Why Thread Count Doesn’t Matter (When You’re Sleeping in Bamboo)
The Hype Around Thread Count
If you’ve ever gone sheet shopping, you’ve probably seen numbers like 600 thread count or even 1,200 thread count splashed across the packaging. For cotton bedding, thread count has long been marketed as the gold standard of softness and quality: the higher the number, the better the sheet… or so the story goes.
But here’s the truth: when it comes to bamboo sheets, thread count doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, it hardly matters at all.
The Difference Between Cotton & Bamboo
Cotton fibres are short and need to be woven tightly together to create softness. That’s why higher thread counts are often used as a selling point — they imply a denser, smoother weave.
Bamboo fibres, on the other hand, are naturally:
- Longer and finer – which means fewer fibres are needed to create a silky finish.
- Smoother – giving them a naturally soft touch, without extra processing.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking – properties built into the fibre itself, not reliant on weave.
This is why bamboo sheets often feel as soft as (or softer than) 1,000+ thread count cotton — even though their actual thread count is much lower.
So What Should You Look For Instead?
When choosing bamboo sheets, forget the numbers game. What matters is:
- Weave quality – a tight, precision weave ensures durability.
- Finishing – flame-treated fibres prevent pilling and keep sheets smooth.
- Fabric integrity – 100% bamboo vs blends (pure bamboo = superior softness and performance).
At Made In Hemp, our bamboo bedding uses a tight precision weave, double-hemmed seams, and a flame-treatment finish to ensure your sheets stay soft, durable, and pill-free — no inflated thread count required.
The Real Test? Sleep On It.
Marketing claims aside, the best way to understand the difference is to simply slide into bed. Bamboo sheets feel silky, breathable, and light against your skin from the very first night — and they get even softer with each wash.
Once you’ve slept in bamboo, you’ll never want to go back.
Key Takeaway
Thread count is a cotton marketing myth. Bamboo’s natural fibre structure does the heavy lifting, giving you sheets that are soft, durable, and eco-friendly without chasing numbers.