Is Thread Count That Important?
Thread count is often used as a barometer of the bed sheets' smoothness and durability.
High thread count is a factor, but the throw in of cotton can be more significant.
Photo: Steve Gorton/Getty Images
Whats The Best-Quality Cotton?
Cotton is the best materialfor bed sheets.
Top of the line is 100 percent Egyptian cotton.
Second best is 100 percent pima cotton, also known by the trademarked name Supima.
Egyptian cotton’s long fibers produce sheets that are thin and sumptuous, yet extremely strong and long-lasting.
Pima cotton is also soft and less likely to pill than upland cotton.
you might find a good queen set made of pima for less than $200.
What’s Better: Percale or Sateen?
If you’re not sure which you prefer, look for fabric swatches on display for a touch test.
Don’t go above 30 percent synthetic: The sheets won’t feel great and could generate heat.
