For years, manufacturers used thread count to boast about the quality of their sheets - thus causing the average person to focus on big numbers of thread count, not taking into consideration all the other aspects in the production of cotton.
The truth? Thread count is not a measure of quality.
In fact, all "thread count" is, is the number of threads woven together in one square inch. Thread count only contributes to 1/10th of the finished fabric. Some fabric can have the same thread count and one will still feel superior compared to the other. Cheaper manufacturers will use multiple, short, inferior threads in order to boost their overall thread count. For example, some will count each fibre (plies) that make up the thread. So if there are 4 plies incorporated into one thread, lower quality manufactures will count it as 4 threads where as higher quality manufactures that use long stapled cotton will count it as one. The end result: the lower quality gets a higher thread count, therefore misleading people and using numbers instead of quality to sell their product.
So next time you're in the market for some new sheets, keep in mind that it's not all about the thread count! Quality over quantity☺
St. Geneve Capri Sheeting