400 Thread Count The Best For Your Cotton Sheets?

Our top-selling collection of cotton sheets comes from our established 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding line, which has been our reliable choice for two decades. When seeking the finest quality and comfort at a reasonable price, our 400 count range strikes the perfect balance, offering great value without compromising on quality. Thread count is a term we are all familiar with, often linked to the quality of fabric. However, this is not always the case. In this guide to thread count, we clarify the reality behind it, how to recognize quality bedding and other elements that influence the softness of your sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases. 

There is a prevalent myth that a higher thread count equates to more luxurious bed sheets, but this is not entirely true. Let us clarify how it actually works! Thread count indicates the total number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into each square inch of fabric. Therefore, a 400 thread count sheet comprises 200 vertical and 200 horizontal threads. Simple enough, right? However, like many aspects of life, there is a limit to how tightly you can weave fabric based on the fibres used, which is a common misconception among consumers. Fabrics boasting a significantly higher thread count than our single-ply 400 count must depend on ply technology, a concept you may not be familiar with, so let us explain further.

A 'ply' refers to a fibre that can be twisted together to form a single thread. For instance, a 2-ply thread consists of two smaller fibres intertwined. Consequently, a 2-ply sheet with a thread count of 200 actually comprises only 100 individual threads, whereas a 4-ply sheet with the same thread count contains merely 50 threads. Manufacturers often include every ply in their thread count calculations, which can clarify why sheets with higher thread counts may sometimes feel inferior to those with lower counts. In essence, thread count is significant primarily for 1-ply fabrics, as multi-ply yarns tend to be smaller, less breathable, and less durable than single-ply threads. 

By tightly twisting two short fibres together, a 400 thread count sheet can be perceived as an 800 thread count sheet. However, it is crucial to note that a higher thread count does not necessarily indicate superior quality; it merely reflects the use of multiple-ply threads. When purchasing bedding, it is essential to recognise that fabrics with a thread count exceeding 600 typically utilise either two-ply or multi-ply yarns. While this does not inherently imply low quality, it can be misleading, as the luxurious feel suggested by the number may not be accurate; you are not truly acquiring a 600 thread count sheet. Furthermore, manufacturers may label a fabric as a 2-ply 600 thread count when it is, in reality, a single-ply 300 thread count. To complicate matters further, some manufacturers may employ lower-quality fabrics with thinner threads, rendering thread count a vague indicator of quality rather than a definitive measure. For those seeking a more dependable gauge of luxury bedding quality, ply serves as the most effective starting point. If one were to conceptualise bed sheets as a mathematical equation, ply would represent the denominator. Ply is the critical element in determining the actual thread count: ADVERTISED THREAD COUNT ÷ PLY = ACTUAL THREAD COUNT.

As illustrated above, the third example may initially appear to have the lowest quality, yet it actually features the highest genuine thread count. It is advisable to steer clear of multiple-ply options whenever possible, as they often represent a misleading attempt to enhance the perceived quality of bed sheets. Sourcing higher quality single-ply threads, such as those found in our 600 count Egyptian cotton bedding collection, tends to be more costly. Consequently, it is a common practice in the bedding industry to inflate thread counts by utilising cheaper multiple-ply yarns. A truly high thread count typically refers to fabrics ranging from 300 to 500. Fabrics with a high thread count are characterized by tightly woven strands, resulting in bedding that is cosier, softer and more luxurious. Additionally, a higher thread count indicates heavier bedding, which is an important consideration for those who prefer lighter sheets. However, as previously mentioned, while a high thread count can be a strong indicator of quality, a larger number does not always equate to better quality, and the ply value must be considered when assessing the true thread count of sheets. 

For instance, some manufacturers claim to offer bedding with thread counts exceeding 1,000, but fitting that many threads into a single inch is nearly impossible, suggesting potential manipulation of the figures. Therefore, is there a definitive answer to the question: 'what is the best thread count for sheets?' In summary, no. When purchasing new bed sheets, be cautious of exceptionally high thread counts; fabrics with counts above 1,000 are likely to be of inferior quality compared to those with more reasonable counts. In fact, it is wise to approach any bedding with a thread count exceeding 600 with scepticism, as it is likely to be two- or multi-ply. If you must compare thread counts, look for sheets with counts between 400 and 600, as they typically provide the best quality, breathability and value for money.

In a perfect scenario, assuming all bedding is single ply, we can effectively assess overall quality and comfort based on thread count. This is particularly relevant if the fibres have undergone carding, a vital step in cotton production that removes shorter, inferior fibres, leaving only the longer ones. When spun, these longer fibres yield a more robust and dependable material. But what constitutes a good thread count, and what is considered luxurious? Basic linen bedding typically has a thread count ranging from 132 to 144, while 'good quality' bedding falls between 180 and 220. 'Great quality' fabric exceeds 300, and 'excellent quality' linen surpasses 400. At the highest end, the most premium thread counts for bedding exceed 500. It's important to note that high thread counts are not the sole indicator of quality, as we have seen how this figure can be manipulated in manufacturing. Generally, quality bedding can be single-ply cotton with a thread count between 200 and 400. However, other elements also affect the feel of the sheets, such as the grade and quality of the cotton. 

The quality of the cotton or fabric is what ultimately determines the quality of the sheet, rather than just the thread count. While Egyptian cotton sheets often boast higher thread counts than standard cotton, it is the long staple cotton from the Nile that imparts the luxurious softness, not merely the tight weave. When evaluating bedding, consider the fabric's weave as well. High-quality sheets typically feature a sateen weave (one yarn under, three yarns over) or a percale pattern (one under, one over), resulting in a crisp finish for a restful night's sleep. For true luxury, seek out bedding crafted by manufacturers with a long-standing reputation for exceptional standards and excellence.

Whenever possible, opt for natural branded cotton such as Pima or Egyptian cotton sourced from a sustainable manufacturer dedicated to offering safe and eco-friendly bedding. The alternative involves using bedding treated with harmful chemicals like carbon disulphide and caustic soda, which are toxic and can jeopardize your health. Alarmingly, many manufacturers resort to toxic bleaches and dyes that are detrimental to both your well-being and the environment. Additionally, these harmful dyes can affect your overall comfort while trying to sleep, potentially worsening or even leading to skin issues.