What is Thread Count and Does it Really Matter?
Thread Count Myth: What Really Matters When Buying Cotton Sheets
If you’ve ever shopped for cotton sheets, you’ve probably seen manufacturers touting ultra-high thread counts—800, 1,000, even 1,200. But here’s the truth: thread count is often misleading. And when it comes to finding truly soft, durable, breathable sheets, higher numbers don’t always mean better quality.
We’ve tested dozens of sheet sets and consulted textile experts to uncover what really makes sheets feel great—and last longer. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Thread Count?
Thread count refers to the number of yarns woven into one square inch of fabric, both horizontally (weft) and vertically (warp). A higher count can mean a smoother, denser weave—but only if the quality of the cotton and yarns is high.
📌 Important: Many brands inflate thread counts by using multi-ply yarns (twisting two or more threads together), then counting each ply as a separate thread. So, a 500-thread-count two-ply sheet could be labeled as 1,000 thread count—an obvious marketing trick.
What’s the Ideal Thread Count?
➤ For Percale Sheets:
- Best range: 250–300
- Upper limit: 400–500 (if made with fine, high-quality yarns)
- Average quality: ~180
- Feel: Crisp, cool, breathable—great for hot sleepers
➤ For Sateen Sheets:
- Best range: 300–600
- Upper limit: Slightly higher, but fabric gets heavier
- Average quality: ~250–300
- Feel: Smooth, soft, slightly heavier—luxurious drape
🧠 Expert tip: Missy Tannen, co-founder of Boll & Branch, says, “Too high of a thread count means that air doesn’t circulate well and you’ll sleep hot.”
Why Thread Quality Beats Thread Count
According to textile specialists, what matters most isn’t the number of threads—but the quality of the yarn and the type of cotton used.
Look for:
- ✅ Long-staple or extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton
(e.g., Pima, Supima, or genuine Egyptian cotton) - ✅ Combed cotton – removes short fibers and impurities, creating a smoother and more durable fabric
- ✅ Single-ply yarns – more flexible and softer than multi-ply yarns
Avoid:
- ❌ Sheets with suspiciously high thread counts (above 600 for sateen or 400 for percale)
- ❌ Printed designs on low-thread-count fabric (used to mask lower quality)
Percale vs. Sateen: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Percale | Sateen |
|---|---|---|
| Weave | Plain weave | Satin weave |
| Texture | Crisp, matte | Smooth, lustrous |
| Breathability | High | Moderate |
| Ideal For | Hot sleepers, summer | Cooler climates, winter |
| Typical Thread Count | 200–400 | 300–600 |
Real-Life Examples
- 🛏 Best percale pick: L.L.Bean’s 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set — crisp, cool, and breathable.
- 💤 Best sateen picks: JCPenney Home 400 TC Wrinkle Guard and Cuddledown’s 400 Thread Count Sateen — soft with a silky feel.
Final Advice: Don’t Be Fooled by the Numbers
Instead of getting caught up in thread count hype, focus on:
- The type of weave (percale or sateen)
- The quality of cotton fibers
- Whether the fabric uses single-ply yarns
- Reputable certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS for organic and safe materials
As Vicki Fulop of Brooklinen said:
“Thread count certainly matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters.”
FAQ: Thread Count & Sheet Quality
Q: Is 1,000-thread-count better than 300?
A: Not necessarily. If it’s made with low-quality yarn or multi-ply threads, a 1,000-count sheet could feel rougher and sleep hotter than a high-quality 300-count set.
Q: What’s better for hot sleepers—percale or sateen?
A: Percale. Its lighter, looser weave allows more airflow, keeping you cooler.
Q: How can I spot inflated thread counts?
A: Anything above 600 for sateen or 400 for percale is likely marketing spin. Look for clear descriptions of fiber type and ply count.