A fabric made with very fine yarn, and as such very soft to the touch. The term describes the type of fabric and not the material, which is usually Cotton or a Polyester/ Cotton mix.
It has a thread count of 200 or more per centimeter or maybe even more.
Percale was originally imported from India during the 17th and 18th centuries, before later being manufactured in Europe. It is mainly used for sheets and bedding.