What’s All the Hype About Sheet Thread Count?
Prior to the 1990’s, people were not necessarily too interested in thread counts. The common thought was that 'sheets are sheets' and if the thread count fell somewhere within 160-200 bedding shoppers felt they were getting good quality sheets. But then things started to change. Sheet brands wanted to differentiate themselves from other brands, more fabric options entered the market, and consumers started to become more educated about sleep quality. While brands started to become more competitive; marketing different weave types and thread counts gave consumers more options to choose from.
What is Thread Count? What is Warp and Weft?
Thread count refers to how many threads are woven into one square inch. They count the vertical threads (called ‘warp’) and the horizontal threads (called ‘weft’). This is then totaled to determine the sheet thread count. Warp and weft are the technical names when determining the thread count.
Thread count does matter in many ways, but it can be used as a marketing gimmick as well. Many manufacturers try to distinguish themselves from other brands by touting sheet thread counts of 600 to 1,000. Yet it’s almost impossible to weave more than 400 threads into one square inch, depending on the mill. So some creative counting is being used when the label says that the thread count is over 400. Here’s they hype: in order to ‘state’ that a thread count is 800, the weaver uses thinner strands of fabric, called yarns, and twists them together. Then it ‘looks’ like its one strand, but is counted as two.
The Pitfalls of Twisted Threads or 2-Ply Thread Counts:
In the above example, what the manufacturer has done is twisted another strand around the thread and ‘doubled’ the sheet thread count. The consumer then thinks they're buying a really high thread count product, but its not actually true. This can also be called ‘2 ply’ and often does not equate to a softer hand feel. Often these twisted threads are not as strong and durable as single threads made from longer fibers.
The incremental comfort value of thread counts over 300 is barely noticeable. BedVoyage uses 300 thread count for all of our Bed Sheets, Duvet Covers, Coverlets and Shams. We do this because we feel that this is the sweet spot between hand feel and breathability. If you double or triple the threads in order to state a higher count, you are also creating a weave that is so tight that it won’t breathe well. Now you're sleeping hotter without understanding why. You think you've bought the best quality high thread count sheets, yet you're perspiring in bed. Its simply because your linens cannot breath after being woven so tightly in order to state this higher thread count.
How Does Weave Affect the Feel of Sheets?
The type of weave does play a factor in the hand-feel of the fabric. Most sheet shoppers will feel the fabric at the linen display area, to determine what feels best to them. Percales tend to be crisper, and sateen is smoother and more luxurious, but does not last as long as other weaves. Twill weaves lock in the fibers to ensure the bed sheets will not pill, and adds durability.
BedVoyage has chosen a tight twill weave for all of our sheets, duvets, coverlets and shams. Twill is a diagonal weave that locks in the fibers and greatly limits the possibility of pilling. You can barely see it in the BedVoyage linens, but you can clearly see it on a pair of blue jeans that have that wide diagonal weave that makes the fabric last for years. Pilling is what happens when the fibers have loosened and knotted together. It creates little balls on the surface of the fabric, which is unsightly and scratchy to the skin, and nobody wants that in their bedding!
Does A Higher Linen Thread Count Feel Better?
Interestingly, a higher sheet thread count does not necessarily represent a better sheet, and can sometimes be an indicator that the linens are of inferior quality. The manufacturer may be using cheaper, weak threads that need to be twisted together to create some strength. In order to fit that many threads into a square inch, the threads must be very thin. This can decrease the quality and longevity of the linens. Spending money on really high thread count sheets is not necessary, instead, you could focus on the quality of the fibers or the fabric. Most experts agree that the ‘quality’ of a sheet is based on hand feel, breathability, construction, and durability.
If you’ve heard the old saying ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t’. This can relate to sheet buying; if the sheet thread count is very high and the price is very low, you are likely not getting a quality product. To protect consumers from misleading claims, The Federal Trade Commission has been reaching out to manufacturers that might be employing deceptive marketing practices when it comes to thread count.
Why are Soft Sheets Important to My Sleep?
Sleep is such an important part of life, study after study has found links between good sleep and good health. The loss of sleep can have cumulative effects on weight, mood, and overall well-being. The older we get the more we understand that a great night’s sleep makes for a great day. So it’s important to spend the money on good quality bed sheets, pillows, comforter and mattress for your bed. When you spend over 1/3rd of your life in bed, why not sleep on quality linens? They make you feel luxurious, pampered and tempt you to ‘Go To Bed’ and get more sleep!
REST assured when you slip into bed with BedVoyage 300 thread count linens made from 100% bamboo you’ll be comfortable, cozy and be slumbering on some of the softest bamboo bed sheets on the planet!
How To Wash Bamboo Sheets:
Bamboo bed sheets are best cared for by following the instructions on the care tag, but in general; wash in warm water with a gentle eco-friendly detergent, dry on warm, and remove from the dryer when the cycle completes. We do not recommend washer or dryer balls, as they can tug at the fibers and cause pilling. We also don't recommend dryer sheets or fabric softeners, as they are a synthetic that can coat your linens so they don't breathe as well. Take care of your quality sheets and they will last you for years!
To learn more about our twill weave super soft sheets you can visit BedVoyage and start sleeping better, naturally!
Sweet Dreams~