How to Choose the Best Thread Count for Sheets

If you’ve ever shopped for bedding, you’ve probably stared at a label and thought, “Does a 1,000-thread count mean I’m sleeping like royalty, or is it just marketing fluff?”

Thread count is one of the first things people check when buying new bedding, but here’s the kicker: it’s not the only thing that matters. There are many other points that you must consider. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what is the best thread count for sheets, when it matters, when it doesn’t, and how fabric type and weave can make or break your sleep.

What is Thread Count?

Thread count is the total number of yarns woven into one square inch of fabric. It measures how tightly the fabric is woven. 

Consider it like traffic on a busy street. The more cars (threads) packed into a square inch, the denser the fabric feels. It’s measured by adding vertical threads (warp) and horizontal threads (weft). 

Thread count is measured by adding the number of vertical threads (warp) and horizontal threads (weft) within a specific area. 

For example, if a sheet has 150 warp threads and 150 weft threads in each square inch, the thread count is 300. 

Now, a high thread count often gets hyped as “luxury,” because finer yarns can make sheets softer and more durable. But here’s the truth: what is a good thread count for sheets depends on the weave and fabric type, too not just a number.

What is a Good Thread Count? Does it Matter?

Let’s answer the million-dollar question: what is a good thread count for sheets?

Good thread count generally depends on what you feel comfortable with. However, experts say good sheets generally have a thread count between 400 and 800, except for linen. But construction, the type of fabric, and its weave also make a difference in the feel of the sheets.

Anything below 200 may feel rough, while anything way above 600 often means manufacturers are playing number games with multi-ply threads.

Because linen is naturally thicker than cotton, the average thread count is between 80 and 140. Hence, thread count is often not listed on linen sheets since it’s not a helpful quality indicator. Some materials, like silk, microfiber, flannel, and jersey, aren’t even measured using thread count. 

When it comes to weaves, you’ll typically opt for a percale or sateen weave. 

• Percale is a simple grid-like weave that feels light and crisp. 

• Quality percale sheets usually have a thread count of 180-200. 

Conversely, a sateen weave has a more tightly woven pattern and feels soft and smooth. The average-quality sateen sheet will have a thread count closer to 250-300. 

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for common materials:

• Cotton: 200–400 (the best thread count for cotton sheets if you want a balance of softness and breathability)
  
  

• Egyptian Cotton: 300–400
  
  

• Percale Weave: 200–400 (light, crisp, and great for hot sleepers)
  
  

• Sateen Weave: 300–600 (softer, silkier feel)
  
  

• Bamboo: 300–500
  
  

• Linen: 80–140 (and that’s normal—linen is naturally thicker)

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Thread Count?

Thread count isn’t the whole story. Before you throw down money, here are other things that matter:

Preferred Sleeping Temperature

If you sleep hot or live in a warmer climate, look for cooling fabrics with a lower thread count, like bamboo and cotton. Note that percale sheets have a lower thread count because the plain weave has fewer threads in a square inch. This makes them lighter, cooler, and preferable for hot sleepers. 

On the other hand, if you sleep cold, consider a higher thread count or material like flannel that’s warm but breathable.

Durability and Longevity

Midrange thread counts (around 400–600) usually hit the sweet spot, giving you a nice balance of softness and strength. Within that range:

• Percale sheets are also known for their longevity. They stay crisp and durable even after years of washing.

• Sateen sheets, on the other hand, feel luxuriously smooth at first but can be a little high-maintenance, since they’re more prone to pilling or tearing over time.

Budget and Value

Sheets with a high thread count often come with a high price tag, mostly because they’re marketed as “luxury.”

But as we know, numbers can be misleading. Be cautious with anything claiming 900 or more, since it often signals a trick: manufacturers may use multi-ply threads to inflate the count without improving quality.

Instead, opt for a thread count between 200 and 600. Anything higher usually adds cost, not benefits.

Personal Preferences and Sensitivities

If you have allergies or other sensitivities and preferences, choosing the right material for your sheets is more important than thread count. Go with organic cotton or microfiber. Want a cool, crisp feel? Percale. Want soft and smooth? Sateen. Thread count comes second here.

How to Choose the Best Thread Count for Your Needs 

Now that we’ve unpacked the details, let’s pull it all together. Here are three simple tips to help you choose the best thread count for sheets without overthinking it:

Tip 1: Don’t obsess over the number: Thread count can play a role in quality, but it’s not the whole story. Start by deciding if you prefer the crisp feel of percale or the smooth finish of sateen, then aim for the ranges we outlined earlier.

Tip 2: Pay attention to fabric and construction: The fiber content matters more than chasing a high count. Some favorites like microfiber, silk, or linen aren’t even measured by thread count, so focus on the material that best suits your comfort needs.

Tip 3: Know when thread count really matters: The only time thread count really makes a big difference is with 100% cotton sheets made from single-ply yarns. In that case, a higher number usually means the fabric is woven with finer, smoother threads, not thick, coarse ones.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for the best thread count for sheets, sticking to the general guidelines above can help you choose wisely. Whether you’re wondering what is the best thread count for sheets, searching for the best thread count for bed sheets in general, or trying to figure out the best thread count for cotton sheets, the key is balance, comfort, durability, and value. When you get that right, you’ll not only sleep better but also enjoy a better quality of life overall.

At MedCline, we believe the right sleep solutions go beyond just finding a good thread count for sheets. We provide a range of specialized pillows to help you sleep comfortably and keep your head and spine properly aligned. Our products are clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of chronic health issues and sleep disorders, with a line that includes:

• An acid reflux system that soothes nighttime reflux

• A shoulder pain relief system to help you find comfort while you sleep

• A therapeutic body pillow for full-body support
  
  

Sleep, feel, and live better with a MedCline Relief System and get the rest you deserve.

FAQs

Q: Is a higher thread count always better?

A: Nope. Anything over 600 usually doesn’t add much. The best thread count for bed sheets is in the 200–600 range, depending on the material.

Q: What’s the difference between percale and sateen sheets?

A: Percale sheets have a simple grid-like weave that feels light and crisp. Sateen sheets, on the other hand, have a more tightly woven pattern that feels soft and smooth.

Q: How can I ensure that the thread count is accurate?

A: Be cautious with sky-high numbers like 900+. They often use multi-ply yarns to artificially inflate the count. Anything above this number is unnecessary and often lower quality.

Q: What’s the ideal thread count for hot sleepers?

A: For cooling cotton sheets, a 300-thread count may offer a good balance of breathability and softness.