Thread Count Demystified

Thread count is a term that everyone has heard of but not everyone fully understands. So read on to find out what to look for in good quality, soft and luxurious sheets.

 

The Higher Thread Count = Quality Myth

When it comes to thread count, the general consensus has always been that the higher the thread count the softer and finer the fabric is. As a general rule, sheets are generally softer as the thread count increases, but this isn’t always the case. Why is this? Let’s get back to basics to look into what thread count actually is, and how this translates into bedding quality.

What is thread count? Thread count means the number of threads woven together in a square inch. You do this by counting the lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft) thread. So 150 lengthwise thread woven with 150 widthwise threads will produce a thread count of 300. 

Some manufacturers get around this by counting not each thread, but each fibre in a thread. Some threads are made by twisting yarns together in a plait-like method. A ‘ply’ is a fibre that can be combined into a single thread. For example, two-ply means a thread is made up of two smaller fibres twisted together. So, a two-ply 200 thread count sheet is actually only 100 threads. But some manufacturers get creative and count every single ply when calculating a fabric’s thread count.

As a general rule for a quality bed linen you need to look for single ply fabrics with a thread count in the 200-400 range. These makes your bedding cosier, softer and more luxurious. It is likely that any bedding with a thread count over 600 is likely to be two- or multi-ply.

 

What to look for in good quality bedding?

So now you know the potential pitfalls about relying solely on thread count for bedding quality, there are a number of other things you can look for which helps to identify good quality bedding.

Materials

The fibres you use to make fabric can impact how the fabric looks and feels, its strength and durability and whether it will pill or wrinkle easily. Natural fibres like cotton create soft and absorbent fabrics, while man-made fibres like polyester are generally cheaper to produce but aren’t as breathable. 

Grade and quality of cotton

Do not forget that all cotton yarns are not equal. There is a huge variation in length and thickness of yarns, and it is these things which determine the quality and grade of the yarn. Bedding which claims to have very high thread counts in the 800-1000 range are often made using weaker and shorter yarns weaved together. In the world of cotton, the length of the fibre is an indication of quality – cotton comes in short, long and extra-long fibres. The difference in lengths offers a difference in quality. In Supima Cotton for example, the fibres (also called staples) are longer than in other types of cotton. Longer staples equate to a stronger thread and more durable fabric which is able to withstand washing year after year.

Weave – type and nature of fabric weaving

Fibres are either woven or knitted into fabrics; woven being the most common type of weave for bedding products. The weave style will also determine the fabric’s feel and durability. A loosely woven fabric will be rougher to touch and more prone to wear and tear. Good quality bedding will usually come with either a sateen or percale weave:

• Sateen weave: (three over, one under) gives a soft and breathable fabric with a luxurious sheen
• Percale weave: (one over, one under) gives a tighter weave with a medium weight and no sheen

 

SilverGuard Supima Cotton Bed Linen

A luxurious sateen woven bedding range that will deliver a more comfortable night’s sleep. Our sateen woven 300 thread count bed linen delivers:

• Supima Cotton: soft, dense supima cotton delivers premium quality and a plush feel. The longer yarn length ensures smoother surfaces that make for softer fabrics which are resistant to pilling, even after repeated washing
• Antimicrobial: the IONIC+ silver thread technology inhibits the growth of the bacteria that causes skin irritations and break outs and also those that cause odour, keeping linen cleaner and smelling fresher for longer
• Thermoregulating: silver is an excellent conductor of heat, it carries away excess heat, maintaining the ideal body temperature
• Fit: a depth of 36cm and extra wide grip elastic to ensure the fitted sheet stays molded to the mattress