Linen glossary

Thread count (threads/cm²)

Thread density counts the warp and weft threads per unit of surface in a flat fabric — expressed in threads/cm² in Europe (57, 80, 120 threads) or as "thread count" per square inch under Anglo-Saxon standards (180 TC, 300 TC…). The higher the density, the tighter, smoother and stronger the fabric — up to a point.

Useful landmarks: 57 threads/cm² is decent entry level, 80 threads/cm² the heart of hotel quality; beyond 120 threads/cm² the gain becomes marginal and marketing takes over ("1000 TC" figures are often reached by counting the plies of twisted yarns). Fibre fineness and the weave matter as much as the number — our guide dismantles the thread-count myths.