Cotton sheet quality and thread count - we explain!
To get a good night's sleep, we all look for quality sheets. But what exactly does that mean? There is one criterion that should not be overlooked when looking to buy quality sheets: the thread count. But what exactly are we talking about? We explain everything!
The thread count, an essential parameter for the quality of your bed linen
When we talk about the thread count, we are referring to the density of threads woven into one cm² of cotton fabric. The calculation is made by taking the number of threads in the warp (vertical) and the weft (horizontal) over 1 centimetre. These two figures are then added together. This corresponds to the thread count. To make things easier, you can also check the label where this information is indicated. The thread count only applies to cotton.
The thread count is an important indicator of the quality of bed linen. Some professionals may artificially inflate this figure. To do this, they can use twisted threads and thus multiply the density of the fabric by 3. This will make it heavier and particularly uncomfortable. A percale cotton sheet may have 200 twisted threads per cm², but it will nevertheless be of lower quality than a sheet with 120 threads per cm².
It is therefore important to have a fairly precise idea of what quality bed linen is. There are three main categories. Cotton sheets with 57 threads/cm² are entry-level sheets. Sheets with 80 threads/cm² are mid-range. Sheets with 120 threads/cm² are superior quality. It is also important to take other criteria into account, such as the weave of the fabric. Traditional weave is the basis. Cotton percale is of better quality. It is made with longer fibres. Cotton satin is a luxurious fabric. The weave is dense.
Nevertheless, the number of threads per square centimetre remains a determining criterion and a key indicator of quality.
Understanding thread count
Knowing how to calculate thread count is therefore important. This reflects the density of the woven fabric. 60 vertical threads and 60 horizontal threads correspond to a fabric with 120 threads/cm².
When the thread count is high, this corresponds to a tight weave. The fabric will be smoother and softer. A low thread count results in a less light and breathable texture. This will be perfect for those who appreciate coolness during the night.
In addition to softness, the thread count also corresponds to the robustness of the fabric. A sheet with a high thread count will be stronger and more resistant to washing.
To help you better understand the impact of the weave density on the quality of the sheet, here is a summary.
As a general rule, the thread count does not exceed 160 threads/cm². A sheet with a thread count of 120 threads/cm² is considered top of the range. It is often associated with cotton percale or cotton satin. The comfort will be optimal and the sheets will be warm.
An 80 thread count sheet is of standard quality. It is soft and offers good ventilation and comfort. A 57 thread count sheet (the most common sheets) is the minimum for a quality sheet. A 42 thread count sheet can be of high quality if the weave and the quality of the cotton are high.
The role of the threads for your comfort
The thread plays a predominant role in the quality of the sheet. It is also necessary to take into account the ‘profile’ of the cotton fibre. The longer it is, the more comfortable the cotton will be. Nevertheless, these fibres vary according to the harvests. Even if the thread count is high, if these fibres are short, the sheet will not be comfortable. In addition, short fibres wear out more quickly and pill. A long fibre will retain its quality for a long time.
As we have seen, the more threads woven into the sheet, the more comfortable and resistant it will be. Nevertheless, if the nights are very warm, you can opt for sheets with fewer threads. It will be lighter.
Choosing quality bed linen is essential for getting a good night's sleep and proper rest. And the thread count is therefore particularly important. If you are looking for very high quality sheets, you can discover the King of Cotton collection. You will be able to sleep in sheets of exceptional quality and enhance your bedroom with aesthetically pleasing sheets.