Thread Count...Is it important?

In the last few years, there has been much talk about “thread count” or simply the number of threads per square inch in sheeting fabric. At one point it actually got to be something of a status symbol, a “my sheets have more threads than yours” sort of thing as manufacturers and retailers, in order to sell more sheets, pushed the issue. 

So what exactly is thread count? It is simply a measure of how many threads—warp (lengthwise) and weft (widthwise)—are woven into one square inch of fabric. The thread count of “standard” cotton or muslin is around 150; good-quality sheets start at 180-thread count; and a count of 200 and higher is considered percale. 

Thread count also has to do with the yarn construction and quality of the yarn. With finer threads, like those produced with Egyptian cotton, more can be woven into each square inch, producing a finer, softer, more flexible fabric.

As a practical issue, just how many threads can fit into one square inch of fabric? While improvements in spinning and milling technologies have pushed up the numbers, thread counts above 500 are something of a misnomer (and, according to many insiders, a waste of money). Very high thread counts generally entail the use of a “plied” yarn—one that is produced by twisting together gossamer-fine threads. For marketing purposes it is not uncommon to count the twisted yarn as double and, for example, describe fabric with 250 individual four-ply yarns in a square inch as a 1,000-thread count product.

My observation is that talking about thread count in sheets is overblown and has been a marketing ploy for many companies. Very simply, the European fabric industry finishes fabric better than anywhere else in the world. At South Beach Linens we have sold many sheets with 300 to 400 thread count which are as soft as many so called higher thread count sheets.

Bottom line…the way the fabric is processed in the finishing stage is more important than thread count! Types of cottons, single ply or twin ply and mercerization are other issues which come into play and affect the feel and quality. If you have question in making a decision on what kind of sheets to buy, please contact me. I’ll be happy to help you.

All the best!