Thread Count is a Lie: Here’s What Actually Matters in Bedding

For years, we've been taught to treat thread count as the ultimate measure of luxury in bedding. Retailers and glossy magazines alike have sold us the idea that "the higher the thread count, the better the sheet." But what if that's not the whole story? What if we've been misled by a number that, while technical-sounding, doesn't actually tell us much about what we're sleeping on?

At Lilla and Charles, we believe that true luxury is about more than numbers. It's about how something feels against your skin, how it holds up over time, and whether it respects the earth and the people who made it. So today, we’re pulling back the sheets on the thread count myth—and showing you what really matters.

What Is Thread Count, Really?

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into one square inch of fabric. So, a sheet with a thread count of 300 has 300 threads per square inch. That sounds simple enough. But here's where things get murky.

Some manufacturers inflate thread count by twisting multiple yarns together and counting each one. For example, a sheet with a 250-thread count made with two-ply yarns might be marketed as a 500-thread count sheet. Technically, they’re not lying—but the result is a heavier, less breathable fabric that doesn't necessarily feel better.

Why Higher Thread Count Isn’t Always Better

Many people assume that higher thread count equals softness and durability. But that’s not always the case. When manufacturers cram too many threads into a small space, it can actually make the fabric denser and less breathable. That’s the opposite of what you want in a sheet designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night.

In fact, thread counts above 400 or 500 are often more marketing spin than functional reality. True quality lies in the type of cotton used, the length of the fibers, the weave, and how the fabric is finished.

So What Should You Look For Instead?

Here are the real markers of high-quality bedding:

1. Long-Staple or Extra-Long-Staple Cotton
Longer cotton fibers create smoother, stronger threads that resist pilling and feel softer over time. Think organic long-staple cotton like the kind we use at Lilla and Charles.

2. Single-Ply Yarns
Single-ply yarns mean fewer, stronger threads. This creates a lighter, more breathable fabric that drapes beautifully and wears well.

3. Ethical and Organic Certification
How your sheets are made matters. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) that ensure your bedding is free from harmful chemicals and responsibly produced.

4. Thoughtful Weave
Percale and sateen are the most common weaves, and each has a different feel. Percale is crisp and breathable—great for hot sleepers. Sateen is silky and smooth with a subtle sheen. The right one for you depends on your preferences, not a thread count number.

Why We Do Things Differently at Lilla and Charles

We source only the finest certified organic cotton and partner with ethical mills that prioritize craftsmanship over marketing gimmicks. Our sheets have an ideal thread count—just enough to balance softness, strength, and breathability without sacrificing comfort or sustainability.

We don’t believe in inflating numbers to impress you. We believe in delivering a product you’ll love every time your head hits the pillow.

The Takeaway

Thread count is just one small piece of the puzzle—and it’s often manipulated to create a false sense of quality. Don’t be fooled by flashy numbers. Instead, look deeper: at the cotton, the weave, the ethics, and the touch.

Luxury isn’t a number. It’s a feeling. And the best sheets are the ones you can’t wait to come home to.

Ready to experience true luxury?
Explore our organic bedding collection here and discover the difference for yourself.

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