What thread count for sheets?

[hercamore]

Hi,

I just bought a new Beautyrest and need another queen sheet set wiht deep pockets. OUr old sheets from Lands End fit, but barely. I'm seeing 330, 400, 800, count threads. I'm not sure I need that fancy a sheet, but want somehting soft and that will last awhile.

What brands do you like?

herc.

 

[Serena]

I have some sheets that are about 250 thread count and they are soft and smooth. Anything above that would be heavenly.

 

[monkeyboy]

Thread count in sheets can range from 80 to 700, although most stores sell sheets that range from 180 to 320. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels, but that doesn't necessarily mean the sheets will last longer (and sheets with a higher thread count are usually more expensive). One linens department manager says thread counts above 380 are "kind of a farce." Manufacturers twist two threads in a way that lets them double the sheet's thread count.

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 (those trendy "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.

 

[Pin Wizard]

This year I splurged on 400 tc. They are wonderful!!! I bought them on sale at JC Penney. Buy one set, get the second for one cent!! I'm not going to anything less now.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Agree completely with MonkeyBoy on his thoughts.

it depends on SO MUCH on other factors besides what the packaging says. I have felt 800 TC sheets that were hard and scratchy, while there were 200 TC next to them soft and cozy. DH and I always go to Bed Bath and Beyond and jsut feel all the sheets - its amazing the diff in them between brands and fabric types.

We have some that are 400 and very soft, and some that are 200 and very soft. Just depends. I think you have to just feel them all, and make your decision then.

I also recently read an article about how some companies are lying about thread counts, the magazine did their own test and counted threads on some major brands, and many were WAY under what the packaging said they were - so I don't always trust them now.

i wish I had kept that article - I *think* it was in Womans Day, but can't be certain.

Good luck shopping!!!!

 

[vettechick99]

You also need to look at the quality of the fabric. A 400 ct in a polyester/cotton blend won't be near as nice as a 250 ct in pure cotton. Also, there are different levels of cotton quality. I just registered for some 250 ct sateen, cotton sheets at BB&B...not a high count, but when I felt them, I knew I was getting a good quality.

 

[hercamore]

Thanks fo rhte responses.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Egyptian cotton? Is this long wearing cotton? It seems soft.

herc.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

The higher the thread count, the better the quality sheets.

 

[Travvellr]

I bought my first pair of 600 count sheets and am now completely spoiled. I don't think I can go back to the 280 count again. The best place to find them is Tuesday Morning or Overstock.com. I buy mine at Tuesday Morning so that I can feel them before I buy them. You can usually get them for $69.00 a set for queen. For that price there isn't much difference than buying the 280 count and they feel much better. Plus no little pills on the fabric after you wash them a few times.

 

[Pin Wizard]

A couple weeks ago I was in BB&B passing by the sheets. Just had to feel the 700 tc. I didn't feel any difference from the 400 tc I had, and they were certainly a LOT more money. Buy whatever feels good to you.

Egyptian cotton...so far I don't care for it. I bought new blankets in the fall. No where on them do they say "Egyptian," just "cotton." Then where there was another sale I bought two more. Didn't notice until I got home that these said "Egyptian." They aren't nearly as soft as the others!

Still in the package. I need to find the receipt and exchange them. Don't like "stiff" blankets.

 

[Serena]

My 250 count sheets have never had pills, and I've had them a long time. They are still very soft and smooth too.
I got them from JCPenneys about 10 years ago.

 

[Samirella]

Hi,

I just bought a new Beautyrest and need another queen sheet set wiht deep pockets. OUr old sheets from Lands End fit, but barely. I'm seeing 330, 400, 800, count threads. I'm not sure I need that fancy a sheet, but want somehting soft and that will last awhile.

What brands do you like?

herc.

I won't buy anything less than 300 thread count with most of my sheets being 400 thread count. Anything below 300 just isn't soft enough for me. I usually find good deals at Bed Bath and Beyond. They have a large selection of deep pocket sheet sets (up to 22" mattresses). They also have sets that go all the way up to 1,000 thread count (which are divine) I have a really big mattress as well. I did buy one set that was a bit too small (for a 17" mattress) that were 250 thread count. After the first washing the fitted sheet has pills all over it. I'll never use them again as they are so uncomfortable!

 

[Samirella]

You also need to look at the quality of the fabric. A 400 ct in a polyester/cotton blend won't be near as nice as a 250 ct in pure cotton. Also, there are different levels of cotton quality. I just registered for some 250 ct sateen, cotton sheets at BB&B...not a high count, but when I felt them, I knew I was getting a good quality.

Be carefull with those. I also have the same sheets from BB&B and after the first washing they had pills all over them. I can't use them again!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I too love good sheets. I just bought a pair from Macy's that were 100% cotten and 400 thread count. Simply put, they are divine. I do not have anything in my house less than 300 and that includes the kids sheets as well. I would sespect at this time of year, you can get a great set of sheets for a good price.

 

[ducklite]

I buy 700 count Egyptian cotton at BB&B, LOVE them!

Egyptian cotton IS a LOT softer after you wash it. It gets softer with wear, but doesn't wear thin or pill like a Pima or Poly blend or muslin will do in time.

I've had the two sets I have in NJ for several years now, and they are still like new, only softer.

They sell them at Bed Bath & Beyond, wait until you get one of those 20% off coupons to buy them, they are a bit pricey.

I also buy Egyptian cotton towels, we've found they also are softer and last longer. A little more expensive, but because they last a lot longer they are worth it.

Pin Wizard, the blankets will be softer after they are laundered, but I have to say I can't tell the difference between the regular cotton blankets and the Egyptian cotton blankets--that's something I wouldn't spend extra on, although I did find some on sale for a great price, so I bought Egyptian cotton as I know it will wear better. But in general, blankets are not a place I'd spend extra on for Egyptian cotton. JMHO.

Anne

 

[shortbun]

Be carefull with those. I also have the same sheets from BB&B and after the first washing they had pills all over them. I can't use them again!

Ours snag horribly and get out of shape really fast-a few days. I won't buy
them again. They ARE soft but I bought some flannel at Kohls for the same price that I like a lot better. I do like 250 or better thread count. I don't think the 180's ever soften.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Thread count in sheets can range from 80 to 700, although most stores sell sheets that range from 180 to 320.

Lots of web sites now advertise 1200 -1600 count sheets.... for a whole lotta $$$$$.

 

[minniecarousel]

I bought a set of 800ct from Overstock and LOVE them! I will not buy any more lower than 600 ct now. (Cal King are hard to find on Overstock, but I keep checking!)

 

[Trish5768]

I love my 300 tc sheets, I don't think its necessary to go any higher, but thats totally up to the individual.

 

[Imzadi]

I have an Egyptian cotton sateen comforter that is as soft as a cloud. I love it, but it wrinkles like the dickens because it is so soft & lacks any body. That's not good for a comforter. I hate it looking rumpled even after it's all smoothed out on the bed.

I have 300ct Egyptian cotton sateen sheets coming form a killer sale at Amazon on the way. I hope they hold up better than the comforter.