Thread count
Thread count simply means the number of threads (both vertical and horizontal) in a square of fabric - either per 10cm² or per square inch. Bed linen made and sold in New Zealand usually displays thread count per 10cm².
A reasonably high thread count (over 180 threads per 10cm²) is good, as closely woven fabric wears well and shrinks less. However - and this is where it gets confusing - a higher thread count doesn't always mean better quality or greater durability.
A thinner yarn produces a higher thread count as more threads can fit into each 10cm² of fabric. The fabric will be soft and smooth, but it's also more delicate and may not last as long. Durability depends on the strength and quality of the fibre and the quality of the weave.
Ply
This refers to how many yarns are wrapped together into a single thread - single-ply fabrics use threads made from one yarn, while two-ply fabrics are created using two yarns twisted together to make one thread.
Fabric that's two-ply (or more) is heavier, stronger and more durable than single-ply. The trade-off is that the fabric may not have the soft, silky feel of a high-thread-count, single-ply sheet.
Checking the label
It's standard practice to count each individual yarn when calculating thread count. So a sheet labelled "1000 thread count" could technically be 250 threads per 10cm², woven with four-ply thread.
When you're buying bed linen, check for the thread count and the ply of the yarn. If it's not specified, ask. That way you'll know what you're getting.
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