Thread count measures threads per square inch, but ply and cotton origin matter more than a headline number. Genuine 600-count sheets can feel dense and crisp when made from long-staple cotton; check labels, certifications, and care instructions before you buy.
High thread counts like 800 were long billed as top-tier bedding. Today, fiber quality, yarn ply, and weave matter more than the raw number - 800 alone is not a guarantee of superiority.
Thread count alone doesn't determine sheet quality. Fiber type, yarn construction (single- vs. multi-ply), weave, and finishing have a bigger impact on feel, durability, and breathability than a high thread-count label.
Duvet covers protect your comforter and let you update bedding easily. Learn the differences between cotton, linen, silk, sateen, and modern fibers, plus practical tips on thread count, weave and sizing.