High Thread Count Sheets: Luxury Feel or Marketing Hype?

June 12, 2024 5 min read

You’ve heard about the luxurious feel of high thread count sheets for years, but are these sheets really worth the higher price tag and the nonstop marketing hype? Even the highest thread count sheets aren’t always better than bed sheets with a lower or normal thread count. We’re here to dispel the thread count myth and uncover the truth about these sheets. From the pros and cons, considerations about material, marketing versus reality, and more, read on to learn more about high thread count bed sheets and whether they’re really worth it.

In This Article

Pros and Cons
Material Considerations/Comparing Alternatives
Marketing vs. Reality
Tips for Luxury Sheet Buyers
Product Reviews
Care and Maintenance

Pros and Cons

What is the highest thread count for sheets? Technically, most sheets shouldn’t go over a 600-thread count. For example, if a package says it contains 1500 thread count sheets, it’s almost certainly a lie. Now, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of higher thread count sheets.

PROS

Since high thread count sheets have a denser weave, they’re soft and silky to the touch for a luxurious feel.
Nice thread count sheets made of certain materials like long-staple cotton are quite breathable to keep you cool.
More threads per square inch of fabric means some of these sheets are very durable and will last a long time.

CONS

Some manufacturers are leading consumers to believe they’re getting high thread count cotton sheets by inflating their thread count numbers.
High thread counts with an extremely dense weave can lead to the sheets being too heavy, trapping body heat so you feel hot at night.
Regardless of thread count, if the sheets aren’t made of quality materials, they’re still prone to ripping and tearing.

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Material Considerations/Comparing Alternatives

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The term thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into one square inch of fabric. However, not all quality bedding has to have higher thread counts to be of superior quality. Here’s how thread counts impact different materials along with some comparison to a few alternatives you can consider.

Cotton: The quality of cotton sheets varies greatly based on the type of cotton used. For example, the highest thread count Egyptian cotton sheets or GOTS Certified organic cotton will be softer, more breathable, and more durable than 1000 thread count sheets made of traditional cotton. Anything made of extra-long staple cotton will always be better than even the highest thread count sheets.
Linen: Although it makes for superior bedding, linen sheets don’t actually use a thread count at all. Instead, they use GSM which refers to the weight of the fabric in grams per square meter. These thick bed sheets are not only comfy and soft, but they’re also quite breathable, moisture-wicking, durable, and tend to get softer with every wash for a long-lasting investment without the marketing hype.
Percale: Most percale weave sheets are made of cotton but may also include other materials like bamboo or even synthetic fibers like polyester or microfiber. These quality sheets must have a thread count of at least 180, but the ideal thread count for percale sheets is 300.
Silk: These bed linens are woven from finer yarns for an unsurpassed softness and sheen. Silk sheets of good quality should have a total thread count between 400 and 600, but it’s the actual source and quality of the silk that really matters in terms of softness, breathability, durability, and feel.

Marketing vs. Reality

When you think about high thread count sheets: luxury feel or marketing hype, it’s important to realize that some manufacturers do say their products have a thread count higher than what’s actually true. This is most common with sheets made of multi-ply yarns that inflate the number without improving the actual quality of the sheets themselves. Some people even think that thread count is nothing more than a marketing ploy. A sheet that says it has a 500 thread count but is made with two-ply yarns could be marketed as being a 1,000 thread count sheet just to get consumers to buy it. That’s why it’s so important to know the source of the material for your sheets and to research the manufacturer to ensure you’re getting the high-quality bedding you’re paying for.

Tips for Luxury Sheet Buyers

If you want sheets with a luxurious feel, here are some tips to help you find the best bed linen products available.

Even if you think a higher thread count equals quality, it’s not always the case. Look at the material itself, and the brand, and read customer reviews.
Consider what thread count hotels use. Most hotels with luxurious bedding use pure linen or Egyptian cotton.
Speaking of Egyptian cotton, these thick cotton sheets usually have a thread count of up to 400, on average.
Remember that a high thread count doesn’t always mean better quality. If the threads are split and companies count them as higher, it can actually lead to your beautiful sheets becoming weak and tearing, or it can cause pilling to form over time.

Product Reviews

Let’s take a look at some product reviews and comparisons of a few high thread count sheet brands according to experienced product testers:

Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets have a silky, smooth, soft texture and a sturdy weight which makes them durable yet breathable and luxurious to the touch.
The bamboo sheets from Bamboo Bliss have a good thread count of 400 with a nice sateen weave that makes them extra smooth.
Or & Zon’s organic percale sheet sets are crisp and cool according to real customer reviews, making them a good choice if you sleep hot.
The 1000 thread count cotton sheets from Latitude Run, a Wayfair brand, feature four-ply Egyptian cotton that’s wrinkle-free and cozy.

Care and Maintenance

Once you choose the best high thread count softest sheets for you, it’s important to know how to care for and maintain them properly. Always start by reading the product care label and follow these tips to ensure your sheets provide you with a good night's sleep for years to come.

Many sheets with more threads use cotton woven from thinner threads, so it’s important to keep them out of hot water, which can cause the delicate yarns to break down more quickly. Instead, use the warm water setting on your washing machine and dry your high thread count sheets on a cool setting.
To prevent shrinkage, hang your high thread count sheets to dry.
Unless otherwise directed on the care tag, use the gentle or cotton cycle when washing and drying your sheets.
Warm water opens the sheet’s fibers and removes stains, but hot water can damage your sheets – cold water also may not clean them as well, so warm water is key.
Always use mild detergent and only use the amount you need for a single load.
Wash dark sheets separately and add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle and half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to keep your sheets soft and clean.

While thread count isn’t the ultimate indicator of quality, it can make a difference in how your sheets feel. Remember the tips from our guide when choosing sheets, so you can find the best option for you.