Does Thread Count Matter?

Thread Count for Sheets

Thread count refers to the total number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, typically for sheets, pillowcases, or other textiles. It is determined by counting the number of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads in one square inch of fabric. A higher thread count often suggests a softer, denser fabric, though it is not always an indicator of quality.

 Here's how thread count works:

• Vertical (warp) Threads: These are the threads that run lengthwise (up and down).
• Horizontal (weft) Threads: These are the threads that run across the fabric (left to right).
• Thread Count Formula: Thread count is calculated by adding the number of vertical threads and horizontal threads in a square inch.

 Common Thread Count Ranges

• 120-200:  Economy fabrics using bulkier yarns. Common in medical, low end hospitality and promotional markets.
• 200-400: Most common for hospitality, balancing comfort with durability.
• 400-600: Higher-end, luxury counts for the hospitality market; typically, all cotton / cellulosic fiber.
• 600-800: Higher-end sheets that are often softer and more luxurious; primarily home use
• 800+: These are often considered luxury sheets. Only a small portion of this product range is produced using traditional yarn-weaving methods.  Many sheets in this thread count range use extruded filament yarns that artificially inflate the thread count for marketing purposes.

 Other Considerations:

• Fiber Type: The type of fiber (cotton, linen, bamboo, polyester etc…) is considered the basic building block of fabric. The primary characteristics of a fabric’s hand/feel and performance are directly related to the fiber.
• Yarn Type: How a yarn is created has a tremendous impact on how the natural characteristics of the fiber are presented in fabric.
• Combed – shorter fibers are removed leaving only the longer, better fibers
• Ring Spun – mechanically twisting fibers into a uniform, finer yarn used in better fabrics
• Open End – fibers processed with a rotor system creating bulkier, less uniform yarns. Typically used for lower-cost fabrics
• Filaments – typically man-made synthetics (polyester, nylon etc…) or regenerated cellulosic. This process allows fiber and yarn to be engineered for specific characteristics. Example:  microfiber sheets
• Weave Type: The way the threads are woven (e.g., percale, sateen) also plays a role in how the fabric feels.

 A higher thread count is generally assumed to be the most direct indicator of quality. The three fundamental components of a fabric, fiber, yarn type, and thread count must be considered in combination to identify the overall quality potential for a fabric.