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Choosing sheets with a high thread count can elevate your bedding’s look and feel. High thread count sheets often provide a soft, breathable, and durable feel. We’ve tested countless sets to bring you the best high thread count sheets on the market today.

While high thread count sheets are often synonymous with luxury bedding, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best sheets. Material, weave, and ply also affect how sheets feel and perform. We’ll explain what each of these terms mean and how to find the best sheets for your sleep preferences. 

We’ll highlight our top choices for the best high thread count sheets that offer an enhanced performance and feel. These sheets not only boast high thread counts, but also strike an ideal balance between comfort and durability, which are key indicators of high-quality sheets.

In-Depth Reviews

Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheets are soft, silky, breathable, and long-lasting — these qualities combine to help ensure years of comfort and performance. Deep pockets, sturdy elastic banding, easy cleaning, and a wide assortment of designs add further appeal for this high-end set.

  • Pros

    1. Each item made of breathable, durable long-staple cotton

    2. Generous pocket depth with thick elastic banding for added security

    3. Eight size options and a wide range of colors and designs

  • Cons

    1. People who prefer percale-woven bedding may find these sheets too soft

    2. Expensive pricing may be a barrier for shoppers with tight budgets

Price

$279

Material

100% Organic Long-Staple Cotton

Weave

Sateen

Comfort is subjective, but some sheet sets strike a balance of softness, lightness, and breathability that make them appealing to a wide swath of sleepers. The Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets are a great example. Crafted from organic long-staple cotton and finished with a silky-soft sateen weave, the sheets and pillowcases in this collection are smooth and gentle on the skin without feeling flimsy. We also like this set for its deep-pocket fitted sheet, low-maintenance care, and wide range of solid colors and patterns.

How It Performed

One of the first things our testing team noticed was how stable the fitted sheet felt. Thick banding along the perimeter secures the sheet to your mattress, so you shouldn’t need to deal with corners slipping off during the night — even if you frequently change sleep positions or toss and turn. We also enjoyed the cotton’s silky feel. The fabric glides across the skin and shouldn’t cause any irritation whatsoever.

During temperature control tests, our team found the sheets and pillowcases are resistant to heat buildup and should sleep cool most nights of the year. We also awarded high marks for ease of cleaning and size and color selection.

What It’s Made of

Each component in the set is made of organic long-staple cotton that’s been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, one of the world’s leading authorities for sustainably sourced fabrics. This material is naturally soft, a quality further enhanced by the sateen weave. The fitted sheet is crafted with sturdy elastic banding, and can be used with any mattress up to 17 inches thick.

Eight sizes are available. These include options that correspond with standard mattress dimensions, as well as a king size with standard pillowcases and a split king for couples with adjustable beds. You can also choose from more than a dozen solid colors and a handful of eye-catching prints.

Although the set’s sticker price is somewhat high, Boll & Branch offers free ground delivery for U.S. customers and reasonable flat-rate shipping for international orders.You may return the set within 30 days of the delivery date if you aren’t satisfied with the Signature Hemmed Sheets.

Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set is a high-value option if you’re shopping with a limited budget and want to invest in long-lasting bedding. Each item in the collection is composed of durable long-staple cotton and touched up with a silky-smooth sateen weave.

  • Pros

    1. Long-staple cotton is soft, breathable, and long-lasting

    2. Wide selection of colors and patterns

    3. All orders include a 365-night trial period

  • Cons

    1. Not ideal for people who prefer crisp and lightweight sheets

    2. Certain designs cost more than others

Price

$189

Material

100% long-staple cotton

Weave

Sateen

The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set proves you don’t need to spend a fortune on bedding that feels comfortable and holds up well over time. Long-staple cotton construction ensures a solid lifespan and good wear resistance for each sheet and pillowcase in the set, and the close drape is a nice match for anyone who enjoys silky bedding.

How It Performed

Our team was greatly impressed with the Luxe Core Sheet Set, especially when comparing it to bedding collections with similar price-points. The cotton is gentle on the skin and the sateen weave enhances the fabric’s natural smoothness. Long-staple cotton is also prized for its durability, so the sheets and pillowcases should have great lasting power.

Temperature control is another key strength. Sateen-woven bedding sometimes traps heat, but most of our testers found the Luxe Core sheets cool and breathable. Low-maintenance care and a versatile pocket depth round out this appealing collection.

What It’s Made of

The sheets and pillowcases are 100% cotton, and the sateen weave adds a touch of silkiness to each item. Six sizes are available. Twin and twin XL sets come with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcases, while larger sizes throw a second pillowcase into the mix. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 16 inches, so you can use it with most mattresses made today, and “long” and “short” labels on the sheet help you make the bed with ease.

More than a dozen solid colors and patterns are available for the set. While some designs are more expensive, all are reasonably priced. Brooklinen also backs each purchase with a generous 365-night sleep trial, giving you ample time to test out the set and decide if it’s right for you. Standard shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.

Shoppers looking for cooling sheets that wick moisture away and regulate temperature should find the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets suit their needs. Even our testers who sleep hot found this set prevented them from overheating and kept them cool throughout the night.

  • Pros

    1. 100% viscose from bamboo fabric feels comparable to silk

    2. Fabric resists heat buildup and wicks away moisture

    3. Lengthy warranty covers pilling and other common types of wear

  • Cons

    1. Fabric may drape too closely for those who prefer percale-woven bedding

    2. Sticker price is fairly high

Price

$331

Material

100% viscose from bamboo

Weave

Sateen

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets are made with a viscose fabric derived from bamboo that’s designed to reduce heat retention and wick away moisture from the body. Our testers likened the material to silk and noticed it felt exceptionally cool to the touch.

How It Performed

This set features the same drape and elegant look as silk but is much easier to clean. The hottest sleepers on our team reported that they felt cool, dry, and comfortable with the Bamboo Sheets Set. The viscose fabric doesn’t trap heat, making this set a great choice for people who live in warmer climates.

Our testers also enjoyed how the fabric felt against their skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or dense the way that lower-quality sheets sometimes can. We found that the 20-inch corner pockets were excellent for standard to high-profile mattresses, though they may be slightly loose on low-profile mattress models.

What It’s Made Of

The fabric is made of bamboo-derived viscose in a sateen weave. While the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets Set has a thread count of 350, the fabric has the balance of softness and durability that’s typical for luxe high thread count sheets. The sheets are available in five neutral colors and six standard sizes. You can wash and dry these sheets at home and should avoid bleach to extend their lifespan.

Cozy Earth backs this sheet set with a generous 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. Shipping is free to addresses within the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.

Our testers found the Pure Parima Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set offered a similar feel as high-end hotel sheets. With 100% Egyptian cotton and a sateen weave, the sheets are extremely soft and easy to launder.

  • Pros

    1. Corner straps and 360-degree elastic bands keep fitted sheet securely attached

    2. 700 thread count gives sheets elegant feel and drape

    3. Seven trim options

  • Cons

    1. Not available in smaller sizes

    2. Price-point may be a bit steep for budget-conscious shoppers

Price

$325

Material

100% Egyptian Cotton

Weave

Sateen

The Pure Parima Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set provides the same crisp and elegant feel as high-end hotel sheets. Additionally, simple embroidered detail exudes an understated elegance and adds a touch of sophistication to any bedding ensemble.

How It Performed

The Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set has extra-long staples that make the fabric feel silky and smooth. The 100% Egyptian cotton fabric and 700 thread count make the sheets soft, durable, and breathable enough to prevent heat retention. This makes the sheets an excellent pick for those who sleep hot.

The sheets received high marks in temperature, comfort, and durability testing. We found they held up to abrasion well without pilling and got softer each time we washed them. We also gave this set above-average marks for fit because of the 360-degree elastic band and corner straps. However, we did find the 18-inch corner pockets a bit too deep for mattresses with lower profiles.

What It’s Made Of

The Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is certified by the Cotton Egypt Association and OEKO-TEX 100. The sateen weave enhances the fabric’s already soft feel. This set only comes in white, but can coordinate with a variety of styles with seven options for embroidery near the edge. Shoppers should note that this set is only available in queen, king, and California king size options. Pure Parima customers receive a 100-night free trial as well as free shipping and returns.

With an elastic perimeter and two pocket depth options, the Company Store Legends Luxury Egyptian Cotton Sateen Fitted Sheet is a great option for sleepers with high-profile mattresses. Our testers found that the sheets stayed secure around the entire mattress without coming loose at the edges or rolling up on the sides.

  • Pros

    1. Available in two pocket depths

    2. 100% Egyptian cotton fabric is breathable and soft

    3. Elastic perimeter keeps the fitted sheets securely attached

  • Cons

    1. Limited color options

    2. People who prefer crisp bedding may find the sheets too soft

Price

$199

Material

100% Egyptian cotton

Weave

Sateen

The Company Store Legends Luxury Egyptian Cotton Sateen Fitted Sheet comes in two pocket depth options that allow you to customize your fit. Rather than coming bundled within a sheet set, the fitted sheet is an à la carte option that lets sleepers mix and match bedding styles and colors.

How It Performed

This sheet ranked extremely well in every performance category, and it performed better than other fitted sheets during fit testing. Manufacturers generally make fitted sheets in one pocket depth that’s expected to work for a range of mattress profiles. However, this doesn’t always accommodate mattresses above or below the standard profile range.

The Company Store solves this issue by offering the Legends Luxury Egyptian Cotton Sateen Fitted Sheet in both 16-inch and 20-inch pocket depths. Our testers reported that both options were supremely durable, cool, and comfortable. We also found that each sheet option fit its intended bed size and stayed in place throughout the night.

What It’s Made Of

This sheet is crafted from 100% Egyptian cotton that has an 800 thread count and extra-long staple length. The fabric features single-ply yarns that feel exceedingly soft against the skin but have enough tensile strength to withstand years of everyday use and regular washing. The sateen weave gives the sheet a lustrous, high-end look.

There are two basic colors to choose between, and shoppers can opt to add a matching flat sheet or pillowcases to your order for an additional charge. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. for purchases over a certain amount, and The Company Store offers a 30-day return window.

Why You Should Trust Us

Over our many years of product testing and research, the team at Sleep Foundation has tested hundreds of different sheets. In our sleep lab, we put each set through a series of tests that examine factors like fit, comfort, temperature neutrality, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Our testers score each product according to its performance across these categories. Our team includes people with many different sleep preferences and styles, which helps us better reflect the general population so that we can provide our readers with the most tailored information possible.

How to Choose High Thread Count Sheets

When choosing a sheet set, you’ll want to first think about your personal sleep habits and needs. Then, find a set that meets your requirements. Companies may advertise using buzz words like cooling, high thread count, or moisture-wicking, but these terms don’t always accurately reflect their products. 

Instead of purchasing sheets based on flashy marketing terms, consider your personal non-negotiables and shop for a sheet set that matches your needs. It can be tough to wade through the many different terms that manufacturers use, which is why understanding the basics of sheet construction is important. 

Weave and Knit

Threads are made into fabric by either knitting or weaving. Percale and sateen are the most common weaves. Percale sheets have a crisp, airy feel, while sateen sheets are silky with plenty of drape. 

Knit fabrics have different qualities than woven fabrics. Knitting machines loop threads through one another to create a stretchy, elastic fabric. Jersey sheets are typically knit. 

Ply

Threads can be single- or multi-ply before they are woven or knit into fabric. Single-ply threads have one strand of fiber, while double- or triple-ply threads twist more than one strand together. Single-ply threads are often softer than multi-ply threads, though they can be more prone to pilling.

Fiber

Fiber refers to the type of raw material used to create the sheet’s fabric. Fibers can be plant-based, animal-based, or synthetic. Some of the most commonly used fibers are cotton, linen, microfiber, bamboo-derived fabrics, and silk. Each option has its own distinct advantages to consider.

You may also see the term staple length, which is calculated by taking the average length of individual fibers. The longer the staple length, the softer the fabric feels and the longer it lasts. 

Price

Sheets can cost less than $30 and reach prices higher than $1,000. Cost depends on many factors including fiber, thread count, brand, and durability. You can find quality sheets in nearly any price range if you’re willing to look past marketing claims and examine the performance of the fabric.

Design, Color, and Pattern

Sheets come in thousands of colors, patterns, and designs. If you want a set that matches your home decor, look to brands with expanded color ranges and pattern options. Most companies offer sheets in neutral colors like white and gray, but there are endless patterns, edge treatments, and colorways to choose between if you prefer a specific look. 

Breathability

A sheet set’s breathability can be affected by fiber, weave, and thread count. The more threads there are within a piece of fabric, the less space there is for air to move through it. As a result, some high thread count sheets may feel warmer than those with lower counts, though fiber type is just as important. 

Plant-based fibers like cotton, linen, and viscose from bamboo are typically very breathable and may also be moisture-wicking. Synthetics like microfiber tend to sleep hotter because they trap body heat instead of allowing it to move through the fabric.

Durability

Fiber, thread count, construction, and staple length all affect a sheet’s durability. Fibers like cotton and linen are naturally durable, and can be even more so if they have a long staple length. Short staple fibers don’t have the tensile strength to withstand repeated use as well as those with long staples. 

High thread count sheets tend to be quite durable because the fabric is dense. When high thread counts and long staple lengths are combined, it can create a fabric that’s both soft and long-lasting. 

Ease of Care

Before purchasing a sheet set, read the care instructions to see if they line up with your needs and preferences. Silk sheets often require handwashing, as do those that contain wool. Many types of sheets need to be washed on gentle cycles and line dried to prolong their lifespans. 

Bamboo-derived fabrics and percale weave sheets are prone to wrinkling, so you may need to be comfortable ironing these types of sheets. Check with manufacturers to learn how often you should wash a sheet set before committing to a purchase. 

What Does Thread Count Mean?

Thread count refers to how many threads exist in one square inch of fabric. The more threads there are, the denser the fabric is. Sheets are typically woven using machine looms that layer threads widthwise (weft) and lengthwise (warp). Thread count is measured by totalling the number of warp and weft threads that exist within an inch of fabric.

While thread count is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only one you consider when shopping for sheets. Fiber quality is just as critical and can greatly affect a sheet’s feel and lifespan. High thread count sheets that use low-quality fiber won’t feel as soft or wear as well as a set with high-quality materials, even if the thread count happens to be lower. 

What Is a High Thread Count Sheet? 

Though there’s no standard measurement, high thread count sheets typically have more than 400 threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Thread counts can reach higher than 1,000, though that’s not always an indicator of quality. 

Sheets that have a high thread count, solid craftsmanship, and quality materials feel soft and luxurious. These fabrics have so many threads that the surface feels smooth and may even be silk-like, depending on the weave. Since high thread count sheets have dense fabric, they often hold up to abrasion and use better than sheets with a lower thread count. 

However, an extremely high thread count doesn’t always point to luxury. Sheets with a 900 thread count or more may feel heavy or stiff because the threads are woven so tightly together. Additionally, because there is no standardized measurement, some companies twist fibers together, called plying, to create a multi-ply thread. Manufacturers may count these plies within the total thread count, which inflates the number without enhancing the fabric’s quality. 

Pros and Cons of High Thread Count Sheets

High thread count sheets have both pros and cons. For example, they can be more expensive but tend to be softer and longer-lasting than those with lower thread counts. 

ProsCons
  • Exceptionally soft, especially when combined with high-quality fibers
  • Highly durable due to many threads within a square inch of fabric
  • Luxe look and feel that highlights the best qualities of the fiber
  • Often expensive because of how much fiber it takes to produce a set
  • Thread count may be misleading when companies count the thread count of multiple plies
  • Dense fabrics may sleep warmer than other styles

Frequently Asked Questions About High Thread Count Sheets

What is the best thread count for sheets?

The best thread count for sheets varies by the fiber type and weave, but you can typically find excellent sheets with thread counts between 200 and 800. Fabric characteristics differ according to fiber type. An Egyptian cotton sheet with a 600 thread count will be softer and have a lighter feel than a linen sheet with the same thread count, as linen fibers are naturally thicker than cotton. This means you don’t need as many of them within one square inch.

While the best thread count is subjective, there are ranges by fiber type that you can refer to when buying sheets. These measurements are typically only used for plant-based, or cellulose fibers. Synthetics, animal-based fibers, and weaves like flannel and jersey use their own measurement systems.

Cotton: 200-400 
Egyptian cotton: 300-400
Bamboo-Derived fabrics: 300-500
Linen: 80-140

Are high thread count sheets worth the price?

High thread count sheets tend to be both comfortable and long-lasting, so they’re often worth the price if you want a sheet set with a long lifespan. That said, some companies manipulate thread counts by counting all the plies within a piece of fabric, which doesn’t accurately reflect softness and durability. Sheets made with single-ply threads are typically softer than those that use multiple plies. If a luxurious feel is important to you, check to see how a manufacturer calculates its thread count.

What thread count do hotels use?

High-end hotels often have sheets with thread counts between 250 and 600 for percale sheets and 300 to 600 for sateen sheets. Sheets that meet or exceed these numbers usually feel soft and silky against the skin, but are tough enough to withstand regular washing and use.

Are high thread count sheets hotter?

Some high thread count sheets feel hot because they’re made of densely-woven fabric. You can offset heat retention by choosing a fiber like Egyptian cotton or viscose from bamboo, which are both breathable and moisture-wicking. Percale sheets use a pattern of one thread over, one thread under that enhances airflow, while sateen sheets have a pattern of one-under and three- or four-over that traps a bit more heat.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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