Does thread count really matter?
Is a higher thread count better?
Has thread count drastically increased over the past few years or have we just become more aware of this as a measure of fabric quality?
You may find stores that advertise fine, high thread count, cotton sateen sheet sets (produced in places like Italy) for sale at prices that prompt you to take out a 2nd mortgage on your home. Rest assured though, you do not have to pay exorbitant prices for quality bedding products!
Thread count refers to the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in one square inch of fabric. Think of thread count in a similar manner as window treatments: you can let a lot of light in with a low thread count (like a sheer curtain) or very little light in with a higher thread count (like a solid drapery panel). While most of us don’t use sheets for window coverings, we do want the fabric that we sleep on to be comfortable. A looser or lower thread count sheet set may wear more poorly than a sheet set of higher thread count.
Ply and thickness of the thread are indicators of sheet quality as well. Ply refers to the number of threads that are twisted together to form a single thread. Ply can affect the strength of the fabric as well as thread count. Thickness refers to the diameter of the thread used to produce the fabric.
The quality and length of the cotton fiber used to make a sheet set plays a significant role in the overall quality of the product. Longer fibers can be woven into fabrics with a softer, more luxurious feel to them.
Several other factors play a role in sheet quality: How the cotton was treated and finished, how the fiber was combed and carded as well as how it was washed and dried all affect the quality of the final product. How often have you ever seen this information printed out on a retail product tag?
So, if this information is important, how do you learn more about it? Stay tuned! We’re going to discuss terms like “pima”, “percale”, “sateen” and “Egyptian combed cotton” in future articles.
What is the ideal thread count? Well, personal preference certainly plays a role. We suggest you shop for something between 200 and 400 as a starting point. Within that range, you’re going to find the greatest number of available colors and prints at reasonable costs.
