When you walk into a store or browse bed sheet products online, the sheer amount of choices can be overwhelming.
Critical quality buzzwords like Egyptian Cotton, fabric weave, and thread count are thrown around to get your attention.
These make the process even more difficult.
To make the process more frustrating, most of the packaging on bed sheets for a given brand have the same listed “benefits” despite being vastly different in everything from material to thread count.
Purchasing bed sheets shouldn’t be a painstaking process that (a) drives you insane and (b) tricks you into spending a fortune.
That’s why we developed the ultimate guide on everything you need to know about thread count for bed sheets.
And it’s why we included a thread count chart to help you shop for the right sheets for you.
Ready? Let’s explore the various sheet thread counts.
What Is a Sheet Thread Count and Why Does It Matter?
Thread count is a commonly misunderstood part of buying bed sheets. If you asked a given bed sheet shopper to define thread count, they would likely have a tough time.
As a simple definition, thread count refers to the number of threads that are woven into a single square inch of a given sheet.
It’s been shouted over and over that thread count is simple: the higher, the better!
2,000 thread count sheets? They must be worth the money. 300 thread count? Could be better.
This oversimplification of thread count leads to spending much more money on bed sheets than necessary.
Unfortunately, thread count is much more complex than that. Thread count can vastly differ in quality and touch/feel based on a multitude of factors like:
- Fabric type
- Staple-length
- Fiber type
- Weave
Different fabric types carry different weights and materials making it almost impossible to directly compare thread counts.
For cotton bed sheets, the top end of thread count is realistically 500 to 600. It’s almost impossible to weave more fabric in a square inch.
So, why do you sometimes see cotton bed sheets with thread counts in the 1,000+ range?
By weaving more thread into the horizontal portion of the sheet, they can effectively label their thread count as double what it truthfully is.
Shocking, right?
Fabrics like silk and flannel aren’t usually even measured by thread count (but rather, weight), confusing the average consumer even more and allowing brands to jack up prices.
Linen is the odd one out with heavier, dense fibers that prevent it from reaching high thread counts.
But that doesn’t mean linen sheets aren’t amazing. It means comparing thread count across fabric types is impossible.
Staple-length is another key factor in how your sheets will feel and how long they will last.
When it comes to cotton, not all cotton varieties are created equal. For instance, 100% Egyptian Cotton is vastly superior in durability and comfort than 100% Upland Cotton.
Why?
Staple length. When breaking down a cotton ball, it reveals thousands of cotton fibers.
According to the Textile Study Center:
“Staple length is one of the most important factors of cotton quality because both fiber fineness and fiber tensile strength are associated with staple length. The longer staples are usually finer and stronger than the shorter staples.”
Egyptian cotton has a longer staple length than traditional American cotton, producing a better sheet at lower thread counts than 100% cotton.
If you see “100% Cotton” on the label of bed sheets, it’s likely American grown Upland cotton that isn’t as soft as 100% Egyptian cotton.
Let’s recap a bit:
- Thread count is not the end-all-be-all of quality, but it does play an important factor.
- Thread counts can differ by fabric and weave, so much so that you can’t compare different fabrics to each other.
- Staple length can impact quality and durability.
- The maximum thread count for cotton is realistically 500 to 600, but manufacturers double weave horizontally to jack up their thread count without adding extra durability or comfort.
What to Look for Besides Thread Count
Now that you know what exactly thread count is and how they measure it in different sheet types, what else can you look for to accompany thread count when buying sheets?
Thread count is a great way to eliminate specific sheets from your list.
For example, if you are browsing items online or in a retail store, you can likely eliminate 200 thread count or below for cotton sheets.
The sweet spot is around 400-500. But anything over and your cost-benefit ratio starts to dip. You get very little extra benefits in comfort and durability/longevity for massive price increases.
Not good.
So, what are other key things to look for on a bed sheet label that signifies quality beyond thread count?
First up, the type of cotton or fabric used.
There are many different types of fabric used in bed sheets.
Some of the most common are:
- Cotton: Cotton is the most popular bed sheet fabric in the world. It’s often very affordable and easy to care for in your own home.
- Synthetics: When you think synthetic, think polyester. These are the cheapest sheets you can buy, and for good reason: they aren’t very breathable. If you often get hot at night, these aren’t the right sheets for you.
- Microfiber: Microfiber sheets are also a synthetic, but they are higher quality than polyester. While less common, these sheets are very capable of keeping you cool and refreshed at night. They are very comparable to cotton in comfort.
- Silk: Silk is one of the most expensive bed sheet fabrics you can buy. But, silk is also one of the most luxurious and comfortable. It is more difficult to care for at home.
- Linen: Linen is a thick fabric woven from flax, providing a durable sheet that can last for decades. Thread counts are much lower than cotton due to the fabric thickness, so don’t be shocked when seeing great linen sheets with a 150 thread count.
- Blends: One fabric type that is heavily underrated is blends. These blends (polyester + cotton) combine benefits from multiple fabric types to give a more affordable level of comfort.
Want more information on fabric types? Check out our detailed fabric chart summary to see what resonates with your personal needs.
| Material | Average Cost | Natural or Synthetic? | Pros | Cons |
| Egyptian Cotton | $$$ | Natural | Very soft, cool, breathable | Expensive, prone to wrinkling |
| Pima Cotton | $$ | Natural | Soft, cool, breathable | Prone to wrinkling |
| Upland Cotton | $ | Natural | Inexpensive, breathable | Not as soft as other cotton, less durable |
| Flannel | $$ | Natural | Warm, soft, durable | Not as breathable as other cotton |
| Polyester | $ | Synthetic | Inexpensive, durable | Not as breathable, prone to wrinkling |
| Microfiber | $$ | Synthetic | Hypoallergenic, soft, moisture wicking, wrinkle free | May attract more lint/dust |
| Lyocell/Tencel | $$ | Synthetic | Eco-friendly, soft, cool, durable | Not breathable, can feel damp |
| Silk | $$$ | Natural | Luxurious, soft, breathable, hypoallergenic | Expensive, hand wash only, not durable |
| Linen | $$$ | Natural | Breathable, absorbent, durable | High price point, too stiff for some people |
When you break down each general fabric category, you can find even more. For instance, cotton can be Egyptian, Upland, Pima, Indian, and more, all directly impacting the general quality.
Secondly, you should also look at ease of care.
For example, cotton sheets can be washed in any washer and dryer on warm and tumble dried on low to medium.
You can then iron sheets if they are still wrinkled.
It’s that easy.
But when it comes to sheets like linen, silk, flannel, and synthetics, you’ll have to be much more careful. Linen and silk likely need professional dry cleaning services which can be expensive.
Synthetics need to be washed and tumble dried on low, sometimes requiring multiple cycles to get as clean as a single cycle of cotton.
Before deciding on what sheet to buy, look beyond the thread count into what sheet type you are getting yourself into.
Lastly, consider the weave type that you’d want.
Sheets made from the same type of material, like cotton, can produce multiple different sheets that feel dramatically different.
Depending on the method of weave used, one sheet could have a rough, fuzzy feel compared to a silky smooth texture.
The two most common weaves that you will see with high-quality cotton sheets are:
- Sateen
- Percale
Sateen weaves are much looser than a percale weave, producing a sheer/shiny texture. These are often higher thread counts that you will find in hotels, too. Sateen has benefits for luxury look and feel, but due to the looser weave than percale it can deteriorate and pill at faster rates.
For percale, stick to sheets in the 200-400 thread count range. Percale weaves will produce a slightly crisp sheet (but still soft to the touch) with a flat or matte look. They are often very light compared to sateen and will last years with proper care.
What do we recommend?
If you want something luxurious and silky smooth like Egyptian cotton, go with sateen.
Want a crisper, lighter sheet? Go with percale.
In addition to weave, what is the best thread count to choose for each?
Find out using our thread count wiki below.
The Thread Count Wiki: Pros and Cons of the Most Common Thread Counts
Thread counts are all over the place. From 100 to 1,000 and higher, you can get just about any thread count you can imagine.
But what difference does it make? What characteristics set apart 400 thread counts from 100? Or 400 from 1,000?
Depending on your personal preferences for sheets, a higher thread count could actually be worse for your sleep habits.
Do you like a soft, silky feeling sheet? Or maybe a crisp, firm, and cool sheet? All of that depends highly on the thread count.
While thread count is often only associated in quality standards, it also impacts the feel of the sheet and the way that it holds over time.
Here in the thread count wiki, we will explain the pros and cons of the most common thread counts on the market to help you decide which is right for you.
We will cover each thread count range and list characteristics, common pricing ranges, touch/feel, and more.
Let’s dive in!
~200 Thread Count Pros and Cons
Sheets in the 200 thread count range are purchased often due to their cheaper pricing. But as we’ve covered before, pricing and thread count can be deceiving. Is it a marketing gimmick or do 200 thread count sheets really feel worse? Let’s explore.
Pros of 200 Thread Count Sheets
One of the most significant advantages of lower thread count sheets is maintenance. Unlike silk, linen, or high-quality Egyptian cotton, you can be less careful with how well you wash and dry them due to their cheaper pricing.
Lower thread counts can be good for people who find themselves sweating at night. With fewer fibers per square inch comes better breathability.
Cons of 200 Thread Count Sheets
Lower thread count sheets are very susceptible to pilling, so expect a 200 thread count sheet to have more issues with pilling than a higher quality sheet.
On top of that, thread counts on the lower end of the spectrum are often made from cotton blends, giving a crisper feel than 100% Egyptian cotton.
Due to that crisp feel, consumers often report that they have skin irritations from using these sheets, like itching and rashes. If your skin is sensitive, go for a softer sheet that won’t create tension and itching on your skin.
Expect heavy wrinkling with lower thread count sheets due to less durability.
Common Pricing of 200 Thread Count Sheets
Pricing for 200 thread count sheet sets can range all across the spectrum. In our research, a typical price for 100% cotton (no blends) is around the $80 mark.
Touch/Feel of 200 Thread Count Sheets
200 thread count sheets often have a mix between soft and crisp. While they aren’t rough and hard like some flannel sheets, they tend to be firm but still maintain the smooth texture of cotton.
Generally speaking, they will have a harder, crisper feel than 400+ thread counts. If you prefer a crisp sheet, this is your best bet!
~400 Thread Count Pros and Cons
As we stated earlier, the 400 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheet is the gold standard of sheets.
According to Realtor.com, “If you want comfortable, well-made sheets, look for ones made with 100% Egyptian or Supima cotton with a single-ply thread count around 400.”
DailyMail called 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets as “perfect for picky mother-in-laws” because it’s a sheet that pleases almost anyone who buys it!
Let’s break down why they are so popular.
Pros of 400 Thread Counts
400 thread count is a dynamic bed sheet that is great for pleasing just about any customer out there.
Hotels often use bed sheets in the 300-500 thread count range, making it the sweet spot for most customers.
This thread count provides many of the amazing benefits of high thread counts with a cost that doesn’t feel like a rip-off.
You maximize durability and comfort in the 400 range. If you want even more comfort, moving to the 600+ range will give it to you, but, for a massive price increase and little noticeable benefits.
Being machine washable and dryable, this thread count is easy to maintain for years. Just rotate your sheets every few weeks to keep them fresh and clean.
Lastly, a huge benefit with 400 thread count is the breathability and comfort. While 200-300 thread count sheets have slightly better breathability, they lack the comfort of 400+.
But going over 400 means more dense fibers per square inch, limiting breathability.
Cons of 400 Thread Counts
One of the only cons of 400 thread count sheets in the Egyptian cotton variety is wrinkles.
Cotton sheets, especially Egyptian cotton, need to be removed from the dryer and placed on a bed or folded carefully immediately.
Since they are so prone to wrinkling, even a few minutes after the dryer stops is too late.
This can be a pain for people living a busy life or throwing in laundry before they go to work.
Thankfully, you can combat this by running a medium heat iron on your sheets. Egyptian cotton is very durable and will withstand the heat.
Common Pricing of 400 Thread Count Sheets
400 thread count sheets, when used with Egyptian Cotton, give you the best of both worlds: a soft, silky smooth sheet that is durable and can last for years. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that the price is extremely affordable and going over 400 thread count with Egyptian cotton doesn’t produce enough benefit for the price increases.
For instance, it could cost you $300-$600 for 500+ thread count sheets using Egyptian cotton. But when compared to 400, you likely wouldn’t know the difference.
Bottom line: Fair market prices for 400 thread count sheets often range from $50-$125.
Find yourself a great brand that is trustworthy and isn’t charging a fortune for the sheets.
Touch/Feel of 400 Thread Count Sheets
Think back to the latest hotel you stayed in. How were the sheets? Soft? Smooth? Silky? Retained a cool temperature relative to the room?
That’s the power of sheets in the 400 range. Egyptian cotton is known for a silky texture that plays well with room temperatures. If you prefer a more crisp and firm sheet, look for lower thread counts!
400 Thread Count: The King of a Cool Night’s Sleep
Do 400 thread count sheets keep cool? The short answer is: yes!
If you are looking for cotton sheets, the 400 thread count sheet will be far superior when it comes to feeling cool and preventing any bacteria growth due to sweat.
Higher thread counts are also moisture wicking, but due to the higher thread count are less breathable.
If you wake up during the night due to sweating or feeling too hot even when the room temperature is cool, try sheets in the 400-500 range for improved temperatures.
~500 Thread Count Pros and Cons
500 thread count sheets are just a bit more expensive than 400, but they pack some impressive customer testimonials.
Similarly to 400 thread counts, 500s are loved by consumers for their quality to price ratio.
Pros of 500 Thread Count Sheets
If you’ve ever purchased lower thread count sheets, you have likely experienced a significant problem:
Your sheets pill dramatically and can even tear if it gets out of hand.
With 500 thread count sheets, you get the benefits of a lighter sheet with the durability of a heavier one. It’s one of the best in-between levels of thread count for all-around performance.
Being heavier, it’s durable and tear-resistant with little to no pilling if taken care of properly.
Cons of 500 Thread Count Sheets
Unlike 400 count sheets, 500 and above will be a bit warmer in the summer months. Consider having a different pair of sheets for warmer months of the year.
Just like most other cotton sheets that aren’t blended, expect wrinkles that can be harder to remove than lower thread counts as you must be more delicate on the fabric.
Common Pricing of 500 Thread Count Sheets
Standard pricing for highly reviewed products in the 500 thread count usually fall around $139.99 for a full set of sheets.
Touch/Feel of 500 Thread Count Sheets
The touch and feel of 500 thread count sheets will depend on the materials used (cotton types, weave).
Generally speaking, at higher thread counts you will be getting sateen weave, giving it a soft, sleek appearance.
Out of the box, 500 thread count sheets will be a medium softness and will break down with wear to become softer and smoother.
600+ Thread Count Pros and Cons
If you’re sold on extra high-end sheets, you probably found yourself ruling anything under 600 out of the question.
Some stores, both in retail and online, will sell sheets regularly at 600 to well over 1,000.
High thread count sheets have some extremely compelling pros, but just like anything great, they also have cons.
Pros of 600+ Thread Count Sheets
Possibly one of the biggest advantages of 600+ thread count sheets is the look that they have when compared to lower thread counts.
You have likely experienced this before at a hotel or a guest house:
You walk into the room, and the sheets just look pristine. They are ironed, smooth, soft and have that almost reflective lighting on them that makes them look nice.
Higher thread count sheets look sophisticated and elegant due to the common usage of a sateen weave. Sateen is a weave type used with spun yarn that produces a sheen and glossy look.
When it comes to durability, high thread counts win. If you plan to have a single set of sheets for years to come without continually rotating, a higher thread count is your best bet.
But if you do rotate sheets regularly, it can get expensive buying multiple pairs.
Cons of 600+ Thread Count Sheets
Cons of 600+ thread count sheets are relatively limited, but they can often be deal breakers.
For instance, out of the box, high thread count sheets aren’t soft. In fact, they are heavy and crisp until broken in over a few months of use.
Secondly, they are much cozier and warmer than lower thread counts, especially if you live in warmer climates or have warm summer months.
Because of their denser fibers, heat can’t escape as easily. If you get warm easily, opt for a 400 thread count sheet to reap the benefits of comfort and breathability.
Common Pricing of 600+ Thread Count Sheets
Pricing on 600+ thread count sheets can vary heavily based on branding. But don’t let branding fool you. They shouldn’t cost you much more than $150.
The higher the thread count often leads to increased pricing even if the benefits are minimal. If you do proceed with a higher thread count sheet, be sure to research the materials they use to ensure that it’s worth your money.
Touch/Feel of 600+ Thread Count Sheets
Many people associate high thread count sheets with being the softest material on the planet.
In reality, it’s the opposite (at first). High thread count sheets take dozens of washes and months of usage to soften up.
At first, they are heavy and more crisp to the touch. With time, the long staple sheet fibers start to lighten and produce a softer feel. When the fibers have softened, they become some of the coziest sheets out there.
If you prefer soft sheets immediately out of the box, higher thread counts simply can’t meet that standard.
The Ultimate Thread Count Chart for Buying Bed Sheets
You have likely done some research in brick and mortar retail shops or online looking for different sheets.
You browse different fabrics and categories, but you have a hard time narrowing down your selection.
Most retailers offer countless varieties of their sheet products.
Whether it’s 1,000 thread count or 250, you can find pretty much any variety online or in store.
The hard part becomes deciding what thread counts are too low, too high, and just right for the price.
It’s nearly impossible to decide without the proper guidance.
And that’s why we developed the ultimate thread count chart for buying bed sheets:
Click here to download the free thread count chart
As you can see on the chart, we have compacted all of the information from the Thread Count Wiki above to give you an easy, on the go chart that can help you make the right decision.
It’s a clear and concise way to analyze all of the amazing qualities of the sheet you desire without succumbing to branding on the package that says “10,000 thread count, the best ever!”
Comparing touch and feel, temperature, characteristics of the sheet, durability, sensitive skin, and what each one is best for, you can quickly make decisions on what sheets suit you best.
Plus, we’ve compared all of the prices for you to weigh your own cost/benefit analysis.
No more shuffling around dozens of sites to find the right price.
Feel free to download this thread count chart/buying guide or print it for your next shopping journey.
What Thread Count Sheets Do We Recommend?
Thread count is vitally important when picking sheets. But it isn’t the only factor to inspect.
Remember: higher thread counts don’t always mean better quality, but they always mean more money.
When push comes to shove, here are our recommendations for thread counts based on what sheet type you decide to pick.
Cotton Thread Count Recommendation
Cotton sheets can come in multiple cotton types. Here are our recommendations for the most common cotton bed sheets.
For Egyptian cotton, the perfect thread count we’ve found is 400. It’s why we sell it online: we believe in the product. It’s the perfect combination of affordability and quality.
With Egyptian cotton and its long staple fibers, you don’t need to blow money on 1,000 thread counts. Those are merely marketing gimmicks that are looking to take advantage of your wallet.
For 100% cotton, which is almost always Upland cotton, look for thread counts above 250 but below 500. Anything below 250 will be rough, short staple sheets that don’t feel as soft or smooth. Anything over 500 and you’ll lose that loveable breathability in cotton and will simply be paying more for not much added benefit.
Silk Momme (Thread Count) Recommendation
Silk, one of the most luxury sheet types available, actually isn’t measured by thread count. Silk instead is measured by “mommes.”
In English, that means they measure it by weight!
For the best performing silk sheets, look for sheets that are “19-mm” silk.
A great alternative to silk that is easier to care for is Micro Silk, a microfiber sheet with a silky smooth texture.
Weave Thread Count Recommendations
If you haven’t decided on which weave suits your needs best, here is a quick refresher of what different weave types are like:
Percale: crisper, lighter sheets with a tighter weave for durability and keeping you cool.
Sateen: a slightly heavier, looser weave that produces a heavenly soft sheet.
For percale, stick between the 200-400 range. For sateen, go with a higher count of 400-500.
What Thread Count Sheets Do Luxury Hotels Use?
You’ve just gotten back from a wonderful, relaxing vacation in the islands.
And while you were there, you got some of the best, well-rested sleep you’ve ever gotten.
There is just something about hotel beds and sheets that aid your sleep in ways that your sheets at home just don’t.
You walk into the hotel room, and the first thing you do is feel the sheets. They are soft. Silky. Smooth and cool.
This isn’t by accident either. Hotels specifically purchase sheets that provide a smooth, soft, and cool feel for their guests to sleep on.
Hotels are starting to sell the bed sheets that they use as well, as a growing market has expressed a desire to use the same sheets that gave them such good sleep on vacation.
But these are often ridiculously overpriced and can cost more than a used car for a single set:
$2,000 for sheets and a few pillows? That’s merely marketing hotel sheets as a luxury that few can afford, which is simply not true.
The Westin prices their “Luxe Sheet Set” at $451 for King sized sheets made from 300 thread count Egyptian cotton.
Want their ultra luxurious sheets at 600 thread counts? That’s gonna cost more.
In hotels, the most commonly used thread counts are around 300 in their bedding and almost exclusively will utilize Egyptian cotton for its soft texture and breathability. If the hotel is smaller or less focused on quality and luxury, 100% cotton is the most common.
So, why on earth are they charging hundreds to thousands of dollars for their sheets? Because they’ve used marketing tactics to appeal to high-end markets even though their products can be purchased elsewhere for under $60.
Don’t be fooled by price hikes on hotel sheets just because the hotel you stayed at sells them.
Instead, look for 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheets with a comparable thread count (but don’t exceed 500 or you will be paying a fortune for almost no added benefit).
The Best Thread Counts for Staying Cool at Night
Sleep is a touchy subject for many people. They’ve been telling us for years that we need to get at least eight hours of sleep every night for better health.
But, life often gets in the way. Whether it’s working long hours, trying to squeeze a gym session in after work, or taking care of the kids, getting enough sleep isn’t easy in our fast-paced world.
Consequently, studies show that more than 33% of adults in the United States don’t get their precious eight hours every night.
In fact, the majority of adults in America get seven or fewer hours of sleep per night. Sleeping less and having worse quality of sleep can contribute to poor health.
If you feel tired all of the time and are constantly yawning throughout the day, requiring fresh coffee brewed at all hours, you are likely not getting enough (and good enough) sleep.
Beyond total sleep time, quality of sleep is just as important.
If you are laying in bed for eight hours but spend the night tossing and turning, you won’t wake refreshed the next morning.
One of the biggest causes of bad sleep quality is your bed. More specifically, your sheets. Data shows that bed sheets can drastically alter sleep quality.
Cotton is a much more breathable, cool sheet that can wick moisture. On the other hand, synthetics like polyester aren’t.
But even aspects like thread count can impact how cool you stay at night.
For buying cotton sheets, higher thread count options that are over 500 to 600 are actually worse for keeping cool than thread counts of 300 to 500. Higher thread count means more dense threading per square inch, leaving less breathability for hot air to flow through.
Thread counts of 300 to 500 are a great mix of a soft, silky feel and the cooling effects of better air flow.
For cotton, stick between the 300 to 500 range for the best sheets to keep you cool at night.
If you want to purchase other materials besides cotton, microfiber sheets are some of the best for keeping you cool and refreshed.
Microfiber is great for wicking moisture and is even antimicrobial and anti-bacterial to keep them clean if you tend to sweat at night.
Microfiber doesn’t have a thread count, but you can measure quality similarly by looking at whether it is double-brushed microfiber or not.
Breathability is at the forefront of importance when producing double-brushed microfiber.
So, what thread count sheets do we recommend?
Using Thread Count to Find the Perfect Bed Sheets for You
Thread count is a critical component of bed sheet durability, comfort, and overall quality. As a general rule of thumb, cotton sheets are one of the best fabrics you can buy.
For the best quality bed sheets, focus your thread count on anywhere from 300 to 600, with 400 being the sweet spot for cotton sheets.
When buying cotton sheets, remember that long-staple cotton is the best of the best. This can usually be found in 100% Egyptian cotton sheets.
If you want to purchase sheets in silk, there aren’t thread counts to distinguish quality. For linen, expect thread counts in the 100-200 range that are the same quality standard as 400 thread count cotton sheets.
Depending on which thread count range you pick, you can expect differences in touch/feel, breathability, and durability over the long-term.
Finally, be sure to download our free thread count chart to help you pick exactly the right bed sheet every single time.