What's Up With Thread Count?

Anyone who has shopped for sheets has noticed different thread counts. And as Naturepedic customers may have noticed, we recently gave our organic cotton sheets an upgrade and switched from 300 thread count to approximately 400 thread count. But what exactly is thread count and why does it matter?

What Is Thread Count?

When looking at the thread count of sheets, you're not just looking at a random number. However, it is a common misconception that a higher thread count directly translates to better quality sheets. Thread count is actually the number of threads per square inch (this includes horizontally and vertically). The finer the materials sheets are made of, the higher the thread count. You can typically assume that the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets.

Therefore, thread count has an effect on the feel of your sheets, but it is not the only factor that will affect the overall quality of your sheets.

What Else Should I Consider?

While you should take a look at the thread count when weighing your bedding options, there are other things to consider as well when trying to choose a high quality sheet set.

You should make sure your sheets are made with a quality fiber. High quality fibers to look for include organic cotton, Egyptian cotton, and pima cotton. (Of course, certified organic cotton ensures that your sheets aren’t treated with harsh chemicals). Besides the fibers, also look into the weave of the fabric as it affects quality and feel.

The weave of the fabric, which is the pattern for manufacturing, is also important in determining quality and feel. For instance, our organic cotton sheets are made with a sateen weave for softness and luxury.

Feel the difference for yourself when you shop our Organic Cotton Luxury Sheets.