Parachute Percale Sheet Set review

Is the Parachute Percale Sheet Set worth buying? 

Finding the right bed sheets can be a challenge. Some are too rough, some feel too silky and others leave you feeling hot at night. The Parachute Percale Sheet Set is made from Egyptian cotton with a crisp percale weave. 

Parachute compares them to a quality dress shirt: crisp, clean and classic. It also says that these sheets soften with each wash, so they only improve over time. 

The only way to evaluate these claims and to gauge the overall quality of these sheets was to test the Parachute Percale Sheet Set. 

Testing the Parachute Percale Sheet Set 

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to verify all product claims made by manufacturers. It does this by trying out products in real-world environments to get a sense of how they perform over time. 

For this article, the testing lab made a bed with the sheets and compared how they felt initially to how they felt for a full night's sleep. Then, the sheets were washed and the tests were performed all over again. They were used as a member of the testing lab's main sheets for an extended period of time to really get a feel for them. 

What is the Parachute Percale Sheet Set?

The Parachute Percale Sheet Set consists of a fitted bottom sheet and one pillowcase set (which contains two pillowcases). A flat top sheet is available as an add-on. It comes in eight colors, including moss, wave and classic white.

This sheet set is made from Egyptian cotton, which is known for its long fibers. Parachute claims the length of cotton fibers makes much more of a difference to the strength and feel of sheets than thread count. That's why Parachute doesn't reveal the thread count of its sheets. It has a percale weave, which feels crisp and cool to the touch with a matte finish, as opposed to the sateen weave, which feels heavier, with a shiny finish. 

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best cotton bed sheets.

Parachute Percale Sheet Set price and where to buy

Parachute's Percale Sheet Set costs between $129 and $169, depending on size, and comes direct from Parachute.

How to use the Parachute Percale Sheet Set

The set is ready to use straight out of the packaging, although it may be slightly creased since it will have been folded in its package for some time. As such, some people prefer to wash their sheets before the first use, though it's not a necessary step. Just put the fitted sheet on the mattress and the pillowcases on the pillow and you're ready to go. Then, you can make the rest of your bed as you choose, whether that's with a flat sheet and a comforter or a duvet and cover. 

Parachute Percale Sheet Set benefits

Perfect for hot sleepers

Although they aren't explicitly designed as cooling sheets, percale sheets are naturally crisp and cool due to their weave. This makes them cooler than those with a sateen weave and perfect for warm nights and hot sleepers. This isn't unique to Parachute sheets, however. You can find many sheets with a similarly cool and crisp percale weave. 

Improves with each wash

These bed sheets really do soften after each wash, as the manufacturer claims. While not everyone likes how crisp they feel when they first arrive, after a wash or two, they're much softer, yet still breathable. While most products deteriorate over time, it's nice to have something that gets better with age. Of course, there are limits to this. They will eventually become worn, but only after years of use. 

Luxurious look and feel

If you're looking for sheets that look and feel expensive, that's what you'll get with Parachute's percale sheets. Not only do they have a luxurious feel, but they also look gorgeous. The available colors are muted and understated with a high-end look. 

Quality materials

You can expect quality from these sheets as they're made from pure Egyptian cotton with long-staple fibers. It's certified, so you know you're really getting Egyptian cotton, the manufacturer isn't just saying that. The long fibers make the sheets softer and stronger than those made with shorter fibers. 

Envelope pillowcase closure

The pillowcases have an envelope closure on the back. This makes it easier to get your pillows in and out of the cases. It also gives them a neater look because there's no excess fabric at one end of the case and the pillow inside isn't able to peek out. 

Thick elastic on fitted sheet

The elastic around the edge of the sheet is thicker than that found on most other fitted sheets. This makes it easy to grab hold of and pull over the corners of your mattress. It also helps it stay in place securely, so it won't creep off your mattress at night. 

Parachute Percale Sheet Set drawbacks

Slightly rough feeling at first

When you first take these sheets out of the package, they're extra-crisp to the point where they can feel slightly rough. They soften up after being washed and soften even more with each subsequent wash, but you can find sheets that are softer right away if you don't want to wait. 

Some discoloration

The white sheets can discolor somewhat with use. This means you may need to use bleach in the wash to keep them looking their brightest and freshest, which isn't great for the environment or the longevity of the sheets. 

Flat sheet sold separately

While some sheet sets come with a flat sheet included, this one only contains a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. If you use a flat sheet, you'll need to pay extra for one. You can easily add one to your set in matching colors, assuming you don't mind the extra cost.

Not true to color

Some buyers found the sheets weren't quite the color they expected when they received them. While this isn't ideal, it's a common issue when buying online and not the fault of the manufacturer. All screens display colors slightly differently and some people have their brightness set higher than others, which makes it difficult to see colors completely precisely on screen. 

Should you get the Parachute Percale Sheet Set?

If you're looking for a luxury sheet set with a percale weave, the Parachute Percale Sheet Set is an excellent pick. It arrives as crisp as the manufacturer suggests and it softens over time. It's a nice choice for hot sleepers as it feels cool and is breathable. However, if you're looking for heavier sheets or a glossy finish, you might prefer ones with a sateen weave.