What Is a Good Thread Count for Sheets?

­So how are counts such as 800 or 1,200, which some manufacturers claim, even possible? How could you fit that many threads into a single inch? The short answer is you can't. Some manufacturers use creative math to boost thread count.

In the spirit of free enterprise and competition, manufacturers battle to calculate their tread counts high, higher and highest. They count not just each thread, but each fiber (called plies) that make up each thread. So, a single thread might be four plies twisted together; one manufacturer will call that one thread, while another manufacturer will call that four threads.

To get to the bottom of this issue, Consumer Reports had an independent textile lab count the threads in a set of $280 queen sheets with a manufacturer-stated thread count of 1,200. The independent lab only counted 416 threads per inch — just 35 percent of what the manufacturer claimed.

The Federal Trade Commission even got involved in the fracas, thanks to a request made by the Textile Bedding Committee of the National Textile Association. Bed, Bath & Beyond got sued for misrepresenting thread count and, without admitting any wrongdoing, settled the suit in 2008 by offering refunds, gift cards and discounts.

But thread count is really only part of the puzzle as to whether or not you'll enjoy your nap on your sheets. What about the quality of threads and not just quantity? And what's the big deal with Egyptian cotton anyway? Are you getting sleepy? Don't nod off just yet.

A ­high thread count doesn't mean much if the threads being counted aren't high-quality. The quality of cotton sheets depends on several factors, including fiber quality, yarn size, finishing, thread count and construction. A fabric with a thread count of 200 high-quality fibers can have a better hand — feeling to the touch — than a thread count of 400 inferior-quality fibers or twisted threads.

In the world of cotton, the length of the fiber is an indication of quality. In Egyptian cotton, the fibers — also called staples — are longer than in other types of cotton. Longer staples equal a stronger thread and more durable fabric.

A process called carding, where smaller fibers get worked out, leaving the longer fibers behind, increases the quality of raw cotton fibers. And combing, another process, removes even more small fibers. After that, the clean cotton fibers get spun into threads and woven into fabrics.

The fabric then goes through two processes: singeing and mercerizing. The singeing process burns off fuzz that might develop later into piling on sheets and take away the smooth feel. Mercerizing is a process done under pressure to increase strength and to help it accept dye.

With increased consumer awareness, the halcyon days of bloated thread counts may be coming to an end. When choosing sheets, you may want to look for a thread count between 200 and 400. Experts generally agree that paying more for a higher thread count than that is a waste of money. With this in mind, you're all set to find the best bed sheets.