As consumers, we're made to believe that bedding with a high thread count instantly means high quality bedding.
Agreed, a high number sounds impressive, but contrary to popular belief, high thread count isn’t always synonymous with luxury bedding. In fact, more threads can make your sheets heavier, rougher, and less durable.
Keep reading to learn what you should actually be looking for!
what exactly is thread count?
If you’re not sure exactly what thread count is, panic not! After years of research, we discovered that only 5% of the people we surveyed actually understood thread count. So, there's no need to worry because you're not alone.
In short, thread count is the amount of threads there are in one square inch of fabric. This includes both the vertical (warp) and horizontal threads (weft) that weave together to create the fabric.
The catch? This technical detail has morphed into a common ploy doesn't specify thread quality...
what should I look for in sheets?
We've got just the pointers for when you're shopping for your next bedding set. Be sure to always look out for these oh so important steps!
fibre quality
In reality, there are only so many threads that can actually fit into that one square inch of space, so manufacturers get creative with their weaving processes to try and cram more in. By twisting the yarns together in a plait-like method (in the industry we call these double or triple ply yarns), misleadingly high thread counts can be created. These sound great for marketing purposes, but the yarn quality may be very poor and the products can deteriorate quickly.
Did you know that not all cotton yarns are the same? They vary in length and thickness, characteristics that determine the grade. Products on the market claiming to be wildly high thread counts (500-1000) are often made using weaker and shorter yarns. For example, a 600 thread count sheet often means 200 three-ply. These create heavier sheets that can suffocate the airflow around you while you sleep, which isn't helpful for maintaining a good sleeping temperature.
Single ply, long staple yarns are a far better indicator of durable, luxurious bedding than the thread count itself because it explains exactly how the thread count was achieved.
fibre content
Scan for percentages. Is it 100% cotton? Or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers?
Where you see 100% organic cotton - you know you're onto a winner.
Natural fibers are the most breathable, keeping you comfortable and able to enjoy the best zzz's possible. Bamboo or eucalyptus are rising in popularity as bedding fabrics, but these aren't always as environment friendly as some advertisements would to make you think.
all-important processing details
Conventional (non-organic) cotton bedding processing depends on methods that involve the addition of toxic chemicals, dyes, and bleaches. On top of the chemicals and pesticides already used during the fibre growing process.
We turn to organic methods that're free of any harmful substances to produce our bedding.
Not only is organic cotton softer and stronger than conventional cotton, but it requires less water and energy to produce, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to healthier soil.
Certifications are the proof we need in a market where marketing terms can sell us the dream... Quite literally! That's why we certify our entire range to meet the highest standards. That's right, we've got the quality-assuring receipts.
soft & smooth or cool & crisp?
Soft & smooth (sateen) and cool & crisp (percale) are defined by their weaves. Rest assured that whichever you decide is for you, both are already softer and more durable than conventional cotton.
soft & smooth
Our special soft & smooth cotton is made with a looser weave than cool & crisp. Threads are spun in a, four-over-one-under pattern. The result is a buttery soft fabric that gracefully drapes and folds around your body for a blissful sleep.
cool & crisp
Our special cool & crisp cotton is made by spinning threads in a tight one-over-one-under pattern. The result is a crisp, cool-to-the-touch, sturdy finish that always feels just like the flip side of your pillow.
For bedding that gets softer with each wash and ages with grace, we use the finest quality, long staple organic cotton in a single-ply 300 thread count weave.
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