Shopping for sheets can feel overwhelming these days. There are so many options, so many colors, so many styles, so many feels, so many textures, so many everything. The sheer volume of choice can be paralyzing. After all, how can anyone possibly stare at a wall of seemingly identical white sheets and tell there difference between any of them? Without putting in the proper research and getting a sense of the current sheet landscape, it’s all too easy to come home with a pair of sub-par sheets and find yourself suffering from buyer’s remorse. Fortunately, you’ve come to The Sleep Judge, where we can provide all the secrets you’ll need to bring home the finest pair of sheets you’ve ever owned. Want to know what just might be the most important quality to look for in a sheet? Thread count. One little number on the package that lets you know if you’re buying life-altering silky sheets or sand paper bed covering.
Of course that begs the question: what number of threads is right for your personal linens? If you’re someone who likes really soft sheets, a thread count ranging from from 800 to over 1,000 will provide you with sheets so soft, sweet, and gentle that you’ll want to settle down for a long term relationship with them. It all really depends on personal preference and how much money you’re willing to spend for luxurious softness. If you are at all conflicted about which exact thread count that you should seek and and what that ultimately means, keep your eyes glued to this screen and scroll away. You’ll find everything that you need to know just down below.
Why Does Thread Count Matter?
Thread count really means the number of fibers woven together per square inch. The more threads spun together, the softer the sheet will be. The smaller the count is, the more still the sheet will be. Many people pride themselves on the number of threads their sheets have because of the texture. The sheer softness of the sheets can make the sheets feel like silk alone. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on silk sheets, you’ll understand why higher fiber count is so coveted.
Although higher fiber count equates to a softer sheet, don’t be fooled entirely by these numbers. If a sheet is constructed from a poorly manufactured weave, the fact that there is a higher thread count could prove irrelevant. Make sure you aren’t buying a low-quality high count sheet by making sure that the weave is not made of a shorter strand of cotton. The longer the strand of the material, the softer and more durable the sheets will be.
Benefits of a Higher Thread Number
Aside from being luxuriously soft, the benefits of a larger fiber count also come into play in the long run. A sheet made from better strands of fiber and more of them will simply last longer. The cheaper the sheet, the less durable it will be- the likelihood of it surviving multiple washes over time is diminished. A sheet with a high, top notch quality count will surpass the cheaper sheets in both the durability aspect and the longevity aspect. This in time will ultimately end up saving you money – you will only have to buy one set of high-quality sheets and continue to use them over and over, whereas a cheaper set will more than likely have to be replaced several times.
Another benefit of a sheet with a higher weave count is the coolness or warmness of the material. Some sheets made from better threads, such as sheets comprised of pure Egyptian cotton, can keep you either really cool or really warm – depending on the weather. The finish to these kinds of sheets is also more of a sheen finish, imitating that silk feeling which most people find luxurious to sleep on. If you have sensitive skin, for example, sleeping on a sheet with a higher thread number would feel like heaven to you.
Downfalls to a Higher Thread Number
As stated earlier, the number of threads per square inch to qualify as a “high thread count” would range anywhere from 800 to over 1,000. This being said, the higher the thread means the higher the price tag would be. Sheets that range from 300 to 600 can still offer you a luxurious sleep, but you’d have to make sure the sheet is comprised of a high-quality thread, like threads from that Egyptian cotton we talked about earlier. You’re basically going to need to expect to get what you pay for. If shelling over $100 on a set of queen sized sheets, for example, isn’t your thing, you best keep shopping for a better option for you and your budget.
Another downfall to a higher thread number sheet could be how you’re using them. If you have kids, for example, who tend to be a bit messy and manage to leave stains or spills everywhere, it’s probably not a wise investment to spend on kids’ high thread sheets. The chance of the sheets becoming damaged or stained becomes more likely, and the need for a higher quality sheet may not fit into this situation. You can still purchase luxurious sheets, just look at that thread composition, again. Anything below a 200-thread count, even, can still do the job – just don’t expect that heavy feel of silk against your legs.
Best Thread Counts
800 to 1,000
- Incredibly soft
- Made of high-quality materials (make sure to check
- Will last you plenty of washes
300 to 600
- Soft, but depends on thread material
- Will last you, but not as long as higher thread count
- Will be more cost-effective
Below 200
- Typically made of cheaper materials
- Can rip apart easily in washers or dryers
- Is cheaper to buy
Conclusion
So, although there are so many different brands and types of sheets to choose from, what you should really be looking at is the actual thread count, the construction of the actual thread, and the price. If you want to go somewhere in the middle, a thread numbers of 500 to 800 at a higher quality cotton should do the trick. This way, you’d have the best of both worlds and feel ok about the quality and price.
So, what do you think? Have a particular brand of sheets that you swear by? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know about your thread count experiences in the comments. Happy shopping!