What is thread count? 

Thread count is a standard metric used by bedding manufacturers and marketers to indicate the density of threads in sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases and other bedding products. In Australia, it refers to the number of threads per 10cm2 (3.16cm x 3.16cm) of fabric. The measurement counts both warp and weft combined (300 warp + 300 weft = 600 thread count). 

Does high thread count mean high quality?

At BeddingCo we ask you please take into consideration more than just thread count when choosing your bedding. Higher thread count does often mean better quality but it’s not the only indicator. Features like weave, type of fabric and finish should all be considered when choosing a high-quality product. Here are some things to look out for.

• A thread count of 2,000+. Some companies calculate thread count over a larger surface area than the industry standard, resulting in a higher number without actually improving the fabric quality. Extremely high thread count sheets at a very low price are exactly what they seem—too good to be true.
• Polyester blends. Man-made polyester fibres are often super thin, allowing polyester and blends to have a thread count of thousands without being any better than natural materials with lower thread count.

Please note: We are not saying you need to spend a fortune on quality bedding, just don’t fall into the marketing thread count trap.

So, given thread count isn’t the only indicator of quality, what is the optimum thread count for sheets? After years of testing, the experts at BeddingCo have found the densities that perform best for each fabric, balancing comfort, price and quality.

Please keep in mind that different fabrics may have different metrics for measuring fabric weight and density (eg. GSM for linen or momme for silk.)

*GSM stands for 'Grams per Square Meter' and measures how much weight is in one square meter of textiles such as linen.

^Momme is a standard way to measure the density and quality of silk fabrics. 

There are no Australian regulations for labelling something Egyptian cotton. Here’s how to spot an inferior product.

• No accreditation. Real Egyptian cotton products should have Cotton Egypt Association accreditation.
• Blends. Some Egyptian cotton products have been found to have as little as 1% to 5% real Egyptian cotton, with the remaining threads being inferior cotton.
• Suspicious thread counts. Very high thread counts over 1,500. In some cases, a larger surface area is used to calculate thread count, increasing the thread count without actually improving the quality.
• Comparatively low prices. In some cases, these deals are not 100% Egyptian cotton.
• Short warranty periods. This may indicate products not being 100% Egyptian cotton. This high-quality fibre should last many years if cared for properly.

If you’re looking for quality French linen bedding, it’s best to avoid these strategies:

• Blends. Flax linen is incredibly long-lasting and durable. Be wary of linen blends that come at cheaper prices but don’t have the same longevity, sustainability and quality as pure flax linen. 
• No certification. Flax linen products should have a European Flax Certificate.
• Imitation products. It is not uncommon to see linen imitated. The market is full of so-called linens made from polyesters and other synthetic fibres. Real linen has natural creases and gets softer over time.

Take the stress out of buying silk by being aware of these common tactics.

• Low momme. We do not recommend purchasing bedding linen from silk with a momme below 18. With regular use, products with low momme will be quicker to wear out.
• Blends. Silk blended with cotton, rayon or even satin won’t have the signature lustre and therapeutic qualities you may expect from 100% silk.
• Inferior silks. Other types of silk such as charmeuse, wild silk or Habotai silk are less uniform in colour and texture, with shorter strands in comparison to luxurious mulberry silk.
• Momme not advertised. Be wary of sellers who don’t advertise momme, as they may be trying to trick you into buying inferior quality silk sheets.

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your money by avoiding inferior quality bamboo.

• Blends. Make sure that your bamboo sheets are made of pure, organic bamboo and avoid cotton or polyester blends for the best quality and feel.
• No certifications. Organic bamboo products should be certified standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, coming from a reputable retailer with good reviews.

When it comes to organic cotton, it’s important you’re getting what you’re being advertised. Here’s what to beware of when it comes to this fabric:

• No certification. To use the label ‘organic’, organic cotton bedding must be GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified.
• Suspicious thread counts. There are multiple tactics to exaggerate thread count, such as calculating thread count over a larger area than industry standards.

By keeping an eye out for common marketing tactics, you can take the stress of buying flannelette.

• Blends. Flannelette sheets should be made from 100% organic cotton. Many flannelette sheets are made from cotton-poly blends that pill faster than true organic cotton flannelette.
• >No certification. GOTS and OEKO-TEX certification is required for bedding manufacturers to use the label ‘organic’.

What’s the ideal thread count for Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring? Due to variations in fabric, there’s no one answer. In the table below, we reveal the ideal season for each fabric in our collection.

So what does all this information mean to you? To summarise:

• The higher the thread count (of 100% Egyptian cotton, organic or regular cotton–not inferior cotton blends) the more durable and the better value for money over time.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Look for well-labelled products and reputable sellers.
• Look for GOTS, OEKO-TEX, European Flax Certificate and Egyptian cotton association certified products that verify fabric and quality standards.
• There is a limit to the number of threads that can fit in a specific area. We use a max of 1200 fibres over 10cm sq, the optimal thread count for Egyptian cotton products that retain softness.
• Find the right thread count that suits your needs. 1200 thread count may be too heavy for you and a lighter thread count of 500 could be perfect for your climate.
• Buy your bedding from a specialist with great guarantees and service you can trust. BeddingCo offers generous warranty and easy 120-day returns.

At BeddingCo, we’re proud of our no-nonsense approach to bedding. We value honesty and guarantee that our products are of the highest quality. Shop our full range of luxury bedding today.