So What's the Deal with Thread Counts

Interesting reading in today's paper, Saturday, February 9, 2008, Sun-Sentinel...an article talking about how many overseas bedding manufacturers are deliberately deceiving consumers by falsely claiming high thread counts in their sheets so they can get higher dollars.

Many sheets claiming 800 to 1,000 thread counts can sell for very high dollars. Recently, many linens manufacturers have touted thread count as the best way to choose a sheet. But others point out that the quality of the fibers and finish are more important to the sheet's comfort and durability. In fact, sheets made of linen, flannel, or jersey (think "T-shirt" sheets) have low thread counts due to the type of fabric. A high thread count would eliminate part of the appeal of these sheets.

According to Consumer Reports, cotton and cotton-blend sheets with a thread count of 180 to 200 stand up to wear and tear and provide satisfactory comfort.

Thread count is determined by how many threads are in one square inch of fabric. This is generally calculated by multiplying the number of vertical and horizontal threads woven within this square inch. This formula was agreed upon by the manufacturers a number of years ago. As many of these sheets are now imported from overseas, some of these overseas companies started twisting two threads together and then counting the two-ply strands twice.

For example, with 250 thread count sheets, one square inch of fabric would have 100 threads going in one direction and 100 threads going in the opposite direction. Add the 125 with the 125 and that equals the 250 thread count. So now with the "two-ply" method, these sheets would now be counted as 500 thread count and fetch a higher dollar.

Unfortunately, bedding retailers have beat it into our consumers head that thread count is the most important thing. It is the most frequently asked question we answer regarding sheets. Yet our two largest manufacturers, both try and drill into us that thread count is not the "all important" determination in selling quality sheets. Sheets should be chosen by touch, not thread count. Combed cottong will be much softer. Lower thread counts may be more durable because the yarn is thicker.

"Combed cotton" is when cotton fibers are obtained from the seed of a cotton plant. Combing separates the long desirable fibers from the short immature fibers to create a stronger smoother yarn.

"Pima Cotton" and "Supima Cotton" are very strong, high-grade cottons of medium staple developed from selected cottons in the southwest United States.

"Egyptian Cotton" is grown exclusively in Egypt and the longest fiber staple in the world. This means less linting, more durability, more luster and a softer feel.

"Percale" for U.S. standards simply means that the material is a minimum of 180 threads per square inch, however, many European mills, as with Italian bedding, will refer to their 100% cotton bedding as Percale or Percalle which in this case means that the material is a 100% cotton and a type of construction which is consistent with percale in the U.S, meaning a non sateen 100% bed sheet.

Our top selling sheets are the jersey knit, t-shirt sheets and the 100% cotton, 250 thread count sateen sheet sets, both available in a large selection of colors and very reasonably priced.

posted by FamilyBedding.com at 10:41 PM

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