What's the difference between 200, 300, and 400 count threads for sheets?

Question

Which is the best count to buy in linens?

Answer 1

Generally, the higher the number, the higher the thread count per inch, meaning the finer the threads are and the softer the sheets are (you can fit more superfine threads in a square inch than you can thicker, coarser threads). However, the type of thread is fairly important, too. Some threads, like Egyptian cotton and pima cotton, are naturally longer and spin into a smoother thread, so 200 count Egyptian cotton sheets may actually feel softer/more luxurious to the touch than a comparable 200 count sheet made of ordinary cotton with shorter fibers, and even some 400 count sheets made of ordinary cotton.

If you are truly a pleasure-seeking hedonist, buy the highest thread count you can afford. Otherwise, threadcounts of around 300 or so are generally sufficient. But make sure to ask a store clerk to open the package and let you actually feel what you are contemplating buying - many stores (Bed, Bath & Beyond, for instance) have samples on the rack so you can actually touch the different types.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

the number is how many threads per inch, or square inch.
Therefore, 200 count sheets will feel thin compared to 400 count sheets. There won't be as big of a difference between the 200 and 300.
Depends on what you want tho: 200 count are airy, whereas 400 count are warmer; 200 count will wear out quicker because there is half the material there to start with.
So, generally, you get more for your money with the higher thread count.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the difference between 200, 300, and 400 count threads for sheets?
Which is the best count to buy in linens?

Answer 4

Basically softness --- the higher the thread-count, the softer the sheet. A 200 thread-count is a 'Wal-Mart' sheet; economically priced but has a stiffer feel and won't last as long as denser-threaded sheets before pilling-up. The least threaded sheet I've bought is 280 count (JCPenney type) and they are fine; not as nice to sleep on as 400-count but nicer to the checkbook. I've never bought a sheet greater than 400-thread count though I've seen them up to 1200-thread count --- that could become an expensive addiction if I liked them! Good luck and better yet, good night!

Answer 5

400 Count Sheets

Answer 6

I bought 1200 thread count off the internet and the sheets were so thick they were uncomfortable. I buy sateen sheets with a 400 thread count and they are very comfortable. I thought the higher the count the softer they would be but I was wrong.

Answer 7

The number indicated tells you the number of threads per square inch. Naturally, the higher the thread count, the softer the feel of the sheet. The sky is the limit when it comes to linens; there are luxury linens which cost thousands of dollars (50,000 and above). To tell you the truth, anything 200 and above is decent but personally I like 300 and above.

Answer 8

Well the higher the thread count the smoother and nicer the sheets. You will find that your higher thread count sheets are more costly as well. I find that 200 or less are more likely to pill, so I don't buy those.

Answer 9

the difference is in the amount of threads per square inch - the more threads per square inch, the softer or finer the fabric. 200 is sufficiently soft, 300 is softer, 400 is really really soft.

all are fine, but if you are a softness fanatic, and rich to boot, 400 thread count sheets are fabulous!

Answer 10

Ok, I looked this up just a few weeks ago. I can't remember which linen site. They said anything over 300 is bogus because they can just double wrap a 300 and call it 600 but it feels the same. If you just stick to 100% Egyptian cotton you can't go wrong. That is THE BEST! Make sure it says 100%.

Found the site...