What is Thread Count?

Thread count is the number of threads (both horizontal and vertical) woven within one square inch of fabric. 

It seems bedding has fallen into misleading marketing tactics. Before, Americans were sold the idea that a higher thread count meant better quality sheets, however, that is not the case. 

There are plenty of ways for companies to boost their thread count through creative math, so it’s come to mean very little in terms of quality. In fact, almost all of the really high thread count sheets you’ll find on the market today are boosting their numbers with multi-ply yarns or other tricks.

Does thread count really matter?

The short answer is no. High thread count sheets do not mean better quality. Often threads are simply split to create a higher thread count, misleading the consumer that it’s better, when in fact it can weaken the fabric and cause pilling. For this reason, thread count should not be the deciding factor when purchasing high-quality sheets. What matters most in luxury bedding is the quality of the fabric and production.

So You Shouldn't Buy Those High Thread Count Sheets?

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. Stop paying attention to thread count, and priortize the fabric of the bedding. 

Top Things To Pay Attention To When Buying Sheets

Investing in high quality bedding is important not just for the look and feel, but for helping to improve your overall sleep health and quality of sleep.

1. The fabric itself

There are several fabrics that bedding can be woven with. TENCEL bedding has a high rating of providing a high quality product that gives a breathable and clean surface for better sleep.

2. Workmanship and style

You should consider the brand of sheets you are considering. Were they made in a factory in China, or were they handcrafted or hand-sewn with attention to detail? With higher quality bedding companies, you will get higher quality bedding that will last longer.

As you can see, there are many more important factors than thread count when it comes to buying bed sheets. You don’t need to become an expert on bed sheets to find your perfect match, though. All you need to do is understand your needs, look for suitable fabric choices and choose what feels right for you.

In the end, the best way to determine which bedding is the right choice for you is to sleep on it. Different people sleep better with different weaves, weights, and textures of fabric, so choose something that feels luxurious against your skin!