What is a Good Thread Count for Bed Sheets
Thread count is a common term in bedding shopping. It refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Higher thread count indicates finer, smoother threads, while lower count means thicker, coarser ones. Many consumers use thread count as a sign of comfort and quality, but is a high thread count always better? Don’t fall for the thread count myth. So, what is a good thread count for bed sheets?
Discover the truth about thread count in bed sheets. This article covers its importance, what to look for, and pitfalls to avoid. Don’t be misled by manufacturers’ numbers, learn how to use thread count for a smart bedding choice.
What is It?
As noted earlier, thread count is the total number of fibers per square inch of fabric. It is a measurement of how tightly woven fabric is. It is the sum of the numbers of lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft) threads within one square inch. For example, a cotton sheet with 100 warp threads and 100 weft threads in each square inch of fabric would have a listed thread count of 200.
Since a fabric’s density affects its feel and softness, people use thread count as a rough indicator of its quality and charter. Because products with high thread count can be better than ones with a lower count, thread count is heavily marketed to imply superiority.
Thread Count Is Not the Only Factor on Overall Quality
This is where the myth starts. While high thread count implies good quality, thread count is one of the many factors for the overall quality of a set of bed sheets.
A low thread count indicates that the fabric is loosely woven. It is possibly the result of thick yarn that doesn’t feel soft. In such a case, the quality of a low threat count bed sheet is not very good based on the sheets’ feel and comfort. Threat count, in this case, can be used to evaluate the quality of the sheet.
Quality vs. Quantity
On the other hand, the statement “quality over quantity” can be deployed on bed sheets’ thread count. In other words, the quality of the fiber or threads used in the sheet also plays a major role than the quantity of the fiber. For example, long and extra-long-staple cotton such as Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton is stronger, softer, and more durable. Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton sheets are well known high-quality sheets.
Ply and Thread Count
Ply is the number of layers on the bed sheet. Two-ply sheets are made of fibers plied from two threads. Two-ply sheets are durable, and they provide a heavier feel. In comparison, single-ply fabrics use individual, un-plied threads in the weaving process, and they provide a soft feel. There are single ply varieties, and there are also products that combine two or three strands into one single yarn. Depending on the thickness of the original threading, the feel of the finished product will vary.
A company can artificially inflate its thread count figures here. If the company weaved two strands of yarn into a two-ply construction, they could double the count. If they’re using a three-ply thread, the supposed amount of threads would then triple.
A thread count created under such circumstances isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact, when the source of the material isn’t strong enough to stand up on its own, many companies weave multiple pieces together. They reinforce it by combining pieces of yarn!
The Best Thread Count for Bed Sheets
There is no special magic number for the best of perfect thread count. In general, quality bed sheets have a thread count between 200 and 800 and beyond. Thread count under 200 likely will not provide the comfort and softness for a good sleeping experience.
Best Threat Count in Various Weaving Styles
Weaving style is another key factor play makes a difference in the best thread count.
The most common bed sheet weave, percale, is a crisscross weave. The average-quality percale sheets have 180-200 thread count. In contrast, sateen is a satin weave that follows a pattern with four threads over and one thread under. Since sateen weave has a more tightly woven pattern, average-quality sateen sheets will be closer to 250-300.
Best Threat Count in Various Fibers
Here are some ranges of high-quality thread counts for sheets of various fibers. Thread count matters if the beddings were made from these fibers.
- Cotton: 200-400
- Egyptian Cotton: 300-400
- Percale Weave: 200-400
- Sateen Weave: 300-600
- Bamboo: 300-500
- Linen: 80-140
Note: Thread count plays a minor role in linen sheets, and it is actually rarely listed. Avoid higher thread counts for linen sheets.
Sheets that May Not Include Thread Count Reference
Certain materials are not measured using thread count. The following are some examples.
- Silk: It is measured in momme. Momme is the measure of weight that looks for the number of pounds in a piece of silk that is 45 inches by 100 yards. Look for silk sheets around the 17-22 momme range.
- Microfiber: Measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Look for microfiber sheets in the 90-120 GSM range.
- Flannel: Measured in GSM. Durable, heavyweight flannel sheets are in the 170+ GSM range. Lighter flannel sheets will be less durable but lighter and more breathable.
- Jersey: Jersey is a type of knitting that often uses cotton, but not always. The weight may vary somewhat depending on the material used. Many jersey cotton sheets are around 150 GSM.
Conclusion
With the same type of fiber and weave, sheets with a higher thread count are higher quality and more expensive. As explained, a higher thread count can indicate higher quality, but it is not the only factor.
Super high thread counts (600-800) likely offer more beyond the price tag. These super-high thread counts have a similar feel and performance to high-quality fabrics with lower counts. In fact, trying to pack too many threads into fabric can sometimes restrict airflow, resulting in a heavier, warmer feel.
As mentioned earlier, extremely high thread counts (900+) may be an indication of low-quality sheets. The manufacturer is likely to use some tricks to disguise the true quality of the product. They may inflate the thread count by using double- or triple-ply threads, usually of lower quality. The result is a 900 thread count sheet that actually is inferior to a similar set with a thread count of just 300.
Check out our article on how to choose bed sheets to go beyond the myths of thread count.
HomeGoodsTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other similar affiliate advertising programs which are designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to such affiliates’ websites such as Amazon.com. Pages on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission.