
Here is why Thread Count does not matter when buying sheets for your hotel
Hospitality is the industry that moves along with the latest innovations, and every hotel is already aware of how important it is to work for the comfort of the guest. The hotel industry over the years has witnessed tremendous growth, and that is why it is said to be one of the world’s fastest-growing divisions. Travel and tourism are the reason for this huge growth, and it is forecasted to contribute more than 2.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. An increase in customers indicates that the requirement for hotel linen will rise in the future. A study by Metabolic shows that a typical hotel with 120 rooms can spend nearly about $65,000 on linen laundering, and this cost can double if linen gets damaged; therefore, it is important to purchase quality linens that last longer. Buying linen for hotels can be a tough job that requires proper knowledge of the fabric. Let’s start with the most common misconception amongst the people regarding linen: their thread count!
Thread count is something that you might have heard while buying linen, and many people often have a lot of questions about this term. We usually hear people saying that a higher thread count means a better product, but is it true?
Since we have been working in this industry for more than 22 years, we would like to share some of our knowledge with you all. To understand the statement “High thread counts make for better sheets," you first need to understand what a thread count actually is.
Thread count indicates the number of threads woven collectively in a square inch. You count both vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads to know the accurate thread count of a linen.
Shannon Maher, Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, defines thread count as “the number of yarns per square inch." She says that thread count has started as a pretty genius marketing idea.
“It’s an invention of the American & Canadian markets,” said Nancy Koltes, a luxury linens designer. Particularly, high thread counts make for better sheets, isn’t a lie; it’s just a common way of presenting the quality of a sheet, just like the labels attached on food items stating low-fat or organic. In 2000, the thread count reached new levels after the launch of sheets with 1000+ thread counts. “Thread count doesn’t represent quality,” Koltes says. But it seems to have stuck with customers.
The people who think that thread count is all that matters, need to change their opinion because it’s the thread that is more valuable. A sheet with good-quality fiber but a lower thread count will feel more comfortable and stand up to washing better than a sheet with high thread count but poor quality fiber. For now, whenever you plan to buy sheets for your hotel or resort, make sure to consider these following factors other than just the thread count.
Fiber
Cotton is the most used fiber in making hotel linen due to its soft and comfortable feel. Longer fiber is ideal because when you spin the yarn, it gives it more strength and also prevents pilling. The sheets made with 100% ring-spun premium long-staple combed cotton yarn (by twisting and thinning the cotton strands to make a very fine, strong, soft rope of cotton fibers) give a soft and plush feel and are ideal for hotel use. You can also go for poly-cotton blends. The sheets, made from premium combed cotton yarn and single-pick weave, are durable and perfect for hotel use.
Weave
The concept of weaving is relatively simple. It is a method in which two different sets of yarns or threads are twisted at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. There are multiple types of weaves used in textile production, and the most common one is the percale weave. It usually has a thread count of 180 or more and is noticeably tighter than other weaves. It is mostly anti-pilled and comes with a crease-resistant finish, perfect for hotel use.
Sateen weave is also used in making luxurious linen, made with spun yarns for strength and durability. The structure of this weave provides the material with a sheen and a much softer feel.
Finishing Matters
The finishing in textiles generally takes place at the end of the production, where the fabric usually undergoes several processes to improve the look or feel. The fabric with a microwhite crease-resistant finish turns out to give a bright and vibrant look, and these finishing processes help to maintain this look even after multiple washes. Moreover, the linen that is double-signed, mercerized or calendared gives a softer and crisp look. Remember, whenever you search for good-quality linen, make sure it has gone through these finishing processes. Looking for hotel supplies? Linen Plus is the right place. Get everything you need to run your hotel, motel, or B&B. We manufacture and distribute an extensive range of essential, elegant and durable hospitality products. Have a look at our wide range of hotel supplies; visit www.linenplus.com