In the market today, Down and Feather products have thread counts that start around 200 and go as high as 800. There are a few different benefits to having higher thread count. These may include softer, smoother fabric and less noise from the shell. However, lower thread count products are not worse than higher thread count products and will last just as long. Even though higher thread counts are not directly felt by the consumer once placed inside a cover, the softness can be noticed through high quality covers. Higher thread count products will be more expensive, but the shell is usually not the most significant factor in determining price and quality.