What is the Best Thread Count for Bed Sheets?
Last Modified 04 March 2025 |
First Added 02 November 2023
There are few better feelings in life than sliding into beautifully soft bed sheets at the end of a busy day. When it comes to creating that luxuriously cosy cocoon, choosing high thread count bed linen is one of the first things that springs to mind. A high thread count has become synonymous with the most snuggle-worthy bedding experience.
But when we dig a little deeper into what makes the best thread count for bedding, you might be surprised to find that it’s not the be-all and end-all when it comes to perfecting your sleep sanctuary. In this article, we’ll explore thread count meaning, whether it really matters and how to choose the best thread count.
What does thread count mean?
Simply put, thread count meaning is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into each square inch of fabric. The more threads there are in the fabric, the higher the thread count of the bed sheets.
In your search for sumptuous bedding, you’ll have likely come across thread counts from as little as 200 to over 1000. Rest assured that you are not alone if you feel confused and a little overwhelmed by what these numbers mean.
The thread counts on bed sheets are a guide to signify their softness, comfort, durability and luxuriousness. Unfortunately, this can be slightly misleading, as it places the focus solely on thread count. In truth, there is such thing as a good thread count for bedding, but it is not necessarily the highest, and there are many other factors to consider when it comes to selecting truly luxurious and comfortable bedding.
Is a higher thread count better?
In short, the answer is no, but the reality is a little more complex. Placing the emphasis on high thread count bed linen alone does not result in better bedding, as there are other elements that contribute to a luxury finish. For example, the quality and weave of fabric can make a significant difference. You might find high thread count bed linen made from poor quality, multi-ply fabric, resulting in inferior softness and comfort.
It’s advisable to be cautious when you come across extremely high thread counts on bed sheets. A thread count of more than 600 can weaken the fabric and cause pilling, and anything above 1000 can block airflow and cause the bed sheets to feel heavy against your body. You will notice that Feather & Black’s bed linen collection features nothing higher than a 600 thread count, which is an excellent thread count for bedding.
The best thread count for sheets
While there’s no magic number, there is certainly a sweet spot when it comes to ensuring a level of hotel-style luxury in your bed sheets. The best thread count for bedding is between 300-600, made with single-ply, pure cotton fabric. Within this range, the sheets offer optimum softness, comfort, breathability and durability. A thread count above 600 can cause bed sheets to feel too dense and stiff, while a thread count below 200 will not feel as soft, likely compromising the comfort of your sleep.
The range from 300-600 also offers you scope to select the thread count most suited to your personal sleep preferences. If you like to feel wonderfully warm and cosy in bed, you might select sheets at the higher end. If you prefer your bed sheets to be lightweight, crisp and cool, a lower thread count may be best. Always keep in mind, however, that you must also look beyond thread count at factors such as fabric type, weave and finish.
Beyond thread count: other factors for luxurious bedding
We know that a good thread count for bedding matters, and it’s the initial step to achieving a comfortable sleep space. But what else do you need to consider when creating that all-important bedtime sanctuary?
1. The fabric
For the finest and most luxurious bed sheets, consider the fabric used to make them. 100% organic, fine yarn, single ply cotton is the premium choice, as it’s naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, soft, comfortable and easy to care. It washes extremely well and can even become more sumptuous over time. Cotton hemp blends also offer additional antibacterial properties, making them an exceptional choice for sleep hygiene.
You may come across bed sheets crafted from bamboo or linen, both of which can also be measured using thread count. Bamboo is inherently very soft, so a lower bamboo thread count can feel just as gentle as high thread count bed linen made from cotton.
Pure linen is even harder to judge by thread count, as the weave is far looser than cotton, so it doesn’t indicate the quality. As a guide, our experts recommend the following as the best thread counts for bedding:
- Cotton: 300-600
- Bamboo: 250-350
- Linen: 80-140
Luxury fabrics that go beyond thread count
In addition to the fabrics measured by thread count, there are various types that are not, such as silk, microfibre and flannel. Each have their own unique properties and craftsmanship that contributes to a luxurious feel. Silk has a natural sheen and smooth texture, while microfibre is incredibly soft and lightweight, and flannel has a fuzzy finish that’s ideal for cooler months. In these cases, the quality of the fabric is more important than the quantity of the threads.
2. The weave of your bed linen
Two of the most common weaves you may come across when researching the best thread count for bedding are percale and sateen. The weave refers to how the fabric is constructed, and specifically the patterns of the threads. This makes a difference not only to the thread count, but also to the look, feel and finish of the material.
Percale involves a simple ‘one over, one under’ technique with fewer threads per square inch. This produces a matt finish and the crisp, light, high-quality feel found in our Cotton Collection 400TC range. Sateen features a complex alternating pattern with more threads, giving the exquisitely soft feel and luxurious sheen finish of our Cotton Collection 600TC range.
3. Your bed accessories
There is little point investing in the most luxurious bed linen if the rest of your bed accessories aren’t equally as beautiful. You could have the softest sheets in the world, but if you’re lying on a lumpy mattress or dozing under a duvet that’s past its prime, you certainly won’t be getting the best out of bedtime.
To create a truly decadent bed that you can’t wait to relax into, you need the plumpest of pillows for the perfect amount of support and comfort, coupled with a delicious duvet filled with deepest of down. Our range includes a variety of bed accessories to complement the most beautiful bed linen for a cosy, calm space to call your own.
_square.jpg)
So, when selecting the best thread counts for bedding, there is no need to spend a long time worrying about finding the highest. Yes, it matters, but it is not the only thing that matters. Focus on the quality of the fabric, the finish of the weave and the craftsmanship of the company you’re buying from, and you’ll be sinking into luxury every single night.
For beautiful linen in a variety of the best thread counts for bed sheets, look no further than our stunning bed linen collection. Discover classic white sheets or stylish jacquard finishes, in 100% breathable cotton for luxury bed sheets that last.