Choosing Sheets – Quality Over Quantity

Cozy bedroom- check. New mattress- check. Comfy pillow-check. Now all you need are new sheets! Laying down on a bed with brand-new sheets is a pretty awesome feeling. You look for the right material, color to go with your decor, and thread count. But what does thread count really mean and does it matter?  Thread count is a measure of the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. If there are 100 threads lengthwise (wrap) and 100 widthwise (weft) then it’s a 200 thread count sheet. So does a higher thread count mean higher quality? Let’s find out.

The “best” thread count will depend on the type of fabric you’re looking for since some materials like flannel, and microfiber sheets don’t even use thread count, they are measured in grams per square meter (GSM). While thread count is typically thought to measure the quality of the sheets, that’s no longer the case. Yes, a higher thread count can mean a better sheet, it’s actually the quality of the thread that matters more. There are also ways to “cheat” on what the thread count is. Using fewer chemicals and more mechanical methods for finishing has also helped sheets feel softer with a smaller thread count. With all that in mind, thread count doesn’t mean high quality, and is actually more of a marketing term nowadays. So how do you know if you’re getting the best sheets for your bed?

You want to look at the type of fibers and fabrics. Finding sheets made with natural fibers like cotton and silk will be more breathable and softer, whereas man-made fabrics like polyester and rayon will be less breathable. Making sure you have a fabric that’s breathable, soft, and will withstand being washed is important. You also want to look at the staple length of the fibers used. Staple length is the width of fibers used to create the fabric and are usually short, long, and extra-long. The longer the staple length, the softer the fabric. The weave is also important to look into. Percale and sateen are the most popular weaves. Percale sheets are crisp and breathable and made using a more traditional weave. Sateen sheets are smoother and silkier but have less breathability, due to how they are made. However, they are also typically naturally resistant to mildew, and wrinkle resistant.

So, what does all of this mean? Well, simply put you want to consider quality over quantity when shopping for sheets. You want to look for a trusted manufacturer, research material quality, and understand what you want in a sheet and what will help you sleep well at night. While thread count is important, it’s not the only thing you should consider. You also want to see what your sheets can do for you. Using some materials like TENCEL™, which The Mattress Hub uses in our exclusive line of sheets, are super soft, eco-friendly, and temperature controlled. Having sheets that are temperature-controlled will help you sleep better at night. Come see our sleep experts if you have any questions.