Which is the best thread count for a set of sheets?

I have some 800 thread count silk sheets, when I was looking they had up to 1500 thread count available. Higher thread count is generally better quality.

Egyptian cotton 1500 thread count is the BEST sheet money can buy. You might pay $60 or more, but they will last forever and are soooo soft. :-)

I wondered the same thing. Here is a guide that should help you in selecting sheets of preference. Thread count can be deceiving. For example, a sheet can have a 200 thread count (per square inch). It could be 200 single-ply threads woven together or 100 double-ply threads woven. Double-ply threaded sheets will feel heavier.

And yes, there are sheets that come in higher thread counts. Mine are 800 thread count in a double-ply. I like the feel of thicker, textured sheets. Single-ply feel smoother, and the less threads, the lighter they will be. There are higher thread counts as well, and the cost increases with the more involved.

Another factor to take into consideration is the type and quality of material used. 100% cotton is probably the preferred type, and there are several types available (Egyptian and organic are a few). There are also silk, linen, and synthetic blends. There are also sheets that feel like a t-shirt, and of course, flannel.

Selecting a sheet type falls under “The Goldilocks Syndrome”: they are either too hard (heavy/textured), too soft (thin/silky) or just right. It all comes down to personal preference.

The best thing to do is test out the sheets. If that isn’t possible, at least feel them before buying. Considering that we spend about a third of our life sleeping, it’s best to be as comfortable as possible.

I think my favorite sheets are either 450 or 500? I also have some sheets that are 300 that I like, but they are stiffer. Anything below 300 I don’t recommend, I would say 250 would be the minimum for sure. I also don’t like very high thread counts, I would assume they wrinkle more also.

You can also get flannel sheets for the cold months, which keep the bed nice and warm, and there is t-shirt like knit fabric sheets you can buy as well. The knit sheets are not expensive and feel soft. I’ve seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond.

400 is better than average.

If you are getting very high thread count set, (about 400) or more for less than 40 bucks than you probably are getting poor quality cotton sheets. Thread cound is not the only thing to consider. The quality of the cotton determines the end product. Most of your really good quality comes in white or pastel colors. I don’t know why. Maybe the dye ruins the fabric.
But I found this site that can lead you to some good brands.
Over all. Stay away from any polyester mixed sheets. They are the worst. I like 100 percent cotton. Easier to wash and it breathes easier. The thinner the fabric the more it will wrinkle.

I like sheets that are crisp rather than soft, like the ones you get in a hotel, and I have never yet figured out the right combination of fabric and thread count to achieve that. High thread count may be the softest, but low thread count is not the crispest. This is a great mystery.

Skip anything with polyester or you will get those icky little balls. Read this.

700 and up.

The thread count is not the only important factor, what the thread is made of is relevant too. As was said above, Egyptian cotton is usually considered to be the best. I hate polyester, that is true they make the little balls, that is not nice!

@Jeruba Many hotels sell their mattresses, bedding, robes, and towels. Next time you love something at a hotel ask about it. They might be able to give you the info or sell you the item. Link for Hilton bedding

Thanks everyone! Thanks for the links @wilma, @Pandora, @Pied_Pfeffer I’ll be reading up on what I need to know!

@Jeruba: Perhaps the old fashioned white cotton sheets that someone (else) ironed before putting them on the bed?

My ears are sensitive when the side of my head rests on sheets that are not at least 300 count.

If you’re looking for really soft sheets, I bought a set of 500 thread count, Egyptian cotton sateen sheets at Walmart, of all places. They are very soft and snuggly. They had them in red, blue, purple, black, tan, and white. Go to Walmart! These are seriously my favorite sheets ever!