This paper presents a detailed experimental study on the sulfate resistance of specimens made with portland cement exposed to sulfate attack. The mortar specimens were immersed in a 5% sodium sulfate solution for 360 days and regularly monitored for visual damage, compressive strength loss and expansion. In addition, at the end of 360 days, the products of sulfate attack and the mechanism of attack were investigated through X-ray diffraction, TG&DSC and scanning electron microscopy. The test results indicated that the sulfate deterioration data was ordinary portland cement > sulfate resistance portland cement > low heat portland cement. The microstructural studies indicated that the main reaction product of deterioration of the mortar specimens was the formation of ettringite, gypsum and thaumasite due to sulfate attack. For portland cement matrices, a low heat cement matrix containing the lowest C3A and silicate ratio (C/S) was beneficient against the sulfate attack.