The Truth About Thread Count: What Luxury Eucalyptus Bedding Really Feels Like

If you’ve ever shopped for bed sheets, you’ve probably been told that a higher thread count equals better quality. In fact, thread count is often the only number people look at when comparing sheets.

But here’s the truth: thread count is one of the most misunderstood metrics in bedding.

Let’s break down what it actually means - and why our 300-thread count, single-ply eucalyptus bedding outperforms many so-called “luxury” options with double or even triple the thread count.

What Is Thread Count?

Thread count refers to the number of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads woven into a square inch of fabric. So a sheet with a 300 thread count typically includes 150 vertical and 150 horizontal threads. Simple, right?

Here’s where it gets tricky: some manufacturers use multi-ply threads - twisting several thinner fibers together - to inflate the number.

For example:

2-ply yarn with 150 threads = 300 thread count

3-ply yarn with 150 threads = 450 thread count

The result? A higher thread count on paper, but not necessarily better sheets. In fact, these multi-ply yarns tend to be less breathable, less durable, and less soft than sheets made with long, single-ply fibers.

What Ply Reveals That Thread Count Doesn’t

Ply matters more than people realise. Here's a quick equation to help you decipher the real thread count:

Advertised Thread Count ÷ Ply = True Thread Count

So a 600-thread count sheet made with 2-ply yarns is really just 300 threads. And a 1,000-thread count sheet with 3-ply yarns? Just 333 true threads - and likely far less breathable.

That’s why our 300-thread count sheets made with premium, single-ply TENCEL™ fibers feel genuinely luxurious. No gimmicks, just quality.

Why We Chose 300 Thread Count - And Stopped There

At Ethical Bedding, we chose 300 single-ply threads for one reason: it delivers the perfect balance of softness, durability, and breathability.

Anything higher would mean compromising those natural properties - or resorting to multi-ply yarns, which we don’t do. Our bedding is made with TENCEL™ lyocell from eucalyptus, finished in a sateen weave for that smooth, almost silk-like feel.

- Lightweight, not flimsy

- Cooling, not clammy

- Soft from day one, and softer with each wash

It’s the kind of softness that doesn’t need a number to sell it - you just feel it.

Thread Count vs. What Really Matters

Here’s what truly affects how luxury bedding performs:

We could sell higher thread count sheets—but they wouldn’t meet our quality standards. Instead, we’ve focused on what actually makes bedding feel luxurious.

So... What Does Luxury Eucalyptus Bedding Really Feel Like?

If you’ve never tried eucalyptus sheets, here’s what to expect:

Cool to the touch and moisture-wicking - perfect for hot sleepers

Exceptionally soft, but not slippery like silk

Breathable and lightweight, yet durable enough to last years

Hypoallergenic and non-toxic, gentle on sensitive skin

The texture is best described as smooth like silk, breathable like linen, and low-maintenance like cotton. You won’t find that with multi-ply cotton, no matter how high the thread count claims to be.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Count Threads - Feel the Fabric

Thread count used to mean something. But today, it’s often a marketing game. We believe the future of bedding is transparent, honest, and built on feel, not fluff.

So if you’re comparing sheets and see a 300 thread count eucalyptus option next to a 1,000 thread count cotton one - don’t be fooled. Go deeper. Ask about ply, weave, material, and sourcing. And then feel it for yourself.

Because in the end, the best sheet isn’t the one with the highest number - it’s the one you can’t wait to get into every night.