BEDDING: How important is THREAD COUNT?
Is a higher number a better sheet?
Thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of fabric. Not long ago, sheets typically had thread counts of 120 with 60 horizontal and 60 vertical threads. In the 1960's a sheet with 180 thread count (percale) was considered a luxury. Good sheets today range anywhere from 200 – 800 thread count and you will occasionally see numbers over 1000.
To get that higher number, manufacturers use thinner strands of thread twisted together as if they were one. Then they double, triple, or even quadruple the thread count to make the number more attractive to the consumer. It ups the count but doesn't give you a better sheet. The sweet spot is 400.
In a Consumer Report ``sheet test`` their top scoring percale sheet had a thread count of only 270. Instead of focusing solely on the thread count number one should focus on the fabric the sheets are made of.
Cotton is by far the most-loved fabric for sheets. It is soft, durable, and breathes well. The highest quality, softest sheets use cotton with extra long fibres called long-staple fibres. Long-staple cotton includes: Egyptian Cotton, Pima and Supima.
SATEEN is cotton made with a satin weave that produces a very soft, lustrous feel.
COMBED COTTON has been combed to remove the short fibres and leave the long ones which make for a strong, soft fabric.
Is there anything better than sliding into a bed made with good quality sheets?
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