High Thread Count Bedding

When shopping for sheets, most people choose “high thread count” because they believe that they are the best ones. But is this a fact or not? The truth is, it’s just part of the whole picture.

For instance, if you want to purchase a new car, you should not base your decision on the car’s gas mileage alone. You should also assess the make, model and year. It is the same with buying sheets. Most consumers choose sheets that have the highest thread count, but they do not consider the quality of the cotton, the size of the thread or the ply of the thread, whether it is single, double or triple-ply.

Most consumers are unaware that some manufacturers sell cheap sheets, increasing the thread count to make it look like they are selling quality sheets.

What is thread count?

Thread count is the number of threads in one square inch. This includes the vertical as well as the horizontal weave of the fabric.

Does thread count matter in choosing sheets? Indeed, thread count does matter. It should be within the normal range. For instance, if the thread count of your sheet is less than 180, then you could probably see some tiny holes in it, which is not good.

But, frankly, it is quite unbelievable that high thread counts are now being used as a marketing trick. For instance, some sheets which have a 1,000-thread count are found to have worse quality than those with a 300-thread count.

To get an extremely high thread count, manufacturers usually exaggerate their threads by using multiple-ply yarns. It works by twisting individual yarns together. Using these multiple-ply threads on sheets can make them heavier, rougher and less durable.

So, what should you look for in sheets, aside from the thread count?

Evaluate the diameter of the thread as well as its ply. This will tell you how fine the yarns are and how many individual yarns are twisted together. In a single-ply thread, only one strand of yarn is used per thread, while two-ply yarn implies that two strands of yarn are twisted together.

Does the Ply Matter in Thread Count?

Ply is actually a much better gauge of quality than the thread count. Ply indicates exactly how the thread count was obtained. It implies the number of yarns included in each thread. A single-ply or two-ply yarn is fine; however, a ply greater than two is not greatly recommended. Instead of paying more for quality threads, most manufacturers increase their thread counts by using multiple-ply yarns which are much cheaper. Therefore, sheets with a 600-thread count imply that it uses 200 three-ply yarns.

What is the Best Indicator of Quality in Sheets?

The quality of the cotton threads is more important than the thread count. It’s better to choose organic cotton since it is softer and safer compared to those that are traditionally grown. So, if you want to sleep on high-quality sheets, then make sure they are made of organic cotton.

Another important factor to consider is the diameter of the yarn. The fineness or the thickness of the yarn is determined by its number. Yarns which have a higher number are finer. Cheaper sheets use yarns which have a size of 30 or 40, while high-end sheets use 100 or above. The optimum recommended size of yarn would be between 60 and 80. This is the finest organic cotton.

Thread count is just one of the factors that can help in determining if a sheet is of good quality. Aside from having the best thread count, quality sheets must also use the best textile and weave. The material that it is woven from is also something that should be considered if you want to sleep like a baby.

What to Look for When Searching for the Very Best Sheets?

For durable and cool sheets, the perfect thread count would be between 180 to 280. Sheets with a 1,500-thread count are not a good choice.

There’s no doubt that cotton is the best material for sheets since it is more durable and breathable. It is also soft and cool to the touch and won’t make you sweat at night, unlike polyester or microfibre.

Conventional cotton fibres are short and can give you an irritating feel. The best choice would be the extra-long staple kinds of cotton such as Pima and Supima cotton. They have long and soft fibres, making them perfect for sheets.

The better choice between the two would be Supima cotton since it is more durable, breathable and very soft. Most of all, it is validated by the American Supima Association as 100% authentic, which means it does not contain any filler fibres.

Why Percale Weave Sheets are Great

The way the cotton is woven can also create a huge impact on how the sheets feel against your skin. Most 5-star hotels use the Percale weave. It shows that they make the right choice. This is the ideal weave for most sleepers since it can keep you cooler. It can also help in regulating body temperature. Best of all, you can always be assured that it will last longer compared to a sateen weave.

Choosing the right sheets is essential. However, when it comes to thread count, it is just fake marketing. It all comes down to the type and quality of fibre used and not how much of it is used on the sheets. When shopping for sheets, you must pay for what is essential so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.

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