Mattress Forum

If you see a 400 or higher thread count it is in all liklihood twisted yarns.  A 1020 strand count cotton sheet is a 3 or 4 ply thread (3 or 4 yarns twisted together into one 'rope' yarn) that has a thread count of either 340, or 255 respectively.  This is important to note because the same is true when you see a 400 thread count set of sheets....it is in all probability a 2 ply 200 thread count twisted yarn. The real thread count of a 400 thread count sheet is in some cases lower than a 300 thread count.  Just something to keep in mind, because thread count and strand count are two different things, and most labels are misleading, labelling the strand count and not the thread count as well. 

Note, I am not trying to say that twisted threads are a bad thing...they have a purpose....all things being equal twisted yarns that provide a higher strand count will be smoother to the touch and feel crisper, they can also last longer in some cases if good quality cotton is used.  On the flip side, a single ply thread will also be lighter and airier providing more breathability than higher strand counts will allow.  Thread count is not the ultimate measure of quality....much like buying a firm or soft mattress thread count can really be a preference. 

The biggest indicator of quality the type of cotton used.  Cotton is really measured in something called staple lengths, different types of cotton produce different staple lengths:

1. Sea Island Cotton
Sea Island Cotton is in extremely limited supply, and is very expensive to grow and to process. It is typically used in very expensive men's shirts.

2. Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian Cotton was developed from stocks that originated in South and Central America. Menoufi is the most widely used variety. The highly prized Giza variety has exceptionally strong fibers about 1½" long, and is used in the best qualities of embroidery thread, and the finest cotton fabrics for sheets, down bedding covers, and duvet tickings.

3. Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is in between Egyptian Cotton and American Upland long staple in length and price. It is very good quality.

4. American Upland Long Staple
This cotton is only "Long Staple" in comparison to American Upland Short Staple cotton. The American Upland cottons now comprise up to 90% of the worlds crop. They are much easier to grow and process, and are therefore much less costly. They are perfectly adequate for medium quality fabrics. They make poor downproof fabrics for duvets and pillows, as they will ultimately leak. They are also unsuitable for high thread count sheets, as they will feel limp and coarse after a few launderings. This is the cotton used in bargain duvets, and in inexpensive "luxury" sheets.

5. American Upland Short Staple
A less expensive version of cotton, and a very basic quality. Suitable for denim for blue jeans.

6. Asia Short Staple
Asia Short staple is very easy to grow and process, and hence makes very cheap cloth. Unfortunately, lightweight fabrics made from this cotton are very weak and limp. They wear out quickly, and launder poorly.

The whole idea with using good quality cotton is that there are less ends in the fabric to pull out and cause pilling, you can make the sheets very light weight and they will still be very strong and resist pilling if good quality cotton is used and they are loomed properly.  It is also important to note that most "egyptian cotton" sheets are not usually made out of egyptian cotton.  Most of the time the cotton will be 5~10% Egyptian cotton content and the rest will be a much cheaper variety of cotton.  Also....sheets made in Egpyt does not mean it is made with "egyptian cotton".  It is very important to note that Egpytian cotton is referring to a species of plant that can be grown in a few places, it could be grown in Egpyt, it could be grown in Israel, or in Turkey as well I am sure there are other climates that can support it.  Most cotton grown in Egpyt is not from this species of plant. 

Diane

  http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11220877&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|62415|62649&N=4018510&Mo=12&No=13&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=62649&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US

Diane

I've been humming and hawwing over doing some new bedding this year and think at the end of the month I will be doing all new linen sheets and a silk duvet

 http://www.comphy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=70      same as Costco

I know one time I was at JCPenney's and could not believe the 400 thread count felt so much nicer than the 650 thread count for the same price. I bought the 400 thread count that said it was made with Pima cotton. 

Years ago, I had bought pillow cases with a 200 thread count and they were too rough for me to sleep on. Hence, by trial and error I learned that the thread count should be at least 300 thread count but then other variable influence if I will be happy with the sheets so I prefer to buy in a store where I can feel what I am buying. 

Your explanation helped the most so I really thank you.

First of all, 100% cotton is a must.

Secondly, a higher thread count means, to me, that it will not breathe as well and will make me sweat during the night, especially in the summer.

I don't know the exact thread count I like but I have found that too low of a thread count is too stiff and "scratchy" - and not comfortable; while a higher thread count is very soft and luxurious - but will sleep too hot for me.

So the best sheets are 100% cotton and somewhere in the middle of the thread count range. Maybe 300? 350? Not sure, but the best way to tell is go to the store and feel them and I usually get the lowest thread count that feels soft enough for me to be comfortable with it.