What Is Thread Count?
Thread count is the number of threads — both horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) — woven into one square inch of fabric.
So, if a sheet has 200 horizontal threads and 200 vertical threads per square inch, its thread count is 400.
Does a Higher Thread Count Mean Better Sheets?
Not necessarily.
🧵 Higher thread count doesn't always mean better quality. In fact, it can sometimes mean the opposite. Some manufacturers pack in short, low-quality threads just to boost the number, leading to fabric pilling and feeling rough.
💨 Breathability and softness depend more on the material and yarn quality than the thread count. For example:
- 400-thread count bamboo sheets may feel much softer than 1000-thread count cotton ones
-
Cotton is more breathable than polyester, even at the exact thread count.
What Should You Look for Instead?
✔️ Fabric type matters most — Think Egyptian cotton, bamboo, or linen.
✔️ Yarn quality — Long, smooth threads = softer, more durable sheets.
✔️ Weave type — Percale (crisp and cool) vs sateen (smooth and silky).
Great sheets aren’t about quantity — they’re about quality.
Quick Reference: High-Quality Thread Count by Fabric Type
| Fabric Type | High-Quality Thread Count Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton (Regular) | 200–400 | Look for long-staple cotton for softness and durability. |
| Egyptian Cotton | 300–600 | Premium option with long fibers; softer at lower thread counts. |
| Percale Weave | 200–400 | Crisp, breathable cotton weave ideal for warm sleepers. Percale means that the threads are woven in a ‘one over, one under’ process to create the weave. |
| Satin Weave | 300–600 | Smoother and silkier than percale; slightly warmer feel. The thread goes four over, one under, four over, one under in an alternating pattern. |
| Bamboo Viscose | 250–350 | Naturally soft and breathable; thread count less important. |
| Linen | N/A | Measured by grams per square metre; avoid high thread count — lower is better for softness. |
| Silk | N/A | Measured in momme; look for 19–25 momme for high-quality silk sheets. |
| Polyester Blends | 200–300 | It is not as breathable; it is often mixed with cotton for affordability. |
Note that some materials are not suited to measurement by thread count; instead, they are measured in momme (weight) or GSM (grams per square metre)
Top 3 Things to Look for When Buying Bed Sheets
Investing in good bedding isn’t just about aesthetics — it can genuinely improve your sleep.
1. The Fabric Itself
-
Natural fibres = better breathability.
Cotton, bamboo, and linen allow your skin to breathe and regulate temperature naturally. -
Blends can compromise comfort.
Polyester blends are cheaper but trap heat and reduce airflow — not ideal for hot sleepers.
2. Workmanship & Style
Details matter.
Look for:
- Deep pillowcase openings so pillows stay put.
- Easy-to-use quilt closures (no fiddly buttons or ties).
- Neat seams and finishes — they signal better craftsmanship.
3. Thoughtful, Practical Design
User-friendly design = stress-free sheet changes.
Changing sheets shouldn’t be a chore. Look for smart touches like:
- Corner tags for fitted sheets.
- Hidden zippers instead of buttons.
- Durable stitching.
Tip: A well-made sheet typically has 5 stitches per centimetre. If it’s only 2–3, it might not last long.
