Thread count measures the number of threads per square inch of fabric - a common quality metric for sheets, but NOT relevant for towels.
For Sheets
In bedding, thread count indicates:
- Fabric density
- Potential softness
- Quality (to a point)
Higher thread count generally means finer, denser fabric.
Not for Towels
Towels are NOT measured by thread count because:
- Terry construction is 3D (pile), not flat
- GSM better measures towel density
- Thread count doesn't apply to looped fabric
The Towel Equivalent: GSM
For towels, use GSM (grams per square metre):
- Measures weight/density
- Indicates thickness
- Quality indicator
Common Confusion
Marketing sometimes mentions thread count for towels - ignore it. It's either:
- Misapplied terminology
- Marketing gimmick
- Refers to ground cloth only (meaningless for pile)
What to Look For
When buying towels, check:
- GSM (300-700+ range)
- Material (cotton variety)
- Construction (ring-spun, combed)
Ignore thread count entirely.