What Is a Good Thread Count for Bedsheets?
A number of factors are relevant to evaluating the quality of bedsheets. Appearance is, of course, important, as well as fabric content. Another important measure of quality of bedding fabric is thread count, which measures the tightness of the weave. The best quality sheets have thread counts of 600 and higher. Does this Spark an idea?
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Weaving Terms
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Woven fabric is produced on looms. The lengthwise threads or yarns on the loom are called warp threads, while the crosswise threads are called weft threads. To determine thread count, both warp and weft threads are counted within 1 square inch of fabric.
High Thread Counts
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Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the better and more expensive the sheets will be. Like most generalities, the simple definition of thread count can be misleading. Bed sheets may be woven from single threads or from yarns made up of two or more threads wound together. Some manufacturers count a two-ply yarn twice, yielding a higher thread count.
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Differences between 600-Count Sheets
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Knowing whether 600-count sheets have 300 two-ply threads to the inch or 600 one-ply threads to the inch is important. The two-ply yarns will produce a more durable sheet, while the 600 single-ply threads will produce a softer and more delicate sheet. Sheets made from good-quality single-ply threads are usually more expensive.
Shorthand Classifications
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Sometimes instead of reporting thread count, sheets are simply labeled as "percale" or "luxury." By common industry practice, percale sheets are understood to have thread counts between 180 and 220, while luxury sheets have thread counts of 300 and higher.
Other Factors
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Purchase sheets with reference to thread count but also feel the sheets, examine the construction and study any other information that the manufacturer provides regarding the quality of its product before deciding which sheets to purchase.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jesse Yardley
