Does Thread Count for Sheets Really Matter? Here's What the Experts Say

Whether you’re shopping for sheets for your primary bedroom, a guest room, or as linen closet back-ups, one term that’ll appear often is thread count. You’ve seen it proudly displayed on labels and within online descriptions, but what does it really mean—and does it actually matter? Moreover, if higher thread counts are the way to go, is there a particularly best thread count for sheets?

Understanding thread count is just the beginning of curating your dream sleeping space. Here, experts finally reveal the truth beyond your bedding’s thread count and what to look for the next time you’re sheet shopping.

What Does Thread Count Refer to?

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. Take for example a set of sheets labelled with a thread count of 500. It can be inferred that the fabric has 250 lengthwise threads and 250 widthwise threads. Make sense? "It's simply the number of threads woven together in one square inch of fabric, with higher counts generally meaning softer, smoother sheets for your sleep," explains Kerrie Kelly, a fellow with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

"Thread count is how we measure the softness and quality of bed sheets," Kelly adds, noting that historically the belief has been that the higher thread count, the softer, more luxurious the sheets. But before you rush to the highest number on the shelf, it’s worth diving deeper into the details.

Is Thread Count Important for Buying Sheets?

The concept of thread counts dates far back, a time before synthetic fibers were widely used—meaning that it works under the assumption that each yarn consists of a single strand. So while thread count can certainly matter when shopping for 100 percent cotton sheets, it’s less important for other materials. 

You should also keep in mind that thread count measures how many threads are woven into the fabric; it doesn’t take into account the quality of those threads themselves. So while high thread count can indicate a denser weave in some fabrics, it’s not all that goes into play when hunting for the softest sheets.

"Quality is determined by various factors, which can significantly impact the overall feel, durability, and comfort of the sheets," says textile designer Isabelle Abbott. "It’s essential to look beyond thread count when assessing sheet quality."

Is a Higher Thread Count Better?

Simply put, a higher thread count is not always better since it does not always directly correlate to quality. "With man-made fibers, we are tending toward grams per square inch (GSM) or weight instead of the more traditional cotton thread count," says Deborah Young, a textile expert and educator.

The material you choose determines how much thread count should play into your decision-making process, if at all. As Young explains, you may have a whole other unit of measurement to consider. Materials such as jersey, flannel, and microfiber are better measured not by thread count but by GSM, while silk is graded and weighted by a unit called "momme."

You should also consider exactly what you value in a set of sheets. "A very high thread count means the threads are finer and sometimes weaker," explains Young, meaning that they oftentimes won't be as durable as a more standard thread count set.

Is There a Best Thread Count for Sheets?

While thread count is not the singular most important measure of soft and comfortable sheets, according to Abbot, a 300 to 500 thread count is the sweet spot. "This range strikes a balance between a silky-smooth feel and good breathability, making for a cozy night’s sleep," she says.  

"I would not stray above 1200," Young adds, due to their limited durability, especially when it comes to daily use or frequent laundering. "They get too weak and too thin."

At the end of the day, err, night, there is no singular number that equates comfort. "Comfort is a highly individual preference, and some may prefer higher or lower thread counts or different fabric types for their ideal sheet comfort," says Abbot. "It’s always a good idea to try out different options to discover what feels best for you personally."