You're in the market for new bamboo sheets and have done your research. You know you want a bedsheet with soft fabric and high thread count. After all, isn't that what makes sheets luxuriously soft?
A high thread count is often associated with luxurious, high-quality fabric. Bedsheets made with traditional materials like cotton and polyester with a high thread count are proven to be softer, silkier, and high-quality.
But does thread count matter for bamboo sheets? Let’s find out together.
What Is Thread Count?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s agree on what we mean by thread count.
Thread count refers to the number of strands per square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the finer the strand because it means you can fit more in an inch of fabric compared to thicker or coarser yarns.
A higher thread count usually means softer and more durable sheets. However, it doesn’t always equate to better sheets.
Thread count ranges from 200 to 1,000, although there are rare instances when you might find a sheet offering a 1,500 thread count on its label. In such cases, it pays to be a bit wary since experts advise that these astronomically high thread counts pad the count by twisting multiple strands together.
Thread count isn’t everything. What matters the most is the quality of the thread. A high thread count that uses lower-quality fiber may be just as soft and durable as a low thread count from a higher-quality fiber.
Here are some important notes regarding thread counts for sheets made with traditional materials like cotton or polyester:
- 1,000 - The highest thread count you should be looking for. Anything higher than that seems implausible.
- 800 - The thread count is almost always a double-ply which means they are thicker, more durable, and more expensive. They are preferable during cold days and nights because they retain more heat.
- 600 - The highest possible thread count for single-ply sheets. They are preferable during warm days and nights because they keep the body cool.
- 400 - The minimum thread count you should look for. Anything lower won’t be that soft or durable.
Does thread count matter for bamboo sheets?
Yes, but not as much as it does for other bed sheet materials.
Bamboo sheets usually offer thread counts between 250 and 350. It sounds low when you think about bed sheets in general, but when it comes to quality, there’s more to this fabric than thread count.
Read on more to find out why thread count does not matter a lot when it comes to premium bamboo sheets and what to look for instead.
There’s More To Bamboo Sheets Than Thread Count
Bamboo sheets are made from bamboo fibers which are lightweight and breathable. It’s a good material for maintaining a cool body temperature, so you aren’t likely to wake up sweating in the middle of the night.
The fabric is also absorbent and great for sensitive skin. Compared to other fabrics, it’s also good for preventing frizzy hair and hair breakage.
The fiber is made by converting bamboo into a pulp before turning it into a thread. The end product is a fabric that is softer than linen and polyester.
Bamboo fiber is naturally soft, so a 250 thread count is already soft to the touch. It may surprise you that 100% bamboo material with at least a 250 thread count is just as soft as a cotton sheet with a 400 thread count.
What To Look For in Bamboo Sheets
For quality, comfortable sleep, consider the following when purchasing bamboo sheets:
1. Material
The material is bamboo grass, but different manufacturing processes yield different types of bamboo sheets. The most common bamboo sheet is labeled 100% rayon from bamboo, which means it is a rayon fabric made from the bamboo plant. Rayon can also be made from cotton and other plants.
Sunday Citizen’s bamboo sheets are technically a type of rayon. They’re manufactured with bamboo viscose, the cellulose that’s extracted from wood pulp. The result is antibacterial and hypoallergenic sheets that offer the utmost softness and breathability.
There are other types of bamboo materials, such as lyocell from bamboo. Another alternative is bamboo linen which is made in the same way as cotton linen. However, bamboo linen is not as soft as other materials and is prone to wrinkling. Bamboo sheets can also be made from a blend of bamboo and cotton.
2. Weave
There are different ways to weave bamboo fiber, resulting in different textures and durability.
The following are the most common bamboo sheet weaves:
Percale
This involves weaving one thread over and another thread under. The result is a lightweight fabric with a matte finish. It’s crips and breathable, which is perfect for hot sleepers. The downside is that the percale-weaved bamboo sheet is more prone to wrinkling.
Sateen
One thread under and three to four threads over is a sateen bamboo weave pattern. It’s silky to the touch and has a lustrous sheen. It’s very smooth and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Sateen-weaved bamboo sheets are great at retaining heat, making them the perfect sheets for the cool season.
Twill
Characterized by diagonal parallel ribs in the pattern, the twill weave doesn’t make the smoothest bamboo sheet. However, the sheet tends to be more durable.
3. Shrinkage
Bamboo fibers and fabrics, in general, shrink during the first wash. It’s common in any product made of bamboo fabric, whether a bedsheet, towel or a t -shirt. So, you must look at the instructions on the tag to learn how to care for your bamboo sheet.
Most bamboo sheets can be machine washed, but you have to wash them in cold water and dry them on a low heat setting. Too much heat will cause more shrinkage than necessary. For better results, soak bamboo sheets in lukewarm water before throwing them into the washing machine.
It’s worth noting that bamboo sheets shrink by about 6% on the first wash. For cotton sheets, it’s usually just 4%. It’s an important consideration when you purchase bamboo sheets so you can find the perfect size for your bed.
4. Price
Bamboo sheets are generally more expensive than regular cotton sheets. A bamboo sheet with a higher thread count is also pricier. The same goes for lyocell-type fabrics. However, you are paying for quality, so they are worth it .
5. Warranty
Some sheets come with a full or limited warranty. If you are unsure of the bamboo sheets you are eyeing, look for ones with warranties for your peace of mind. Read the fine print properly because many fabric-centered warranties are easily nulled.
The Right Bamboo Sheets From the Right Stores
Bamboo sheets are fantastic because they use a sustainable material. Bamboos are easy to grow and are among the fastest-growing plants in the world. They also use less water and pesticides to grow. In return, you get soft, lightweight, and durable sheets.
However, there are no guarantees that the bamboo sheet you’re buying is of the best quality, so it matters where you get your bamboo sheets. Sunday Citizen has a collection of premium bamboo sheets that are silky-soft and breathable. The sheets are hypoallergenic and antibacterial too.
Find great deals on bamboo sheets and other products made from high-quality bamboo fabric at Sunday Citizen today!