What Thread Count Should You Buy?
What Thread Count Should You Buy?
For most bedrooms, 200 to 400 thread count is the right choice. In the UAE climate, 200TC percale is the best option for people who sleep warm, and 300 to 400TC sateen is the best option for people who want softness. Thread counts above 800 offer a denser, silkier feel but need more careful washing, and they are not necessary for comfort.
Thread count is only one measure of quality. The type of cotton, the weave, the standard of stitching and embroidery, and the finishing process of the mill all matter as much or more.
What is thread count?
Thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, counted both horizontally and vertically. It describes how fine the fabric is. A higher thread count generally gives a softer, more delicate fabric. A lower thread count generally gives a more durable one.
What thread count is best for a children's room?
180 to 200 thread count.
It is soft, lightweight and breathable, and it stands up to the way children treat their bedding. If you would rather not iron, a polyester and cotton blend is worth considering for its easy care.
What thread count is best for a guest room?
200 to 300 thread count.
200TC percale is crisp and breathable. 300TC sateen is soft and silky and feels generous to a guest without being expensive to replace.
What thread count is best for a main bedroom?
300 to 500 thread count.
This range balances softness with practicality and washes well with regular use, which matters for sheets and pillowcases used every night.
What is the highest thread count worth buying?
800 to 1000 or above.
For people who want the densest and silkiest feel. At this level the cotton itself matters more than the number, so look for Egyptian or Supima cotton. Anything above 500 thread count needs more careful laundering.
Is a higher thread count always better?
No. The higher the thread count, the finer each individual thread has to be, so very high thread count fabrics are more delicate rather than stronger. A well made 200TC percale in good cotton will outlast a poorly made 1000TC sheet.
Percale or sateen: which should you choose?
| Percale | Sateen |
|---|---|
| A plain weave. Crisp, matt and breathable. | A satin weave. Smooth, with a soft sheen. |
| Suits warm sleepers and the UAE climate. | Feels warmer against the skin. Suits those who want a silky finish. |
How should you wash high thread count sheets?
Wash anything above 500 thread count separately. Keep it away from items with zips or hook and eye fasteners, which snag fine threads. Do not overfill the machine, as fabric needs room to move to wash and rinse properly. Always follow the care label on the item.
At Linen Obsession we stock bedlinen from 180 to over 1000 thread count across percale, sateen and linen, in our stores at Mirdif City Centre, Reem Mall and our showroom at Al Quoz, and online.