What Is The Highest Thread Count For Sheets?
Bedding Resources
Most people look at the thread count when judging the quality sheets. Thread count is often misunderstood to mean that a sheet of higher quality will be better if it has a higher number. Bedding brands strive to make the highest count sheets because it is a key determinant of the quality of their products. Many brands lie about their products, and some are even manipulative.
30 Second Summary: The Best Sheets for 2021
- Our recommendation: Amerisleep cotton sheets. For the majority of sleepers, we love Amerisleeps Cotton Sheet Set. These sheets are made from 100% combed cotton and have a percale weave. They also feature a low-wrinkle design. We recommend Amerisleeps sheets to get the best value for your money.
A number of bedding brands have been criticized for marketing products with a higher thread count than they actually have. The International Trade Commission issued an exclusion order prohibiting bedding companies from importing sheets that have excessive thread counts. The ITC cracked down on brands from India, China, Pakistan for promoting their products with grossly exaggerated counts. Many people end up buying sheets that they think are high-quality, only to discover they don’t last long due to the misleading marketing in the bedding industry.
This guide will explain what thread count means and how it can help you choose the right bedding for your needs.
What Is Thread Count?
The thread count (TC), is the number horizontal and vertical threads that are weaved into one square inch of fabric. A sheet with a lower count is more breathable and light than one with a higher TC. However, sheets with high TC are heavier and more brittle. It is important to look at the number of threads in bedding sets. However, this is often manipulated and is not always reliable.
Let’s discuss the methods used by bedding companies to increase their thread count.
Common Marketing Misconceptions
Multi-ply threads are used by bedding brands to inflate thread counts. Each strand of yarn is counted as a separate thread. Multi-ply yarn has smaller threads and is less durable than single-ply and two-ply threads.
For bedding brands with 600, 800 or 1,000 ranges, they will use multi-ply or two-ply threads. They then weave the sheets into a theoretical 300 or 400-TC sheet. Then multiply that number by the number per strand and sell the sheets in this way.
A 300 TC two-ply sheet can often be marketed as a 600TC.
1000 TC sheets will need 500 horizontally and 500 vertically weaved threads. 1000 individual strands would make a dense and cumbersome sheet. It is safe to assume that sheets with counts greater than 1,000 have multi-ply yarn. This means that even though the thread count is high, the quality of the threads may be questionable.
You can also fluff up the thread count by using lower quality fabrics that have thinner threads. Good fabrics will have stronger, thicker strands that are more durable to wear and tear. A material with thicker strands will have less strands per square inch. Thicker strands have a higher durability rating than those with thinner ones. It is better to choose a high-quality fabric that has a low TC than one with a higher count.
Why Is Ply Important?
The number of yarns within a single thread is called ply. The ply is often more important than the thread count to determine the fabric’s durability. One-ply threads contain one strand of yarn per strand, while two-ply threads contain two strands. Multi-ply threads have more than two yarn strands per thread, and they are less likely to be of good quality. To get the highest quality fabric, ensure that the threads used to make sheets are either one- or two-ply.
What Is The Best Thread Count For Sheets?
Although it has been known for a long time that sheets with higher thread count are better, most sleep experts agree that sheets with a count of 300 to 500 are the best. Sleep Junkie recommends that you choose a sheet set that has a thread count of 300 to 400. However, if you prefer a thicker, more luxurious sheet, there are options between 400 and 500 TC. Sheets with a thread count greater than 500 should be considered suspicious.
How Do You Judge The Quality Of Sheets?
There are many ways to assess the quality of sheets beyond thread count. The first thing to look at is the material. Do you want to buy cotton sheets or sheets made with synthetic fibers. Because it is long-lasting and breathable, cotton sheets are considered the best.
Look at the way your sheet was treated, in addition to its material.
To give sheets shine, many bedding brands use waxes and polishes that are chemical-based. Although the sheets may look great at first glance, they will often appear worn and aged after several washes. Good sheets will feel softer and look better with each wash. You want your sheets to last for many years. Choose sheets that have not been chemically treated. Organic sheets are healthier for you and your family.
As we have mentioned, make sure to check the ply of your threads. Avoid multi-ply yarns. One-ply and 2-ply yarns are usually better choices.
Who Is Best Suited For High Thread Count Sheets?
Before we get into the section, it is important to clarify that high thread counts refer to sheets between 400 and 500 TC. Sheets with more than 1,000 thread counts are often regarded as having the highest Tc, but they can also be the most problematic. You can find high-quality sheets with high thread counts in the 400-500 TC range.
As we mentioned earlier, sheets with high counts feel heavier and more cozier than sheets of lower count. The more strands per square inch, the less airy and breathable it feels. Sheets with high thread counts are better suited to people who live in colder areas or have difficulty staying warm at night. We believe that most people will be happier with breathable sheets because they are less likely to wake up cold at night.
We will be discussing our top-quality sheets that are suitable for most sleepers. Also, we will discuss our high-thread count sheets for those who require a thicker and warmer sheet.
Amerisleep Cotton Sheet
Amerisleeps cotton sheets are our top choice for most sleepers. This sheet set is 100% combed Upland cotton with 310 TC. Because the combing process removes all the weaker strands, combed cotton tends to last longer than uncombed cotton. This results in a fabric with long-lasting threads. Amerisleeps sheets are also easy to clean and maintain thanks to their low-wrinkle design. Amerisleeps low wrinkle technology is a great benefit for those who have trouble with wrinkles in cotton bedsheets.
The percale weave makes these sheets feel cool and crisp. They are 310 count, so they are airy and allow for hot air to escape from the bedding. The sheets from Amerisleeps are compatible with mattresses up 46 cm in thickness, so they will fit almost any bed. Amerisleeps sheets are top-rated and come with a 5-year warranty.
Sheets With High Thread Count
Snowes Percale Sheet Set has a 500 thread count and is recommended for those who want a high-thread count sheet. This sheet set is made with Egyptian cotton that has been Italian-milled. These sheets are priced at €199 for a Queen set.
Snowes Percale Sheet Set is similar to the Amerisleep sheet sets. They have a percale weave which makes them breathable and smooth. These sheets are expected to last a long time and be durable due to their long-staple and extra long-staple fibers. They are also resistant to pilling, so they will hold up better. These sheets will fit most beds up to 43cm thick.
Resources And Research
We are:
- We did a deep dive into thread count and the manipulations it can be made.
- To deliver the best value-driven and accurate content, I spent 8 hours researching and revising the article.
