Does Thread Count Really Matter In Terms Of Comfort And Quality?

A simple number, that holds so much power in the world of bedsheets, is actually the talk of the town. Marketed as the best measure of sheet quality, the thread counts supposedly promise a slumber so deep, that you would forget everything else exists.

Well yes, that is true. The comfort and quality of your bedsheets are definitely influenced by thread counts to give you the most luxurious sleep ever. But, they are not the whole picture. Factors like fabric material and weave type have a role to play too. 

So, come with us to count the threads and the secrets they carry. No more sleep struggles, only blissful nights ahead!

What Exactly Is Thread Count?

Thread Count (TC), an indicator typically for bedsheets, tells you how densely woven a piece of fabric is. This value defines the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, including the vertical and horizontal threads. 

So, let us say that you are buying a bedsheet with 600 TC. In the bed linen, you can find that for each square inch, there are 300 warp (lengthwise) threads and 300 weft (widthwise) threads. The thread count gives you an idea of the potential softness and quality you can expect from the bedding. 

Is Thread Count Important?

Thread Count is a term you most likely have stumbled upon many times, either shopping online or during in-store purchases. Loud and clear, the hype for TC is real. But, what's even more real is the fact that there is more to the sheets than just these figures. 

Don't get us wrong, the thread count, yes, has an effect on the softness and the feel of the fabric. However, many brands use this number as a common marketing tactic to create the image of superior quality linens, when this may not always be true.

You know, thread count focuses on the number of threads, not necessarily their quality. If the yarn used for your bedsheet isn't great, even if the thread count is high, you might not get the softness and durability you are looking for.

So, it is a good idea to use those thread count figures as a starting point when hunting for your ideal bedsheets, but remember, don't rely on them alone. Take a look at things like the quality of the fabric, how they are woven, and the finishes as well to determine the sheets' worth.

Low v/s High TC Sheets For Your Best Comfort

Thread count comes in a wide spectrum, with each level impacting the cosiness, quality, overall impression of the sheet and ultimately, your sleep experience. 

Ah, the cool, crisp and cloud-like comfort from the bed linens with lower thread count can easily take you to the land of joyful dreams. 

While these bed linens might not drape you in feather-like softness, they surely provide a breathable abode, suitable for sleepers who tend to get too hot at night. 

The high thread count bedsheets are so soft, that you will wake up questioning if you are in your bedroom anymore. Maybe, you took a nap in another dimension that is devoted just to luxurious sleep. The plush and premium feel is a guarantee. 

But, keep in mind the possibility of a heavier feel with these sheets. This might be a factor to consider for those who prefer lighter bedding. 

The Best Thread Count Range

Of course, comfort is subjective. So, there is no perfect thread count range that could cater to the needs of everyone. Narrow down your search for ideal bed linens by landing between 300 and 500 thread counts. They are the golden zone - soft, durable, breathable and affordable! 

But hey, at the end of the day, pick the sheet that matches your preferences. You are the expert on your own sleep comfort and thread count is just a guideline, not a rule.

Please note that you at least want bed linens that have a thread count of 180 or higher. Thread counts below this might lead to a significant drop in the softness of the bedsheets, leading to less restful sleep. You might be sacrificing comfort for breathability. 

Quality Over Quantity

You might have heard the common saying that goes, “The higher the thread counts, the softer the sheets.” But let us tell you, though that appears to be correct, there is always a chance they could be inaccurate.

While a genuine brand offering 1000 TC sheets can provide the rich comfort you desire, you might be misled by inflated claims from some brands. And, how is that? Allow us to break it down for you.

Yarn is formed by intertwining thin fibres, like the fine strands of cotton. The ply, signifying the number of yarns twisted together to form the thread, contributes to the soft texture of your beloved linen. 

Single-ply fabric features a lone yarn taking the stage. On the other hand, multi-ply fabrics bring two or more yarns together to create a thicker material.

When you see sheets with extremely high thread counts, particularly exceeding 1000 TC, it is wise to approach them with a hint of suspicion. Sometimes, things can be too good to be true. 

Well, this might indicate a misleading strategy like using thinner fibres or multi-ply fabrics to inflate the numbers to make it look more impressive, potentially compromising the durability and being easily prone to tears. 

Let us take an example of single-ply sheets with 400 TC. There are literally 400 individual threads woven into each square inch in this sheet.

Now, consider a sheet boasting 1000 TC. Sheets with such a high thread count might achieve this number by using 2-ply yarns. Here, you are technically only getting 500 threads for your bedsheets, which is half the number of individual threads, compared to a single-ply sheet with 500 TC.

The extra ply can only exaggerate the thread count. It doesn't directly affect how comfy the sheets feel and in a few cases, is quite uncomfortable to use.

You would have wondered why certain sheets with low thread count feel much better compared to high thread count bedsheets. Well, now you know! So, don't fall for this trap and settle for something less. Look for different options and grab that sheet that feels heavenly.

What Other Factors Should You Consider?

Fabric Material

Cotton is a universal favourite fabric. This beloved material should be on your sheet shopping list. Known for being soft and breathable, cotton is a reliable choice.

The cool and gentle sensation of cotton proves to you why it is an amazing snuggle buddy. If you are seeking the finest cotton, opt for long-staple cotton or Egyptian cotton.

Natural linen is another fantastic solution to make your sleep more pleasant. Soft on the skin and cool to the touch, linen sheets will have you sleeping like a baby. It is a dream come true for hot sleepers. Linen sheets can grow old with you, if proper care is given.

Weave Type

Weave, the unsung hero, has a crucial part in shaping the comfort and feel of bed linens. The one-over, one-under percale weaves give crisp and cool fabric. As this weave allows for better airflow, it is suitable for warmer climates. 

Sateen weave with the four-over-one-under method is a buttery smooth, cosy option, favourable for cooler climates.

Blue Dahlia: Your Trusted Partner

Rooted in the principles of quality, comfort and sustainability, Blue Dahlia is a familiar name among many households. Our 100% pure cotton bedsheets come in a whole range of thread counts to suit every sleeper out there. Explore our collection and write your happily ever after sleep story. 

Happy Sleeping!