One of the great mysteries of adulthood is thread count. What does it mean? How high is high enough? What’s too low? Does it make a difference? Does it even matter?
Thread count has become the bedding industry’s standard for promoting the quality and luxuriousness of their sheets. However, the metrics to measure this number may differ by manufacturer and by fabric use. In 2022 there was quite a debate raging over how thread counts were marketed, started off, in part, by this article in the Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/under-covers-investigation-bedsheets-nowhere-near-claimed-thread-counts-20221018-p5bqvi.html.
A cotton fabric’s thread count refers to the total number of horizontal and vertical threads woven within one square inch. Some thread counts refer to the individual number of threads, or some refer to the total number of threads that are spun together into a group known as “ply.” Higher thread count sheets will usually cost more but you could just be paying for marketing instead of an increase in quality.
What’s also very important is the fiber type used in the making of the fabric is a critical factor. Not all cotton is created equal! Let's talk about the "Staple".
“Staple” is the term used to describe the length of raw cotton strands being used to manufacture a piece of fabric. Premium quality bed sheets use what’s known in the industry as “long staple cotton” – meaning the raw material being put into the weaving machine is comprised of long, silky strands of cotton, which yields a final product that is much softer, durable, and luxurious, than that woven with shorter cotton staple.
You should only consider a high thread count to mean better quality when it is 100% long staple cotton and single ply. A high thread count in this situation will mean that finer and smoother yarns were used in its creation.
Weave will also affect thread count in cotton sheets. A Percale weave tends towards a slightly lower thread count on average (200-300), is woven tighter, is more durable, and delivers a crisp, matte appearance. A Sateen weave, being a higher ideal thread count (300-600), tends to be a looser weave than others, and can be less durable. On the plus side, it offers an almost shimmering appearance and is very soft to the touch.
So remember, thread count can be a bit deceiving. Hopefully you now have a little more knowledge to be able to spot a misleading ad.
Here at Yurali, our sheets will be designed for ultimate comfort and durability, ensuring a restful night's sleep every time. With our bed sheets, you can transform your bedroom into a joyful and inviting space, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking to refresh their home decor.