What You Should Know About High Thread Counts

Julia Canella | Home | 24 April 2025

Thread counts. All too often, we're asked about them.

And, do they offer a true indication of superior quality?

Unravelling the thread truth

The truth is – only sometimes.

And unfortunately, it's not that simple.

A true indicator of quality lies in the yarn itself, and not how many threads fit into one square inch of fabric.

Also, the way a textile is woven may result in a higher thread count, but it's not necessarily what you desire to sleep in, night after night (hot sleepers, we're talking to you).

High thread counts offer a beautiful lustre, but are also rather dense due to multiple twists of yarns throughout, which results in a heavier drape – not ideal for someone living in a balmy climate, or those of us who prefer lightweight coverage.

Quality fabrics worth the humble-brag

Looking for a soft, smooth handle? Cotton sateen and Tencel™ threads are woven closely together, giving them characteristically luxe appearances.

For a cool, crisp feel against your skin, cotton percale works best, being a plain weave that breathes. Thread counts of percale are anywhere between 225 to 400 single threads.

Thread count is even less relevant when we start to talk about fibres, such as pure linen, bamboo or washed cotton, which happen to be the most popular and purchased Linen House threads.

Pure linen is much-admired for its drape and beautifully distinctive, rustic appearance, while treated to a pre-wash for additional softness.

Combined, bamboo and cotton is a Linen House best-seller, and celebrated for feeling remarkably soft, being fast to launder, and kind to allergy sufferers (as well as the environment).

Washed cotton is pre-washed, usually through stonewashing, to achieve a lived-in, weighty feel that's extremely soft and breathable for the loveliest of sleeps.

Brushed cotton (flannelette), is cotton combed with a fine metal brush to raise its fibres for those super-snug, soft feels.

Polyester and cotton blends provide a durable, less expensive and easycare product, which is incredibly handy for holiday homeowners and those of us who don't wish to deal with an iron.

That's everyone in the world, right?