Quality bedding is often defined by the thread count of the fabric, whether it's a sheet, a comforter or a blanket. Thread count is the number of woven threads in one square inch of fabric. Higher thread counts create higher-quality weaves that generally feel smoother and softer. Lower thread counts can pill and feel rough, but are affordable and serve their purposes just fine.

Common thread counts range from 180 to 320, but thread counts as high as 700 also exist. The thread count alone doesn't determine how a fabric performs and feels, though. You'll also want to look at the yarn size and ply when determining the level of quality you desire.

Yarn Size: Yarn size refers to the thickness of the individual threads that make up a woven fabric. The higher the yarn size, the finer the thread. Quality sheets usually have a yarn size ranging from 40 to 100. Finer yarns can only be made from high-quality, long staple cottons such as Supima. Yarn size is important to thread count because finer yarns take up less space than thicker yarns, thus the highest thread count sheets are generally made from the finest yarns.

Ply: The other important component to thread count is ply. Single ply fabrics are made from individually woven threads of yarn, while two-ply fabrics are made from two threads of yarn that are first twisted together and then woven. Since two-ply fabrics have essentially double the thread count of their single ply counterparts, two-ply fabrics must be made from extremely fine yarns, otherwise the end product might feel too bulky and heavy.