Don't let thread count string you along. There're more than one way to ID high-quality bed sheets. (Getty Images)
In recent years, finding high-quality bedding has become more confusing than ever. We say this not just as shoppers but as shopping editors — we're currently in the process of testing dozens of sets of bed sheets, and so we've gotten up close and personal with the overwhelming array of options for sale.
Like us, you're probably browsing at least partially online, where you can’t feel the sheets in person. If you are shopping in-store, there might be a finish on the sheets that makes them very soft at first, but washes off, leaving you with a scratchy, stiff result. You might also notice a thread count, often ranging from 200 to 1,500, listed on the label and wonder what those numbers actually mean. Or, as is becoming more the case these days, you might not even see a thread count at all. Then what the heck do you do?
To bring some clarity to this befuddling bedding situation, we consulted two experts to get the truth about thread counts and what you should actually pay attention to when you’re shopping for bed sheets.
“Thread count is simply the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, counting both horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads,” says Dallas-based interior designer Amy Switzer. With a higher thread count, there are more threads used, making the sheets feel softer and finer (in theory). That said, some sheets don’t even have thread counts — we’ll get into that later and how to discern which ones are right for you when you can't go off of thread count.
That’ll depend on what you feel comfortable with, but our experts have some advice. Textile consultant Deborah Young says that sticking to 400 to 800 thread count will ensure your sheets are soft but not so prone to wrinkling. “My own personal bias—I wouldn’t buy anything less than a 400 thread count,” she says.
She also wouldn’t buy anything with a thread count higher than 1,000. "I’d probably stop at about 900. There was an old adage that bigger is better when it came to thread count, but today, technology has allowed us to make things so incredibly fine that I remember having a set of sheets that were 1,500 thread count, and they tore at the slightest little thing. Bigger is not always better anymore.”
Switzer agrees that a higher count doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. “Above 600 often means the manufacturer used multi-ply yarns (thinner threads that are twisted together) to inflate the number, which doesn't always equal better feel or durability,” she adds.
Yes — but mostly just for cotton sheets.
“It’s worth paying attention when you’re buying cotton sheets because it gives you a general idea of density,” Switzer says. “But beyond a certain point, thread count becomes more of a marketing gimmick than a measure of quality.”
When you’re looking for sheets that are a fabric other than cotton. Linen sheets, for example, don't usually have a thread count and are better gauged by weight, aka GSM (grams per square meter). The same goes for fabrics like Tencel, polyester, modal, jersey and flannel. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good fabrics, though. Silk pillowcases and sheets are best measured by momme, or the weight of the silk.
Hint: It’s not thread count or even a sheet's weight. “When I’m asked about what’s the best bedding, my answer is generally, it depends on how you sleep,” Young says. “Are you a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper? Some people are curling up under 15 blankets, and some people want nothing on them at all. Your own biology has a big effect on all of those elements, including thread count.”
If you’re a hot sleeper, you should veer toward sheets that are made out of modal, lyocell, linen or cotton, all of which have moisture-wicking properties and are breathable. On the other hand, if you’re always freezing at night, you should opt for sheets made out of jersey or flannel.
You want to invest in sheets that you think you’ll be comfortable sleeping in. You should determine what type of sleeper you are and then pick what type of fabric is best for you. After you do that, you can wade into thread count vs. GSM.
Though we're still testing sheets, we do have some top picks based on testing and reviews. We'll be updating this list later in the year with more options, so stay tuned.
Amy Switzer, founder, Amy Switzer Design
Deborah Young, The Textile Expert
