When buying bedding, it is guaranteed that you have heard of the term thread count by now. Many people believe that bedding with a high thread count will be of better quality. However, this is very much dependent on where you are buying your products. 

Did you know that thread count is important for comforters and duvets too? In this article, we will explain the importance of understanding thread count and guide you through what is a good thread count when buying duvets and comforters. 

What is Thread Count? A Definition

First, let’s cover the basics. Thread count refers to the number of threads that have been woven together in a single inch of fabric. The yarn is woven in a crisscross pattern and the finer the threads, the softer the fabric will be.  

The level of thread count that a final bedding product has is calculated by adding the number of horizontal threads (the wefts) with the number of vertical threads (the warps) in a single inch of fabric. For example, if there are 400 wefts and 400 warps in one single inch of fabric then the product would be given a thread count of 800. 

Thread count plays a very important role in determining the comfort and durability of duvets and comforters. However, don’t get fooled by the thread count number on a duvet’s or comforter’s tag. There are several other aspects that factor into the quality of this bedding product including quality of the fibre, size of the yarn, the finishing, and the overall construction. 

Down Comforter Thread Count Guide 

Choosing a Down comforter or duvet based on thread count should be dependent on two considerations: your sleeping environment and the level of comfort you’re looking for. 

Both comfort and insulating properties rely on thread count level. The higher the thread count, the more material the duvet can hold and the warmer that it will be. 

It is often recommended that those who live in colder climates, such as Northern Canada, choose a duvet or comforter with a higher thread count as it can insulate more heat. However, if you live in a warmer climate then a light thread count would be more suitable for your needs. 

In terms of quality, in most cases, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric will be as the threads are smoother and more tightly woven. However, this is dependent on how the product is manufactured. If high quality materials aren’t used, even a high thread count duvet can feel stiff, dense and coarse. 

This also doesn’t necessarily mean that a low thread count is of poor quality. While the weave used in low thread count products is thicker, as long as the material is of high quality you can still expect it to be soft.