The higher the thread count, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600.

Most hotel bed sheets are high-quality cotton, though you'll occasionally find hotel bed sheets made from linen. Look for durable and soft cotton, like Egyptian and Supima, and keep up with cleaning your sheets and bed so your bedroom feels like a luxury hotel.

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well - or even soften - over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.

Basically, it's a term used to indicate the number of vertical and horizonal threads woven into each square inch of a fabric. So, 1000 thread count sheets should feature 1000 yarn threads per square inch of fabric.

It's all in the way in which the sheets are woven. This is the deciding factor hotels choose for their luxury bed sheets. They will almost always insist on single ply woven sheets and long staple cotton, and more often than not, a percale weave over sateen.

The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.

Washing. Follow the 'Wash before use' instructions to wash your bedding before using for the first time. For subsequent washes, use a warm or cold wash with a mild detergent, half the recommended amount. Use a gentle wash and spin cycle.

Hotels favor sheets with a high thread count because they are softer, more breathable, and more resistant to pilling. Cotton percale sheets used in hotels typically have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets often have a thread count between 300 and 600.

Looking for sheets with a reasonable thread count (200-600 for most styles) will typically produce the best results. Be sure to modify your expectations somewhat depending on the material used. Excessively high thread counts (600-800) likely won't change much beyond the price tag.

The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.

In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.

The 7 Best Hotel Sheets to Achieve 5-Star Luxury at Home

• Four Seasons Sheet Set. $300 at fourseasons.com.
• Waldorf Astoria Sheet Set.
• Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Crisp Bed Sheet Set.
• Ritz-Carlton Classic White Sheet Set.
• Hästens Pure White Collection.
• Soho Home House Flat Sheet.
• Singita Lebombo Bed Set.

The best quality cotton will be made from long-staple fibers spun into a weave of around 400 thread count. But while you may think that Egyptian cotton is the go-to if you want top quality, there are other types of sheets making their way into the market too.

When does thread count equate to quality?

By checking for stains, hair, and debris and inspecting the seams, you can get a good idea of how clean your sheets are. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask the hotel staff about their cleaning process or request fresh sheets.

Washing days are crucial for keeping your sheets fresh. When you hear the washing machine turn off, take out the clean sheets right away to dry. Putting the wet sheets out to line dry or in the dryer as soon as possible is important so that they don't start to smell.