In theory the greater the number of threads per square inch the better the fabric. However this has become a bit of a marketing tool also. Originally the standard of a 180 thread count was rated as a percale and considered a “very good” quality cotton bedding for durability, and superior to regular cotton bedding. Now one now regularly sees 300 thread counts and 500 and 600 thread counts as a norm. Some companies will quote 1000 or 1200 thread counts in their products.
Thread counts can be a good guideline but it’s not the full story of the quality of cotton and the numbers can be manipulated. Also ensure when comparing sheet sets on the basis of thread count, that you are comparing like with like. Some manufacturers use threads per inch but some may use threads per square centimetre which is a larger piece of fabric so the same consistency will appear to have more threads. An example of this is shown in the picture of this blog