thread count
Bedding quality metric
Thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, counting both lengthwise and crosswise threads.
Higher thread counts supposedly indicate softer, more luxurious bedding: These sheets have a 400 thread count.
The metric matters most for cotton sheets and linens, though marketing has inflated its importance—weave quality and fiber type often matter more than raw numbers.
Fine long-fiber textile
- sateenGlossy-faced cotton weave
- percaleDense cotton sheeting
- muslinPlain-woven cotton cloth
- broadclothDense plain-weave fabric
poplin · batiste · microfiber · bamboo · Tencel
Flat expanses of material
- beddingMaterials covering a mattress
- pillowcaseFabric cover for bedding
- duvetFilled bed covering
- comforterQuilted bed covering
fitted sheet · flat sheet · pillowcases · shams · bedspread · towels · napkins · tablecloth
Interlace strands into fabric
single-ply · GSM · yarn · fibers · tightness · 200 · 600 · 800
Expensive nonessential comfort
- softnessYielding to gentle pressure
- durabilityResistance to wear
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
- breathabilityAirflow through material
crispness · silkiness · premium · high-end · budget · bargain · value
Egyptian cotton
Fine long-fiber textile
broadcloth · poplin · batiste · microfiber · bamboo · Tencel
sheets
Flat expanses of material
- beddingMaterials covering a mattress
- pillowcaseFabric cover for bedding
- duvetFilled bed covering
comforter · fitted sheet · flat sheet · pillowcases · shams · bedspread · towels · napkins · tablecloth
weave
Interlace strands into fabric
ply · single-ply · GSM · yarn · fibers · tightness · 200 · 600 · 800 · 1000
luxury
Expensive nonessential comfort
- softnessYielding to gentle pressure
- durabilityResistance to wear
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
breathability · crispness · silkiness · premium · high-end · budget · bargain · value
- Textile Testingtensile strength, colorfastness, fabric quality, fiber analysis, fiber content
- textilescotton, wool, silk, fabric, yarn
- linensbed linens, bed sheet, bedsheet, bed sheets, fitted sheet
- needleworkcross-stitch, embroidery, embroidery hoop, embroidery hoops, needlepoint
- weavingloom, looms, power looms, warp, shuttle
- fabric traitssoftness, soft, stiffness, smooth, breathability
thread countfiber content
Plant material in food
hand feel · visual inspection · brand reputation · price point · GSM
thread countopen weave
Textile with visible gaps
loose weave · gauze-like · mesh · cheesecloth · muslin
count, thread, counter, counting, recount, threads, countless, counts, counters