The higher the thread count, the better the sheet quality. It’s what we have heard all our lives. But is it true?
The bedding industry pays a lot of attention to thread count. High thread count sheets are one of the multiple factors that guarantee good quality bed sheets. The type of cotton, ply count and weave also determines the quality of sheets. Shopkeepers often charge more for high thread count.
If that’s the case, how to buy a good quality sheet? What is thread count? What is a good thread count for sheets? Does thread count matter? We will cover everything in this article.
What Does Thread Count Mean?
The number of threads spun into a square inch of material is known as thread count. Threads that are woven horizontally (weft) and vertically (warp) are also included.
You can calculate sheet thread count by adding the total weft and warp threads in a square inch. Suppose there are 50 vertical threads and 50 horizontal threads in a square inch, then the sheet’s thread count will be 100.
What Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
There is no secret number for the best thread count. However, anything between 300-800 and beyond is good. Anything lower than 300 will not besoft and comfortable.
As already mentioned, the type of fabric and weave can affect the quality of the sheet. The sheet may have a thread count of 500 and still not be of the best quality.
| Material | Thread Count |
|---|---|
| Cotton | 200-400 |
| Bamboo | 300-500 |
| Sateen Weave | 300-600 |
| Egyptian Cotton | 300-400 |
| Percale Weave | 200-400 |
| Linen | 80-140 |
Thread count does not measure in some materials:
- Silk: 17-22 momme range
- Microfiber: 90-120 GSM
- Flannel: 170+ GSM
- Jersey: Around 150 GSM
Make sure you purchase sheets from a trusted manufacturer. Read online reviews and research well to buy the finest quality sheets.
Is Higher Thread Count Better?
Sometimes, yes. But not always. A higher thread count may mean better quality, but this is not necessarily the case.
If the quality of yarns, craftsmanship and the weave is the same, a sheet with a 400 thread count is better than the one with a 200 thread count.
A very high thread count (more than 800) may affect nothing other than the price. Having many threads in the fabric can affect the airflow and give the user a heavy and warm feel.
What Things Make High-Quality Sheets?
If the thread count is not the sole factor of high-quality sheets, then what else? There are four key factors you need to consider before buying high-quality sheets:
1. Ply Count
Single-ply sheets are sheets with one strand of yarn per thread; these are higher-quality sheets. These sheets use fine and strong threads.
Multi-ply sheets are of lower quality and use more strands. These are coarser and thicker than yarns used in single-ply sheets. This is why these sheets have a rougher feel.
2. Fabric Material
Higher-quality threads use longer fibers. Shorter fibers tend to stick out in the weave. Look at long-staple good cotton as these produce good quality results.
You can also look for combed cotton. Combed cotton is a process in which shorter fibers are removed before it is spun into yarn.
Linen, bamboo, Egyptian cotton, and Supima cotton are all examples of good-quality fabrics.
3. Weave
The style in which the threads are woven together is known as a weave. Weaves are satin or plain.
For plain weaves, percale sheets are used. These sheets are cooler and crispier. Horizontal and vertical threads weave alternatively like a checkerboard pattern. Good quality percale sheets have a thread count of 200 to 500.
For satin weaves, satin sheets are used. Horizontal threads lie across four vertical threads at a time. It creates a soft and smooth sheet. As there are more threads, these sheets are heavier and warmer. These require a thread count of 300 to 600.
Thread count explained the poor quality of sheets many times, but it’s not the only reason.
Conclusion
You don’t need to pay more for extra thread count. Thread count cannot solely decide the quality of the sheets. Consider all the four factors and pick the best quality sheets for yourself.
