The quality of bed sheets is often conveyed by the thread count—the number of threads per square inch of material. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, but the weave and type of thread may affect the hand of the material so that a sheet with a lower thread count may actually be softer than one with a higher count. Yarn quality also plays a part in the look and feel of sheets, as finer yarns tend to create a finer sheet fabric. The ply also plays a role in how heavy the sheet feels. Ply represents how many fibers are twisted together as the sheet is being created. A 2 ply 300 thread count sheet will feel heavier than a single ply 600 thread count sheet.

Sateen:Sateen is another common weave style, using a three or four yarn over, one yarn under weave. This means the fabric is usually thicker and more tightly woven than percale — often with a higher thread count, too. Sateen is known for its lustrous sheen, soft and smooth feel, and beautiful drape. It also tends to be warmer than percale, due to being thicker.