How to Determine Bedsheet Quality — Thread Count vs. GSM
Here’s the truth, sleepers — thread count isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There is no “respectable” thread count. You’ve probably always heard differently from other bedding suppliers, but we’re here to let you know what’s what - look for GSM, not TC!
When you see thread counts above 300 for percale cotton or 600 for sateen, the manufacturers who wove the fabric most likely used ply, which is the number of single threads twisted together in yarn. This practice artificially inflates the thread count, so a 500-thread-count sheet made with two-ply yarns might be advertised as a 1,000-thread-count sheet. You’ve been bamboozled, friend!
With all this crafty dupery happening left and right, you’re probably now wondering — “How in the heck do I find the best bedsheets with the highest quality??”
Good thing you found this blog! Keep reading to learn how to determine bed sheet quality so you can start getting those much-needed “Zzzs” without breaking the bank.
What is Thread Count?
Thread count is a measure of the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. This involves the interlacing of warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads. However, thread count is an outdated standard that can be deceiving. Some fibers are naturally thicker or thinner than others, and lower-quality threads can be woven together to manipulate numbers. There is no magic number that is the perfect thread count — it doesn’t exist!
In fact, thread count is such a rough overall indicator of the softness and quality of a fabric that a 2,000-thread-count sheet isn’t actually “exceptionally” better than a 350-thread-count sheet.
We know you’ve heard differently, but get a load of this — sometimes during cotton sheets production, some manufacturers like to twist multiple thinner yarns together to inflate the weft just to achieve a higher thread count, raise the price, and dupe customers. Rather than making the fabric high quality, this little trick actually makes the fabric heavier, coarser, and that much more prone to rips and snags.
When it comes to bamboo viscose sheets, the fibers are woven so small that the thread count system doesn’t even come into play. If we were to measure this way, our ultra-soft Cosy House sheets would be around 1,000 TC. Compared to traditional Egyptian or Pima cotton sheets that boast a high thread count at an even higher price, premium bamboo viscose blends are actually much softer and much stronger.
What is GSM?
Okay, so thread count isn’t it. So, what’s this GSM you keep hearing about?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. It’s the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric. When it comes to GSM and thread count standing side by side on the bedding market, GSM allows for much more transparency. With GSM, you can decide whether you want a lighter or denser fabric for whatever your sleeping needs may be.
For example, Cosy House Luxury Bed Sheets have a GSM of 100, a higher GSM than the majority of competitors on the market. Our 100 GSM measurement is one of the main reasons Cosy House bedding is able to obtain such a soft and luxurious quality while also being able to supply them at an affordable price.
Just compare the price of a complete set of Queen sheets from Cosy to these other brands that typically measure by thread count:
Boll & Branch: $240
Brooklinen: $103
Cosy House: $59
Cosy House sheets are coveted for their lightweight breathability, plus their strong durability and seriously soft, silky smoothness. Compare all these benefits to a competitor’s microfiber sheets, which typically measure at 90 and below GSM, and you’ll find their sheets are actually more prone to ripping, pilling, and tearing after only a few washes. Our sheets were carefully crafted with not just your sleeping needs in mind, but woven to perform, too.
If you’ve noticed your super-duper high thread count sheets aren’t actually doing their job, it’s time to consider some real high-quality bamboo viscose sheets. Our 100 GSM luxury sheets are temperature regulating, able to wick away moisture and excess body heat, leaving you cool and comfortable for a better night’s rest. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, which means they can resist common household non-living allergens and are perfect for sensitive noses and skin. Did we mention people are saying they’re the softest, smoothest sheets they’ve ever tried?
We’re here for you every step of the way on your snooze journey. We don’t want to dupe you, we want to get you the best bedding for the best price and for the best sleep! Click here to explore some more bedding options!
What do you think about the thread count debacle? Have you ever considered GSM over thread count? Let us know in the comments below! The Cosy community would love to hear from you.
We've gone ahead & enclosed a 10% off coupon below for you to use if you'd like to take the plunge and try out our sheets for yourself! To shop our collection & get 10% OFF Use the code 'BLOG10' at checkout.
