What’s the Best Thread Count for Cotton Sheets?
To get the best sleep, it helps to have the best sheets. To get the best sheets, you need a high thread count, right? Well, not necessarily.
When shopping for cotton sheets, you’ll often hear about thread count—but what does it really mean, and how much does it matter? Let’s break down the basics to help you find the perfect balance of comfort, quality, and durability.
What is thread count?
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. It includes both horizontal threads (weft) and vertical threads (warp).
For example:
A 300 thread count means there are 300 threads in total—150 weft threads and 150 warp threads—woven into one square inch.
According to Peter from Choice, the accuracy of how thread count is measured varies by country and manufacturer – some use inches, others centimetres. There’s no industry standard, and manufacturers don’t have to tell you how they’ve counted those tiny fibres. So thread count alone isn’t a reliable buying guide.
Is higher thread count better?
Many people assume that the higher the thread count, the better the sheets. However, this isn’t always the case. While thread count matters, other factors like fabric quality and weave type play a much bigger role in how sheets feel and perform.
Sheets with an extremely high thread count (e.g., 800–1200) often use thinner, lower-quality threads to inflate the numbers. This can result in sheets that are heavy, less breathable, or prone to pilling over time.
As Peter explains in his article, a 400-thread count sheet may use single-ply yarn, while an 800-thread count sheet likely uses two-ply yarn to double the count. The problem? Multi-ply yarns are often made from thinner, lower-quality fibers, making them less durable. So while the number may be higher, the actual fabric quality—and its longevity—can suffer.
In short, more threads don’t always mean better sheets; it’s the quality of those threads that truly matters.
What is a good thread count?
For most cotton sheets, a thread count between 300 and 400 hits the perfect balance of luxury, breathability, and durability
Breathability
Unlike ultra-high thread counts, 300–400 thread count sheets allow better airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable year-round.
Soft and Smooth
Sheets with this thread count feel soft and luxurious without sacrificing comfort.
Durability
Premium cotton with a mid-range thread count ensures your sheets last wash after wash.
Does Thread Count Really Matter?
Thread count plays a role, but the quality of the cotton itself has a much bigger impact. When shopping for sheets, prioritize those made from long-staple cotton, as it produces softer, stronger, and more durable fabric.
Thread count is most relevant when comparing 100% cotton sheets with a single-ply weave. In these cases, a higher thread count can indicate the use of finer, smoother yarns rather than thicker, coarser threads. However, it’s not a guarantee of quality. Other factors—such as the type of cotton, weave, and finishing process—matter just as much, if not more.
Think of thread count as one piece of the puzzle rather than the defining factor in choosing high-quality sheets.
Overline
At Thick & Thin, we use 300–400 thread count cotton because it offers the best balance of comfort and durability. Our sheets are crafted with care, ensuring you get the soft, breathable, and long-lasting bedding you deserve—without unnecessary markups or gimmicks.
Ready to experience the perfect thread count?
Explore our collection of premium cotton sheets and discover bedding that’s designed for better sleep.
