It sounds straightforward: The higher a sheet’s thread count, the higher its quality, right? But actually, it’s not that simple. Thread count is just one piece of the puzzle; the type of weave and the quality of the cotton matter just as much. Family-owned, online-only bedding brand California Design Den makes an extensive range of 100% cotton sheets, with counts from 400 to 1,000 (more on what that means in a sec), and they’ve earned the Good Housekeeping Seal at multiple thread-count levels: proof positive that there’s a lot more behind a high-quality sheet than the numbers. Let’s tuck in to the topic.

What is thread count, exactly?

Simply put, it’s the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. And since a finer yarn means more threads can fit into that inch—voila, higher count. That leads lots of consumers to make a leap of logic: Finer yarn equals higher thread count equals nicer, softer sheets.

But while thread count can give you some information about how a sheet will feel once it’s on your bed (and body), focusing on it alone is a bit like choosing a cake based on how many layers it has—it might be impressive, but it sure doesn’t tell you whether the cake is delicious. (Keep in mind, too, that thread count is only a relevant measure for 100% cotton sheets. For instance, synthetic fabrics like polyester or semi-synthetic ones like rayon are factory-manufactured, allowing the threads to be made super thin and the thread counts inflated.)

Finding a thread count that suits you

Navy blue bed sheets and pillows on a tufted headboard bed.
Courtesy of California Design Den
California Design Den’s Grand Indulgence 1000 cotton sheets, which received the Good Housekeeping Seal, feel substantial and drape luxuriously.

Other factors, like the quality of the fibers and the weave of the fabric, are just as important (maybe even more so) when selecting sheets, and we’ll take a look at those attributes below. When you do consider thread count, think about it in terms of how the sheets feel—a lower thread count might actually be ideal for you. Some guidelines:

• If you want lighter-weight sheets that feel breathable, look for a thread count of 400 or 500.

• For sheets with a little more weight that may feel slightly smoother—what California Design Den describes as “midweight”—aim for around 600 threads per square inch.

• For heavier, smoother sheets that feel luxuriously “drapey,” thread counts of 800 to 1,000 are the sweet spot.

Why should I opt for cotton?

Pink bed sheets and pillows on a bed.
Courtesy of California Design Den
Everyday Ease 400 Sateen Cotton Sheets from California Design Den are lightweight and crisp, great for sleepers who want their sheets to feel barely there. They have a Good Housekeeping Seal and also won a 2026 Good Housekeeping Bedding Award.

While it’s tempting to focus on how many threads are making up your sheets, first consider whether the threads themselves are high-quality. Cotton is the gold standard for sheets for many reasons—it’s breathable, soft and durable—but not all cotton is created equal. All of the California Design Den sheets that earned the Good Housekeeping Seal are made from cotton with these three important attributes:

  • Long-staple: This is important because it refers to fibers that are finer, which produce smoother, stronger yarns—in turn, making for softer sheets. (Some of the California Design Den Seal holders even use extra-long-staple.)
  • Single-ply: That’s when a single strand of yarn is used to weave the fabric, and it’s the mark of a truly accurate thread count. Two- or three-ply yarns—in which two or three strands of fiber have been twisted together to make the thread—can be used to misleadingly double or triple the count.
  • Responsibly made: California Design Den sources all of its cotton from small family farms in India that work closely with the company. The fabrics are also OEKO-TEX-certified, meaning they’ve been tested for hundreds of harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde) and meet strict limits.

What about weave?

Set of stacked navy blue bed linens including sheets and pillowcases.
Courtesy of California Design Den
California Design Den calls its Good Housekeeping Seal-earned 600 thread-count Restful Retreat Cotton Sateen Sheets the Goldilocks of sheets: mid-weight, smooth and substantial, but still crisp.

Weave—the pattern in which the individual threads of the fabric are intertwined—also has a lot to do with how sheets feel. The two most common weaves, percale and sateen, offer distinctly different sleep experiences:

  • Percale sheets are woven in a basic grid: over one thread, then under the next, like the loom potholders we used to make as kids. They’re lightweight and crisp—think of a freshly ironed dress shirt.
  • Sateen has yarns that cross over several strands at a time—less interweaving—so they feel silkier. Sateen sheets often have higher thread counts than percale, but that doesn’t necessarily make them better, just different. It all comes down to personal preference. You can sleep just as well—maybe even better—without seeking out sky-high numbers.

The bottom line

When you’re ready to shop, remember that higher isn’t necessarily better. California Design Den makes 100% cotton sheets in a wide range of thread counts precisely for that reason: So you can find the ideal balance of softness and weight for your individual sleep style.