What Is Thread Count? And Does It Actually Matter?

What Is Thread Count? And Does It Actually Matter?

Let’s clear the air on one of the most asked questions in bedding: What is thread count and does a higher number actually mean better sheets?

What Is Thread Count? (And How Is It Calculated?)

Thread count is simply the number of threads woven together in one square inch of fabric, counting both the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads.

Example:

If there are 200 threads running vertically and 200 running horizontally in one square inch, the thread count is: 200 + 200 = 400

Visualizing It:

🟢 Left: 200 vertical + 200 horizontal single-ply threads = 400 thread count

🟢 Right: Same number of threads, but each split into 3-ply yarns = 1200 thread count

Looks like more, but it’s actually just a marketing illusion. And it comes with trade-offs.

Ply: The Hidden Factor That Can Inflate Thread Count

Ply refers to how many yarns are twisted together to make one thread:

• Single-ply: Honest, breathable, strong
• Multi-ply (2 or 3): Twisted, thicker, and often from cheaper cotton

Unfortunately, many brands use this trick to inflate the number not the quality. Splitting yarns makes threads bulkier and tighter, reducing airflow and comfort.

It may sound luxurious, but it’s really just smoke and mirrors.

Why Turkish Cotton Is Different (And Better)

We use 100% Turkish cotton, prized around the world for its long, strong fibers.
Unlike generic cotton, Turkish cotton is naturally:

• Long-staple: Meaning the fibers are longer, resulting in smoother, stronger threads
• Durable: Fewer breaks in the yarn mean fewer pills and a longer lifespan
• Soft: It gets softer with every wash naturally, not chemically
• Absorbent & breathable: Perfect for bedding you actually want to live in

This cotton is grown in the Aegean region, where the climate and soil conditions create some of the most desirable cotton on Earth. It’s been cultivated for centuries not just for performance, but for comfort that feels like a natural luxury.

So while thread count is part of the story, it’s the Turkish cotton that makes the real difference.

Does a Higher Thread Count Mean Better Sheets?

Not necessarily. A high number can mean cheaper yarns twisted together, not finer quality.

True luxury comes from the fiber itself, we use Turkish cotton in single-ply, woven thoughtfully for:

• Breathability
• Longevity
• Softness that gets better with every wash

No Fluff Summary

• What is thread count? Number of threads in 1 square inch.
• Does it matter? Yes, but only when paired with premium cotton and honest construction.
• Is higher better? Not if it’s inflated with cheap, multi-ply yarns.

• What matters more? Fiber quality and Turkish cotton delivers.