I believe that threadcount refers to the "tightness" of the cover. If I remember correctly, threadcount is the number of threads per inch. The higher the threadcount, the lower the possibility that any product (feathers, down, dander, etc.) on the inside will end up on the outside. Lands End comforters are in the range of 260 to 360 threadcount, for comparison. They are pretty high end and much more expensive. This appears to be a great deal for a comforter of moderate heat retaining ability, as noted above.