Threadcounts? We only noticed such information on the bedsheets packaging in the last 15 years. None of us knew anything about threadcounts many years ago or are we still quite unfamiliar about what threadcount is all about or we are confident that we know everything about threadcounts?
In the simplest form, threadcount can be described as the measurement of the fineness of fabric. The measurement is done by counting the number of threads contained in one square inch. However, many manufacturers are claiming threadcounts per ten centimetre square. One square inch is smaller than ten centimetre square. Generally speaking, the threadcount for 100% cotton bedsheets are considered to be of a standard acceptable quality if the threadcounts are between 150 per square inch which is equivalent to approximately 230 threadcounts per 10 cm square. Better and smoother fabric starts at 180 threacount per square inch which is approximately 280 threadcount per 10 cm square. More luxurious fabric quality are above 200 threadcount per square inch or 310 threadcount per 10 cm square.
Many of us are thrilled by very high threadcounts claim on the bedsheet packaging for marketing purposes and we are willing to pay a premium for higher threadcounts. However, extremely high threadcounts (usually more than 700 threadcount per 10 cm square) is very misleading. Many manufacturers are able to claim such high threadcounts by using 'plied' yarns when producing fabric. Plied yarns are produced by twisting several threads together to create 2-ply, 3-ply and so on. As mentioned earlier, threadcount is the measurement of the total number of thread in one square inch, so in order to achieve higher threadcount, the manufacturer will twist many threads together for one yarn. Although it may sound like a deceiving act, it is totally legitimate as it is an accepted industry practice to count each thread as one even though the threads are twisted together.
Consumers understand that mills need to create finer threads to fit more threads and increased the amount of threads in one square inch if they do not increase the ply. So, finer threads would definitely result in a softer fabric. Hence, many consumers would look for higher threadcounts when choosing bedsheets. However, as manufacturers are able to “manipulate” the total threads in a square inch without producing finer threads but by just twisting more fibres togethers, many higher threadcounts fabric actually only consists of say 250 threadcount per square inch but 4-ply which translates to a total of 1000 threadcount per square inch. Basically, bedsheets with higher play tend to be heavier and thicker. For example, if a comparison is made between a 310 threadcount per 10 cm square fabric and a 500 threacount per 10 cm square fabric 2-ply
Due to the inconsistency of measuring threadcount, let us not make the assumption that higher threadcounts means higher quality fabric. Although, finer threads yarned together would result in higher threadcounts per square inch, due to the different manufacturing technique we cannot use threadcount as the only basis to determine a good quality fabric. Many other factors contribute to a smoother and higher quality fabric. For example, the length of the cotton staples and the origin of the cotton material are some of the other factors which contribute to the quality of a fabric.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Dear Sir
We had a tough time selecting the perfect bedsheets for our wedding night. The chinese tradition requires a sheet which is embroidered with a dragon and a phoenix to represent a harmonious relationship for the couple. However, after going through all the department stores in town, we managed to purchase a deep red with jacquard peony designs. When we bought the bedsheets, we were rather thrilled that it has a 528 threadcount per 10cm square as we know that higher threadcounts are smoother in its finishing. As we needed to have a red bedsheet and quilt cover, we could not wait for the sale period and we paid RM900 for a Queen size quilt cover set with bed sheet.
Six months later, our big day came. We were very excited about our new bed and our stunning sheets. Immediately after performing the necessary tea ceremony and completing our dinner reception, we headed home.
We slept on our new sheets and within 5 minutes, we realized that the quilt cover seemed to be heavier than our old covers. After tossing and turning for awhile, we finally agreed that the sheets may be contributing to the weight.
When I read your article on the threadcounts, I suddenly thought about my experience and I would like to confirm that even if the threadcount is high, it does not mean the sheets are smoother and more comfortable. Also, the weight of the sheets does matter. In my case, I think I have to assume that the manufacturer did a lot of plying of the thread to increase the threacount and that's why I felt that the sheets were heavy. Thank you anyway.
Post a Comment