In the past, thread count was a measure of quality—the higher the thread count, the better the quality. However, that simply isn't true anymore. High thread counts can certainly make for better sheets, but the quality of the thread matters more than the number. In fact, a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count. Here's what you pay for when you're buying sheets. Show FiberCotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable (polyester lasts longer than cotton), and relatively inexpensive (up to half the cost of all cotton). But if you're looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100% cotton. You'll rarely wake up clammy on cotton sheets, since the fiber wicks moisture away from your skin. And cotton sheets are less likely to stain than polyester blends; a water-loving fiber, cotton releases dirt easily when wet. All types of cotton share these wonderful traits, but long-staple (or long-fiber) cotton makes for a noticeably softer sheet, and the surface won't pill and lint like one woven from shorter fibers. The words "Egyptian long-staple," "pima," and "Supima" all denote high-quality long fibers. WeaveThe weave affects the way a sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity, and its price. Basic plain weaves, which are woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are the least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns. The higher proportion of vertical threads results in an extremely soft fabric, but one that is more apt to pill and tear than a plain weave. Intricate weaves (such as jacquards and damasks) feel textured, with a pattern alternating from satiny soft to coarse and nubby. They can be as durable as plain weaves, but they are made on special looms and are considerably more expensive. FinishMost sheets are treated with chemicals (including chlorine, formaldehyde, and silicon) to keep them from shrinking, losing their shape, and wrinkling. Some are treated with alkalis to produce a sheen. A handful of manufacturers offer pure-finish sheets, meaning that no chemicals were used or that all traces of chemicals used during manufacturing have been removed. You'll have a harder time keeping these sheets wrinkle-free, but it may be worth it if you suffer from allergies or chemical sensitivities. (Pure-finish sheets are available from Garnet Hill, garnethill.com.) DyePatterns and colors are usually applied to sheets after they're woven, which means the sheets may feel stiff until you've washed them a few times. The softest (and most expensive) colored or patterned sheets, including jacquard weaves, are made of yarn-dyed fabrics, woven from colored yarns. Thread CountThere isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality. This is because manufacturers use thinner cotton to cram in as many threads as possible, increasing the ply or the number of single threads twisted together. Sheets that are 800 thread count are almost always double-ply, meaning they are twice as thick as 400 thread count sheets. Double-ply sheets are thicker and more durable, so they tend to last longer, justifying higher prices. They are also ideal if you sleep with pets because they're better at resisting pet hair. Another advantage of 800 thread count sheets is that they allow the body to retain more heat. A thread count of 600 is the highest possible for single ply sheets. These sheets tend to be less expensive than 800 thread count. While comparably soft, they are often less durable. However, they are better at keeping the body cooler during the warmer months. While 400 thread count sheets are the minimum you should look for, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're low quality. In fact, 400 thread count sheets made of premium quality material can feel as soft as higher thread count sheets, possibly even softer. Long staple cotton is an ideal fiber for sheets, but particularly for lower thread counts.
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The Spruce / Meredith Campbell Like material and weave style, thread count can point to the comfort and overall quality of bedding. Thread count essentially means how tightly the fabric is woven—and while you might think higher is better, that's not always the case. "You want to aim for at least 300 at a minimum," says Decorist designer Katy Byrne. However, Byrne also notes that bed linens are always a matter of personal preference, especially when it comes to material and feel. With this advice in mind, we researched and tested top-rated sheets for every budget and style. Our favorite is Nestwell's Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets, a sumptuously smooth set boasting a 625 thread count. These are the best high-thread-count sheets currently on the market.  Bed Bath & Beyond What We Like
What We Don't Like
Nestwell's Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheet Set earned a 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our home tester. As the name suggests, these sheets are loomed with a sateen weave pattern (one thread over, four threads under). This gives them a silky-smooth look and a subtle sheen—similar to satin but much softer. Our tester loved the 625-thread-count material, noting its breathability and high-end appeal. Right out of the packaging, our tester said the high thread count was apparent. The fabric is thick and sturdy but not so much that it traps air. Made of 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton, these sheets are exceptionally strong and long-lasting. Not only that, but the durable material gets softer with every wash. This set is Oeko-Tex certified, too, so you know it's made without potentially harmful chemicals. Our tester was also a big fan of the innovative fitted sheet. In addition to top/bottom indicators, there's a thick elastic band around the entire perimeter, so you can bet it'll stay in place until laundry day. There were a few loose threads after the first wash, but this is mostly due to the intricate stitching on the stretchy band. We wish you could buy each piece individually, as some people don't sleep with a top sheet, but the price is still very reasonable. Price at time of publish: $100 Material: Egyptian cotton | Thread Count: 625 | Weave: Sateen | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
What We Like
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Looking for something more wallet-friendly? Check out this set from Sonoro Kate. Made of ultra-smooth microfiber, it boasts a 1,800 thread count and promises never to wrinkle. The fabric is also double-brushed for extra softness. One thing to note is that since this is a synthetic material, it's not very breathable. These sheets come in nearly 20 colors ranging from taupe to burgundy to black. The 16-inch-deep fitted sheet has an elastic band around the whole perimeter, ensuring it stays secure until you're ready to toss it in the wash. Price at time of publish: $28 Material: Microfiber | Thread Count: 1,800 | Weave: Plain square, double-brushed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None Brooklinen Our Ratings
What We Like
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Byrne is a fan of Brooklinen's Luxe Core Sheet Set, and we're here for it. "They have a 480 thread count," she says, "and the sateen would be great for your skin and hair." Sure enough, these sheets earned perfect scores from our home tester, who loved the contemporary design, durable yet soft texture, and temperature-regulating breathability. Woven from 100 percent long-staple cotton, the fabric is buttery-smooth and Oeko-Tex certified to ensure chemical safety. The price is relatively steep, and we wish there were a few more color options. Having said that, the available patterns and hues are sophisticated and endlessly versatile. Price at time of publish: $159 Material: Long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 480 | Weave: Sateen | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex The Spruce / Meredith Campbell
Snowe Our Ratings
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Our home tester gave the Snowe Percale Sheet Set a 4.7 out of 5 overall score. She liked the "lightweight, barely there feel" of the 500-thread-count weave and appreciated the timeless color options. Additionally, she said the extra-deep fitted sheet provides a perfect tucked-in fit. These sheets are loomed from long-staple cotton with a plain square weave, giving them a crisp, cool, high-end feel. But like most 100 percent cotton bed linens, they're prone to wrinkling. We wish the price was a bit more accessible, and there's no twin or twin XL size, but other than that, we have no complaints. Price at time of publish: $192 Material: Long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 500 | Weave: Percale | Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 17 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex The Spruce / Meredith Campbell Pottery Barn Our Ratings
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Our favorite luxury sheets come from Pottery Barn. Woven from 100 percent cotton with an impressive 700 thread count, the brand's Sateen Sheet Set clocked a 4.2 out of 5 overall score from our home tester. She liked the thick and crisp yet breathable feel and polished appearance. Additionally, our tester appreciated the helpful top/bottom labels on the fitted sheet. These sheets are machine-washable and dryer-friendly, and you can expect them to get softer with every wash. Unfortunately, there are just a few colors to choose from. But if the steep price doesn't turn you off, you won't regret investing in this premium set. Price at time of publish: $183 Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 700 | Weave: Sateen | Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex The Spruce / Madeline Muzzi What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you're on the bamboo bandwagon, Hotel Sheets Direct is your best bet. This sheet set is woven from bamboo-derived viscose, a naturally cooling material with sweat-wicking abilities. Flaunting a 1,600 thread count, you can bet the fabric is exceptionally soft with an upscale feel. According to the brand, it's also resistant to pilling. These sheets come in 20 colors ranging from blush to silvery gray to navy. We appreciate that the fitted sheet has elastic all around, ensuring it stays in place. You can't buy the pillowcases and sheets individually, but the price of a set is very reasonable. Price at time of publish: $98 Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Thread Count: 1,600 | Weave: Plain square | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex What We Like
What We Don't Like
These bed sheets are loomed from 100 percent long-staple cotton. This makes them sturdy and long-lasting, and while they might feel slightly coarse at first, you can expect them to get softer over time. Boasting a sateen weave and a generous thread count of 600, the fabric has a luxuriously soft feel and a subtle sheen. This sheet set comes in 12 colors, ranging from rich brown to crisp white to elegant ivory. The fitted sheet features an elastic band around the entire perimeter, so you don't have to worry about it slipping off. Price at time of publish: $90 Material: Long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 600 | Weave: Sateen | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: None What We Like
What We Don't Like
We also like this hotel-quality set from The Company Store. These bed sheets are made of the finest long-staple Giza cotton grown along the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. The fabric features a 600 thread count and a silky-smooth sateen weave that's combed for maximum softness. Embroidered stripes give these sheets a tailored aesthetic reminiscent of a five-star resort. While there are four color options, the only difference is the color of the stripes—otherwise, they're all white. Beyond that, we just wish they were more affordable. Price at time of publish: $258 Material: Long-staple Giza cotton | Thread Count: 600 | Weave: Combed sateen | Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king | Fitted Sheet Depth: 14 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Final Verdict Our top choice is the Nestwell Egyptian Cotton 625-Thread-Count Sateen Sheet Set. These reasonably priced sheets flaunt a silky-smooth appeal that gets softer over time. However, if you're interested in something other than cotton, we recommend the Hotel Sheets Direct 100% Bamboo Bed Sheets. The naturally cooling and moisture-wicking fabric is ideal for hot sleepers and warm climates. To help you select the best bed sheets for your needs, we put dozens
of top options to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, IA, and in our testers' own homes. We evaluated them on the basis of quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. In addition to rating the overall comfort and cooling properties of the sheets, our testers also assessed how the sheets felt
right out of the package; how they looked and fit on the bed; and how they held up in the washer and dryer. We combined their insights with input from our editors and home testers to bring you this list. The Spruce / Meredith Campbell PlyBefore deciding which pair of high thread-count sheets to buy, consider the ply of the material. Ply refers to how many yarns are twisted together to make a single thread, and fabrics can be either single or two-ply. A higher ply doesn’t necessarily mean a softer, more luxurious sheet, though—two-ply fabric tends to have a looser, heavier weave and a shorter lifespan. Jacob Andsager, founder of The Modern Dane, explains that single-ply yarn is actually more durable than two-ply, since it's made from one continuous thread as opposed to spinning thinner threads together. Andsager warns to keep an eye out for manufacturers who are doubling thread counts by using two-ply, which actually lowers the quality. WeaveHigh thread-count sheets come in a variety of different weaves, including sateen and percale. A sateen weave has a luxurious and soft-to-the-touch feel, while percale is crisper and especially ideal for people who get hot when they sleep. FiberYou can find sheet sets made from various fibers, including cotton, organic cotton, microfiber, bamboo, and more. Specialty cotton—like Pima and Supima—are worthwhile splurges for a high thread-count sheet set. Microfiber is made from brushed polyester fibers and does a great job of imitating cotton's smooth, soft finish at a more budget-friendly price. FAQ
The Spruce / Meredith Campbell Theresa Holland is a commerce writer, product reviewer, and copy editor specializing in textiles, home decor, and gadgets for optimizing sleep. For this story, she interviewed Jacob Andsager, founder of The Modern Dane, and Decorist designer Katy Byrne, who offered buying tips and insight into the determining factors of sheet quality, including raw fibers, yarn type, weave, and craftsmanship. She then looked at highly rated options that fared well with our home testers and considered dozens of sets from myriad brands. A contributor since 2019, Theresa covers bedding and home improvement at The Spruce. Are higher thread count sheets hotter?However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
What type of sheets are the coolest?What type of sheets sleep the coolest? In general, sheets made from linen, bamboo, and Tencel offer the coolest, most breathable feel. Cotton sheets that feature a percale weave are also known for being exceptionally lightweight and airy, perfect for hot sleepers.
What thread count is best for hot weather?If you have to measure thread count for sheets, go for anything in the 400-600 thread count range, and look out for sheets that utilize single-ply threads for a more breathable bed sheet. Choosing cooling bed sheets with a thread count between 250 and 400 is ideal if you want to keep your body temperature down.
What kind of sheets feel cool and crisp?Percale is usually the best weave for cooling sheets
The two most popular weaves for cotton sheets are percale and sateen. Percale is lightweight, crisp and durable. Sateen is soft, smooth and has a lustrous sheen on the surface. it creates a crisper sheet that allows easier ventilation than sateen does.
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What sheet thread count is the coolest
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