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.
Despite the low price and the fact that they are soft, the Sweet Home Collection 1500 Thread Count Sheet Set isn't a good value in the long run. We purchased the Sweet Home Collection 1500 Thread Count Sheet Set so our expert reviewer could put it to the test in her home.
There isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality.
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.
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.
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.
Related Articles. Egyptian-cotton sheets, especially those with a high-thread count, are prized for durability and softness. These sheets get softer over time, but may not feel very soft when they are new and straight out of the package, because of chemicals embedded in the material during manufacturing.
Hotel Sheet Thread Count
Around 300 to 500 thread count is ideal for soft, durable, and breathable bed sheets. Lower thread counts feel rougher and can wear down quickly.
According to the many experts we've interviewed, really good sheets—the ones that feel soft and wear well after years of use and washing—generally have thread counts ranging from 200 to 600, depending on whether they're percale or sateen.
Egyptian cotton can come in a range of thread counts, typically from 200 to 800.
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.
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.
Microfiber sheets from The Bed Sheet Club feature an 1800 thread count per square inch which provides ultimate quality and softness. This high thread count also helps to deter the sheets from wear and tear and results in a sheet that will last longer than sheets with lower thread counts.
High thread count sheets use cotton threads that are thinner than regular yarns, so when they're exposed to high temperatures, they're much more likely to break. These sheets should be washed in warm water and dried in the dryer on a cool setting.
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.
Textile expert Julian Tomchin told the New York Times “Once you get beyond 400 threads per square inch, be suspicious”. The reason is that there is a limit to how many threads can fit in a square inch, and that number is usually 400 or less.
A higher number of threads per inch usually means each yarn is finer, so more of them will fit in the square, creating a smooth yet strong weave. As we mention above, thread counts of 200 to 300 for percale, 300 to 600 for sateen, and 80 to 120 for linen should indicate a good-quality fabric.
Class 2 threads hold a tighter tolerance than class 1 but not as tight as class 3 and are the most common thread class used in the construction fastener industry.
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.
Slip into the luxurious comfort of The Ritz-Carlton embroidered sheets. Crafted of 100% cotton, these 400 thread count linens give your bed a sumptuous look and feel. Our embroidered flat sheet and pillowcases feature elegant triple-line stitching for a touch of timeless style.
That's why most luxury hotel chains, including Hilton, use 300 to 400 thread count sheets. However, Cotton is of premium quality, bringing out the overall luxurious feel of the guest's bed.
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.
Egyptian cotton is extraordinary - producing extra-long fibres that are smaller in diameter than regular cotton. These longer, finer fibres create super smooth yarns when combed and spun, and therefore super smooth, soft cloth when woven.
The higher the thread count, the hotter the sheet
If you're hot at night, then high thread count sheets are some of the worst sheets you could buy because besides synthetics, 1000TC sheets are the hottest, non-flannel sheets available.
Bamboo bedding typically has a thread count between 250-400 (our bedding is a super-soft 300), while Egyptian cotton thread count often falls between 400-700 – although bamboo thread is widely considered to be the softer pick no matter the thread count.