percale

American  

[per-keyl] / pərˈkeɪl /

noun

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

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percale British  

/ -ˈkɑːl, pəˈkeɪl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of percale

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

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 • Jul. 18, 2022

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 12, 2020

“These sheets are softer and a bit more crisp than the L.L.Bean percale set, like a good set of higher-end hotel sheets. They feel more sumptuous, with a slightly better drape.”

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2018

If your one set of guest sheets looks a bit threadbare or faded, invest in a new set of white percale sheets, to provide guests with a cool, crisp hotel feeling.

From Washington Post

The sword-handler brought it and Romero poured water over the percale of his fighting-cape, and then scuffed the lower folds in the sand with his slippered foot.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway