What is thread count

If you really want to get to the bottom of it, ask the manufacturer what the ply of the fabric is! So, if thread count isn't an accurate measure, what can we look for when buying our fabrics or sheets? There are four things I'd suggest when deciphering how good the quality of a fabric is, firstly, what the raw material is - is it cotton, linen, polyester yuck.

Secondly, what country the raw material comes from - cotton from Egypt or Pima, for example, would certainly get you off on the right foot. Thirdly, where it's woven - Italians are the master weavers of the world remember. Lastly, I'd take a look at the thread count, for sheets I'd recommend plus. It's up to you to balance the combination of these factors. For example, fabric of lower thread count but with strong and high quality fibres, such as Egyptian cotton and pima cotton, often feels and washes better than fabric with a higher TC but created from lower quality threads.

Here's a good example: Cotton and linen are two fabrics that serve similar purposes, but their properties are entirely different. Pure linen is created from thick, flax fibres. The thread count may be as low as , but still be a high quality fabric and with incredible strength.

Linen which is stiff when constructed, softens with use and lasts decades. On the other hand, good quality cotton with a higher thread count of or more, won't last as long. So although linen has a lower thread count, because of the inherent properties of the fibre, it is superior to cotton. Even if high thread counts result in better sheets, thread quality matters too. Anything less will feel similar to sandpaper. Anything higher is going to have a steeper price tag with questionable quality.

Think of it like buying clothes. A suit manufacturer might list this on the label, too, but you should also be evaluating other things like the quality of the yarn, the type of material used, how it feels overall, and how and where it was sourced, for example.

When looking at the number of threads, think of it this way: an ultra-low figure means the fabric is woven loosely together and there could be holes or roughness. So, yes, you still need to look at the overall measurement but be wary of figures that seem inflated. Like we mentioned a moment ago, anything over means that there was trickery involved in calculating that number. The ply is a measure of the number of layers. That means that two layers of material are combined to form a thicker layer.

The same principle applies to sheets. There are single ply varieties, and there are also brands that combine two or three strands into one single yarn. Depending on the thickness of the original threading, the feel of the finished product will vary. When it comes to quality, this where a brand can and will inflate their figures. If they weave two strands of yarn together into a two-ply construction, then in essence, they can double the count.

The supposed amount of threads would then triple. In choosing sheets, Consumer Reports makes this recommendation: "Pick a sheet between and thread count that meets your other criteria.

Paying more for higher thread count is wasting money " [source: Consumer Reports ]. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Decor. Bedroom Decor. What does thread count really mean?

These sheets from Dreamsleep Studio were included in the Emmy Awards gift baskets in The label reads thread count; but are they really that different from thread count? Thread Quantity or Quality? Thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch.

For example, if you have 50 threads woven horizontally and 50 threads vertically, the total thread count is Breathability These anti-dust mite properties, combined with the natural breathability of cotton, make Egyptian cotton an excellent choice for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Egyptian cotton bedding is also favoured by those who tend to overheat during the night as the cotton is highly absorbant and stays cool. Ever Increasing Softness Finally, cotton is unique in the fact that it gets softer with every single wash. When new, Egyptian cotton bed linen is very crisp, with a subtle shine to it.

Plus, as we mentioned earlier, if looked after carefully, it can last for many years to come. Taking these steps will ensure that your Egyptian cotton bedding will last. Puzzled by Percale? For easy-to-use style, we often opt for plain weaves but sometimes in case of our and thread count ranges we utilise different weaving technics for a subtle pattern or feel. Plain Weave is a very simple weave, and is used to form Percale fabric plain weave fabric with a thread count of or more.

Fabric made using this technique is formed by passing weft horizontal threads over and under warp vertical threads to form a tightly-woven material. This dense weave of threads creates a fabric that is light and airy yet too thick for dust mites to easily infiltrate the fabric. Our and TC bed linen is made from plain weave fabric. Satin Weave is used to create satin-touch fabrics.