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.
Sheets with a thread count between 600-800 are considered very high quality. A 1500 thread count is through the roof. If you're suspicious about a set of 1500 thread-count sheets for $22 dollars, you're right to be.
While this doesn't necessarily mean that these sheets won't be as soft, it will definitely take a bit longer for your sheets to reach your desired softness. Our 1500 Thread Count sheets are particularly popular as they are heavy and durable enough to last for many years.
Quality, comfortable sheets can be found with thread counts ranging from 200 to 800 and beyond. There's no magic number that is the perfect thread count. That being said, there are generally acceptable ranges for various kinds of quality sheets. At a minimum, look for sheets with an advertised thread count of 200.
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. 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.
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.
High thread count sheets use cotton threads that are thinner than regular yarns, so when they're exposed to high temperatures, they're much more likely to break. These sheets should be washed in warm water and dried in the dryer on a cool setting.
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.
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.
There isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality.
High thread count does not mean high quality sheets.
It's not that thread count is an irrelevant detail, but it doesn't mean that the higher number of threads, the better the quality. In short, more threads are used to make the sheet, which affects the texture of the fabric, but has nothing to do with quality.
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.
High Thread Count Sheets Are All Hype
The reality is that anything above a 400 thread count sheet is almost always a complete fabrication, and you're paying for nothing but slick marketing. 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.
Don't choose high thread counts.
However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
If you're hot at night, then high thread count sheets are some of the worst sheets you could buy because besides synthetics, 1000TC sheets are the hottest, non-flannel sheets available. High thread count sheets are hot for two reasons; 1) the amount of cotton in the sheet making them thick.
Once you get to thread counts over 400, you get into real luxury cotton bedding. If you start to get closer to 1,000 it's always worth checking this is 1000 based on single ply cotton (rather than a marketing figure embellished by the use of multi ply and lower quality cotton).
High Thread Count For Bed Sheets
1000 TC sheets are the warmest cotton sheets available on the market. Lower thread counts (250 TC-350 TC), on the other hand, provide cooler sheets but they must be made of high-quality cotton to retain a premium standard.
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.
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. Thread count can steer you towards nice quality sheets, but don't base your shopping decisions solely on thread count!
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.
Good thread count and durability
An ideal thread count for standard bedsheets is 180-300 and for luxury bed linens, it may range between 300 to 500.
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