What is thread count in fabric? Does higher thread count mean better quality?

Thread count (TC) is the number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads per square inch of fabric. It is primarily used for bed linen but is sometimes referenced in garment fabric specification.

Does higher thread count mean better quality?

Not necessarily — and this is a widely misunderstood marketing claim:

• A higher thread count with finer, high-quality yarn = genuinely better, softer fabric
• A higher thread count achieved by splitting threads or using very thin multi-ply yarns = does NOT guarantee quality — it is a marketing number inflated to seem premium

Thread count ranges in Indian textile:

• 80 TC: Very basic bedsheet or rough fabric
• 200–400 TC: Standard good-quality cotton — comfortable and durable
• 600+ TC: Premium — but only genuinely premium if the yarn quality supports it

For garment fabric buyers: Thread count is less relevant than GSM (weight), fibre quality (staple length), and yarn count for assessing garment fabric quality. Focus on GSM and fibre specification over thread count claims.