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Is the Thread Count Worth Counting?
In our quest for optimal sleep comfort, we often find ourselves exploring options like plush mattresses, soft pillows, and high-quality sheets.
Although comfort can easily be assessed by testing mattresses and pillows in stores, judging bedsheet quality isn’t as straightforward. A common perception is that higher thread count indicates better sheet quality.
However, industry experts tell us that good quality sheets can be found without necessarily focusing on a high thread count.
Thread Count Explained
Thread count, as stated by Parachute, a home essentials brand, “is often misconstrued as a metric of quality, but that is a misunderstanding,” says Ariel Kaye, the brand’s founder, who spoke to USA Today.
So, what is thread count? It refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, according to Sleep Foundation. Thread counts for bed sheets can range from 200 to 1,500. This figure indicates not only the fabric’s softness but also its breathability and durability.
“Higher thread count sheets are generally pricier and tagged as higher quality,” says Sleep Foundation. “While a high thread count might indicate high quality, it’s not always the case.”
The Truth about Thread Count
Thread count is used to measure fabric fineness. “The number of vertical warp threads and the number of horizontal weft threads are summed to determine it,” confirms Deborah First, a fibers professor from the Savannah College of Art and Design, to USA Today.
First advises choosing bed sheets with thread counts ranging from 300 to 600. For linen sheets known for their excellent breathability, a lower thread count is recommended. A thread count in the 400s is generally a happy medium for bedsheet shoppers.
However, counting threads isn’t all there is to selecting the most comfortable sheets. The material of the fabric also plays a crucial role.
“When shopping for sheets, considering the effects of different materials on your preferred sleeping style and comfort is equally important,” adds Kaye.
Choosing the Right Fabric
A thorough investigation of fabric material can guide buyers to make better choices for their bedsheet selection.
Cotton and linen, made from natural fibers, are more breathable than synthetic materials like polyester, says the Organic Cotton Market, a household supply site.
First explains that fabrics such as Pima and Egyptian cotton are durable due to the quality of the components in each thread and offer a smooth feel.
But, when it’s time to rest, most of us are more concerned about the quantity of sleep we’ll get, rather than the count of threads in our bed sheets.
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