A Guide to Thread Count and Weight When Buying Silk Bed Sheets

For the longest time, silk has been one of the most highly regarded fabrics in the world. It is highly sought-after by luxury purveyors, and many see it as a status symbol. This high-value fabric is popular across the globe.

If you've been bedding shopping lately, you might have noticed a few silk options. You might have even considered buying a set or two but stopped when you saw the price. Why are silk bed sheets so expensive? Do people really pay that much to sleep on silk and feel like sleeping on a slip-n-slide every night? In this article, we will find out the answer to that question and more, so read all the way through! We'll also discuss some things determining silk's price, like thread count and weight.

Understanding Thread Count

About a decade ago, thread count was a buzzword that sent people on the hunt for the softest and most luxurious-feeling bedding, from sheets to blankets and pillows and everything else in between. Fast forward to today, and more people are now conscious of thread count, with many not wanting to get any type of bedding with a thread count below a certain number. Still, what is thread count?

Well, the term refers to the number of fibers woven into a single square inch of fabric. The higher this number is, the softer the fabric will be.

The standard thread count for silk bed sheets generally ranges between 400 and 600. This is the ideal thread count for silk bed sheets and pillowcases, so anything over 600 is considered to be better quality and more luxurious. You might even see some with a thread count of 1000 or higher.

One thing you need to be wary of when looking at the thread count of silk bed sheets, though, is that in most cases, the higher the thread count is, the less durable the fabric tends to be. Silk bed sheets with a higher thread count also tend to pill more and pill faster. This is because the threads are thinner, more delicate, more easily prone to breakage, and more susceptible to wear and tear. This is why thread count shouldn’t be the only thing you look at when buying silk bedding.

What is Silk Weight?

Aside from thread count, one more thing that can help determine the quality of silk bed sheets is weight. Does this mean silk sheets are or can be sold by the gram or the pound? The answer is no, not really.

The unit of measurement for silk is ‘momme’ (pronounced as ‘mom’ or ‘moh-mei’) which amounts to the weight of 100 yards of 45-inch-wide silk sheets. The higher the momme count, the more durable and better quality your silk sheet will be.

Generic silk sheets (a.k.a. the kind you’ll find in big box stores) usually have a weight of 6 to 19 momme. These are considered lightweight silk sheets. They’re soft and smooth, but not quite as luxurious. If you’re thinking of getting silk sheets for aesthetics and some of the other benefits, this might already be a good enough choice for you.

Want to take your silk sheet game up a notch? Look for ones with a weight ranging from 20 to 28 momme. These sheets are considered midweight, and they are just as luxurious, but they feel heavier, heftier, and overall better quality compared to lightweight silk bed sheets. Sheets in this category are perfect for those who truly want to elevate their sleep experience and don’t mind shelling out a few more dollars for it.

Anything over 28 momme is considered heavy, and such sheets are perfect for those who take luxury and sleep seriously. Heavy silk sheets remain soft and smooth to the touch, thanks to silk’s natural properties, but you will feel a significant difference in weight as heavy sheets feel thicker, fuller, and more compact. This type of bed sheet is also perfect for making your bed feel cozier in cold weather.

How to choose the right silk bed sheet?

Whatever you do, avoid low-quality silk bedsheets at all costs. If you're in it only for the looks, you'd be better off with a synthetic silk alternative like satin. Low-quality silk sheets with a low thread count tend to deteriorate faster, so it's going to be a waste of money buying those things.

If your budget permits, go for a heavyweight silk bedsheet set or a heavyweight single silk sheet with a thread count over 600. You'll thank yourself for the investment, and you're going to upgrade your whole sleep experience to the next level. On a limited budget? Another option would be to go for a midweight silk bedding set with a thread count ranging from 400 to 600. This option isn't so expensive that it breaks the bank, but neither is it so cheap and low-quality that you'll be needing to replace it and buy a new one regularly.

Of course, don't just go out and buy any type of silk bedding without doing your research first. Aside from thread count and weight, you should also consider the type of silk used to make the sheets you're about to buy. If you don't have much time to do research, mulberry silk would be a great, safe bet. However, if you're the type who puts a heavy premium on factors like sustainability and ethics, you might want to go on a hunt for Eri silk sheets instead. There are plenty of other options for you, so scope out the market and don't buy unless you feel ready and knowledgeable enough.

After buying your silk sheets, the next step is to wash them. Washing fabrics as delicate as silk requires extra care. We have an article on how to wash silk sheets, so be sure to check that out for some useful tips on caring for your silk bedding.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of things that you need to consider when buying silk sheets. Depending on your reason for switching from your regular type of bedding to silk bedding, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Two of the most important things you should familiarize yourself with if you plan on buying silk bed sheets are thread count and weight. Once you’ve done your due diligence on these 2 things and you know what kind of silk sheet you’re looking for, whether it’s king-size silk sheets, single-size silk sheets, silk sheet sets, or just plain flat silk sheets, you’ll be able to make good decisions and get the most bang for your buck.