Thread Count for Sheets – Does It Really Matter?

Have you ever looked at sheets and seen a big number called “thread count” on the package? Many people think that a higher number means softer and better sheets, but that’s not always true. For years, some companies have used this number to trick people into buying more expensive sheets. They make it seem like more threads always mean better quality, but that’s not really how it works.

In this article, we’re going to explain what thread count really means, why it’s not the only thing to look at, and how some brands make the number look higher than it really is. After you read this, you’ll know exactly how to choose good-quality sheets without being fooled. You might even save some money by not falling for the thread count myth!

What is Thread Count?

Thread count is a way to measure how many threads are woven together in one square inch of fabric. Think of it like this: if you took a tiny square of your bed sheet and counted all the tiny threads going up and down (called “warp”) and side to side (called “weft”), you’d get the thread count.

For example, if there are 100 threads going up and 100 threads going across, the total thread count is 200. That’s a pretty good number! Sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400 usually feel soft, smooth, and comfortable. But if the thread count is too low, like under 200, the sheets might feel rough like sandpaper. And if it’s too high, like over 400, the number might be fake or made up using a trick. We’ll talk more about that later.

Does It Matter?

Yes, thread count does matter, but it’s not the only thing that’s important. Just like you wouldn’t buy clothes just because they have a fancy label, you shouldn’t buy sheets just because the thread count sounds high. There are other things to think about, like the kind of fabric, how soft it feels, where it’s made, and how strong the threads are.

If the thread count is very low, that can be a problem. It usually means the fabric is thin, loosely woven, and not very soft. But if the number is super high—like 800, 1,000, or more—it might not mean better quality. In fact, companies sometimes use tricks to make the number look high when it really isn’t. So while thread count does matter a little, you should look at the whole picture when picking your sheets.

How Does the Ply Affect the Thread Count?

“Ply” means how many layers of thread are twisted together to make one strand. You might have heard of “two-ply” toilet paper, which is two thin layers stacked together. Sheets can be made the same way.

Some sheets are made with single-ply threads, which means each thread is one layer. But other brands twist two or even three threads together to make one thicker strand. Then, when they count the threads, they include each layer—even though it’s just one strand! This makes the thread count number go way up.

For example, if a sheet has 200 real threads, but each one is made of three twisted layers (three-ply), they might say it has a thread count of 600. That sounds impressive, but it doesn’t mean the sheet is better. Sometimes, companies use multi-ply threads because the original thread is too weak or low-quality, and twisting it with others makes it stronger. So a higher thread count could be hiding poor-quality materials. That’s why ply matters when you’re looking at thread count.

Does Higher Thread Count Mean Better Quality?

Not always. Many people think that the higher the number, the better the sheet—but that’s not really true. Yes, a super low thread count (like under 150) usually means the sheet will feel rough. But a very high number, like 800 or 1,000, doesn’t always mean it’s softer or better.

Good quality sheets usually have a thread count between 200 and 400. If you go much higher than that, it might be a trick using twisted threads, or it could mean the sheet feels heavy or stiff. Also, other things matter just as much, like the kind of fabric used and how well the sheet is made. So don’t get fooled by just the number—look at the feel and quality too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one calculate thread count?

Thread count is found by counting all the threads going up and down (warp) and across (weft) in one square inch of the fabric. If there are 150 warp threads and 150 weft threads, then the thread count is 300. But be careful—if the fabric uses twisted or multi-ply threads, some companies might count each layer to make the number sound higher than it really is.

What is the highest thread count of sheets possible?

Some sheet packages say 1,600 or even 2,000 thread count, but those numbers are usually not real. They come from using tricks like counting layers in multi-ply threads. Sheets with super high thread counts are often not any softer and might even feel heavier or less breathable. So don’t believe the hype—very high numbers don’t always mean better quality.

How can it be used to determine the softness of sheets?

You can use thread count as a basic guide to know if sheets are likely to feel soft. If the count is between 200 and 400, that’s usually a good sign. Sheets with a count below 180 might feel scratchy. If the count is above 400, it could be fake or just full of extra layers that don’t really help. So use thread count to help you decide—but also feel the fabric if you can and check what kind of material it’s made from.

What is the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets?

Egyptian cotton is one of the best materials for sheets. The threads are longer and stronger, which means they can be woven tightly and still feel very soft. Just like with regular cotton, the best thread count for Egyptian cotton is usually between 200 and 400. If it’s in the 300 to 360 range, it will probably feel extra soft and smooth. So even with fancy fabric like Egyptian cotton, you don’t need super high thread counts.

Conclusion

Buying bed sheets is an important choice because you use them every night, and they touch your skin for hours. If your sheets feel rough or uncomfortable, it can ruin your sleep—even if you have a great mattress. That’s why it’s good to understand what thread count really means.

Now that you know how to read those numbers and what to look for, you won’t be tricked by high thread counts that don’t actually mean better quality. Instead, you can pick soft, comfy sheets that feel great and last a long time. The next time you shop for bedding, you’ll be smart and confident—and your sleep will be so much better!