You may have heard the higher the thread count, the more luxurious linen is however, this is often not the case. While many factors go into making ultra-soft bed linens, it’s important to understand what thread count truly means: it’s a representation of the number of combined horizontal and vertical threads that are woven into every square inch of fabric. In layman’s terms, the higher the thread count, the more threads there are in your fabric.

However, as is the case with most things, there is a limit on how many threads can fit into a single space and this is where things get interesting! Manufacturers have thus resorted to using plied thread (two or more fibres spun together to create a thread) that increases thread count from say 300TC to 600TC. However, the thread used to make the fabric can result in the fabric feeling inferior to those with lower thread counts due to the texture that the plied threads inherently have. It’s safe to assume that linens with a thread count of 600 or more will probably be two- or multi-ply.

So, with all this said, how do you go about choosing bedding? Besides how it looks, experts advise looking at the thread count listed on the piece in conjunction with your personal preferences as higher thread counts result in more tightly woven fabrics that tend to be heavier, and softer. While there is no formula to this, the consensus for luxurious bedding typically has a thread count of 300 – 500 as long as they’re single-ply, of course!

Grams Per Square Meter (GSM)

No doubt you’ve seen this abbreviation before, it’s a measurement used to denote fabric weight. This information is useful to know depending on your preferences – do you prefer heavier blankets and quilts, or are you looking for something lighter to keep the heat out? While knowing this metric can help you make an informed decision, it’s also important to note that fabrics have different characteristics and therefore serve different functions.

Generally, the higher the GSM, the heavier the quilt or throw will be – depending on the fabric used, of course! It’s commonly understood that fabrics have different weights with denim weighing significantly more than lace for example, and the same is true when it comes to quilts and throws. It’s also important to note that the higher the GSM, the longer lasting the fabric is due to the tight weave present – that’s often why a pair of jeans will last years while a chiffon blouse seems to get nicked much quicker.

A good guideline to use when selecting your next quilt, bedding or throw is as follows:

• 150 GSM: Lightweight (think shirts; summer dresses)
• 150 - 250 GSM: Medium weight (think trousers, suits)
• 250+ GSM: Heavyweight (think denim, towels)

Fabric Weave

Bedding is typically made of cotton and it’s easy to understand why – it’s breathable, soft, durable, hypoallergenic and relatively low maintenance. While thread count and GSM speak to the quality and thickness of the fabric, the weave is a major component to take into consideration when purchasing bed linen.

The fabric weave speaks to how the threads were woven together to create a piece of fabric that’s then used to create the finished product – take a look at a piece of cloth and try to spot how the individual threads lie atop each other. The way they lie is called the weave, and there are so many types that all create a completely different end product. Without getting too technical, the threads can be woven together quite tightly or loosely, each with a specific set of characteristics, unique to the weave.

When it comes to bedding, there are 3 main types of weave:

1.    Sateen: The most luxurious of all cotton fabrics, sateen features a unique satin-like weave that gives off a subtle sheen which is silky smooth to the touch and elegant to the eye. Wrinkle-resistant with a beautiful drape, the sateen weave is most commonly used in fine bed sheets.

2.    Percale: Defined by an ultra-breathable weave, percale is comfortable against the skin regardless of the weather. Percale is what most bedding is made of and while it has a no-sheen finish, it can also be more prone to wrinkles.

3.    Flannel: Typically used in winter bedding, the flannel weave uses a brushed technique that makes the weave ultra-soft and super plush. The resulting texture is synonymous with flannel fabric, and while unbrushed flannel exists, the brushed versions are most often used for bedding.