If you've ever stood in a linen aisle (or scrolled through one at midnight) wondering whether a higher thread count means better sheets, you're not alone. Thread count is one of the most misunderstood numbers in bedding, and when it comes to bamboo sheets specifically, it's almost entirely the wrong thing to focus on.
Here's what's actually going on.
Thread count: a quick explainer
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, counting both the horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads. For decades, bedding brands used thread count as a shorthand for quality. Higher number, better sheet. Simple.
The problem is, that logic was built around cotton, and bamboo plays by different rules entirely.
Why thread count works differently for bamboo
Bamboo fibres are naturally finer and smoother than cotton fibres. Because the individual threads are finer, you don't need as many of them to achieve that soft, silky feel. A bamboo sheet with a thread count of 300 can feel noticeably softer than a cotton sheet at 600.
What this also means: brands that advertise bamboo sheets super high thread count are almost always inflating the number by twisting multiple thinner threads together and counting each strand separately. It's a marketing tactic, not a measure of quality.
A genuine, high-quality bamboo sheet set will typically sit somewhere between 250 and 400 thread count, and that's exactly where you want to be.
So what should you actually look for?
If thread count isn't the main event, here's what is:
Fibre type. Look for 100% bamboo. Some sets are blended with polyester or cotton, which affects breathability and softness. Pure bamboo fibres are what give the fabric its signature feel.
Weave. Sateen weave gives bamboo that smooth, almost silky drape that most people fall for immediately. It's the weave behind that "buttery soft" description you see everywhere, and for good reason.
Certifications. OEKO-TEX certification means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances, which matters if you have sensitive skin or are buying for children.
A note on Australia's climate
Australia's climate makes bamboo sheets a particularly good fit. The thermal-regulating nature of bamboo fibres means they adapt to your body temperature rather than trapping heat, which is exactly what you want during a Sydney summer or a humid Brisbane night. They're also genuinely useful in winter because the same thermal regulation keeps you warm when the temperature drops.
Thread count tells you nothing about any of this. Fibre quality and weave are what drive that performance.
What we use at Mulberry Threads
Our bamboo sheet sets are made from 100% bamboo fibres with a sateen weave, and they're OEKO-TEX certified. The thread count sits in that genuine quality range at 350, not inflated by multi-ply counting. What you feel when you get into bed is the result of the fibre quality and the weave, not a number on a packet.
Thousands of 5 star reviews later, we're confident the sheets speak for themselves. But we'd rather you understand why they feel the way they do.
If you're ready to find your set, you can browse our bamboo sheet sets here, or if you're still weighing up options, our bamboo vs cotton guide is a good next read.
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