What, exactly, is thread count and why should you care?

04/19/2017

How thread count affects comfort

By bartek3_14 - originally taken by bartek3_14, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1407226A well decorated bedroom conforms to a chosen theme by integrating complementary colors, textures, and patterns. But out of all the different choices that you make to complete your bedroom, bedsheets are probably the last thing on your mind. While they may be hidden most of the day, you will certainly spend a great deal of time between them, so take your time to ensure you make the right choice. Depending on where you live and the climate that you live in, you’ll want a sheet that keeps you comfortable at night. Understanding how thread count affects comfort can help you get the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.

What is thread count?

Related Information:

Thread count is the amount of horizontal and vertical threads within a square inch of fabric. There are two types of threads that are used, single-ply and double-ply. Ply refers to the number of single threads that are wrapped together to make one larger thread. So, if the thread count is 800, it could be 800 single-ply threads, or 400 double-ply threads. Single-ply sheets are thinner than, and not as durable as, a heavier double-ply. Thread count is usually between 200-800 counts, with the highest count being the softest. Usually, a 300 to 400 count sheet is considered soft and comfortable to most people.

Are you wondering how thread count affects comfort?

What should you look for when shopping for bed linens? Keep these qualities in mind.
  • Fiber length
  • Type of weave
  • Origin of factory
  • Type of material
Just because the thread count is high, it isn’t the only factor you should take into consideration. Fiber length can determine strength, resulting in less pilling as the fabric ages. Egyptian cotton is known for being the gold-standard of quality with pima and supima, organic cotton. Fabric made from bamboo is another high quality material that is gaining traction in bed coverings.

Blue Lagoon Bamboo Bed Sheets by CarilohaIf you base your purchase purely off of touch, focus on what type of weave the sheets have. Percale weave is similar to how a basket is made and has a crisper, cooler feel. It also is more durable than other weaves such as sateen. Sateen weave is warmer and softer due to a larger surface area in the weave and has been treated with heat to give it a sheen.

Where you buy your sheets from can alter how thread count affects comfort. France and Italy are known for making the best sheets in the business but double check where they source their raw materials. Just because it says “Egyptian Cotton” doesn’t necessarily mean the cotton was grown in Egypt.

Some fabrics also breathe better than others, so knowing how thread count affects comfort can help you choose the right type of fabric. A cotton based fabric is light and will breathe. Linen is great in areas with high-humidity and silk is best for transitioning climates but needs to be dry cleaned to protect the fibers from roughing.

With a basic knowledge of how thread count affects comfort, you can get a great quality sheet to go with your new Wilding Wallbeds Murphy bed. When your room is complete, you may take pride in purchasing the highest quality bed and sheets.
Blue Bed Sheet Image By bartek3_14 – originally taken by bartek3_14, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link