Why Is Cotton Thread Count Important?
When it comes to buying cotton products, common wisdom holds that the higher the thread count, the more luxurious the feel. There is also an assumption that it will wear far longer and become much softer after multiple washes. Whilst this may be true in some cases, thread count does not paint a complete picture of the quality of the cotton. There are other factors to consider, including the origins of the cotton itself.
What is thread count?
Simply put, thread count is the number of pieces of cotton thread that can be found within a single square inch. Both the horizontal thread (the weft) and the vertical thread (the warp) are counted. For example, if there are 200 horizontal threads and 200 vertical threads, the total thread count will reach 400.
Why do thread counts vary so much?
Most quality cotton products are labelled with a thread count of between 200 and 800. As a general rule, we would not recommend purchasing cotton below 200. Unless it is Egyptian Cotton™, the cotton is likely to be scratchy and uncomfortable with holes visible to the naked eye.
When you see thread counts of over 800, you should have a deeper look at the product details. Often, these numbers have been achieved through use of multi-ply yarn. A single piece of yarn is created by spinning cotton fibres into a fine piece of thread. To produce a multi-ply yarn, several particularly fine threads are then woven around each other to create a thicker piece of thread. When such thread is then used in a cotton product, it is not uncommon for the individual yarns within a thread to be counted separately. In this way, a 3-ply yarn can boost a thread count from 300 to 900.
At the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), we believe that it is better to invest in a higher quality cotton fibre than an incredibly high thread count. A 400 thread count Egyptian Cotton™ will be of superior quality to a 800 thread count standard cotton. No matter how high the thread count, nothing beats Egyptian Cotton™ when it comes to that distinctive lustrous sheen and luxurious feel.
Why is Egyptian Cotton™ superior?
When it comes to cotton, the quality of the raw product can make all the difference. Egyptian Cotton™ is the finest in the world. Grown in the perfect climate and nutritious soil of the Nile Delta, Egyptian Cotton™ is able to grow to an extra-long length. With greater length comes improved durability and an unparalleled softness.
In order to preserve the integrity of Egyptian Cotton™ fibres, all our cotton is hand-picked. Elsewhere in the world, farmers use machines to cut and process their cotton. This puts unnecessary stress on the fibres and can cause them to tear. Hand-picking also helps to keep the cotton clean, reducing the need for manufacturers to use abrasive and weakening chemicals to whiten the cotton.
Ultimately, the extra-length of Egyptian Cotton™ fibres can make a greater impact on the quality of the final product than a high thread count. Furthermore, the fineness of Egyptian Cotton™ means that it is frequently available in very high thread counts as a single ply yarn. This truly provides the best of both worlds.
READ THE EGYPTIAN COTTON PERCEPTION STUDY
Looking beyond the thread count: What do people think about Egyptian Cotton?
Download