Your Guide To Thread Count: What Does It Mean? Which One Is The Best?

One thing we can all agree on is that thread count may not be the sexiest subject on the planet. Saying that, it certainly pays to have some knowledge when you’re looking to purchase quality bedding.

What Does Thread Count Mean?

The simplest explanation is that it’s a count of the vertical and horizontal number of threads per square inch of fabric.

The higher the thread count, the more threads there are within the fabric. More doesn’t necessarily always mean better, though that's what you may have been told in the past. There was a time when we were sold the idea that the higher the thread count, the better the quality.

This kind of misinformation was soon debunked because it turned out that clever marketing enabled many suppliers to boost their thread counts, doubling or even tripling them with tricks and multi-ply yarns. While in theory, they had a greater thread count, it was done through creative maths and the quality wasn’t always any better.

So, the lesson here is to be on the lookout for unbelievably high thread counts higher than 500 (some even go up to 1500). Don’t assume that they will be better quality and do your research before you make a purchase.

What is a Good Thread Count?

When it comes to choosing which thread count you want for your bedding, it often comes down to personal preference. So, if you prefer a lightweight, airy sheet or it’s a warmer time of the year, then a lower thread count might suit you. You really can’t beat the good old-fashioned classic cotton fitted sheet or duvet cover. Fine Bedding’s version has a 200-thread count, and the percale weave gives a wonderfully smooth finish which feels cool and crisp to the skin.

But if you like something denser and heavier or it’s a colder spell, then you’ll be looking at a higher thread count. For exquisite quality, comfort and warmth, look no further than the Gold Hungarian Goose Down Duvet.  Encased in silk-like cotton sateen, this has 100% Hungarian goose down and a 420-thread count silk-touch cotton sateen cover for unbelievable softness. We promise there are no fancy marketing ploys here, just great raw materials and workmanship!

Click here for even more quality linen from Fine Bedding.

What Thread Count are Hotel Sheets?

It was often thought that a higher thread count gives more of a luxury hotel feel to bedding. However, in this day and age and with advanced technology, you don’t need to have a ridiculously high thread count. It’s important to point out that there are other factors that contribute towards hotel quality, including the type of material. Bedding that’s rich in cotton gives a super-soft, smooth to the touch feel, guaranteeing a restful night of sleep.

Likewise, many hotels use temperature control bedding which is another factor that adds to their level of luxury, ensuring that the sleeper is kept at the optimum temperature all night long, regardless of the outside temperature.

Fine Bedding supplies luxury bedding to many British and international 5* hotels. Amongst our favourite products is the Smartdown Duvet, a luxurious and sustainable product with a beautifully soft to the touch 280 thread count cotton cover. The duvet fibres, wait for it, are made from recycled plastic bottles, a fantastic way to prevent more waste from making it to landfill. You wouldn’t know though because they’re blown and spun in such a unique way to simulate the comfort and warmth of natural down. It really is bedding that gives back to the planet!

And that’s not all because we’re so excited to announce the launch of our beautifully designed bed linen range coming soon in 2022. Keep your eyes peeled on our website for more news on that but as a little taster of what’s to come, get ready to meet our stunning Serenity Coral Duvet Cover and Pillowcase that’s crafted using sustainable BCI cotton with an extra luxurious thread count of 300, making it sumptuously soft inside and out.

If you enjoyed this article, we think you’ll also like How to Get Fluffy Hotel Quality Bedding at Home and 5 Reasons Why You Might Sleep Better in a Hotel Than Your Own.