High thread counts can certainly make for better, more comfortable sheets, but the quality of the thread matters more than the number. In fact, a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count.
The logic behind why a higher thread count is better makes sense: all things being equal, higher thread counts require finer threads (the better to fit into a square inch), and the finer the threads you use, the softer, smoother, and more tightly woven (and thus, stronger) the fabric should be.
You should be looking for a range from 200 to 400. If the number is between 150 and 180, then the sheets are going to be rough and not at all soft. A number over 400 means that the fibers are likely woven together to get an inflated figure.
Thread count is used as a rough indicator of the softness and feel of a fabric. It's also used heavily in marketing to imply that a specific product is of a higher quality than competing sheets.
Sheet thread count comes down to the type of fiber used and whether it's of high quality, not necessarily how much of it is used. A set of cheap 1,500 thread count sheets won't feel NEARLY as good as our 220 thread count percale weave, woven with superior American-grown cotton.
No, probably not. Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 thread count is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
Thread counts of 800–1000 or more likely use multi-ply threads which are more expensive and less durable with limited benefits. So in terms of thread count alone, anything around 200–400 will be good quality and comfortable, broadly speaking.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
The higher the thread count, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
Here's a natural hack for learning how to make new bed sheets softer. Throw them into your washing machine, add one cup of baking soda, and run a full cycle using warm or hot water. During the rinse, add ½ cup of vinegar and switch to cold water. When your wash is complete, dry your sheets fully in your dryer.
Therefore, 'the best thread count for bed sheets is 200-400, because sheets within this range are soft and durable, ', says Yusuf Ozkanli. Any lower and they won't wash well, higher and the composition could become stiff.
Egyptian cotton can come in a range of thread counts, typically from 200 to 800. We picked 600 thread count for our scooms satin-weave bed linen. It gives scooms sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases a dense and silky-soft feel.
Our 1500 Thread Count sheets are particularly popular as they are heavy and durable enough to last for many years. Over time, with use and washings, the fibers will soften and become some of the best sheets you've ever had!
Buying a set of bed sheets with a high thread count may not be the best idea when it comes to breathability, because more threads result in a tighter weave and less airy construction. If keeping cool is your priority, look for low thread count sheets in the range of 180 to 280.
Although thread count matters when shopping for bed sheets, the best thread count isn't the highest one. A thread count between 300 to 500 is a solid range for high-quality bed sheets. Avoid thread count higher than this as it's likely the manufacturers manipulated the thread count using multi-ply yarns.
Hospitality sheets are almost always a blend of fabrics – most commonly a cotton/polyester blend. To help the sheet breathe better, cotton is blended with polyester. The tighter weave of polyester creates open pockets and gaps in the fabric – and creates a breathable fabric.
It's all in the way in which the sheets are woven. This is the deciding factor hotels choose for their luxury bed sheets. They will almost always insist on single ply woven sheets and long staple cotton, and more often than not, a percale weave over sateen.
Our Signature sheets are the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, with an easy care blend that eliminates the fuss. You will enjoy our 300-thread-count sheets as they caress your skin, easing you into a peaceful slumber so you can wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready for your busy day.
Another advantage of 800 thread count sheets is that they allow the body to retain more heat. A thread count of 600 is the highest possible for single ply sheets. These sheets tend to be less expensive than 800 thread count. While comparably soft, they are often less durable.
High thread count does not mean high quality sheets.
In short, more threads are used to make the sheet, which affects the texture of the fabric, but has nothing to do with quality.
What's the best thread count for sheets? In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
Luxury sheets have no limits on thread count or price. Generally, the more you pay, the better sheets you get. Most hotels use sheets with a thread count of 250 while high-end hotels use sheets with a 300 thread count. Some luxury hotels even use sheets of 600 or 800 thread counts, but it varies from hotel to hotel.
According to the many experts we've interviewed, really good sheets—the ones that feel soft and wear well after years of use and washing—generally have thread counts ranging from 200 to 600, depending on whether they're percale or sateen. But honestly, thread count isn't the most important thing to consider.
So, to put it simply, thread count is really about fabric density: the higher the thread count, the denser or heavier the fabric, which does not equate to more comfort—or higher quality. Instead, it may cause the opposite effect, creating sheets that are stiff, heavy, and rough.