Thread Count Myths: What Really Matters for Soft Bedsheets

Forget everything you’ve been told about 1000 thread count sheets. The truth is, more isn’t always better. While thread count is one factor in the softness and quality of your bedsheets, it’s far from the whole story. 

In this guide, we’ll bust some of the biggest myths around thread count and break down what *actually* matters based on the fabric—whether it’s bamboo, cotton, Tencel, or linen. By the end, you’ll be shopping smarter, sleeping better, and ignoring flashy labels that don’t deliver real comfort.

1. What Is Thread Count and Why Does It Matter?

Thread count is the number of horizontal (weft) + vertical (warp) threads per square inch. When assessing quality, we are looking at how the fabric is able to balance softness with durability. However, across all fabric, anything beyond 600 thread count is a marketing gimmick. 

Thread Count vs Real Benefits

Thread Count	Benefit Plateaus	Potential Issues
200-400	Balanced Comfort and Softness	Fantastic for Cotton or Bamboo
600+	Not Necessary	May be multi-ply, rougher
1000+	Marketing Gimmick	Less Breathable, stiffer

 

2. Thread Count vs Fabric Type: What Matters More

When it comes to choosing the fabric for you, it always depends on what problem you're looking to solve and the weather type you're in. 

Bamboo Bed Sheets

Bamboo bedsheets are naturally soft and breathable; therefore, thread count isn’t the main metric. As bamboo fibres are already naturally soft, bamboo sheets with thread counts of 250-350 outperform 800TC in cotton. This makes bamboo bedsheets ideal for hot sleepers and sensitive skin. 

Cotton Bed Sheets (incl Egyptian Cotton)

Thread count plays a bigger role with cotton, especially with long-staple cotton. The optimal sweet spot for cotton is 500-600 TC to ensure softness and durability. When it comes to Egyptian cotton, this basically means that the cotton is extra-long staple (ESL) cotton, which is highly regarded for being extremely soft, durable, and strong. This cotton is famously grown in the Nile River Valley region in Egypt. 

TENCEL Bed Sheets

TENCEL bedsheets are made from eucalyptus pulp, which is naturally silky and moisture-wicking. In this case, thread count isn't critical, as the eucalyptus pulp fibres are naturally soft, similar to bamboo. This means that 300TC TENCEL sheets are as soft and durable as 600TC cotton. 

Linen Bed Sheets

When it comes to linen bedsheets, these sheets are measured in grams per square metre (GSM) and not thread count. Linen sheets are highly breathable; however, they are textured, which gets softer over time with each wash. Most people opt for linen sheets due to its vintage aesthetic but they are ideal in hot climates.

Thread Count vs GSM (Linen) Comparison

Fabric	Measured in	Typical Range	Feel
Cotton	TC	300-500	Crisp to Soft
Bamboo	TC	250-350	Silky, Breathable
TENCEL	TC	250-350	Smooth, Cool
Linen	GSM	150-200	Textured, Airy

 

3. What really makes sheets soft?

Beyond thread count, a few things everyone needs to consider when choosing the ideal bedsheets for them include

Fiber length: long-staple ensures a much smoother finish.
Weave type: highly important when it comes to Cotton - sateen finish is softer whereas percale is crisper)
Finish: chemical free, enzyme washed
Ply: Single vs. multi-ply affects feel and breathability.

4. Choosing the Right Bedsheets Based on Your Needs

Below is a quick guide on how to choose the right bedsheets based your climate, needs and problems:

Need	Best Fabric	Why
Hot Sleeper	Bamboo	Breathable and Moisture Wicking
Budget Conscious	Cotton	Affordable and Durable
Skin sensitivity	TENCEL	Hypo-allergenic and Soft
Aesthetic Focused	Linen	Relaxed and Textured Look

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best thread count for bamboo sheets?
250–350 thread count is ideal for bamboo sheets. Higher numbers don’t improve softness and can reduce breathability. 

Are 1000 thread count sheets really better?
Not necessarily. Anything over 600 thread count is usually multi-ply, which can feel stiff and trap heat. 

Should I trust Egyptian cotton labels?
Only if it’s certified. Many products labelled as Egyptian cotton are blends. Look for long-staple, certified sources. 

Thread count is just one part of the sheet equation. Instead of falling for the 1000TC hype, focus on what your body and sleep style actually need—whether that’s breathable bamboo, crisp cotton, silky Tencel, or airy linen. The softest sheets are the ones that suit *you*.