Do you remember the first time you bought sheets for yourself? The one thing all of those bedding options had in common was an unmissable thread count on the packaging. We all learned early on that the higher the thread count on the sheets, the better they were. Right? Well, maybe not.

Yes, thread count matters when you’re shopping linens, but it’s not necessarily the most important consideration when it comes to making that final purchase. The fact is, a high thread count doesn’t always equal a high-quality sheet.

The Length of the Fiber Outweighs the Count of the Thread

Before we deep-dive into the importance--or unimportance--of thread count, let’s figure out what it really is. Don’t worry: it’s pretty simple. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into a square inch of fabric. That’s it. So, in theory, a higher thread count would mean a better, finer weave on the cotton, leading to all of those magical qualities that we look for in a luxury linen, but that’s not always the case.

The better buying strategy is to shift your focus away from a sheet’s thread count and instead take a closer look at the length of the sheet’s fiber. A general rule of thumb is that the longer the fiber, the longer it will last.

To find a set of sheets that matches comfort with durability, we recommend selecting bedding woven from long-staple fibers and high-quality cotton. After all, even if you find a set of sheets that boasts a high thread count, if it’s made with short fibers, the quality is going to suffer, along with your comfort.

“Our customers love our sheets because they offer exquisite comfort and superb durability that isn’t easily found in the modern marketplace,” explained Elizabeth Zook, owner of Thomas Lee Sheets. “Our 500-thread count, Supima cotton sheets are made with the longest, strongest, and finest fibers available. You can’t find quality like this anywhere else.”

At Thomas Lee Sheets, we believe that our 500-thread count is what differentiates our linens from other good, quality sheets. With a balanced percale weave and superior materials, our Luxury Percale sheets are everything you’ve been searching for.

Thread Count is What You Make of It

So, yes, thread count is definitely a factor to consider when you’re searching for your next sheets, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you think of when you’re deciding what you’ll be snuggling into at night. At the end of the day, when you’re ready to climb into bed, everyone will have their own preferences, so browse our bedding collections today to find your favorites!