How Many Threads In A Thread Count Count

We spend approximately one third of our day nestled in our beds, rejuvenating ourselves so that we can wake up energized, alert and ready to take on a new day. The time we spend cuddled up in our bedding is very important to our well-being, so doesn’t it make sense that we should be as comfortable as possible? Think about it, if you have an important job to do, wouldn’t you get the best tools you could afford so that you could complete the job to the best of your ability? Sleeping IS an important function and we perform it each day; just try going without it and that point hits home. One of the most important “tools” for this job is your sheet set. I’ve done quite a bit of research on what to look for when buying sheets and I’d like to share that information with you, so it will make your shopping a little easier.

Many shoppers are wrapped up in thread count. Though it is an important aspect, it is not the only thing to consider when choosing bedding. Thread count can be affected by fiber quality; therefore, I will begin with that.

• A 200 thread count sheet with higher quality fiber could feel softer than a 400 thread count sheet with a lower quality fiber. What determines a quality fiber? The length of the fibers. The longer the fiber, the higher the quality.

• Egyptian, Pima, Supima and Sea Island Cotton are all high quality cottons with long staple fibers. All cotton shares the same basic qualities; however, the longer fiber of these cottons makes them particularly soft, supple and glossy. Egyptian cotton is considered the highest quality cotton.

• Combed Cotton refers to cotton that has been combed to remove the shorter fibers making it more luxurious.

• 100% cotton is soft, cool, breathable, and pulls the moisture away from your body.

• 100% cotton does tend to wrinkle. To avoid this, purchase a cotton-polyester blend. You may sacrifice some of the softness, but a cotton-polyester blend will be wrinkle resistant, slightly more durable and less expensive.

• 100% cotton is less likely to stain than a cotton-polyester blend because it releases dirt easily when wet.

SPARKED NOTE: The “hand” of a fabric refers to how it feels when handled such as its texture, smoothness, softness, weight, density, etc.

Now to clear up some misconceptions about thread count...

• Thread count is the total number of threads woven vertically (the warp) and horizontally (the weft) in a square inch of fabric. (Example: 200 vertical threads and 200 horizontal threads produce a thread count of 400.)

• A lower thread count means the sheets may be thinner, less smooth and not quite as durable. It is recommended that you don’t go below a 200 thread count.

• A higher thread count means the sheets may be smoother, more durable and of higher quality. It is generally recommended that a 400 – 500 thread count is the highest you should go. Anything over 500 is an unnecessary expense. Not only that, sheets over this thread count are very dense and don’t breath as well; thus, they can be very hot to sleep under.

• If you are working within a tight budget and think you can only afford a 200 thread count, that is perfectly fine; but keep in mind that overtime these sheets may wear out faster, so you might be replacing them sooner. A higher thread count could last much longer; therefore, it may save you money over the long term.

• Sheets that are made of flannel, jersey or linen have lower thread counts due their fabric type. The lower thread count helps them to retain qualities that make them appealing. However, they do tend to shrink more.

SPARKED NOTE: There has been some controversy concerning thread count. Some sheet manufacturers count plies when determining thread count. Plies are the thin, individual yarns that make up a thread. By doing this, it gives an overinflated thread count. According to Consumer Reports one manufacturer claimed their sheets were 1200 thread count, but they were counting plies and the actual thread count as determined by an independent textile lab was 416. Here’s how it works, it may take 5 plies (yarns) to make a thread. Most manufacturers will count that as one thread, but another will count it as 5 threads, thus inflating the thread count. What should you do? Simply choose a sheet that meets your needs and budget with a quality fiber and a thread count between 200 and 500; you will be fine.

The weave of a sheet will affect its feel, durability and price. Here’s some information on the most common weaves.

• A Plain Weave is the most common and least expensive weave; it is not usually noted on product packaging. It is made from an equal amount of vertical and horizontal threads.

• Percale sheets refer to an upscale plain weave in which the yarns are woven over and under each other like a basket weave. This produces a strong, durable fabric with a crisp, cool feel.

• A Sateen Weave consists of more vertical than horizontal threads thus producing fabric with a lustrous sheen and a soft, silky feel. Sateen sheets are more prone to pilling or tearing than those created with a plain weave.

• Jacquard and Damask are intricate weaves that create a pattern that alternates between a silky feel and something slightly more textured. These weaves are usually more expensive.

That concludes my crash course in Sheet Buying 101. Happy Shopping!