Thread-Count: Why Everything You’ve Heard is a Lie!
Is thread-count important, does it matter? When looking for the perfect set of bed sheets we’ve all been sold the thread-count myth: The higher the thread-count, the better the sheets. 600, 800, 1000, thread counts must be better right??
The truth is far from the sales pitch you’ve come to believe. The reality is actually quite different. In some cases, higher thread-count sheets equate to LOWER quality!
Here’s the lie. An honest 250 thread-count sheet set has 125 vertical threads and 125 horizontal threads. A 750 thread-count sheet set ALSO has 125 vertical threads and 125 horizontal threads! But in this situation, the manufacturers simply creates a thread that has 3 plys (think of a thread made of 3 threads twisted together) and then TRIPLE-counts the thread.
This 3 ply thread is made with cheaper, weak cotton that requires the extra plys. The lower quality cotton is much less durable, so sheet makers mask this fact by twisting more fibers together! Selling you a so-called 750-thread count set of sheets.
At Authenticity 50, we start with the highest quality extra-long staple Supima® cotton. This extra-long staple cotton allows us to spin a much finer fiber without increasing the number of plys (it also costs us nearly 3x the price of normal cotton). A single-ply fiber will not feel scratchy as there are far fewer ends exposed. The higher quality cotton fiber allows us to weave a fabulous sheet that actually gets SOFTER the more you wash and use it.
The bottom-line: Higher thread-count sheets are, at the very least, a total marketing gimmick by sheet manufacturers to sell their products. The sad fact is that these sheets are often an indicator of inferior cotton and lower quality fabric.
At Authenticity 50, we set out to create products that you will love to use EVERY day. The finest bed sheets available at a fair price. 100% Made in America. With over 97% 5-star reviews you should check us out HERE.
Check out what Consumer Reports had to say on this subject HERE.
We've also written on the subject for The Huffington Post HERE.
Learn why Supima® is superior to Egyptian Cotton HERE.
Learn why Percale sleeps better than Sateen HERE.
Have a new mattress and not sure what sheets to get? Check out this guide.
Take a look at our honest 250 thread count sheets HERE!
9 Responses
Roné Niemand
I like the feel of ‘crispy’ cotton duvet covers. But I do not want the inconveniece of ironing. What is the tread count that I should buy?
Authenticity 50
Hi Sue, Thanks for your question. In fact not ALL mills in the USA are closed… In the neighborhood of 98% of them have closed down but there are still a handful remaining.
We have great partners that we work with. If you’d like to learn more about our weavers you can check out our article here: https://authenticity50.com/blogs/news/81262340-manufacturer-series-weaving-the-finest-percale-fabric-in-america
Sue
Since all the mills are now closed in the USA,,,where do you obtain the fabric for your sheets?
Authenticity 50
Hi Jody,
Thanks for your question! Our 250 thread-count sheets will provide a cool, crisp hand that gets softer and more comfy with washes and use. They won’t, however, come out of the washer/dryer looking like it has been starched/ironed. That look is achieved by using anti-wrinkle treatments which involve baking Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into the fabric. We DON’T want to sleep in carcinogens, so we left that treatment off our sheets.
Jody Touart
What thread count provides a crisp sheet almost like it has been startch and ironed.
Jimmy
Hi Carla,
I’m glad we could shed some light on the subject of thread-count for you! It’s a very commonly held belief that thread-count equals higher quality but it’s really more of a marketing ploy than anything else. We’re doing away with the marketing gimmicks and delivering on quality. Made in America, no compromises!
We can’t wait to get your sheets to you, they will speak for themselves!
Best,
Jimmy
carla
I had no idea that high thread count does not equal higher quality! Thanks for this great article.
I’m looking forward to receiving my sheet set and supporting American jobs at the same time!
Jimmy
Thanks for the comments Christina, PJ! We’re very excited to be bringing this project to market, it’s about time for there to be some high-quality, 100% Made in USA bed sheets available! And I agree, driving around the South you see a TON of closed textile mills… it’s very sad. But we’re working to change this trend and bring the jobs and manufacturing back.
christina
I googled sheets made in the USA and came upon your site. I’ve ordered a queen set and am anxious to receive them.
Tragic that textiles such as sheets and towels are no longer made in this country. We have the cotton, the facilities and machines and the people to make fine products in our country. Thing of all the people who could be employed and the savings in fuel cost for overseas transportation. It makes me weep. Thank you for your efforts.
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