No, probably not. Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 thread count is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
True 1000 thread count sheets should feature 1000 single ply threads in every square inch of fabric. This genuinely high thread count is what ultimately what creates a sheet that's exceptionally soft, durable and luxurious.
High thread count sheets are hot for two reasons; 1) the amount of cotton in the sheet making them thick. 2) the sateen weave which while soft/silky, doesn't breathe and traps heat. If you're always cold at night, high thread count sateen sheets are a great choice.
The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality. This is because manufacturers use thinner cotton to cram in as many threads as possible, increasing the ply or the number of single threads twisted together.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
What's the best thread count for sheets? In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
Most hotel bed sheets are high-quality cotton, though you'll occasionally find hotel bed sheets made from linen. Look for durable and soft cotton, like Egyptian and Supima, and keep up with cleaning your sheets and bed so your bedroom feels like a luxury hotel.
Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 thread count is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
The short answer is a resounding “yes” -- but it requires a bit of expert insight. Of course, we think you cannot put a price on a great night's sleep. That said, luxury linen is an investment and you deserve to understand precisely why expensive bed sheets are worthwhile.
Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600. However, it's important to keep in mind that a higher thread count doesn't necessarily mean better quality.
The logic behind why a higher thread count is better makes sense: all things being equal, higher thread counts require finer threads (the better to fit into a square inch), and the finer the threads you use, the softer, smoother, and more tightly woven (and thus, stronger) the fabric should be.
It's possible to buy sheets with over 1,000 thread counts, yet luxury hotel sheets often opt for sheet with 200-300 thread count.
Luxury sheets have no limits on thread count or price. Generally, the more you pay, the better sheets you get. Most hotels use sheets with a thread count of 250 while high-end hotels use sheets with a 300 thread count. Some luxury hotels even use sheets of 600 or 800 thread counts, but it varies from hotel to hotel.
For example, 1,000-thread-count sheets tend to feel heavy and warm because the excess threads can make the fabric less breathable. A sheet that doesn't breathe can trap air and create a hot microclimate underneath the covers. You may end up feeling too hot, which can disrupt your sleep.
"Thread count really measures fabric density,” said Missy Tannen, co-founder of Boll & Branch. “Too high of a thread count means that air doesn't circulate well and you'll sleep hot." Percale thread counts are lower simply because the plain weave allows for fewer threads in a square inch.
That means there are 1000 threads per 10 square centimetres, counted along two sides of a square that is 3.16cm wide and 3.16cm high, distributed across the warp (up/down) and weft (across).
Frette. Quite possibly the gold standard when it comes to luxurious hotel linens, Frette has been producing the most famous Italian sheets available for over 160 years. You'll find these perfect linens lining the beds of the world's best hotel brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton.
Luxury sheets often have a percale or sateen weave. Percale is crisp and cool with a matte finish, while sateen is soft and smooth with a lustrous finish on one side. The weave can also affect the breathability and weight of the sheets. The feel of luxury sheets is determined by the materials, weave, and thread count.
One of the most well-known secrets of the hotel industry in keeping their sheets enviably is peroxide-based detergents. Bleach is also added to the mix. While these chemicals are truly effective in preventing white linens from greying or turning yellow, they do require some level of expertise.
The microfiber polyester fabric is very soft and feels great at first touch. When compared to cotton, polyester is much more wrinkle resistant. After just one pass with the iron, these sheets were totally wrinkle-free, and they stayed looking presentable even after a night's sleep.
A 400 thread count sheet may be softer and more breathable than a 1000 thread count sheet. Breathability comes down to what the sheet is made from. A sheet made from cotton is likely to have more breathability than a sheet made from polyester even if they are the same thread count.
The general range of 200 to 400 is what to look for, though counts in the range of 300 to 360 will likely be the softest.
The NSF recommends choosing cooling sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400, since sheets with lower thread counts aren't as comfortable, and sheets with higher thread counts tend to trap heat at night.
Hotels beds are incredibly comfortable thanks to their use of mattress toppers. These can significantly adjust mattress firmness and the quality of your rest. A mattress topper is simply an added layer of cushioning that rests on top of your old mattress and provides support and extra levels of comfort.