When shopping for sheets, one of the first things that comes up is thread count. Whether it’s front-and-center on the packaging or at the front of your mind, it’s always the stitched elephant in the room. Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric, including both horizontal and vertical threads. Some brands equate high thread counts with a superior quality or better sheet (though that’s becoming less common these days)—sets sometimes are touted as having thread counts as high as 800 or 1000, and dubbed “luxurious.” But thread count is only one factor in determining if you’ll like a bed sheet, and it’s not necessarily the most important one.
Picking a great set of sheets isn't purely about choosing the one with the best thread count.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: GETTYI’m here to eliminate your confusion about thread count once and for all. Instead of choosing a sheet based on the notion that “higher thread count is better,” for example, as a fabric and textile expert I encourage you to consider how thread count affects the sensation of a sheet. That way, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your sleeping preferences, overall.
My educational background is in textiles, and I’ve worked in fabric product integrity. I’ve also personally tested dozens upon dozens of sheets—and I’m here to demystify thread count. I’ll walk you through all the aspects of thread count, including if it matters to begin with, as well as everything you need to know about thread count as it relates to sheets, so you’ll be able to choose the best set for your preferences, rather than picking a sheet with a high thread count and ending up unsatisfied.
As I touched on earlier, thread count is the number of threads in a square inch of fabric, counting both horizontally and vertically.
Though thread count is thought of as a universal measure when it comes to sheets, the number doesn’t actually apply to all fabrics. In fact, thread count is mostly used for woven sheets, as opposed to knit ones. This is because the number doesn’t make sense for knit sheets due to the way they're constructed. You’ll often see thread count in percale and sateen sheets, as these are woven and not knit.
With other sheet types, such as some linen sets, jersey and flannel options, thread count isn’t used. Instead a weight like ounces or GSM (grams per square meter) is what manufacturers will sometimes advertise.
Thread count matters, but not in the way most people think. Thread count doesn’t inherently correlate to the quality of the sheet. Instead, the number should mostly be used as a tool for figuring out how thick or thin the sheet will feel. What you want will build down to your preferences. A higher thread count generally signals a thicker sheet, while a lower one makes for a thinner sheet.
Although it may seem like a higher thread count is better, that’s not always the case—and you shouldn’t base your decision purely on that. There are lots of factors that go into the quality of a sheet and how it feels when you curl up with it, such as the fiber type and quality, the weave or knit and finishing processes. For example, a 400 thread count sheet made with quality long-staple cotton will likely feel softer than a 600 thread count sheet made with poor-quality cotton.
Personal preferences and overnight temperature play a large role in determining whether a higher or lower thread count is better for you, too. If you’re a hot sleeper, you may choose a lower thread count percale or linen sheet (I’d suggest something around 270 instead of 400) as it will be lighter and more breathable. I’ve tested sheets around the 200 thread count mark, and these are very thin and sometimes gauzy to the point of being see-through, which may be a good option for a hot sleeper who doesn’t want a lot of coverage. But if you don’t like thin sheets, something closer to 400-500 thread count might strike the right balance.
Someone who lives in a colder climate may prefer a higher thread count, as these sheets will have less airflow. Again, the same rule applies: If you want a thicker sheet, choose a higher thread count. In addition, if you are shopping for sateen sheets, you may want to opt for a higher thread count for that thick, luxe feel that’s often associated with these sheets.
Lastly, you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for a high-quality sheet set. I’ve tested sheets with a 500 thread count that were extremely nice and more reasonably priced than sheets with a much higher thread count and price tag.
Sateen and percale sheets use thread count to measure fabric, but other types of sheets are often assessed by weight.
Flannel is measured in ounces or GSM (grams per square meter). As with thread count, the higher the number, the heftier the sheet will feel. You’ll typically see flannel sheets in the 4-5 ounce (140-170 GSM) range, and I’ve found that’s is a good weight for those that want warmth but not something extra thick. If you live in a particularly cold climate or sleep cold, you’ll likely want something heavier, like a 6-ounce (200 GSM) flannel sheet.
The weight of linen sheets is not as commonly listed as other sheets, but when brands do provide it, it will likely be in GSM. I’ve found 150 to 180 GSM is a good weight range for linen sheets. This is at the lower end of the 130 to 200 GSM range. However, if you sleep hot, you may want a lighter linen sheet, like Avocado’s Organic Linen Sheets which are 130 GSM, which are somewhat see-through, making them light and airy, and great for hot sleepers.
Silk sheets are measured in momme, which is a GSM or ounces per yard value that’s converted into a corresponding momme number. You’ll typically find silk sheets in 19-22 momme and like thread count and GSM/weight, the higher the number the more substantial the fabric.
The fabrics in this category do not frequently have a weight or thread count listed, which is largely due to the fabric’s construction. If it is labeled, microfiber and jersey sheets are measured in GSM. Sheets made with fabric derived from bamboo also don't often give a measurement. Because these sheets don’t list weight or thread count, it’s better to look for other qualities. We’ll get into that next.
The construction of a fabric also plays a key role in how it feels. If you’re looking for cotton sheets, the most common weaves are sateen and percale. Sateen sheets have a slight sheen to them and are popular for their soft, smooth feel. They can be a great year-round choice—though they often have a higher thread count than percale sheets and a heftier feel.
Percale sheets follow a different weave pattern than sateen sheets, which gives them a crisp feel and are often lighter and more airy than sateen sheets, making them great for warmer temperatures and hot sleepers. Good percale sheets should make you feel like you’re curling up in a mega version of a quality cotton button-up shirt.
Sheets made with fabrics like rayon, lyocell or viscose derived from bamboo are typically sateen or twill weave. Like cotton sateen sheets, the weave lends these a smooth feel, but the resemblance stops there. The fiber in these sheets has more of a sheen, and feels slicker than cotton sateen sheets. They also often feel lighter. Twill weave sheets have a slightly rougher feel but are more durable and feel heavier than sateen.
It’s also worth mentioning jersey sheets, which are not woven but knit. These feel like t-shirts and stretch when you pull on them.
Along with weave, the fiber type matters as well. When it comes to cotton, the quality of the fiber, which corresponds to staple length, can make a significant difference in how soft the sheet feels. The staple refers to the length of the individual fiber.
For the softest cotton sheets, look for terms like Egyptian, Supima or other cotton labeled “long” or “extra-long staple.” The long staple fibers make for a softer and more durable sheet that’s less prone to pilling—though they often come with a higher price tag.
There are two primary finishing processes applied to sheets: combing and brushing.
You may see cotton described as “combed,” which is a manufacturing process where the cotton is combed through to remove short fibers and align the cotton fibers, resulting in a softer and stronger yarn. In my experience, combing helps make the fabric softer, so it’s good to look out for in addition to the other factors mentioned.
Brushing is a technique where metal bristles rub the fabric to create a fuzzy surface. This is how flannel is made, and the process makes the fabric extra warm and soft. For the warmest and most cozy sheets, look for flannel that’s brushed on both sides instead of just one side.
You’ll also come across some sheets that are brushed, but not flannel. These are often only lightly brushed for a softer touch but not necessarily warmth, sort of like applying a layer of light peach fuzz to the sheet.
Over the years I’ve tested dozens of sheets, here are some of the best high quality sheets available.
Brooklinen
The Luxe Core Sheet Set is one of Brooklinen’s most popular products, and for good reason. The sheets feel buttery smooth and have a slight sheen. The fabric is made of long-staple cotton and has a 480 thread count, making the set soft with a substantial feel. Forbes Vetted staff members, including executive content director Cory Baldwin, love these sheets, too. She extolls the sheets for their lack of pilling, and says they’re “great” overall.
Quince
If you’re in the market for bamboo sheets, look no further than Quince. Its viscose sheets are made from bamboo with a sateen weave, so they have a luminous look. I’ve slept on these and they feel slick and almost silk-like. The fabric feels cool to the touch and helps regulate body temperature, making these a great choice for hot sleepers. Our mattress and sleep editor, Lindsey Vickers, has tried them out and enjoyed sleeping on them. Her only caveat is that they tend to show drool, and pretty apparently. If you’re a major drooler, and you don’t like the look of concentric rings where you’ve woken up, you may want to consider a different set.
Coyuchi Inc.
Of all the percale sheets I’ve tested, Coyuchi’s 300 Thread Count Organic Percale Sheets are among my all-time favorites. If you like your sheets crisp, you’ll love these. They are among the crispest sets I’ve tried, but they still feel soft and breathable. The 7-inch hem on the flat sheet lends them a luxe look, which I appreciate, especially as the set is costly.
Brooklinen
For percale sheets that aren’t quite as pricey as our last pick, I’d recommend the Brooklinen Classic Core percale sheets. I’ve tested this set and have suggested this set to several friends since. The Brooklinen set is crisp and light with a 270 thread count, making them great for hot sleepers.
Sheets & Giggles
This set from Sheets and Giggles is made with lyocell fabric derived from eucalyptus. They help wick away moisture and regulate body temperature. While thread count and weave aren’t listed by the manufacturer, when I tested these, they had a smooth, slick and light feel. The set is also a favorite among my friends who rave about how cool these sheets keep them while they sleep.
Buffy
For the longest time, I disliked linen sheets because of the scratchiness on my sensitive skin, but this set from Buffy converted me with its smooth feel that isn’t rough. They have a lived-in look and are very breathable, making them a good choice for hot sleepers.
If you have any questions on High Strength Thread Bar. We will give the professional answers to your questions.