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After a very tough and tiring day, there is nothing better than hopping into bed on crisp, comfortable sheets.

When you start looking to buy sheets, on of the first variables you run into is the thread count. 

What exactly is the thread count and why does it matter?​

According to research and experts the quality of bed sheets does not primarily depend on the thread count.

There is more to consider than the thread counts that make bed sheets comfortable, soft and can be considered the best.

There are three things to consider when buying a sheet set. Is it made of Egyptian cotton?  Where it was woven, and its thread count.

Things to know about thread count

What is thread count?

Thread count is the number of threads woven horizontally and vertically to form a square inch of a fabric.

Thread count ranges from 80 to 1,000. You determine the thread count by counting the threads used horizontally and vertically. The quality of the fabric is not solely dependent on the thread count but primarily on the quality of the thread used.

The price of a sheet depends on the thread count. The higher the thread count would make the sheet more expensive. In most cases the thread count would not mean much if the quality of the threads used is poor or inferior.

Considerations in buying cotton sheets

When buying cotton sheets, you should be very careful in scrutinizing its components, to get your money’s worth. Here are some of the components of a fabric that you should look into:

  • Yarn size. Look at the thickness the yarns used in the fabric. The higher the size of the yarn means the finer it is. The usual yarn size is from 40 to 100.
  • Ply. This refers to the number of yarns per strand. A single ply would mean that a single yarn is used while a 2-ply fabric is made from 2 yarns that are twisted together and then woven. Usually a 2-ply fabric is made from a very high yarn size so that it will not feel thick nor heavy.
  • Fiber. There are different fabrics used in making sheets. Some are made of cotton, cotton blends, polyester cotton, and other fabrics. Most consumers prefer to get sheets made of cotton blends or polyester cotton because they are easier to handle and aside from being cheaper they are wrinkle free.
  • Weave. How a fabric is woven affects the feel of the sheet, how it looks, its durability and how much it costs.
  • Finish. Some of the fabrics are treated with chemicals after they are woven to prevent them from shrinking, losing their shape, give them a shine and to make them wrinkle free. You should be careful and aware of these since these chemicals may cause allergies.
  • Dye. There are sheets that are dyed after they are woven. This is true when sheets have designs and patterns. Sheets that are dyed are usually stiff and become smooth and soft only after washing.

Best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets

When it comes to the best thread count that spells out the best quality, Egyptian cotton is on the top of the list.

Cotton grown in Egypt is the best and they weave their threads using long strands to give it more durability and strength. For the Egyptians the longer the fibers they use to weave a fabric the stronger and more durable the fabric becomes. The softest and finest fabric used to make sheets is made from fabrics with thread counts of Egyptian cotton.

The quality of cotton sheets depend on the quality of the fiber, size of the yarn used, how it was finished, thread count and how it was woven.

A fabric that has a thread count of 200 fibers of high quality is far much better than a fabric with a thread count of 400 fibers of inferior quality and twisted threads.

Now you know that the best bed sheets are not necessarily those that have high thread counts.

The quality of the threads just like those used in Egyptian cotton sheets are the ones to be considered. Aside from durability the Egyptian cotton sheets are soft and smooth. You will surely get your money’s worth.

Sources:

http://www.styleathome.com/shopping/buying-guides/buying-guide-the-truth-about-thread-count/a/34689

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-decor/bedroom/thread-count.htm

http://www.linenplace.com/product_guide/truth_about_thread_count.html

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-bedroom/when-buying-sheets