A sheet should be at least 200 thread count to be considered good quality - a count typical of cotton sheets. Higher thread count sheets range from 300 to 800 and up, but 300 to 500 are common ranges for sheets made from Egyptian cotton, sateen, and bamboo.
Quality, comfortable sheets can be found with thread counts ranging from 200 to 800 and beyond. There's no magic number that is the perfect thread count. That being said, there are generally acceptable ranges for various kinds of quality sheets. At a minimum, look for sheets with an advertised thread count of 200.
Thread count: Single-ply cotton sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400 are ideal for bedding. Sheets with thread counts above or below this range tend to feel thicker or rougher than the best sheets.
Thread count is the number of threads woven together in a horizontal and vertical orientation per square inch of fabric. You count both lengthwise (warp) and width-wise (weft) threads. So, 100 length-wise threads woven with 100 width-wise threads produce a TC of 200.
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.
Choosing the Right Bedding For You
If you're looking for top luxury without the gigantic price tag, we would suggest 100% Egyptian cotton sheets with a 200 thread count, which will provide durability and fabulous comfort without breaking the bank.
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.
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.
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.
Gopinath said a 250 to 300 thread count was optimal (there's wiggle room, though, as Maher said 200 was also good). Gopinath told us a 400 to 500 thread count for percale could reflect a denser sheet made of fine, good-quality yarns. Over 500 was “not necessary or likely,” she said.
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.
The thread count (TC)
The thread count of standard cotton is around 150TC, with 180TC considered good quality. Anything above 200TC is high quality, but the count can go up to as high as 400, 800 and 1,000TC for the very finest threads.
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.
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.
We generally recommend Egyptian cotton sheets in the 400-700 thread count range. However, shoppers should keep in mind that there may not feel a significant difference between higher and lower thread count sheets, and many high-quality 200-300 thread count sheets are quite comfortable.
High thread counts can certainly make for better sheets, but the quality of the thread matters more than the number. In fact, a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count.
A sheet should be at least 200 thread count to be considered good quality - a count typical of cotton sheets. Higher thread count sheets range from 300 to 800 and up, but 300 to 500 are common ranges for sheets made from Egyptian cotton, sateen, and bamboo.
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. 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.
High thread count does not mean high quality sheets.
“Once you start getting into higher thread counts, the fabric becomes thicker and actually loses breathability and flexibility," says Foley.
Luxury hotel sheets are usually 300TC or 400TC cotton, with a tight percale or sateen weave to achieve the sought-after softness. For the same reason, you won't find bamboo bed sheets higher than 500TC (Australian standards).
Most hotels opt for percale sheets with a 500 thread count, knowing they will be more durable and comfortable than those with other weaves. Not only does white make you feel like you are sleeping in a cloud, it always feels fresh and new, regardless of how many times you have washed your sheets.
Frette. Quite possibly the gold standard when it comes to luxurious hotel linens, Frette has been producing the most famous Italian sheets available for over 160 years. You'll find these perfect linens lining the beds of the world's best hotel brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton.
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.
A sheet of a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a sheet of a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count.” It will also let air flow through the weave, giving you superior breathability and allowing for a more comfortable sleep.
Cheaper sheets or high thread count sheets will always be made from short-staple cotton. Also, for good-quality bedding, look for a thread count between 180-300. Anything higher than a 300-thread count means the sheets and duvet covers will start to feel heavier.