Thread count is the most quoted number in bedding and the least useful on its own.

What the number is

Threads per square inch, counting warp and weft. Beyond about 400 the gains are marginal, and very high figures usually come from multi-ply yarn counted more than once.

What matters more

• Fibre. Long-staple cotton feels smoother at 300 than short-staple at 600.
• Weave. Percale is crisp and breathable; sateen is smoother and warmer. In Thane humidity, percale usually wins.
• Finish. Brushed microfibre is soft immediately and less breathable; viscose derived from bamboo drapes and cools well.

Fitted-sheet depth

The measurement people forget. Measure your mattress from the top surface to the bottom edge, including any topper, and match it to the pocket depth on the page.

How we list

Each sheet page states the fibre, the weave, the pack contents and the pocket depth where the supplier provides it. Where a figure is not supplied, we leave it out rather than estimate.