The best thread count for cotton sheets is a matter of personal preference and depends on various factors such as the type of cotton, weave, and fiber quality. While thread count is used as a rough indicator of the softness and feel of a fabric, it is not the only consideration when it comes to the overall quality of a set of sheets. In general, sheets with a thread count between 200 and 600 are considered high-quality and can feel soft and wear well after years of use and washing. However, some experts suggest that the ideal thread count for 100% cotton sheets with single-ply weaves is between 200 and 400. It is important to note that a higher thread count does not necessarily mean better quality, and other factors such as fiber quality and weave are more important when shopping for sheets. Therefore, shoppers should be wary of extremely high thread counts, which may be achieved by using microfibers or fudging the numbers. Ultimately, it is recommended to look for sheets with an advertised thread count of at least 200, and to consider other factors such as the type of cotton and weave when selecting high-quality sheets.