01What the four terms mean
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| TC (thread count) | Number of warp and weft threads per square inch combined | 300TC |
| Yarn count | Yarn fineness; the higher the number, the finer the yarn and the smoother the feel | 40s, 60s, 80s |
| Weave | How the yarns interlace, which decides feel and sheen | Percale, sateen, sateen stripe |
| Composition | Which fiber is used | 100% cotton, poly-cotton (e.g. 60% cotton / 40% polyester) |
For example, "60s × 40s" means 60s yarn for the warp and 40s yarn for the weft.
02Why higher TC isn't always better
- TC can be "padded" with multi-ply fine yarns: the number is high, but the fabric isn't necessarily better.
- The denser the weave, the less breathable it is, so it may sleep warmer and crease more easily.
- Finer yarns wear less well. Hotel bedding goes through heavy industrial laundering, and overly fine yarns pill and tear easily.
- Going from 300 to 600 TC can double the price, yet guests may not feel the difference.
03Common choices by hotel tier
| Tier | Common combination | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 40s × 40s, 200–250 TC, 100% cotton or poly-cotton, percale | Durable in the wash and low cost; poly-cotton creases less |
| Midscale | 40s × 40s or 60s × 40s, 250–300 TC, 100% cotton | A good balance of feel and durability |
| Upscale | 60s × 40s or 60s × 60s, 300–400 TC, 100% cotton sateen or sateen stripe | Finer and more lustrous |
| Luxury | 80s and above, 400 TC and above, long-staple cotton | Higher cost and more demanding laundering |
These are common industry practices for reference only; the final choice depends on how the samples feel and your budget.
04Percale or sateen
- Percale: strong and hard-wearing, matte surface, good value, suited to hotels with fast turnover.
- Sateen: smooth and lustrous with a nice feel, but snags and creases more easily than percale, with higher laundry and ironing demands.
- Sateen stripe: sateen woven in stripes (such as 1 cm or 3 cm), a common hotel style with more visual depth.
05100% cotton or poly-cotton
- 100% cotton: breathable and absorbent, comfortable to sleep in; shrinks and creases easily, needs ironing.
- Poly-cotton: creases less, dries faster and costs less; feels stiffer, and is less absorbent and breathable than 100% cotton.
For hotels with tight budgets and basic laundry conditions, poly-cotton is less hassle; mid- to upscale hotels usually use 100% cotton.
06Besides fabric, also confirm these
- Fabric weight: flat sheets are usually 110–140 g/m²; too light and they won't last.
- Shrinkage: state a maximum, commonly within 3%–5%; otherwise sheets shrink after a few washes.
- Whiteness and colorfastness: especially important for colored bedding, to avoid fading or bleeding after washing.
- Size and tolerance: set by mattress size and thickness, with allowed tolerance stated.
07How to word your inquiry
How to word your inquiry
Flat sheets 270 × 280 cm, 100% cotton, 60s × 40s, 300 TC, 3 cm sateen stripe, white, shrinkage ≤ 5%, 440 pieces. Please also quote percale 40s × 40s, 250 TC for comparison.