Thread count is one of the first numbers you see when you shop for new bedding. It tells you something about the fabric, but far from everything. Here we look at what TC means, why higher isn't always better and what to look at instead.
What does thread count mean?
Thread count (TC) is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, roughly 6.5 square centimetres. You add up the threads running lengthwise (warp) and crosswise (weft). A fabric with 150 threads in each direction therefore has a thread count of 300 TC.
The number describes how densely the fabric is woven. It says nothing about the quality of the cotton itself, how the yarn is spun or how the fabric has been finished.
Is a higher thread count always better?
No. Sleep Foundation writes that the quality of the yarn often matters more than the number of threads. According to them, a reasonable thread count, around 200–600 for most weaves, usually performs best, while very high numbers rarely change much beyond the price.
There is also a counting trick worth knowing about. Some manufacturers use plied yarns made of two or three thinner threads and count each ply separately. The number can then reach 1,000 or more without the fabric getting any better. Sleep Foundation also points out that packing too many threads into a fabric can reduce airflow, making the bedding feel heavier and warmer.
The weave says more than the number
Two duvet covers with the same thread count can feel completely different depending on how they are woven.
- Poplin and percale are plain weaves: each thread goes one over, one under. This gives a dense, matte and slightly crisp fabric. Sleep Foundation describes percale as highly breathable and a good choice if you tend to sleep hot.
- Cotton sateen is woven with one thread under and three or four over. The surface becomes smooth with a subtle sheen and drapes beautifully, but it is a little heavier and can feel warmer.
- Linen has coarser fibres, so its thread count is low, roughly 80–140, without that saying anything about quality.
How we approached our bedding
Our Comfy Cloud bedding is 100% cotton, woven in poplin with a thread count of 300 TC. That sits in the middle of the range usually recommended for cotton. After weaving, the fabric is stone-washed. We like to describe the feel as smooth like satin, cool like linen: a smooth surface and a cool feel against the skin.
The design is created in our studio in Gothenburg, and the fabric is dyed, cut and sewn by a family-owned factory in Guimarães, Portugal, founded in 1925. If you want to feel the difference in your own bedroom, take a look at the white bedding set Comfy Cloud, with 30-day returns and a 5-year warranty.
What to think about when choosing bedding
- Look at material and weave first, thread count second.
- Be sceptical of very high numbers, especially if the yarn is plied.
- If you sleep hot, a plain weave like poplin or percale may feel cooler than sateen.
- Read the care label. A duvet cover that can be washed at 60 degrees is easier in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good thread count for cotton duvet covers?
Sleep Foundation recommends at least 200 TC and suggests 200–400 TC for cotton and percale and 300–600 TC for sateen.
What is the difference between poplin and percale?
Both are plain weaves, where each thread goes one over and one under. The differences lie in the yarn and in how densely the threads are set lengthwise and crosswise, and they vary between manufacturers. Both give a dense, matte fabric.
Does 1,000 TC mean more luxurious bedding?
Not necessarily. Numbers that high are often reached by counting each ply of a plied yarn as a separate thread. Sleep Foundation says that counts of around 600–800 and above rarely make any difference beyond the price.
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