Bedding fabric types: ranforce, poplin, percale and sateen
Duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases are mostly made from 100% cotton. The difference between the fabrics is the weave and the density, that is, how many threads there are per square centimetre.
| Fabric | Weave | Threads per cm² | Typical yarn | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranforce / poplin | Plain | 57–63 | 30/1 | Matte, durable, breathable |
| Percale | Dense plain | 70–80 | 40/1 | Cool, crisp, slightly stiff |
| Cotton sateen | Satin | 82 and up | 40/1 or finer | Smooth, shiny, heavier |
Ranforce and poplin
In Türkiye, poplin and ranforce usually mean the same fabric: plain-weave cotton at 57–63 threads per cm². The warp yarn is finer than the weft, so the surface is smooth with a slight sheen. Most everyday bedding and hotel sheets are in this group. Other markets use the names differently, so compare density and yarn, not just the name.
Percale
Percale is also a plain weave, but with finer yarn and a higher density (70–80 threads). It feels cool and crisp and is popular for summer bedding.
Cotton sateen
In a satin weave the warp yarn floats over several weft yarns, which gives one side a smooth, shiny face. The yarn is fine and the density is 82 threads or more. Sateen is used for hotel bedding and premium sets.
Which one to choose
- Everyday bedding with a good balance of price and durability: ranforce or poplin.
- Summer bedding with a cool feel: percale.
- Hotels and premium sets: cotton sateen.
- Whatever you choose, ask for the width, weight, thread count and yarn count in writing in the quote.