Ever wondered why hotel sheets always feel crisp, cool and luxurious? The secret is in the weave, fibre, and quality of the fabric, not a high thread count.

 

What "thread count" really means.

Thread count is simply the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. It’s often marketed as a sign of quality — but it’s not the best measure of quality, and the number itself can be manipulated. In fact, the maximum amount of standard size thread that can fit into one square inch is 400.

 

This is what many people don't realise:

Anything advertised above roughly 400 thread count is usually achieved by twisting multiple thinner yarns together and counting them separately. 

 

This allows the manufacturer to market a higher thread count inferring quality. This may make the fabric feel smoother to the touch, but it is not stronger or more durable, and depending on the weave and density, risks being less breathable and more prone to pilling.

 

One of the most important metrics for hotels is fabric weight, which has almost nothing to do with thread count. A 180 TC sheet made from thicker yarns can feel heavier and sturdier than a “1000 TC” sheet made with ultra-fine multi-ply threads. It’s the yarn thickness, fibre quality and weave that determine how substantial a sheet feels — not thread count.

 

The Hotel Quality Sweet Spot

Most hotels stick to single-ply yarns and genuine 160 – 400 TC fabrics, chosen for comfort, breathability and durability under commercial laundering.

Percale: 160 – 300 TC — crisp, cool, matte finish — ideal for standard hotel rooms and high-turnover linen.
Sateen: 300 – 400 TC — smooth, silky sheen — suited to premium rooms and boutique properties.

Hotels choose these ranges because they deliver reliable whiteness and shape retention after many washes. They are also faster drying, easier ironing and consistent quality important to volume linen programs. 

 

Why Higher Isn't Better

Ultra-high thread counts (600 – 1000 TC) sound luxurious, but often rely on multi-ply yarns or short-staple cotton to reach those numbers. This often reduces durability and adds unnecessary replacement costs with little benefit to guests.

What matters most is fibre quality (long-staple cotton or durable poly-cotton blends), weave type (percale for crispness, sateen for softness), and finishing (anti-wrinkle and whitening treatments that hold up to commercial laundering). That’s what gives hotel bedding its signature fresh, smooth feel night after night.

 

Choosing the right sheets for your property

Ask yourself:

1) Who are your guests? 

Is the goal crisp, breathable comfort (160 - 300TC percale) or an ultra soft luxurious feel (400TC sateen) ? Many 4 star hotels use crisp percale, while 5 star resorts prefer the silky touch of well made 400 TC Sateen. 

2) How will these sheets perform in real life laundering and turnover? 

When it comes to frequent washing and commercial laundering, 160 - 300TC percale polycotton sheets will out perform 400TC sateen sheets. The percale weave is tighter, and the fabric can better withstand high heat, mechanical agitation and chemicals used in laundering.

Sateen weaves can be more delicate because they have longer surface "floats", threads that sit on the surface for that silky feel, which makes them softer but more prone to pilling, thinning and snagging over time. 

Additionally, 160 - 300TC percale sheets dry faster, enhancing operation efficiency.

3) What’s your climate?

Percale is woven in a simple one over one weave, allows air to circulate freely. This makes the sheet noticeably cooler on the skin and  ideal for humid enviroments.  Sateen uses a four over one weave, creating a denser, smoother surface. This gives them a warmer, heavier feel, great for cool climates.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best thread count for hotel bed sheets?

Most hotels use 180 - 400 thread count sheets for the ideal mix of comfort, durability and breathability.

2. What's the difference between percale and sateen sheets?

Percale is crisp and cool, perfect for warm climates; sateen is smooth and warm, ideal for luxury stays or cooler weather.

3. Do higher thread counts mean better quality?

Not always. Above 400TC, breathability can decrease and fabric longevity may drop with heavy laundering.

 

Our Hotel Bed Sheet Collection includes:

• 180 - 200 TC poly-cotton percale — commercial strength and long life.

• 300 – 400 TC cotton sateen — soft, refined finish for elevated stays.

 

 

Ready to upgrade your linen?

Explore our Hotel Bed Sheets Collection: https://www.bnbsupplies.com.au/hotel-linen/hotel-bed-sheets/ to find the perfect balance of comfort, care and cost-efficiency.