Shopping for sheets can be an agonizing endeavor. You want to make sure the bedding will be comfortable, attractive and last for a long time. Once you sort through all the styles colors and patterns, you are still in the dark when it comes to the quality of the sheet. If you were to ask a sales person, which sheets are of higher quality, you would simply receive references to the sheets thread count.
“Thread count” refers to the number of threads found in one square inch of fabric. This includes threads woven in all directions as well as threads twisted together in a 2-ply fashion. The thread count can be as low as 80 or as high as 1020 or more, but that does not necessarily dictate the comfort, quality and attractiveness of the sheets. However, if there is no mention of thread count, or it is below 180, with a few exceptions, you will probably want to avoid that particular item as the sheet will very likely be scratchy, and will not last long.
Generally, a higher thread counting dictates a tighter weave and softer fabric, but it also dictates a higher price. So, how high should you go? It really makes no sense to go above the mid 300’s in thread count. After that, thread count becomes a manipulation of techniques in order to be able to claim the highest thread count possible. After a while, it just becomes a number. Chances are you will not notice any more difference between 350 and 700-thread count anymore than you will notice a difference between Evian and Evermore bottled water. However, the difference in price just might catch your eye. It will certainly affect your pocket book.
There are exceptions to the low thread count rule. In some cases, you may actually want to look for a very low thread count. Sheets made of flannel or t-shirt style sheets should be more loosely woven for the desired softness, because the type of thread involved will become too stiff if woven very tightly. It will also lose its softness if the threads are too fine, which also affects the thread count. The more fine the thread, the more threads can fit in a square inch. Linen also requires a lower thread count with 100 being sufficient amount, as it is a thick fiber.
In recent years, even though thread count has become more and more the focus in justifying the sales price of sheets, it has actually had less and less to do with the true quality. There are chemical treatments available like mercerizing, which can give the sheets a sateen sheen and make them better able accept color, as well as adding strength to the product.
You can easily see that in many cases, thread count is little more than a myth. Therefore, when purchasing sheets, you need to avoid the hype. Just as you would choose neither the highest nor lowest price plumber available to fix your toilet, you should also choose the middle of the line option when it comes to choosing the sheets for your bed.
