It’s a real temptation to choose bed sheets purely for their pretty patterns, and, while there's something to be said for attractive bedding, there are more significant factors to consider first. Thread count and material are crucial in determining the quality and longevity of the sheets you choose.
When considering new linens, many of us dream of bed sheets that rival those used in five-star resorts, to make a bedroom feel like a luxury hotel. Often, people think that to achieve this, they need sheets with the highest thread count, because the higher the thread count, the better the quality. But, as our team of experts explains below, it's not necessarily true of the best sheets.
So, what should you be aiming for? If the talk of thread counts and sheet comfort gets you in a tangle, we've asked the experts: just what is the best thread count for sheets - and what should we be investing our money in for a better night's sleep?ad count for sheets - and what should we be investing our money in for a better night's sleep?
What is the best thread count for sheets?
There's always a lot of talk about thread counts, with some discrepancies surrounding what constitutes the best thread count. Most significantly, the idea that a higher thread count is better.
“A thread count of 200 or higher is generally regarded as a good starting point for quality cotton sheets,” says Laura Spencer, design director at Ashley Wilde Group. “As a rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the finer, denser, and smoother the fabric will feel against the skin.
"Thread counts for bedding typically range from 200 to 800, though 1,000 and higher thread counts do exist," says Emily Attwood, co-founder of Scooms. "We would recommend choosing 400 - 600 thread count sheets. Lower thread count bedding may wear badly, higher thread counts can feel overly stiff or could have been made with lower quality yarn.”
The highest thread count for many bedding brands is 1,000, because it's considered that anything above this can negatively impact the quality of the material.
That said, thread count isn’t the only factor to take into consideration when buying your bed sheets, as Laura points out: "How the cotton is woven and the quality of the yarn also play a significant role in the overall feel and durability of your sheets."
Depending on your preference, many factors should be taken into consideration when it comes to finding the ideal thread count for your bedsheets, including the time of year, the quality of the cotton, and personal preference. In the warmer months, you may want to opt for something a little more lightweight and cool (so lower thread counts), while winter months will require something thicker to cosy up under (higher thread counts).
What does thread count mean?
"Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together per square inch of material," explains Emily and Jonathan Attwood, Founders of Scooms. This number is based on counting the number of threads woven horizontally (‘weft’) and vertically (‘warp’) into the fabric. When talking about the thread count, the duo points out: "This generally refers to cotton, as linen and silk are not measured by thread count".
The greater the number of threads woven together, the higher the thread count, which many think is the most important factor in measuring the quality of good sheets.
"Great sheets are determined by the quality of the fabric, the weave and the finish," says Emily. "A high thread count can be a good indicator of good quality bedding, although it won’t make up for poor quality ingredients and an inferior finishing process. Typically, cotton materials with a higher thread count are warmer, more durable, softer or soften well over time - up to a point."
What thread count bed sheets do hotels use?
Who better to answer this question than Catherine Morris, MD of Tielle, the brand behind the bedding in some of the world’s most famous five-star hotels? "The most discerning luxury hotels choose linens with thread counts between 200 and 400, rarely exceeding 600. "
"This thoughtfully selected range offers the perfect harmony of fabrics that wash beautifully and iron with ease, while still maintaining their luxurious feel through years of use. The threads are sufficiently fine to feel soft against your skin, yet robust enough to withstand the rigorous care regimens of luxury hospitality.
So, generally speaking, what thread count is most beloved by our hotel partners? "A perfect 300, offering the ideal balance between long-lasting quality and sumptuous comfort," Catherine confirms.
What is the recommended minimum thread count for sheets?
While there's strictly no minimum thread count for bed sheets, anything between 200 and 400 is a 'good' number to go for. Anything less than 200 may be uncomfortable to sleep on, and won't last as long after repeated wash cycles.
"If your cotton is good quality, a thread count of 200-500 will have enough weight to feel luxurious, without being stifling," says Laura Honey, w&h home e-commerce editor. "The factor that will affect how it feels is really the weave: percale is light and crisp (perfect for hot flushes and night sweats), while sateen is soft and luxurious (it’ll feel more decadent and cocooning)."
"A higher thread count creates a soft and luxurious texture against your skin, whereas looser weaves with fewer threads can cause sheets to feel rough," says Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom.
"Higher thread count bed linen is typically heavier; therefore, it can be quite the workout to strip the bed, while the increased volume is more space-consuming in the washing machine," Georgia explains. 'However, the tight thread count means that you can be sure your bed linen will be durable and long-lasting."
RRP: £22-195 | Composition: 100% 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton | Thread count: 400 | Sizes available: Emperor, Super King, King, Double, Single | Care instructions: machine washable
RRP: From £160 | Composition: 100% Egyptian cotton | Thread count: 500 | Sizes available: Emperor, Super King, King, Double | Care instructions: machine washable
What is the best thread count for sheets to stay cool?
Throughout the summer, investing in the best sheets to keep you cool and comfortable during warm nights is essential – along with a cooling pillow, perhaps.
When considering the material, cotton is the most popular choice. It's a fabric that transmits heat and absorbs moisture well, meaning it cools you down more effectively than any other natural material. Cotton sheets are also generally more durable and affordable than most alternatives.
Regarding thread count, a lower number is preferable for a cool night's sleep. This is because sheets with a higher thread count tend to have a tighter weave, resulting in less breathability, which can make you feel even warmer overnight. You can find sheets with a thread count as low as 180, but we recommend a minimum of around 200 for comfort that still allows maximum airflow while you sleep.
What is the most luxurious thread count for sheets?
In addition to the best pillows money can buy and a good-quality mattress, you are probably going to want to invest in sheets with a higher thread count.
This is because thread counts of 1,000 are considered the most luxurious, offering a fuller, thicker, softer, and overall higher-quality feel. It should come as no surprise that these are on the higher end of the price scale, too.
However, if you're someone who is after a super-high thread count, you should be aware that a high thread count does not always mean better quality, particularly when looking at four figures.
Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count of over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
So, if possible, always see the sheets in the shop before you buy them, just to ensure they are of the quality you expect. If shopping online, double-check the brand's return policy before you purchase. That way, if your 'luxurious' bedsheets don't live up to your expectations when they arrive, you can always send them back.
How to tell if sheets are good quality
We've established that the highest thread count doesn't necessarily indicate the best sheets, nor does it mean the best quality. So how can you tell if the sheets you're buying are good quality or not?
“Always look for 100% cotton, as natural fibres are not only kinder to the skin but also regulate temperature better than synthetics," says Laura Spencer. "Sateen weaves give a silky, lustrous finish, whereas Percale offers a crisp, cool feel – both are excellent choices depending on personal preference. For everyday practicality, make sure the sheets are machine washable at 40 degrees.”
"Keep an eye out for suspiciously sounding high thread count. Some manufacturers, unfortunately, achieve high thread counts by artificial means," says Emily. "Instead of counting individual threads, they count each ply spun within each thread and then twist multiple yarns together. This could indicate low-quality cotton that is artificially strengthened in this way."
“The best sheets combine comfort with durability. High-quality sheets should feel soft and breathable straight away, while still being strong enough to stand up to regular washing,” Laura adds.
Are 200 thread count sheets good?
As we've discovered, 200-thread-count sheets are the ideal luxury starting point for those looking for an affordable option, provided the material is of good quality. “Yes, when made from 100% cotton, a 200-thread-count sheet can be a wonderful balance of comfort, breathability and durability," says Laura Spencer.
"They’re often lighter and cooler than higher thread counts, making them an excellent option for warmer months or those who prefer a fresher, crisper feel to their bedding.”
In conclusion, the best thread count can vary depending on the material, so here's our advice for choosing the best bed sheets for you. "The key decision-maker will be the fabric and weave that you choose," says Laura Honey, w&h homes e-commerce editor.
"For most people, this boils down to cotton vs linen or bamboo. Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton are classic choices for a crisp-hotel-style look, while linen is beautifully breathable and comes with a cosy, lived-in look that gets softer over time. Bamboo, on the other hand, will feel silky smooth (almost slippery), and it is incredibly cooling."
"My last piece of advice is not to forget about the practicalities," says Laura. "If you hate ironing, look for sheets with an easy-care finish or a style that suits the ‘naturally rumpled’ look that linen is so famous for. If your duvet always slides around inside the cover, look for duvet loops. I’d always go deeper than you need with fitted sheets, too, because a thick mattress or mattress topper can turn making the bed from a breeze into a battle."
Finally, if you like a coordinated look, shop with brands that sell separates, so you can mix and match your fitted sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases. I’m a firm believer that investing in the right places really pays off when it comes to sleep.
