What Thread Count on Sheets Mean
Bedding experts and enthusiasts often use the term “thread count” to refer to quality bedding. Although it sounds very technical, it's a straightforward concept once you understand what it stands for.
Thread Count Explained
Fabrics are made up of horizontal and vertical threads that crisscross each other. When we say “thread count,” we refer to the total number of horizontal threads plus the number of vertical threads in a square inch. So, if a square inch has 300 horizontal threads and 300 vertical threads, the thread count is 600.
Is a higher or lower thread count better?
Some people ask for the thread count when buying bedding. The general impression is that the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the bedding. Many people equate it with softness and a higher degree of comfort when sleeping. To a certain extent, this is true, but it’s important to note that the higher the thread count, the denser the fabric becomes, making it less breathable. Hot sleepers or people living in a warm, humid climate might want to consider this.
What thread count is good?
When buying your bedding, the first thing you’d want to know is your target thread count, and the range is dependent on: 1. the type of fabric, and 2. your personal preference. There are several types of fabrics (bamboo, linen, etc.), and each one has its recommended range. For bamboo, it’s 250-350; for linen, it’s 80-150; and for cotton, it’s 400-600. These are just estimates, and it’s important to note that each of us has our personal preferences. What is soft and comfortable for one person might be scratchy and rough for another. The best gauge, perhaps, is experience, and we recommend remembering the thread count that works best for you and aiming for that number for your purchases. Note that the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric becomes. Softness is desirable, but too much softness affects the durability of the fabric.
Other Factors to Consider
One should be wary and not be overly reliant on the thread count alone. Some manufacturers have developed ways of manipulating numbers by using thinner threads. Even though something is marketed as having a 500 thread count, the feel can be equivalent to 300 because low-quality, thinner threads were used.
A well-rounded decision goes a long way, and we recommend considering other factors when purchasing your bedding. In addition to thread count, here are other things worth noting:
1. The quality of the fiber: A fabric is made up of fibers, and their quality determines the overall condition of your bedding. Bed sheets constructed from high-quality fibers are soft and durable. Long fibers, in particular, are lightweight, giving the fabric an airy, breathable quality that is ideal for hot, humid climates.
2. The kind of weave: The weave type determines how your bedding feels (texture) and looks (luster). Common weaves include Percale (crisp and cool) and Sateen (silky and shiny).
3. The brand: Most people unfamiliar with bedding technicalities rely on a brand’s reputation. We usually veer towards well-known brands, avoiding companies we haven’t heard of. Although not necessarily true, we equate good quality with famous brands. Other people rely on word of mouth and hype, going for the brands friends recommend and speak well of.
Thread Count Demystified
While it’s good to consider thread count when buying your sheets, it’s worth noting that it can be manipulated by using low-quality threads. It’s best to make a balanced decision and consider other factors, such as fiber quality, weave type, and brand reputation. We also suggest asking friends and acquaintances for bedding suggestions.
While all these are good, comfort is subjective, and what feels soft and luxurious to some might feel the opposite to others. Use your personal experience as your guide when buying your sheets, and stick with it. What makes you comfortable should be your top consideration when choosing which bedding is worth buying.
Softness and Comfort Guaranteed
ettitude’s bedding has a thread count of 300, well within the recommended range of 250-350 for bamboo sheets. Our CleanBamboo® Signature Sateen and Airy CleanBamboo® Sateen+ Sheet Sets use sateen weave to achieve the silky feel and luxurious sheen many associate with good quality. We designed our sheets with your comfort in mind, making them breathable by ensuring our thread count does not exceed 350, as this can result in a dense and heavy fabric. It took several years of testing and learning to design ettitude’s CleanBamboo sheets, which are the optimal combination of soft, silky, breathable and durable, which is why 93.75% of sleepers prefer ettitude sheets to cotton sheets, according to a sleep study conducted by SleepSpace.
FAQs
What is the best thread count for a bed?
The ideal thread count varies, depending on the type of fabric used for your bedding. For bamboo, it’s 250-350; for linen, it’s 80-150; and for cotton, it’s 400-600. Take note of these numbers, as fabrics with unusually high thread counts are dense and heavy. You want your bedsheet to be light and breathable to keep you cool and comfortable; something hot sleepers should take note of when buying their sheets.
Is a 1,000 thread count better than 500?
The higher the thread count, the softer a fabric becomes. While this is true, we must note the recommended thread count per fabric type. Overly soft sheets are not as durable and long-lasting as they are said to be.
What thread is best for bedding?
Bamboo sheets are known for their superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties. When hot sleepers switch from cotton to bamboo, their life significantly improves because they finally get a good night’s rest.
However, bamboo sheets on the market are usually less durable than cotton or poly blend sheets, often pilling after just a few washes. That is because they are made using viscose processing.
ettitude’s CleanBamboo® fabric is made with an innovative lyocell process, and it outperforms cotton, bamboo viscose, and Tencel (tree lyocell) in abrasion resistance, breathability, and moisture-wicking according to third-party testing agency, Intertek. Our sheets feel better and last longer.
We heard from customers for over a decade that they were sleeping better on ettitude sheets, so we wanted to get real data. Third-party sleep lab Sleepspace conducted an experiment to see if sheets could make a difference in sleep quality. ettitude sheets were compared to equivalent quality cotton sheets and whichever sheets the participants already had. This 3-week study with 32 participants showed that indeed sheets CAN have a big impact on sleep quality and length of sleep. The results were staggering: ettitude sheets showed a clinically significant 10% improvement in sleep quality and 1.5% improvement in sleep efficiency – which equates to providing 43 hours of extra sleep per year. Participants were falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
Finally, consider if you have any additional health needs. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, cancer, hormonal imbalances, menopause, or are pregnant, our bedding is ideal for these conditions. ettitude’s bedding is dermatologist-recommended due to its smooth, non-irritating weave and texture, and its hypoallergenic, non-toxic processing. Read more why ettitude sheets are good for your health.
Is a high thread count worth it?
There’s value in getting a sheet with a high thread count, but this is not the only criterion to consider when buying bedding. Other factors include fiber quality, weave type, and brand reputation. Also, remember that manufacturers can easily manipulate thread count using thinner, low-quality threads.
What thread count gives your bedroom a sophisticated look?
Consider linen fabrics with a thread count of 80-150 for a natural and luxurious look and feel. Try our CleanBamboo Hemp™ Linen+ Sheet Set. Made from our patented CleanBamboo® Lyocell (70%) and Hemp (30%), these better-than-linen sheets look like Belgian Flax Linen, but are more breathable, less wrinkly, and 99.9% antimicrobial. They come in an elevated color palette and have a relaxed texture that can transform your bed (and room) into an elegant and sophisticated oasis. While linen sheets can feel crisp initially, they become softer and more comfortable over time, making it a long-lasting bedding choice.
