Understanding Thread Count: A Buyer’s Guide

Navigating the world of bedding can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when terms like “thread count” come into play. Is a higher thread count always better? How does it affect the comfort and durability of your sheets and duvet sets? Let’s unravel the mysteries of thread count and its impact on your bedding. 

Thread Count: What Is It?

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads per square inch of fabric. It’s a common measure of fabric quality, particularly for bed sheets and duvet sets. Essentially, the higher the thread count, the more threads there are woven tightly together, which typically results in a softer and smoother fabric.

The Misconceptions About Thread Count

While it may seem logical to assume that a higher thread

count automatically equals better quality, this is a misconception. Some manufacturers use techniques like multi-ply threading (twisting multiple threads together and counting them as one) to inflate the thread count artificially. These sheets may not offer the expected increase in

quality or durability, despite their high thread count. 

In reality, a thread count between 200 and 400 is generally considered good quality for cotton sheets. A higher thread count may not significantly enhance the feel or longevity of the sheets.

Factors That Matter More Than Thread Count

While thread count does play a role in the feel and durability of your sheets, other factors are just as important, if not more so. 

Fabric Quality: The quality of the raw material is paramount. For instance, sheets made from long-staple cotton fibers will be softer, stronger, and less likely to pill than those made from short-staple cotton, regardless of the thread count.

Weave Type: The weave affects the look and feel of the sheets. Percale is a one-yarn-over, one-yarn-under weave that results in a matte finish and crisp feel. Sateen is a one-yarn-under, three-yarn-over weave that provides a silky, smooth feel and a glossy finish.

Finish: Some manufacturers use chemical treatments to make lower-quality sheets feel softer. However, these effects often wash out, leaving you with rough sheets. Look for pure-finish sheets (those without chemical treatments) for a truly luxurious feel.

The Bottom Line: Quality Over Count

For us at Cornucopia we follow the three “C”‘s – Composition, Construction and Conservation.

Sateen which is a smooth, lustrous and a strong weave is best made by  80’sx100’s( high count) Supima cotton yarns( 1.5 inches longer than any other cotton yarn) grown in the USA. 

Percale which is a soft, breathable weave is best created by a 90×110 square weave from Organic (cleanest) cotton yarns. 

Composition would be the type of cotton used and we use the most optimized cotton yarns and construction is the count of yarns used. 

Conservation is the last pillar in our production where our products are MADE IN GREEN by Oekotex and GOTS certified.