In the past, thread count was a measure of quality—the higher the thread count, the better the quality. However, that simply isn't true anymore. High thread counts can certainly make for better 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. Here's what you pay for when you're buying sheets. Show
FiberCotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable (polyester lasts longer than cotton), and relatively inexpensive (up to half the cost of all cotton). But if you're looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100% cotton. You'll rarely wake up clammy on cotton sheets, since the fiber wicks moisture away from your skin. And cotton sheets are less likely to stain than polyester blends; a water-loving fiber, cotton releases dirt easily when wet. All types of cotton share these wonderful traits, but long-staple (or long-fiber) cotton makes for a noticeably softer sheet, and the surface won't pill and lint like one woven from shorter fibers. The words "Egyptian long-staple," "pima," and "Supima" all denote high-quality long fibers. WeaveThe weave affects the way a sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity, and its price. Basic plain weaves, which are woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are the least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns. The higher proportion of vertical threads results in an extremely soft fabric, but one that is more apt to pill and tear than a plain weave. Intricate weaves (such as jacquards and damasks) feel textured, with a pattern alternating from satiny soft to coarse and nubby. They can be as durable as plain weaves, but they are made on special looms and are considerably more expensive. FinishMost sheets are treated with chemicals (including chlorine, formaldehyde, and silicon) to keep them from shrinking, losing their shape, and wrinkling. Some are treated with alkalis to produce a sheen. A handful of manufacturers offer pure-finish sheets, meaning that no chemicals were used or that all traces of chemicals used during manufacturing have been removed. You'll have a harder time keeping these sheets wrinkle-free, but it may be worth it if you suffer from allergies or chemical sensitivities. (Pure-finish sheets are available from Garnet Hill, garnethill.com.) DyePatterns and colors are usually applied to sheets after they're woven, which means the sheets may feel stiff until you've washed them a few times. The softest (and most expensive) colored or patterned sheets, including jacquard weaves, are made of yarn-dyed fabrics, woven from colored yarns. Thread CountThere 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. This is because manufacturers use thinner cotton to cram in as many threads as possible, increasing the ply or the number of single threads twisted together. Sheets that are 800 thread count are almost always double-ply, meaning they are twice as thick as 400 thread count sheets. Double-ply sheets are thicker and more durable, so they tend to last longer, justifying higher prices. They are also ideal if you sleep with pets because they're better at resisting pet hair. 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. However, they are better at keeping the body cooler during the warmer months. While 400 thread count sheets are the minimum you should look for, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're low quality. In fact, 400 thread count sheets made of premium quality material can feel as soft as higher thread count sheets, possibly even softer. Long staple cotton is an ideal fiber for sheets, but particularly for lower thread counts. If you have been shopping for sheets, you probably noticed that many sheets — especially those claiming to be high-quality — will list their thread count. It seems like a higher thread count is better, or at least that is the common knowledge many of us have learned. But is that really true? Is a higher thread count better? What is a thread count anyway?Let’s break it down. What is Thread Count?Back to basics: what even is thread count? Thread count literally refers to the count, or number, of threads in a square inch of fabric. This number is calculated by adding together the number of threads going horizontally (the weft) and vertically (the warp) in a square inch of woven fabric.  Weaving — if you aren’t a crafter or fiber artist — is a type of textile production in which two yarns are interlaced to cross each other, generally at a right angle. It is distinct from other types of textile production, such as knitting, crocheting, or braiding. When it comes to the number of threads in the weft and warp, they can be the same or different. For example, a 500-thread count sheet could have 250 threads in the warp and 250 in the weft. Or, you could have 200 threads in the warp and 300 in the weft and the thread count would still be 500. Another way you can think about thread count is it’s a measure of how tightly woven a fabric is. More threads means more tightly woven, and less threads is less tightly woven. If there are fewer threads used overall, the fabric won’t be as dense — which is why some lower thread count styles of sheets are more breathable than higher thread count styles. Types of Woven FabricWoven sheets can be made from a variety of different materials, such as cotton, bamboo, linen, Tencel, and so on. Whichever material is used, there are three main types of weave that you will find among sheets:
(If you’re in the market for new sheets, check out our best percale sheets, our best sateen sheets, or some of our favorite twill sheets, like the Cariloha Bamboo sheets.) Not all fabrics used to make sheets are woven fabrics, so there are a number of sheet styles that won’t have a thread count. One example is jersey, a common type of sheet made from a knit fabric. What is the Best Thread Count?Now that we know what a thread count is, let’s go over its significance. Like I mentioned before, many people believe that the higher the thread count is, the better the sheet is. But that is not always the case. Materials make a difference.Synthetic materials like polyester will rarely feel as soft or as high-quality as cotton, even if the thread count is higher. And rougher textiles like wool will always feel scratchy, even if the thread count is super high. Even among cotton, long-staple will be much smoother, softer, and more durable than short-staple cotton. That’s because longer fibers won’t stick out, which can create a rougher surface and lead to pilling. So even if the listed thread count is high, be sure to take a closer look at the materials used. The style of weave matters, too.For example, a sateen weave — which uses the three or four over, one under style of weave — will naturally have more threads than a percale weave that uses a one over, one under style of weave. Thread counts can also be distorted.Some manufacturers will twist two or more thin threads together before weaving, allowing them to double-count those threads. For example, a 200-thread count sheet woven with double threads could be listed as 400-thread count. Plus, when you think about it, a square inch can only physically hold so many threads. The way that manufacturers achieve sky-high thread counts, like 1800, is by using microfibers. Microfibers’ diameters are smaller than silk’s, which can only be achieved in synthetic fabrics. There are some high-quality human-produced fabrics, like bamboo viscose or Tencel, but cotton sheets will never be able to achieve those ultra-high thread counts without fudging the numbers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the thread count ranges we recommend for different sheet styles:
How Does Thread Count Affect Quality?While thread count is a little more complicated than “higher is better,” it can still tell you a lot about a set of sheets. For example, the lower the thread count, the more breathable a sheet will generally be. That’s why percale sheets tend to be preferable for hot sleepers over sateen, as the two most common cotton sheet styles. Percale uses fewer threads, creating a crisp, lightweight, and breathable sheet. However, having a higher thread count can create a softer, more buttery feel. Again, crazy high thread counts are likely deceptive, but thread counts in the 200 to 600 range will generally have a softer feel than sheets with lower thread counts. Final ThoughtsThread count is an important thing to consider when buying sheets, but not the only thing. Remember to look at the materials used, the weave style, and keep your eyes peeled for unrealistically high thread counts — which tend to only add a higher price tag, but not higher quality. Subscribe Today!Get the latest deals, discounts, reviews, and giveaways! Amelia JerdenAmelia is a Staff Writer for Sleepopolis. She primarily covers bedding and sleep accessory products in reviews, how-to guides, and more. You can also find her over on the Sleepopolis YouTube channel. Amelia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with double majors in media and journalism and in dramatic art. Outside of work, Amelia can usually be found on a hike, traveling to a new city, or at her local thrift store. What is the most popular thread count for sheets?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.
What is a really good thread count for sheets?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.
Are 1000 thread count sheets worth it?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.
Are 800 thread sheets better than 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.
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What is a good thread count for cotton sheets
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