The higher the thread count = the hotter the sheet. The lower the thread count = the cooler the sheet. One final note on high thread count sheets; depending on the cotton, yarn and weaving, a high thread count can improve general wear issues with the weaker Sateen weave.
In fact, as thread counts increase, fabrics can become denser and warmer because there are more threads of yarn per square inch, especially if a multi-ply yarn is used. For example, 1,000-thread-count sheets tend to feel heavy and warm because the excess threads can make the fabric less breathable.
Best Thread Count for Cool Sheets
Buying a set of bed sheets with a high thread count may not be the best idea when it comes to breathability, because more threads result in a tighter weave and less airy construction. If keeping cool is your priority, look for low thread count sheets in the range of 180 to 280.
In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
High thread count sheets are hot for two reasons; 1) the amount of cotton in the sheet making them thick. 2) the sateen weave which while soft/silky, doesn't breathe and traps heat. If you're always cold at night, high thread count sateen sheets are a great choice.
Sheets with a thread count between 600-800 are considered very high quality. A 1500 thread count is through the roof. If you're suspicious about a set of 1500 thread-count sheets for $22 dollars, you're right to be.
There isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality.
Our 1500 Thread Count sheets are particularly popular as they are heavy and durable enough to last for many years. Over time, with use and washings, the fibers will soften and become some of the best sheets you've ever had!
Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 thread count is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
Material: Most of the sleep experts we spoke to agreed that sheets made of natural fibers, like cotton and linen, are your best bet for sweaty sleepers because they're the most breathable (and therefore cooling).
What type of sheets sleep the coolest? In general, sheets made from linen, bamboo, and Tencel offer the coolest, most breathable feel. Cotton sheets that feature a percale weave are also known for being exceptionally lightweight and airy, perfect for hot sleepers.
The surfaces of a slept-in sheet are not so smooth, due to having been slept upon. Hence, they make less contact with the skin. Thus, less body heat is transferred to the slept-in sheet. It's called BSHT (or body-to-sheet heat transference).
We want to keep some heat close to us to keep us warm at night, but some sheets are so dense that they trap too much heat. Any moisture from our skin also gets trapped, raising the humidity with it. That's when the temperature rises, and we wake up sweaty and uncomfortable.
It should never exceed 600 threads if you want the greatest cooling sheets. However, there are several more effective methods of selecting high-quality bedding. And it helps to understand what goes into making such soft sheets. First, you'll want to look into the materials that were used to make the fibers.
Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600. However, it's important to keep in mind that a higher thread count doesn't necessarily mean better quality.
Pilling is a result of friction; when the fabric is rubbed the fibers can break. For example, pilling can often be seen on fitted sheets near the foot of the bed where frequent abrasive movement (from rough feet) can occur. Even the stubble from shaved body hair, backs and legs can be abrasive enough to cause pilling.
Most hotel bed sheets are high-quality cotton, though you'll occasionally find hotel bed sheets made from linen. Look for durable and soft cotton, like Egyptian and Supima, and keep up with cleaning your sheets and bed so your bedroom feels like a luxury hotel.
The general range of 200 to 400 is what to look for, though counts in the range of 300 to 360 will likely be the softest.
Comfortable, durable, luxury sheets – the ones that you reach for again and again that become even softer and more wonderful after years of use and washing – usually have thread counts from 200 to 600, depending on the material and finishing used for the product.
The thread count for luxury quality Egyptian cotton, is from 200 threads per cm². Cotton sateen is a weave that offers a lighter, silkier, shinier fabric on one side and a more matte one on the other. For an extreme luxury drape, the weave can reach up to 1,000 threads.
The short answer is a resounding “yes” -- but it requires a bit of expert insight. Of course, we think you cannot put a price on a great night's sleep. That said, luxury linen is an investment and you deserve to understand precisely why expensive bed sheets are worthwhile.
Higher-thread-count sheets are made with finer (thinner) yarns. The more yarns that fit into a square inch, the smoother, denser, and more durable the fabric. Fine yarn is also more expensive to produce, thus resulting in pricier sheets (and why densely woven sateen is more expensive than percale).
At a minimum, look for sheets with an advertised thread count of 200. Anything lower than likely won't feel as soft, and may result in a less comfortable sleeping experience. The type of fabric and its weave makes a difference in the best thread count.