Fabric Thread Count - Does It Really Matter?

To get a good night’s sleep, you really need good quality sheets. So do high thread count fabrics mean high quality? The truth is, that’s not necessarily true.

Our Textile Lab, the Good Housekeeping Institute, tested popular bedding products, including breathable, super-soft, and organic. They evaluated the fabric’s durability, pilling resistance, shrinkage, and more, and then had a panel of consumers try them out at home to get real-world experience. We then compared each product’s results to the fabric’s thread count to see the difference.

What does thread count mean - THREAD COUNT or abbreviated as TC?

Thread count is the total number of threads per square inch of fabric. A high thread count generally indicates a finer weave: This is because more fine threads can be woven into a square inch than thicker or coarser threads. Therefore, a high thread count is associated with a higher quality fabric, as finer threads are thought to make bed sheets softer and more durable.

But in fact, besides the thread count factor, other factors such as thread quality and weave are more important when you buy bed sheets.

The higher the thread density, the better the quality?
This is sometimes true, but not always.
Here’s a case in point: We tested a bed sheet product in both 500 TC and 1,000 TC thread counts. Both performed equally well in our tests, but the 500TC version cost $40 to $110 less.

Our testing panel found the two to be identical in terms of softness and surface feel on the skin. Durability scores were similar in our lab tests; the only noticeable difference was that the 1,000 TC version appeared less wrinkled when removed from the dryer.

So what thread count is best for bed sheets?

In testing, the highest-rated sheets typically have thread counts between 300TC and 500TC. Anything above 500TC isn't necessarily better (so don't be fooled if you see thread counts above 1,500), and conversely, you can still find good quality ones that come in below 300TC.

Also, although tests have shown that the thread count range from 300TC to 500TC is perfect, not every type you are using that has a count within this range is guaranteed to be of high quality: The type of yarn as well as the structure of the weave are more decisive.

So when is thread count important?

Thread count is only significant for sheets that are 100% cotton, single-ply. A higher thread count may indicate that the fabric is woven with a finer thread rather than a thicker, coarser thread. However, this is not the deciding factor when you are buying a sheet.

When should you ignore the thread count specification?

If the bed sheet is not 100% cotton and has a single-ply weave, then the thread count is most likely off or irrelevant. Here's why thread count doesn't matter for other materials:

Multi-ply yarn: Marketers over-promote using two- or three-ply yarns to double or triple the thread count. Two-ply yarn means the yarn is made up of two smaller strands twisted together.

Polyester or Blended Fabrics: Unlike cotton, polyester is manufactured in a factory and can be produced super thin, meaning that polyester and cotton/polyester blends can have thread counts in the thousands. In fact, manufacturers are coming up with techniques to use thin polyester threads for the sole purpose of increasing thread count requirements.

We recently tested a 1,400TC cotton/polyester sheet set, which was of course no match for anything. Polyester has its advantages – it’s more durable, more wrinkle-resistant, and cheaper than cotton – but it certainly doesn’t feel as luxurious and body-friendly as natural fibers.

Linen and Silk: Similar to polyester, fibers like linen or silk cannot have the same thread count as cotton. Linen is dense so the thread count is inherently low, while silk is so thin that it is often measured by weight.

Fleece and Jersey Knits: These fabrics are typically made of cotton, but you probably won't see thread count. That's because fleece sheets are sold by fabric weight, and jersey knits have a completely different construction than traditional woven sheets.

What factors make a good quality bed sheet?

1- Fabric composition, 100% cotton is the most common type.

2- The weave makes a big difference in the feel of the fabrics and you will usually choose between cotton percale and cotton sateen.

Percale is a basic, mesh-like weave that feels light and crisp, while sateen is a satin weave that feels soft and smooth because it has a high number of threads in one direction floating over a few threads in the opposite direction.

Other textures include flannel for winter and jersey knit, which looks more like a T-shirt. While it comes down to personal preference, our testers tended to prefer the smooth feel of sateen.

Finally, where to buy good quality mats?

LVER will help you with some options. Here are some of the best bed sheets in our opinion with a thread count of 300TC 100% cotton sateen being the perfect choice for you.

See more guide of 30 typical interior styles here.

Source: Translated and edited by LaVieEnRose from Good House Keeping - USA