What's the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
The best thread count for sheets depends on a number of factors, including fiber type, fabric weave, and personal preference. The meaning and importance of thread count are commonly misunderstood, with the measurement often interpreted as an indicator of quality. Instead, thread count is a reflection of the warmth, softness, and strength of bed sheets.
Is a Higher Thread Count Better?
Higher thread counts are generally better: Sheets with high thread counts are softer, more durable, and less likely to wrinkle than their lower thread count counterparts. But a thread count can actually be too high. Thread count measures the number of horizontal and vertical yarns (or threads) in a square inch of fabric, so any sheets with an elevated thread count (anything over 1,000) are likely made with thin, lower-quality threads. This artificial inflation makes the common measurement of quality and softness misleading—and results in weaker, less comfortable sheets.
So, What's a Good Thread Count for Sheets?
High-quality cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, or bamboo-blend sheets will have a thread count between 200 and 800. Within this range, higher thread counts are associated with a tighter weave, warmer fabric, and a subtle increase in softness. Ideal thread counts for linen sheets are lower due to the nature of the fabric’s fibers.
| Material | Thread Count | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | 80-120 | Because linen sheets are made with thicker yarns than cotton sheets, thread count is less of an indicator of quality, softness, or warmth. Linen sheets may be measured by thread count or by grams per square meter (GSM). |
| Percale | 200-400 | Percale sheets feature a plain one-over-one-under weave and a thread count of at least 100, but high-quality options will have a thread count between 200 and 400. |
| Sateen* | 300-800 | Woven with more vertical than horizontal yarns to create a silky surface, sateen sheets should have a thread count between 300 and 800. Sateen sheets are softer and warmer than lower thread count fabrics. |
| Flannel | –– | Flannel is measured by weight, with the best flannel sheets weighing 5 or 6 oz. |
| Jersey Knit | –– | Jersey sheets are knit, not woven, so they do not have a thread count. |
* Sheets made from blended fabrics—such as cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell or cotton and bamboo—often feature a sateen weave that amplifies the fibers’ silkiness. Look for options with what is considered a good thread count for cotton sheets with the same weave.
What Thread Count Is the Softest?
In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets, especially when they’re made with high-quality natural materials. Weave must also be taken into consideration: A 400-thread-count cotton percale sheet set will be softer than a 200-thread-count percale set, but may not be as soft as a 300-thread-count sateen sheet. Our Legends Luxury™ collection includes our highest thread count sheets, which are sewn from an indulgently soft 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton.
The best thread count for sheets depends on your preferences. Choose sheets first by your ideal material or weave—airy linen, crisp percale, or silky sateen—and then look for thread counts that fall in the appropriate range for that fabric. Explore our Guides for more on choosing bedding and creating a comfortable space to sleep.