What Does Thread Count Mean?
Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric, including both vertical and horizontal threads. In theory, finer yarns allow more threads to be woven into that space, creating a smoother, more supple fabric.
That is why thread count became such a well-known sign of quality. But the number alone cannot tell you whether your cotton sheets will feel breathable and soft over time. A sheet can have a high thread count and still disappoint if the cotton is poor or the weave is not right for the feel you want.
What Thread Count Should Our Bed Sheets Be?
| Bedding Fabric & Weave | Thread Count Range | How Does It Feels | What To Know
|
| Cotton Percale | 200–400 | Crisp, cool, airy, matte | A great choice for hot sleepers or anyone who likes that fresh, just-laundered hotel feel. Rise & Fall’s Crisp & Cool range is 400 TC |
| Cotton Sateen | 300-600 | Smooth, silky, warm | Better if you prefer bedding that feels softer. Rise & Fall’s Soft & Smooth range is 500 TC |
| Cotton blend (Polycotton) |
180–300 | Easy-care, less breathable |
Affordable and can be durable but thread count is less useful because blends vary so much |
| Linen | Not the best measure | Airy, textured, relaxed | Thicker, so lower thread counts can still be high quality. Instead, fibre quality, weight and handfeel matter more. |
| Silk |
For high-quality, comfortable cotton sheets, aim for a thread count between 300 and 600. While higher numbers are often marketed as luxurious, 300 to 400 thread counts generally offer the best balance of softness, durability and breathability while 600+ thread counts can feel heavy and less breathable.
Unlike cotton, linen is measured by the quality and weight of the flax fibre, not by its thread count. This is because its fibres are much thicker and the weave is looser. But, as a general rule, we'd recommend a thread count between 80 to 140.
Why Does The Fabric's Weave Make a Difference?
Once you know the cotton is high quality, the weave is what really shapes how your bedding feels. Bedding weaves define the texture, durability, and feel of sheets.
Common types include:
- Percale
- Sateen
- Twill
- Jersey
If you like sheets that feel crisp, cool and airy, percale is usually the best choice. Rise & Fall’s Crisp & Cool Cotton Bedding Collection is made from 400-thread-count organic cotton in a classic one-up, one-down percale weave, giving it a fresh, just-laundered feel that works especially well for hot sleepers.
If you prefer bedding that feels softer, silkier and more cocooning, sateen is usually a better fit. Our Soft & Smooth Cotton Bedding Collection uses a four-up, one-down sateen weave, creating a smoother, slightly more luxurious feel. The range includes 600-thread-count and organic 500-thread-count options, both made with extra-long-staple cotton for a softer finish.
Why Cotton Quality Matters Just As Much
Not all cotton is created equal. The quality of the fibre makes a noticeable difference to how sheets feel against the skin and how well they last. This is where extra-long staple cotton matters. Longer fibres create fewer exposed ends, which usually means a smoother, more refined fabric.
What To Actually Look For in Bed Sheets
The best sheets are not defined by one number. They come from the combination of good cotton, the right thread count and a weave that suits how you want your bed to feel.
Caring For Sheets So They Keep Their Feel
Even well-made sheets need the right care. Our Bedding Care Guide recommends washing cotton bedding weekly or at least every fortnight, using a mild detergent and a gentle 30°C to 40°C cycle, then drying thoroughly to help preserve softness and breathability.
That matters because thread count is only part of what you live with. The real test is whether your sheets still feel fresh, smooth and comfortable after regular use.
