The Truth About Thread Counts

There is a LOT of misconception and confusion about what thread count is “best.” While many consumers believe “the higher the thread count, the better,” this is not necessarily true!

Thread count refers to how many threads are running horizontally (the warp) and vertically (the weft) in one square inch of fabric. To achieve a thread count of higher than 400, super fine threads are twisted together and then woven to create fabric. Over time, with use and laundering, these twisted threads can begin to break apart from each other. The result is thin places in your sheets because the fabric is not woven as tightly as it once was. For this reason, textile experts generally agree that single threads woven together result in better fabrics.

Some high thread count bed sheets are made with yarn that has been plied together before weaving. This questionable practice is an overstatement of actual thread count. The United States Federal Trade Commission has opined that this is a deceptive marketing tactic intended to mislead consumers by overstating actual thread count. Bed sheets advertised with a thread count of 1000 are made by using poorer quality yarn that has been plied together four times. The actual thread count is 250.

We feature 2 types of sheeting for our all cotton sheets. 

We import cotton percale from Italy for our Tuscan Village sheets.  Italians are known for their finishing techniques that produce the most luxurious sheeting available.  Though the thread count on these is "only" 250, we will put this sheeting up against ANY other in the market.  It is just that incredible! 

We also use single ply, 100% combed cotton for our Classic, Travelers Rest and Society Hill all cotton sheet collections.  We manufacture these in South Carolina for our Allyson Brooke Home line. This cotton is a combed cotton Sateen. The thread count of our cotton sheets is 300. We chose this fabric for our 100% cotton sheet sets because it combines affordability, softness and durability. We have found this cotton produces an extremely nice quality sheet that has a soft, luxurious feel, but is also durable and will hold up to daily use and many, many washings for several years.

HOW you launder your sheets IS an important factor in how long they will last. We recommend washing them separately from other items – especially towels! Read more about proper care of your sheets in our article about laundering by clicking here.