Misconceptions About Thread Counts

There is a lot of misconceptions about thread counts and we would like to share what is the optimal thread count you should look for when purchasing sheets. To understand this subject better, first we need to look at how Thread Count is being determined.


How Thread Counts are Counted?

To determine the number of thread counts on a sheet, manufacturers calculate the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads which are woven into a square inch together. If you weave 100 vertical threads and 100 horizontal threads together, you get a thread count of 200.

There is logic behind why higher threads counts are preferred. With all things being equal, higher thread counts require finer threads. The finer the threads, the softer, smoother and more tightly woven the fabric. However, thread counts are often not presented in a transparent manner to consumers.


Marketing of Thread Counts

Unfortunately, due to the general belief that the higher the thread count the better quality the sheets, manufacturers often inflate the number of thread counts “creatively”.  To get a higher number of thread counts, manufacturers use thinner strands of fabric (known as piles) twisted together as if they were one. These then double, triple, or even quadruple making the thread count number more attractive to the consumer.

So, a single thread may consist of four piles twisted together and an honest company would recognize it as one thread, but another that is trying to use marketing tricks to increase sales would call it four.


What is a Good Thread Count?

When multi-ply threads of lower-grade, shorter staple cotton fibers are twisted together, the result is a rough coarse feel and less durability of the fabric. Therefore, a 400-thread count sheet could be a better product than a 1000 thread count one. Thread counts measure fabric density so the higher the thread count means air doesn’t circulate well. Thread counts are not as important as the quality of thread, just touch and feel the sheets most comfortable for you. To have crisp bedsheets, you can iron your bed linen with linen spray added with rose or lavender essential oils. Or you can simply choose one of our Hotelier Prestigio™ collection to refresh your current bed linen set.

Hotelier Prestigio™ Black Check Embroidery Fitted Sheet Set

Hotelier Prestigio™ Black Check Embroidery Fitted Sheet Set

High thread counts used to determine the quality of a sheet only if it’s made of finer (thinner) yarns. Fine yarn is more expensive to produce and that is why it costs more. If you are shopping for bedlinen based on the number of thread counts, you may miss the fact that the quality of threads is far more important than the quantity. Luxury sheets are not the result of thread counts but the result of high -quality yarns.

Remember, too high a thread count means the fabric weighs more and air doesn’t circulate and you will end up feeling hot sleeping on it. Give more attention to the quality of the fibre and be suspicious when a high thread count sheet comes at an extremely low or affordable price.


At Bedding Affairs Singapore, we do not inflate thread counts for the purpose of marketing our products. We source quality products offering them at a reasonable price while sharing only transparent information of product quality with our customers.

July 22, 2020 — Adela Teo