Does Thread Count Really Matter?
Have you ever wondered to yourself – what exactly IS thread count, anyway?
If you want to get technical about it, it’s a count of the threads wound together in a square inch of fabric. People look at thread counts for sheets the same way they look at years for a bottle of wine – the higher the number, the more perfect the product – up to a point. But not all super-soft sheets are classified by thread count. But more on that later. Here’s the low-down of how you can find the best sheets for your bedroom without getting lost in the extravagant wording.
How do they count those threads?
When calculating thread count, the number of threads - both vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) - that are woven together in one square inch are added up. For instance, 250 vertical threads and 250 horizontal threads make a 500 thread count sheet. Easy as pie, right? This way, customers can compare thread counts uniformly across different brands to choose the perfect one at the right price for their budget. Hot tip – beware of thread counts that seem excessively high for too low a price. Thread counts only make a difference up to a certain point - anything over 800 is just superfluous. With that said, if you’re looking for a 500 thread count sheet set, check out Great Bay Home’s Leila Pre-washed 100% Cotton Percale sheets.
Must-Have-Microfibers
Here’s a riddle for you – what’s as soft as the softest cotton sheets, but doesn’t break the bank? You guessed it – microfiber! Microfiber sheets aren’t advertised by their thread count, but they’re made up of extremely fine woven fibers, finer than the finest silk fiber. Because they’re so fine, they need to be created in a lab. Microfiber is generally made up of polyester and nylon polymers or wood pulp. What’s the best part about these fine fibers? They make for an incredibly smooth finish – smoother than any cotton. And all those interlocking fibers also make them highly durable. Want to get in on the microfiber action? Great Bay Home offers a wide array of microfiber sheets, like their Newport coastal or Mountain Ridge lodge print sheets.
Flannels, Velvets, and Jerseys, Oh My.
Not all sheets are made from just cotton or microfiber. Why not have fun trying out different fabrics so you can find the one that feels best against your skin? Flannel is best for the winter months when it seems impossible to keep warm. 100% Cotton Flannel sheets have a fuzzy, soft feel that comes from brushing out the cotton fibers after the fabric is woven. Great Bay Home has a variety of flannel sheets – like their winter-themed print Stratton and their solid-color Nordic collections. Another favorite texture is velvet plush – Great Bay Home’s Velvet Luxe and Printed Luxe sheet sets made of extra-long, woven polyester fibers that feel as soft as your favorite blanket. No joke - we’re serious. Lastly, jersey sheets are a great alternative. Rather than being woven together from multiple fibers, jersey is a solitary coil woven into a loose-knit pattern. This gives jersey its characteristically stretchy and soft quality. You can try out jersey sheets from Great Bay Home’s Carmen, Brie Tech-Knit, and Cozy Flex collections.
Now that you’ve got the low-down on thread counts, you’re ready to go out there and find the best sheets for your bedroom! Remember, thread count is determined by counting the number of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of fabric. Typically, the higher, the better. Just don’t fall for marketing scams toting sheets with skyrocketing thread counts – stay under 800 and you’re good. Microfiber is an excellent option if you want to buy super-soft, wrinkle-resistant sheets for less than cotton. Flannel, velvet plush, and jersey sheets are also super-fun, must-try cotton alternatives.
And don’t forget to check out Great Bay Home for even more ideas!
As always…
We’ve Got You Covered,
-- GBH