If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a stack of cotton sheets wondering whether 200, 400 or 1,000 thread count is the better buy, you’re not alone. Thread count is often translated as an indicator of quality, but a bigger number doesn’t necessarily mean better bedding.
From lighter, more breathable options to denser, heavier fabrics, different thread counts can suit different sleepers and seasons. But with some brands advertising thread counts of 1,000 or more, it can be difficult to know what you’re actually getting for your money.
So, what does thread count really mean, and how much should you pay attention to it when buying cotton bedding? I asked an expert to explain the differences between the most common thread counts, whether higher really is better, and what you should look for instead when you’re browsing the bedding aisle.
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What does thread count mean when it comes to bed sheets?
“Thread count is the number of threads within a set square in the sheet of fabric, usually around one square inch,” Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at MattressOnline explains.
The higher the thread count, the more densely packed the fibres are, so the more material you are getting, which is why you tend to find higher thread counts are usually a higher price.
Does a higher thread count mean better quality sheets?
According to Shore, the higher the number of thread count doesn’t necessarily equate to better quality. “It completely depends on what the material is and what your needs are,” she explains. “For example, 600 thread count cotton sheets might feel lovely and luxurious, but if you suffer from night sweats, these tend to be less breathable and will hold onto moisture, leaving you sleeping in a damp bed.”
What is a good thread count for cotton sheets?
While it ultimately comes down to your individual sleep needs, Shore says if you’re looking for that luxury bedsheet feel with some breathability, a 400 count is optimal for cotton bed sheets.
How do 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1,000 thread count sheets differ in terms of feel, weight and breathability?
Generally, lower thread count sheets tend to feel lighter and more breathable, while higher thread counts create a denser, heavier fabric, Shore says. As the fibres are packed more closely together, there is less room for air to circulate, which means higher thread count sheets can retain more heat and feel warmer.
What is the best thread count to use during summer and winter?
For summer, a lower thread count can help with breathability, while a higher thread count is better suited to winter for added insulation. “Opt for a higher thread count in the winter for added insulation and a lower thread count in the summer for added breathability,” Shore recommends. However, your sheets are only part of the equation. To stay cooler during the warmer months, she also recommends swapping to a lower-tog duvet.
Read more: Experts share whether linen bedding is better than cotton
Best cotton bedding
Woolroom arinta organic cotton linen bundle
When reviewed by Ali Howard, this bedding set was described as “cool, breathable and noticeably fresh against the skin”.
“The 200 thread count gives it a lightweight but palpably durable finish, and it softens up nicely over time,” Howard said. “Made in Portugal, which is well-known for producing high-quality cotton, it’s naturally hypoallergenic, and comes in softly-dyed, contemporary shades, should you want to veer from the classic white (or mix and match).”
Buy now £102.87, Thewoolroom.com
Dunelm Durham stripe 100 per cent cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set
For budget-friendly cotton bedding, Ali Howard recommends the Dunelm Durham stripe 100 per cent cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set. In her review, she wrote: “Crafted from 100 per cent cotton with a 144 thread count, the bedding feels light and breathable, but still durable enough for heavy, regular use. The button fastening keeps everything in place, and I found it refreshingly easy to care for, too: machine washable, low tumble dry and a cool iron if needed, making this an effortlessly chic option.”
Buy now £20, Dunelm.com
Meet the expert
- Hannah Shore: Head of sleep science at MattressOnline