Buy Crisp Sheets

Okay, I've finally gathered together a few sources for crisp, cotton sheets, grandma-style. It wasn't easy - it's amazing how much sateen there is around these days, and also brushed cotton.

Frankly, I much prefer a percale fabric. Sometimes people report that percale sheets wrinkle in the dryer. Although they mean it as a criticism, for me, that is a hallmark of old-fashioned percale.

Be aware that I am improving this list regularly, so it's worth it to check back often. Note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - buying through these links helps make this blog possible. I'm also participating in the American Blossom Linens affiliate program. I chose them among the many offers I get since I've tried their sheets personally, and am an avid fan. See below for more on their offerings.

Peru Pima Sets
For mid-priced value, these classy basics are my top choice. I've tracked their quality reports for years. Impressively, they seem to have kept their quality over time. Peru Pima sheets come in a 285-thread-count(paid link). They also have a higher-thread-count option (paid link). Also nice, they've increased their offerings to include twin sizes. Note that these do wrinkle - and if you've been reading my articles, you'll remember for those of us seeking airy, crisp sheets, that is a good thing!

Royal's Crispy Percale Bedding
In my assessment, these sheets have a bit of a rocky history. Sometimes sheet-hunters love them, and other reports indicate a lack of consistency in the product. They are still a relatively affordable option and they might be a good place to start your search if you are on a budget. Royal's Percale Cotton Sheet Set (paid link) is as of the time of this writing a 250 thread count 100% cotton. This set of crisp cotton percale sheets comes in sizes twinXL, full, queen, and king (both regular and California), with pillowcases available a la carte, and in many different color combinations, including ivory and tan.

AMERICAN BLOSSOM LINENS
UPDATE JANUARY 2024: Okay, I saved the best for last. These sheets and pillowcases (paid link) by American Blossom Linens are personally my most-used set in the past four years. Basically, I love them. I nearly always have their pillowcases and fitted king size sheet on my bed. Despite my ragged toenails and fingernails scraping them, despite my attempt to "wreck" them with 140 degree hot water washes and heat-blasting dryer cycles, and the occasional use of chlorine bleach, these sheets are sturdy and have held up. They are seriously as good as new, the most durable sheets I've ever owned. They still don't have one single tear or fray, no pilling, and they remain crisp.

I can't tell you how much I love the pillowcases in particular. They are perfect. I am extremely finicky about the pillow fabric that goes by my face and between my knees for side-lying, since I get overheated easily, and these just work for keeping me cool.

So yeah, I haven't seen cotton products this good in years. I'm still very happy with my other cotton percale that I own, but I have to admit these are my preferred linens. They just tick all the boxes. They work for me in both summer and winter, and that's saying something as we get extreme cold and extreme heat here.

Okay, that's the end of this update. Here's my original (edited for reading ease) review of American Blossom Linens from two years ago: 

So here's my newest review and latest discovery as of August 2020. American Blossom Linens demonstrated strong interest in having me test their sheets and when I decided to give them a try, they were kind enough to send me a complementary set of their king size cotton sheets (paid link). I've been using the sheets and pillowcases consistently for several months now. I like them a lot. They're crisp sheets that seem like they will hold up well.

These didn't lose too much dimension in shrinkage. I've washed them in very hot water with detergent, also throwing in chlorine bleach (which they advise against, but sorry, it's my thing, I have to bleach my sheets and use super hot temperatures to get rid of dust mites and smells.)

They've held up without any wear, holes, or pilling. I thought they were a bit too thin until I washed and dried them; then they thickened up to a good thickness, which means not too thick. The texture I'd call halfway between velvety and silky - so, not slippery smooth like some sheets, but not rough or coarse. They feel good on my skin. They seem strong. They've held up to my fingernails, which can snag and catch in less sturdy sheets.

The sheets have a thread count of 180 and are percale. Personally? They feel to me like a cross between muslin and percale. They have warmth and weight but are also airy and cool.

Now the bad - these are pricey, at least for my pocketbook. They make a mild, crackling sound, which I actually prefer - it means they're just stiff enough to leave cool air pockets between the sheets and the sleeper's skin - but those of you who want silent sheets, and I know some of you do, these are definitely not it. I also don't iron them, and they are wrinkly.

Oh, and one more thing, since I have supply chain fears with anything cotton - I asked the company if they are going through any sourcing problems, and they said not at all. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some of you will get to try these, assuming your budgets can stand the heat. Check out all their sheets (paid link). I'll also try to get a picture up soon of our set - we took photos, but I still have to transfer them from my camera (I'm not the most technologically adept, ha).

A FEW OTHER THOUGHTS

A lot of people reading this blog ask about other sheet brands claiming to fit the bill. I did research the "clothesline crisp sheets" at the Vermont Country Store and the results were inconclusive to me. Based on what I saw of reviews, customers had mixed reviews. I do check back periodically and you might find it useful to do so, too.

I used to find crisp percale on eBay. Like the pillowcases I bought in a lot of 6.  The lots can be inconsistent. I was pleased with the ones that were wonderfully white, crinkly and crackly...but then there were the ones that didn't seem to be made of percale but felt more like soft combed cotton. 

I do updates here as I find more available sheets that my grandma would have approved of.

Update September 2014:  I've been hunting down sheets and pillowcases on eBay with great success because I have a new paradigm - going vintage!  Check out my new obsession!

Update January 2017: Since a reader alerted me to some outdated links, I've just updated links to match what's currently available in quality percale, so if you checked out sheets here before, you may find some new ones you like. :)

Update January 2020: Made a few more updates. Hope the new suggestions help!

Update August 2020: I reviewed a new set of king sized sheets by American Blossom Linens that I've been trying out for a few months.

 Update May 2022: I updated my review from August 2020. 

Update January 2024: I removed some products from this short list that I determined were outdated.