Does thread count matter?

What is a thread count? 

We spend a lot of time in our beds, so it’s always worth investing in bed linen that gives you maximum comfort to help you get a great night’s sleep.   You’ve probably seen thread count mentioned on many bedding products, but what exactly is it?   Thread count is a way of measuring the number of warp (vertical) threads and weft (horizontal) threads in a square inch of bed linen, the higher the thread count, the more threads there are within the fabric.    

Is a higher thread count better?  

Thread counts range from 100 to over 1000, and many of us think that a higher thread count means a better quality sheet, however this is not always the case.   The ideal thread count to look for is from 150 to 400.  

A higher thread count of over 600 means that the fibres are more tightly woven together, making them much less breathable, and increasing the bobbling due to the fibres being compacted.    So if you have a tendency to overheat or you’re looking for bedding for summer, you’re better off choosing a lower thread count sheet.  

Some thread counts are higher because the fibres are simply thinner, and not better quality, breaking more easily.  Instead, look for sheets that are made from long fibre cotton that will last longer. 

There are advantages of a lower thread count - a thread count of around 150 will feel light and airy, and also mean that your sheets are easier to care for, drying much quicker (handy during the wet and wild winters) and easier to iron too.   

When to ignore the thread count? 

Beware the 1000+ thread count!  Manufacturers have caught on to people searching for higher thread counts, so look out for misleading (or irrelevant claims) 

Polyester and cotton blend fabrics can have thread counts in the thousands - as manufacturers can use techniques to make the polyester incredibly thin, with the purpose of being able to increase the thread count on their labels.  

Multi-ply fabrics - when two or more fibres are twisted together, usually to simply up the thread count for misleading marketing tactics. 

Jersey fabrics - cotton jersey is knitted rather than woven to give it a stretchy feel without the use of elastane, so it’s made up of loops rather than a weave that can be counted.   

Cotton flannel - a cosy brushed cotton flannel is always going to have a lower thread count due to the fluffed up nature of the fibres making them extra thick.  

How to choose your sheets 

Instead of looking at the thread count when you shop for sheets - here's what you should consider instead: 

Long Cotton Fibres - shorter cotton fibres that are cheaper to produce will snap and break more easily, leading to holes in your bedding as well as bobbling.  Always look for long fibre cotton.  At Greenfibres we use organic cotton from Turkey, India, Uganda and Kyrgyzstan.   This allows us to choose different types of cotton for different sheets.  Ugandan cotton is silky and strong, with long fibres that are wonderfully soft and is ideal for our luxurious cotton sateen sheets.  Kyrgyzstan cotton is stronger, tear resistant and usually whiter in colour, and works well in our long lasting classic cotton range. 

Choose Organic - Whichever sheet you choose at Greenfibres, it’s guaranteed to be 100% organic cotton, and certified to Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) so you can be sure it’s got none of the toxic chemicals you want to avoid, making it kind to your skin and kind to our planet.   

The Weave 

How the fibres are woven in your sheet will also have an effect on the feel and function of the sheets, and as bed linen experts, we offer 5 different types of organic cotton sheets at Greenfibres, woven to suit every kind of sleeper: 

Renforce - the most durable weave, gives a linen-like rustic feel that gets softer the more you wash it.   Designed for people that want to invest in a quality bed linen that lasts and lasts, used in our classic bedding range. .   

Percale - a grid like weave that allows for excellent air circulation and breathability, making it feel light, crisp and cool.  Perfect for warm summer nights or people that can overheat at night. 

Sateen - a satin style weave that feels soft and smooth, and feels like 5-star hotel luxury.  Feels luxurious on all skin types and is especially soothing on sensitive skins. 

Poplin - our easiest to care for bedlinen, is lightweight and breathable and with a looser weave meaning it dries quickly after washing and resists wrinkles well.  Add in energy consumption for this too.   (The bull carry this one) 

Flannel - crafted from brushed cotton fibres that are fluffed up for a warm and cosy feel, perfect for winter and the cooler months. 

Whilst thread count can be an indicator of the number of threads in your bedding, when you’re looking for a bed linen that works for you, we recommend always choosing organic to avoid synthetic fibres and toxic chemicals, and finding how the cotton weave works for you.   If in doubt, talk to us - with over 25 years in creating organic bedding we’re always happy to help you find the bed linen that suits you best.