Using more threads results in a tighter weave and a less airy pattern. Therefore, investing in a high thread count pair of bed sheets may not be the most ideal decision regarding breathability.
Myth-busting: high sheet thread count equals high quality
Thread count has nothing to do with a fabric's breathability, comfort or softness. 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.
Best Thread Count for Cool Sheets
Buying a set of bed sheets with a high thread count may not be the best idea when it comes to breathability, because more threads result in a tighter weave and less airy construction. If keeping cool is your priority, look for low thread count sheets in the range of 180 to 280.
Don't choose high thread counts.
However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
That's because the less dense weave allows for more airflow. Of course, you don't want to choose a sheet with such a low thread count that it feels rough or falls apart. A sheet in the 250–300 thread count range could be an ideal fit for hot sleepers.
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.
Material. Material is the number one factor in choosing the cooling sheet. Sheets made from natural fibres, like linen and cotton are the best for people who sweat while asleep.
The NSF recommends choosing 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.
Lower thread count quality cotton sheets will also absorb sweat and dry out much faster than high density sheets, which, because of the closeness of the threads, will generally hold on to moisture once it is absorbed.
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.
Choosing cooling bed sheets with a thread count between 250 and 400 is ideal if you want to keep your body temperature down. Remember that the bed sheet thread count best performs within this range. It should never exceed 600 threads if you want the greatest cooling sheets.
Comfortable, durable, luxury sheets – the ones that you reach for again and again that become even softer and more wonderful after years of use and washing – usually have thread counts from 200 to 600, depending on the material and finishing used for the product.
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.
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.
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. 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.
300-thread count cotton sheets are a great fabric for hot sleepers. This is because cotton is more breathable than other fabrics. The fibres of cotton resemble twisted ribbons, which means that there are plenty of open spaces for air to pass through.
Linen is a great choice for managing night sweats. Linen fibres are hollow, which makes them more absorbent than cotton. This in turn means they help regulate your body temperature as you sleep. Avoid fabrics which are made with polyester.
“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. Gopinath told us this made percale lighter and cooler, which is preferable in hotter temperatures or for hot sleepers.
Can bed sheets cause night sweats? Some bed sheets may cause a person to overheat if the fabric is non-breathable and heavy. Some synthetic materials may not suit someone experiencing night sweats, along with satin and some cotton blends, as they can retain heat quite effectively.
Thread counts of 800–1000 or more likely use multi-ply threads which are more expensive and less durable with limited benefits. So in terms of thread count alone, anything around 200–400 will be good quality and comfortable, broadly speaking.
Egyptian cotton sheets are often considered the height of luxury. They're prized for their superior softness, durability, and breathability. The distinct feel of Egyptian cotton sheets come from the unique properties of Egyptian cotton itself.
For hotter nights, however, the best thread count for summer sheeting does tend to be the lighter end of the scale — the 300 and 400 thread counts. It allows for air to pass through the weave, helping you stay cool while sleeping.
A sheet keeps you warmer because it rests closer to your skin and therefore traps more of your body heat. Cooling sheets are created to be extra breathable and moisture wicking to help your body stay cool during the night.
Bamboo sheets are the perfect choice for hot sleepers thanks to their breathable and lightweight properties. The natural fibers in bamboo fabrics allow air to flow through them, helping to regulate your body temperature while you sleep.
Material. Most of the sleep experts we spoke to agreed that sheets made of natural fibers, like cotton and linen, are your best bet for sweaty sleepers because they're the most breathable (and therefore cooling). When it comes to cotton, the weave of a fabric matters, too.