Down Comforter Thread Count Guide
Most people focus on what’s inside a down comforter when making their purchasing decision, but the thread count is also an important factor to keep in mind.
Just like with sheets and pillowcases, comforters with higher thread counts will often feel softer and more luxurious against your skin; but depending on your sleep needs, certain thread counts may make more sense than others.
Finding information about comforter thread counts can sometimes be a challenge, as most reviews and sellers focus on fill power and down filling type, rather than the threads.
To help you find a comforter that is just as soft on the outside as it is on the inside, we have used our Super Cozy Stuff expertise to create the ultimate guide to down comforter thread count.
What Does Thread Count Mean?
Thread count is the measure of the number of threads per inch in a textile, like a bedding sheet and comforters. Higher thread counts indicate that each individual thread of your comforter is thinner, usually giving it a softer and more flexible texture.
However, when it comes to down comforters, thread count doesn’t just affect softness – it also affects how your comforter is able to retain its down filling.
Comforters with higher thread counts and tighter weaving patterns are typically able to keep in down clusters better and help your comforter last longer without losing its fluff.
Thread Count Guide
Thread count typically ranges from 200 to even up to 1000. To help you chose the best comforter thread count for your needs and budget, check out our breakdown.
- 200-400: Comforters in this range may be more affordable, but the threads could be coarse, causing your down to feel stiff. This thread count is best for those who plan to use a duvet cover on their comforter, as the cover can offer a softer feel and prevent down clusters from escaping.
- 400-800: Comforters in this range are considered to have a good thread count, making them a great option for those who want a softer feel and greater durability without exceeding their budget.
- 800+: Down comforters in this category may be harder to find but they tend to offer the soften texture and greatest durability. Egyptian cotton duvets typically fall into this range and can become softer over time.
Other Thread Factors to Consider
While it was once thought that thread count is the sole determining factor of how soft a fabric is, experts now agree that there are other factors that affect texture as well. Some of these factors are as follows:
- Fiber length: The longer a thread fiber is, the softer and more flexible your comforter may be. Egyptian cotton, for example, is widely considered as one of the most luxurious materials because of its extremely long fibers which allow it to be finely woven into a material.
- Stich Construction: Stitch construction is also a very important consideration for down comforters as it affects how each thread is weaved together and supports the fill. Baffle box is one of the most desirable comforter types as it creates compartments that trap the fill and prevent it from getting lumpy. Diamond-quilted and gusseted patterns are also popular choices.
- Material: If soft texture is a top concern, be sure to also consider the material in addition to the thread count. A higher thread count of Egyptian cotton or 100% cotton, for example, will typically produce a softer touch than the same thread count of a polyester blend.
Choosing the Right Thread Count
When choosing a comforter, it can be easy to overlook the thread count when you’re already considering fill power, filling material, and other factors. But adding this measurement into your decision-making can help ensure that you’re purchasing a comforter that meets your needs both inside and out.
While thread count is just one of several contributing factors that add to the texture of a fabric, it is still a telling sign of fabric quality, and it is especially important for down comforters as each thread helps keep the precious filling inside where it belongs.
If you are considering buying a comforter with a lower thread count, investing in a duvet cover can give you the added softness and filling protection that you’re looking for. If on the other hand, you want a comforter that is luxurious all around, a high thread count comforter may be well worth the price.