Sateen labels show numbers ranging from 200 to 800 TC — and the price between them can differ several times over. We break down what “threads per inch” actually means and when paying more is worth it.

What TC Is, and Why It Isn’t the Main Thing

Thread count (TC) is the number of threads per square inch of fabric — the sum of warp and weft threads. The “more is better” logic only holds up to a point: what matters more than the count is the quality of the threads — fiber length, twist, and weave type.

A 400 TC sateen made from long-staple Egyptian cotton will be softer, stronger, and more durable than an 800 TC made from short-staple fiber, where the high number comes from multi-ply twisting of weak threads. Good sateen, in that sense, is recognized not by the label but by touch: a cool smoothness, weight, and a restrained sheen.

Thread Count Guidelines

200–300 TC — a light, breathable fabric for summer, warm bedrooms, and children’s rooms. 400–500 TC — a dense, silky sateen, a versatile choice for year-round use. 600–800 TC — a heavy, satin-like fabric for cool bedrooms and those who love the weight and density of the fabric.

Three Checks Before You Buy

Light. Hold the fabric up to the light: an even weave with no “gaps” is a sign of honest density. Touch. Run your hand over it: good sateen feels cool and glides smoothly, but doesn’t feel “plasticky.” Reverse side. On a quality set, the seams are enclosed, the stitching is even, and no threads stick out.

Why We Weave 500 TC

For our flagship line, we chose 500 TC Egyptian cotton: the point where softness, weight, and durability converge. This sateen withstands at least 100 wash cycles without losing color or smoothness — we test this on our own production lines.

You can see and feel the fabrics in person at our showroom on Artyomovskaya Embankment — or order a set from the catalog with a fitting on delivery.

Percale and sateen are both made from cotton, but they feel completely different against the skin. We break down which to choose for the hot season.

Percale

A plain weave, matte texture, and maximum breathability — the best choice for hot climates and summer.

Sateen

Smoother and heavier, with a subtle sheen — comfortable year-round, though lighter 200–300 TC densities win out in summer.

Momme is a unit of silk density that tells you far more about quality than the brand name on the label.

What Momme Is

1 momme ≈ 4.3 g/m². For bedding, 19–22 momme is comfortable: dense enough not to be sheer or tear easily, yet still lightweight.