printed cotton cloth, used for bed sheets, clothing, etc.

percale

/ -ˈkɑːl; pəˈkeɪl /

noun

1. a close-textured woven cotton fabric, plain or printed, used esp for sheets

Word History and Origins

Origin of percale¹

1615–25; < French < Persian pargāla rag; replacing percalla < Persian

Word History and Origins

Origin of percale¹

C17: via French from Persian pargālah piece of cloth

Example Sentences

But what I really splurged on were my percale sheets, matching duvet cover, and the most cloud-like comforter imaginable to make the place where I lay my head at night the happiest place to be.

From Salon

Kaye likes the classic choice, percale, which she says has “more of a cool hand feel.”

From Washington Post

To achieve a hotel’s getaway-like ambiance, Seattle-based interior designer Faith Sheridan suggests using at least two stacked pillows; high-thread-count sheets made from tightly woven percale, soft Pima or luxurious Italian cotton; and a down duvet.

From Seattle Times

It’s made from linen and percale, so it’s the ideal weight for getting cozy.

From Seattle Times

Selke says to wash linen sheets in cold water and percale sheets in warm water.

From Seattle Times