We’re all used to seeing thread count prominently displayed on packaging when we’re shopping for new sheets. That must mean thread count is important, right? The answer is yes, but . . .

What Do I Need to Know About Thread Count When Choosing Sheets?

Thread count is only one factor to consider when choosing sheets. The material and quality of the yarn, as well as the weave of a sheet, are as important to the comfort and durability of a sheet as the thread count. The highest thread count sheet is not automatically the best option.

1. What is thread count?

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads (or yarns) per square inch of woven cotton fabric. Higher thread count generally results from finer threads woven more tightly, which, theoretically, creates a cotton sheet that feels softer and wears more evenly over time. When we’re discussing thread count of sheets, we’re talking about sheets woven from cotton.

2. Does a higher thread count mean a better sheet?

A higher thread count is not always a sign of a better sheet. Sometimes, it can mean quite the opposite. Whether thread count is marketing b.s. is a complicated question for which Hygiene Etiquette Expert Madame Sweat offers a simple solution. She recommends you take the safe road and choose sheets in the range of 200 and 600 thread count. Over 600, she believes things get dodgy as manufacturers use poor quality threads so they can market a higher thread count.

This occurs when lower quality, shorter yarns are twisted together for weaving. Instead of counting the resulting twisted yarn as one thread, the manufacturer will count each of the lower quality, shorter yarns as a separate thread to market a higher thread count sheet. That higher thread count sheet is neither as soft nor as strong as a sheet with a lower thread count made with a longer, quality yarn. down etc's sheets are all manufactured using single ply yarn, so the thread count is the true thread count.   

Our sheets are made from 100% cotton, which are breathable and wick moisture from your skin, so you feel cooler and dryer throughout nights of sweating and drooling. Madame Sweat loved that we sell our cotton sheets to major hotel chains. She recognized that means our 300-thread-count cotton sheets go through a lot of washing and bleaching in hospitality conditions, which means you get durability along with comfort and beauty.

When you’re looking at sheets that are made from something other than 100% cotton, consideration of thread count is different. Polyester fibers can be manufactured to be thin so that the thread count per square inch is quite high. That does not necessarily result in a comfortable, cool, or quality sheet to sleep under. When it comes to silk sheets, they are usually measured by fabric weight. For example, our tiara silks® pillowcases are 19 momme charmeuse.

3. Can thread count be too high?

Yes, when the thread count of a cotton sheet is excessively high, it can mean the fabric is woven with shorter and weaker threads twisted together for weaving. Each is counted as its own thread to nudge the thread count on the package higher.

Additionally, when the thread count is higher, the additional threads and tighter weave can impact the breathability of the sheets as there is less space between the threads for air to flow. The sheets can also feel heavier.

4. Is thread count the most important factor in selecting sheets?

The term “thread count” is often the first, and sometimes only, factor considered by consumers in selecting sheets. However, other factors, including the quality of yarn and type of weave, can be equally or more important in determining the comfort and quality of sheets. 

The quality of sheets depends upon the quality of the raw cotton and the yarn it produces. In fact, the quality of the yarn used can be more important than the thread count. Long-fibered cotton feels softer, lasts longer, and maintains structure better than other types of cotton. So, apart from settling on a thread count, it pays to know what you are getting in terms of materials. Materials vary from brand to brand and collection to collection. Look for long-staple, single ply cotton in your sheets. A high thread count will, therefore, make for greater comfort and longevity of your sheets so long as the yarn itself is of high quality.

The type of weave you choose can affect the feel of the sheets. A percale sheet has a crisp feel due to its “one-over-one-under” weave. A sateen sheet has a more complicated weave in which the threads going in one direction go over three and under one of the threads going in the other direction. This places more threads on the surface of the cloth giving the fabric a silkier sheen and smoother feel. The distinctive weave traps air and holds in warmth slightly more than a percale of the same thread count but makes for a supremely soft and comfortable fabric to sleep under. Our best-selling classic fresh and regal sateen sheets are made with a sateen weave.

Jacquards are patterns wherein the vertical and horizontal threads are set up to provide highs and lows. Jacquards are woven on a special loom to create multi-dimensional patterns of sateen (raised threads) and matte (flat), usually in a stripe, check, or floral design. In a solid jacquard, the fabric often looks like the pattern is shaded and slightly indented. Jacquard patterns include paisleys, stripes, checks, florals, and abstracts.  Jacquards provide patterns and texture without printing. The jacquards of our masquerade (pictured above) and tuxedo were designed specifically for us by textile designer Marcia Brandwein. Our hexagon sheet sets and microcheck sheet sets are also jacquard weaves.

A dobby weave is produced on a special loom to create small, geometric patterns in the fabric. This weave also adds a bit of texture. Our tone-on-tone sheet set uses a dobby weave to create a subtle white-on-white stripe.

Our masquerade and tuxedo duvet covers are manufactured with a jacquard weave on the face of the covers to achieve a beautiful look and heftier hand but use a soft, silky sateen or a smooth twill weave for the back of the cover that goes against your skin. It’s the best of both worlds.

5. What thread count should I look for?

We agree with Madame Sweat that the best range for sheets is a thread count between 300 and 600 and a sheet woven from single-ply cotton yarn. 

 We wish you a great night’s sleep in cool, comfortable, cotton sheets.

-Team at down etc 

Read more: 

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Caring for Your Sheets

Hygiene Etiquette Expert Madame Sweat Chooses down etc Sheets for Her Bed

About down etc

For over twenty years, down etc has worked with hoteliers and professional housekeepers in hotels around the world to manufacture and provide pillows and bedding that will offer hotel guests memorably great sleep. Through our retail website, we seek to provide products that will result in the same quality sleep for our customers at home. We believe in the restorative power of a great night’s sleep, whether at home or away. That’s the reason down etc wrote the book on it, Roll Into a Perfectly Made Bed: All You Need to Know About the Art of Bedmaking.

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