300 thread count, 400 thread count, 800 thread count, now even 1000 thread count... consumers are being bombarded by thread count numbers that are truly bewildering.

Thread count is simply the number of threads per square inch of fabric. These consist of vertical threads (warp) and horizontal threads (weft) woven together. To really understand thread count, you need to understand 2 other important components: yarn size and ply. Yarn size refers to thickness of the yarns that are woven together to make fabric. A higher yarn size indicates a finer yarn. Finer yarns can only be made from high quality long staple cotton.

Generally a yarn size range of 40 to 100 is what you will find quality sheets are made with. Yarn size relates to thread count because when the yarns are very fine, they are actually thinner and thus there will be more of them per square inch, producing a higher thread count product.

The other component is ply - single ply vs. 2 ply. Single ply fabric is made from individual yarns, which are woven together. 2 ply fabric is made with yarns that are twisted together and then woven.
2 ply fabric allows weaving looms to be more efficient since it starts with yarns that are already twisted together in 2s, so whatever construction is then woven - the thread count will actually be double since each yarn is actually 2 yarns.

For example, a single ply 300 thread count will have the same construction as a 2 ply 600 thread count. 2 ply sheets must be made with a very high yarn size, like 100s otherwise it will feel very thick and heavy.

To recap, when you're looking for high thread count bedding, look for the following information:

Is it single ply or 2 ply? If it is 2 ply that's fine, just make sure the product is made with a high yarn size otherwise it may feel thick and heavy.

What is the yarn size? A higher yarn size is better since finer yarns produce a better quality fabric.

What is the type of cotton? Premium cotton such as Egyptian or Pima cotton is very expensive but it will improve the feel of the fabric. For example, in a blind test a 340 thread count single ply made with 60s yarns Egyptian cotton felt comparable to a 400 thread count single ply made with 80s yarns long staple cotton.

Copyright © 2002 Linenplace.com