Thread Counts and Other Tips to Buy Bedding

Written by: Amazon

Thread counts are important, but not the only way to tell a fabric is soft.

Humans spend about a third of their lives in bed, so buying quality bedding when you can is a wise investment that will likely stay with your for years. Most people have heard the concept of thread counts when it comes to buying high-quality sheets, comforters, and pillowcases, but there’s a bit more to it than that.

A fabric’s thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch, both horizontally and vertically. Higher thread counts typically mean smaller threads, which add up to softer and finer fabrics. There are trick to softness, though, that are worth considering when you’re outfitting rooms for kids or guest bedrooms. You can attain the same softness for twin comforter sets when you buy fabrics where threads are twisted together. Though this has a negative effect on high threaded fabrics, it can help improve the feel of those with a lower thread-count.

Another thing to consider is the type of fabric. The fibers of some sheets experience diminishing returns when it comes to higher thread counts– look at flannel, for example. Sheets with that sort of finish are perfectly comfortable at lower thread counts, and higher thread counts may even reduce some of their appealing fuzziness.

Lastly, consider the source of the fibers. It might be tempting to pick up high thread count queen comforter sets, but if they are made of a cheap synthetic material they may not be a good buy. Some synthetics don’t breathe or absorb as well as natural fibers like cotton or linen, which can make them hot and uncomfortable at night.