Thread Count - Is Higher Thread Count Better?

Thread Count – Is Higher Thread Count Better?

Thread Count – What is it and does it matter?  The ‘Thread Count’ of cotton and polycotton bedding often affects its price, as it’s often thought “higher thread count, better quality”, but that’s mostly not the case.  ‘Better quality’ cotton makes better sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers.

How Important is Thread Count?

No simple, straight answer… it depends what you need.  And ‘thread count’ can be a complicated and often vague indicator of quality.

What is it?

Basically, it’s the number of cotton or polycotton fibres in one square inch of material.  100 threads in one direction, plus another 100 threads the other, that’s a 200 thread count material.

Is Higher Thread Count Better?

It can be, but there are a number of other considerations.  It depends what you get from your sheets, pillowcases duvet covers.

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric in bed linens, such as sheets and pillowcases. It’s often used as an indicator of the quality and perceived comfort of these products. Thread count is calculated by adding together the number of horizontal (weft) threads and vertical (warp) threads within that square inch.

The belief is that a higher thread count generally indicates a smoother, softer, and more luxurious fabric. However, while thread count can provide some insight into the fabric’s density and potential comfort, it’s not the only factor that determines the overall quality of bed linens. Other factors like the type of material, weave, and finishing processes also significantly influence the feel, durability, and overall performance of the bedding.

What is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?

It’s important to note that some manufacturers might artificially inflate thread count by using multi-ply yarns, where multiple thinner threads are twisted together to create the appearance of a higher count. This can result in sheets that are not necessarily softer or more comfortable, and in some cases, they might even be less durable.

  • Cotton: 200-400
  • Egyptian Cotton: 200-400
  • Percale: 200-400

So, while thread count can be a useful reference point when shopping for bed linens, it’s crucial to consider it alongside other factors such as fabric material (cotton, linen, silk, etc.), weave type (percale, sateen, etc.), and personal preferences for texture and feel. It’s recommended to physically touch and feel the fabric or read reviews from reputable sources before making a decision based solely on thread count.

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Thread Count - Is Higher Thread Count Better?
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Thread Count - Is Higher Thread Count Better?
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Thread Count - What is it and does it matter?  The 'Thread Count' of cotton and polycotton bedding often affects its price, as it's often thought "higher thread count, better quality", but that's mostly not the case.  'Better quality' cotton makes better sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers.
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KerryLinen.ie
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