What is thread count?

What does thread count mean for sheets? Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together per square inch of fabric. The more threads woven together means a higher thread count. Read our guide to thread count for all bed linen: bed sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases.

Is thread count a real thing?
Is thread count important?
Is higher thread count better?
What is the best thread count?
Why is Egyptian cotton the best cotton?

Is thread count a real thing?

Yes, thread count is a proper scientific term with strict standards. It's really not a marketing ploy! The thread is counted lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft). For example, 100 lengthwise threads woven with 100 widthwise threads equals 200 thread count.

Thread Count Comparison Diagram | scooms

Is thread count important?

Yes, thread count is an important factor to consider when buying bed linen. Typically, cotton materials with a higher thread count are warmer, more durable, softer or soften well over time - up to a point. But don’t just rely on thread count to indicate quality, the type of yarn and the finishing process are also equally important.

Is higher thread count better?

Thread counts for bedding typically range from 200 to 800, though 1,000 and higher thread counts do exist. Thread count is not however, the most important indicator of quality bedding, more important is the quality of the cotton threads that the bedding is woven from. You can have high thread count sheets made from poor quality cotton.

Keep an eye out for suspiciously sounding high thread count. Some manufacturers unfortunately achieve high thread counts by artificial means. Instead of counting individual threads they count each ply spun within each thread and then twist multiple yarns together. They are probably using low quality cotton that is artificially strengthened in this way.

What is the best thread count?

Assuming that you are looking at bed linen that is made from good quality cotton, here's our guide to the best thread count:

Choose 200 thread count and above - anything less will wear badly, rip and develop holes!
Higher thread counts can feel overly crisp - be wary of really high thread counts over 800. This can produce very stiff sheets and covers that are not very comfortable to sleep on and are really hard to iron!
scooms picked 600 thread count - After testing various thread counts we picked 600 thread count in 100% Egyptian cotton as our favourite. It gives scooms sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases a dense and silky-soft feel, gets better with each wash and wears really well.

Why is Egyptian cotton the best cotton?

Egyptian cotton is a long staple cotton and feels luxurious while being wonderfully durable. Although it may feel a bit harder when new, Egyptian cotton improves with age and will soften each time you wash it.

Unlike most bed linen, your scooms Egyptian cotton sheet, duvet covers and pillowcases will become more comfortable to sleep with the more you use it. Well worth the investment! See our guide to Egyptian cotton or find out more in our Egyptian cotton towel guide.