Bedding companies often make a big song and dance about the thread count of their sheets. Does thread count really make a difference, though, to your sleep experience? The short answer is yes, but not as much as you might think.
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What is thread count?
Thread count is just one factor to consider when choosing sheets.
At its most basic, thread count is how many threads there are per square inch of a sheet. This includes horizontal and vertical threads. So, if there are 150 warp threads and 150 weft threads, the sheets have a thread count of 300.
A higher thread count means that the fabric has a tighter weave and is typically denser than fabric with a lower thread count. This isn’t always the case, though.
As I discovered, the world of thread counts is pretty warped.
Is thread count real?
There’s no certification for thread count, meaning unscrupulous manufacturers can easily fudge the numbers when promoting their products.
Watch out for percale sheets with a thread count above 300 and sateen sheets with a thread count of 600 or more. Chances are that the manufacturer is counting creatively by claiming, say, an 800 thread count for sheets that actually have a 400 thread count but are made with two-ply fiber (or even three- or four-ply fiber!).
The issue of artificially raised thread counts was so significant that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) actually issued an opinion in 2005 warning manufacturers to knock it off. The FTC also noted that a workaround would be for companies to market sheets as having an “800 thread count, two-ply yarn”.
What’s a good thread count for sheets?
Most sheets have a thread count somewhere in the region of 300-500. There are some sheets with a lower thread count that are still good quality, though. And, on the flip side, sheets that have a really high thread count (some have a thread count of 1500 or more!) aren’t necessarily better quality or even good quality (or, frankly, 1500 thread-count sheets!).
Thread count can indicate the softness of a fabric, but not always. All things being equal, a higher thread count means a smoother surface that feels softer on the skin. Lower thread count sheets made with cheaper, thicker fibers tend to feel rougher on the skin.
The softness of sheets also depends, however, on the type and quality of the fiber, the weave, and any treatments applied to the fabric.
Downsides of a higher thread count
Higher thread count sheets aren’t necessarily better quality or more comfortable. This is because what thread count really measures is fabric density. If the fabric is too dense, it isn’t very breathable. That means less air circulation and hotter sleep conditions. If you’re already a hot sleeper, you’ll definitely want to avoid sheets with a high thread count. Similarly, you may want to have specific sets of summer and winter sheets that have different thread counts.
Typically, sheets and duvet covers with a thread count higher than 300 start to feel heavy. This depends on the type of fiber, however; finer fibers can still feel light even at a high thread count. Finer fibers of high quality are also more expensive to produce, though, which means more costly sheets.
Note that the softness of fabric also depends on the ply of the yarn. Single-ply yarn will always feel smoother than multi-ply yarn because you can feel the ridges of the ply. This is one reason why higher thread counts aren’t always softer or better.
The trick with thread counts is to understand how they interact with the weave of the fabric and the type of fiber.
Which weave is best for bedding?
Most bed sheets have either a percale or sateen weave. Percale weave is where the vertical thread (warp) and horizontal thread (weft) alternate evenly. Imagine weaving with an under-over-under-over pattern.
Sateen weave fabrics are where the horizontal threads (weft) skip over some of the vertical (warp) threads. Most sateen weaves have weft threads that float over four warp threads at a time.
While it might seem like overkill to understand the intricacies of sateen and percale weaving when choosing sheets, the reality is that the weave affects the weight, coolness, smoothness, and durability of bed sheets.
A percale weave, for instance, allows manufacturers to use fewer threads per square inch while maintaining the durability of the sheets. This results in a lighter fabric that is also more breathable and sleeps cooler. This is why percale sheets are a top choice for summer sheets and hot sleepers.
Sateen sheets do typically feel softer than percale sheets, in part because manufacturers need to use more threads per square inch. Packing the wefts more densely helps to reduce the risk of all those floating wefts getting snagged. This is also why sateen sheets are typically heavier than percale sheets.
The best thread count for percale sheets
Most percale sheets have a thread count somewhere in the range of 180-500. An optimal thread count is somewhere between 250 and 300.
Anything higher than 400 usually means that the manufacturer is using finer yarns that are higher quality, resulting in a denser sheet though not necessarily one that’s any less breathable than a percale sheet woven with fewer, but thicker threads.
As a reference, Homebird uses a 300 thread count for its percale sheets, and specifies that this is single-ply.
The best thread count for sateen sheets
Sateen sheets usually have a thread count between 300 and 600, if they’re good quality. Sateen sheets that have a thread count of 250-300 are usually of average quality. Anything less than 250 suggests low-quality sheets that will wear and tear faster.
Sateen sheets with a thread count higher than 600 are either going to be very heavy or have their thread count misrepresented (see above). They may also feel rougher because you can feel the ply of the threads.
What about flannel, jersey, and linen weaves?
Flannel sheets are made with a plain weave like percale. The difference is that the surface is then brushed to create that familiar soft and cozy feel. If choosing flannel sheets, focus less on thread count and more on weight.
Jersey fabric is knit rather than woven. This makes it stretchy and soft, in addition to being cheaper and insulating. Jersey is best suited to winter use or cooler fall and spring months.
| Percale | Sateen | Jersey | Flannel | Linen |
| Cool | Soft and smooth | Knit fabric | Woven and brushed | Plain woven |
| Crisp | Shiny on one side, matte on the other | Affordable | Soft | Light and airy |
| Durable | Prone to tearing at low thread count | Stretchy | Cozy | Drapes well |
| Great for summer | Better for colder months | Soft | Check weight not thread count | Breathable |
| Great for hot-sleepers | Less breathable | Warm | Insulating but good for hot and cold sleepers |
Linen bed sheets are usually plain woven like percale but are lighter than percale cotton sheets. Linen has an airy, casual drape and is also more breathable than cotton but more insulating too, making it a great choice all year round, regardless of the temperature and how hot you sleep.
Find out more about the best natural materials for sheets here.