Thread count refers to the number of threads in a square inch of the fabric, measuring both warp and weft (lengthwise and widthwise). People are increasingly aware that the higher the thread count, the higher quality the fabric, but this is only partly true.If there is a high concentration of threads woven together the threads have to be fine, and this generally makes the fabric softer which is why people look for a high number. A single thread might be four plies when twisted together but one manufacturer will call that one thread, whilst another manufacturer will count it as four threads in a bid to record a higher number.
Apart from thread count, it is also important to look at fibre quality, yarn size and finishing.Quality fibres are longer and a cotton fabric with these is said to be long staple. A long staple is better because longer fibres make for a finer and stronger yarn. Pima cotton is long staple and Egyptian Cotton is even longer.With yarn size, the finer the yarn, the higher the quality. Fine yarns give a lighter and more supple fabric and they also allow for twisting together to create a 2 ply yarn.Weaving a 2 ply yarn with too small a yarn size will result in a heavy sheet that is more like a blanket. This explains why 200 thread count cotton from a high grade fibre can feel better than 400 thread count cotton from an inferior grade cotton.Good quality sheets will be properly finished.
