What is percale, actually? (Simply explained)

Percale is not a type of cotton but a weave. In the so-called plain weave, the warp and weft threads always cross alternately (1:1).

• The effect: This technique creates an extremely firm, durable fabric with a matte surface.
• The feel: Classic percale feels "crisp" – grippy, cool and fresh, much like a freshly starched dress shirt.
• The Amqua difference: Our percale uses this weave for maximum breathability, but thanks to the Signature Soft Finish it is much softer than conventional percale.

Who is percale for? (The summer favourite)

Choose percale if you prefer a fresh and airy sleeping climate. The so-called plain weave creates a durable fabric with a refined, matte surface.

• What makes Amqua special: While conventional percale often feels stiff, our percale is noticeably soft and supple thanks to a special soft finish, yet it keeps its pleasant coolness.
• The climate: The weave ensures that the fabric does not stick to the body but allows optimal air circulation. Body heat and moisture are wicked away immediately.
• Perfect for: Hot sleepers, people who sweat slightly at night, and warm summer nights.

Size guide: the right choice

We stock percale in all standard German sizes:

The standard: 135x200 cm (ideal for one person).
The comfort size: 155x220 cm (perfect for people from about 1.80 m tall or anyone who likes to snuggle up).
The double size: 200x200 cm (perfect for couples).
Pillows: Matching pillowcases in the standard 80x80 cm as well as the ergonomic sizes 40x80 cm and 40x60 cm.

Care & ironing: Is percale non-iron?

An honest answer: no. Because we do without chemical "non-iron" coatings (pure nature), percale tends to develop so-called "elegant creases". That is a hallmark of pure cotton.

• The relaxed look: Many customers love the natural texture and simply smooth the bedding out after washing.
• The hotel look: If you like it perfectly smooth, percale is easiest to iron while the fabric is still slightly damp.
• Washing: Our percale bedding is washable at 60 °C and suitable for tumble drying.

Can the bedding go in the dryer?

Yes, our percale is suitable for tumble drying. To maximise the life of the natural fibres and keep the fabric especially smooth, we recommend a gentle cycle at low temperature. Still, the crispest and most eco-friendly way to dry the set is in the fresh air.

A word on quality: the "thread count" myth

There is a persistent rumour that an extremely high thread count is automatically better. For summer bedding that is not true.

• The "cooling window": A thread count between 200 and 270 is the gold standard for percale. In this range the fabric is dense enough to be durable, but open enough ("open weave") for air to circulate.
• Why we chose 220 TC: An artificially inflated density (e.g. 500+) would "seal" the fabric. The result: you sweat sooner.
• No pilling: Pilling is not caused by too few threads but by cotton fibres that are too short. Because we use long-staple cotton, our fabric stays smooth and free of pilling even after years.

Percale or muslin?

Both are 100% cotton and breathable (muslin from GOTS-certified organic cotton, percale from Better Cotton) – the difference is the feel: percale is smooth, cool and matte, muslin is soft, slightly crinkled and drapes more loosely. If you mainly want coolness in summer, stay with percale; if you like it cosy and relaxed and don't want to iron, you will find the alternative in our three-layer muslin.

Learn more: What is percale bedding? Material, comparison, care →

Discover the pure freshness of percale:
Whether as a harmonious duvet cover set or complemented by individual pillowcases for perfect layering – experience matte elegance and cool sleeping comfort in every fibre.