Heads Up: The Thread Count on Your Sheets Is Probably BS
To get the best sleep, you need high-quality sheets. To get high-quality sheets, you need a high thread count, right? Well, not necessarily.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests bed sheets for every type of sleeper, whether you prefer cooling sheets, ultra-soft sheets or organic sheets made of crisp materials. We evaluate each set for fabric strength, pilling resistance, shrinkage and more, then consumer testers try them out at home for real-world feedback. We've cross-referenced our results with thread counts to see whether it really makes a difference. So without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the best thread count for sheets.
First things first: What does thread count even mean?
Thread count is the total number of yarns per square inch of fabric. A high thread count often indicates finer yarns: You can fit more thin yarns into one square inch than you can with thicker or coarser strands. As a result, the high thread counts have been associated with high-quality fabric because finer yarns are thought to make the sheets softer and more durable — but the truth is other factors like the fiber quality and weave are more important when you shop for sheets.
Is a high thread count better?
Sometimes, but not usually. Here's a great example: We tested a sheet set that's available in both 500 and 1,000 thread count options. Both did well in our tests, but the 500 thread count version cost $40 to $110 less, depending on size.
Our panel of 33 testers rated them exactly the same in a blind comparison for softness and feel. The durability scores were also similar in our Lab tests; the only noticeable difference was the 1,000 thread count version looked slightly less wrinkled coming out of the dryer.
What’s the best thread count for sheets?
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. On top of that, even though our tests have shown that the 300 to 500 thread count range is a sweet spot, a sheet that falls into this range isn’t guaranteed to be high quality: Again, fiber content and construction are more important.
When does thread count really matter?
The only (I repeat, THE ONLY) time thread count matters is for 100% cotton sheets with single-ply weaves. A higher thread count could be a sign that smooth, fine yarns were used instead of thicker, coarser strands. It's still not a rule of thumb — and shouldn't be the deciding factor when you purchase sheets — but it's the only time when thread count is even applicable.
When you should totally ignore thread count
If the sheets aren't 100% cotton with single-ply weaves, chances are thread counts are either misleading or irrelevant. Here's why thread count doesn't matter for other materials:
Multiple-ply yarns: Gimmicky marketers use two- or three-ply yarns to double or triple the thread count. Two-ply yarn means a thread that is made up of two smaller strands that have been twisted together. Good Housekeeping first reported on this misleading claim back in 2002 and, fortunately, you don’t see it quite as much anymore.
Polyester or blends: Unlike cotton, polyester fibers are manufactured in a factory and can be produced to be super thin, meaning polyester and cotton/polyester blends can have thread counts in the thousands. In fact, manufacturers are coming up with techniques to use thin polyester yarns with the sole purpose of increasing the thread count claim.
We recently tested a 1,400 thread count cotton/polyester sheet set that uses one of these techniques and (not surprisingly) it wasn't a top performer. Polyester does have its own selling points – it’s stronger, more wrinkle-resistant and less expensive than cotton – but it certainly doesn’t feel as luxurious as a natural fiber.Linen and silk: Similar to polyester, fibers like linen or silk can't have thread counts that are comparable to cotton. Linen is thick, so the thread count is inherently low, while silk is so thin that it's typically measured by weight.
Flannel and knit fabrics: These are usually made with cotton, but you likely won’t come across thread counts for them. That’s because flannel sheets are sold by fabric weight and jersey-knit sheets have an entirely different construction than traditional woven sheets.
What qualities make for a good sheet?
Fiber content. 100% cotton is the most popular, and there are premium (i.e. “long-staple”) cottons, like Egyptian and Pima, that make the fabric even softer and more durable. Just keep in mind that these sheets may be more expensive, and there have been instances where brands mislabel regular cotton sheets as Egyptian.
You can also find cotton/polyester blends, which cost less and are more durable and wrinkle-resistant, but they may not feel as natural. Then there’s 100% polyester, which you’ll see in both microfiber sets that feel super soft and performance sheets that help wick sweat. You can also opt for linen, which is popular in the summer because it’s breathable and has a relaxed look.
Construction makes a big difference in how sheets feel, and you’ll typically choose between percale and sateen. Percale is a basic, grid-like weave that feels light and crisp, while sateen is a satin weave that feels soft and smooth because it has yarns in one direction that float over several yarns in the opposite direction.
Other constructions include flannel for winter and jersey-knit sheets, which feel more like a T-shirt. Though it comes down to personal preference, our testers tend to prefer the smooth feel of sateen.
Bottom line: What are the best bed sheets to buy?
We’ll make this one easy for you. Here are some of the best bed sheets from our tests, with prices listed for queen sizes:
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