You deserve life’s little luxuries, and what better way to get those than silky, soft, sheets that promise a sleep so serene?
If you are in the market for bedsheets, then you might have seen two distinct varieties: fitted and flat. Both styles are extremely popular – so much so that there are debates and discussions online (and offline!) about which one is better. There are people who prefer one or the other, and there are those that prefer using them both.
If you are not sure about fitted versus flat sheets – the pros and cons of each – then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will discuss what fitted and flat sheets exactly are and the differences between them, and also help you make an informed choice as to whether you need them both.
Let us start with fitted sheets:
Fitted sheets come with deep pockets and elastic edges that help you firmly fit and affix the sheets around your mattress/bedding layers.
The major benefit of fitted sheets is that they fit very firmly around the bedding to prevent them bunching up or coming off the beds’ corners. This makes them extremely beneficial for patients and also for people who do not like bunched-up or wrinkled sheets. They are ideal for people who tend to toss and turn a lot during sleep.
Fitted sheets are ideal in kids’ rooms, as they fit firmly around the mattress so you need not worry about children getting caught in the sheets and tripping over them.
They are also ideal for elderly patients that use special beds or elevated mattresses which need the sheets to be fitted firmly around the perimeter of the bedding.
Many people also use fitted sheets as bottom sheets – they affix the fitted sheets around the bedding and put another regular sheet over the top. The top sheet can be a regular or flat sheet. You can also place a mattress protector under the fitted sheet for extra layering.
If you use such layering, then it is up to you to decide whether to remove the topmost sheet and lay down on the fitted sheet at night. This is beneficial from a hygiene point of view and for people who suffer from allergies, etc.
Some people also prefer to place a flat sheet on the mattress/over the blanket/comforters and then affix the fitted sheet around it. This helps protect the blankets and comforters and you only need to wash the fitted and flat sheets.
A major disadvantage of a fitted bedsheet is that it is very difficult to fold neatly. The edges are curved due to the elastic pockets and that makes them almost shapeless after you have washed them.
Also, some fitted sheets need special clips, bands, safety pins, or other accessories to help secure them to the mattress.
Finally, many people have reported sizing issues with these sheets – they are either short or too deep and that prevents them from staying put on the bed.
As the name indicates, flat sheets lay flat on the mattress and do not have pockets or elasticated corners.
Also, as stated earlier, some people like to add in the flat sheet under the duvet or comforter and also affix the fitted sheet over their mattress. This is done from a health point of view as you can easily wash flat sheets more frequently than a blanket and/or comforter.
A major benefit of a flat sheet is that it comes in a perfect rectangular shape, making it easy to fold, unlike fitted sheets.
The main disadvantage of a flat sheet is that it could get bunched up and come out from the corners. If you toss and turn a lot at night, then flat sheets may not be suitable for you, as the sheets will bunch up under your body. For elderly people and kids, this could pose a risk of tripping, getting caught in the sheet, and even falling.
The main debate between fitted vs. flat sheets is do you really need both?
Some people find the use of flat sheets superfluous if you are already using a fitted sheet. Others believe them both to be mandatory from a hygiene and health point of view.
Which one should you use? The answer to that question entirely depends on your taste and personal preferences. You can also let the weather decide for you. If you find all that layering to be too warm, then remove one of the sheets. If you tend to get too sweaty even in winters, then use just one sheet as needed.
A fitted sheet may be useful in cases of “tossers and turners.” Sleepers who tend to move a lot might get the sheets all bunched up underneath them. In such a case, it is better to use fitted sheets.
If you dislike folding your laundry, then flat sheets may be a better option – they are much easier to fold than fitted sheets that often end up shapeless.
Flat sheets are also a better choice for those warm summer months when many people prefer them over duvets or comforters. They are easier to wash compared to these bulky bedding items.
You can definitely use both the sheets – fitted sheets can be the bottom sheets that go directly over your mattress. Follow this with your duvet or comforter and protect them with a flat sheet in between your body and the duvet.
When it comes to washing, simply toss the flat and fitted sheets (along with pillowcases) in the washer and dryer for hygienic and clean sheets every time.
We hope the above guidelines helped you make an informed choice about which sheet to buy. Here are important factors to consider when selecting both kinds:
The key features of fitted sheets that you should keep in mind when you choose a set are:
The size of fitted sheets is the most important criterion for selecting – buy the wrong size and you won’t be able to affix the sheet around your mattress.
So measure the mattress from all sides and pay careful attention to the mattress’s height. If you use a mattress topper, then you need to account for that too. If your mattress is very thick, you need fitted sheets with deeper pockets to ensure proper fit.
In the case of flat sheets, you can usually simply select twin-, queen-, or king-sized sheets. Most sheets available for these sizes fit quite well.
Choose luxury Egyptian cotton or microfiber sheets. You can even go for hypoallergenic sheets in organic cotton, chambray, satin, or silk. Never compromise on quality as you will be laying on these sheets night after night and they will be in close contact with your skin.
These days, you can select flat and fitted sheets in a wide range of colors. Go for colors that make you feel good or, alternatively, select neutral shades like white, beige, black, or brown. You can also select sheets in colors that match the rest of your décor. This way, you can create a cohesive and harmonious look in your bedroom.
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Q: Can I use a flat sheet as a fitted sheet?
A: You can stitch in pockets and add elastic around the edges to create your own DIY fitted sheet from a flat sheet. Do account for the sizing changes in that event, as the stitching could make the sheets slightly shorter.
Q: Why do hotels use flat sheets instead of fitted sheets?
A: In most cases, hotels prefer using flat sheets because folding the fitted sheets is a chore that takes time and effort. Also, fitted sheets are difficult to store because they do not fold flat.
Thirdly, fitted sheets have pockets that are either too deep or too shallow. This can also cause sizing issues and the sheets don’t stay put.
Q: Why do my fitted sheets never stay put?
A: Many people have faced this issue with fitted sheets – they never stay put. Often, the pockets are too deep or too shallow and that is the root of the problem.
You can opt for special clips, bands, or even safety pins to keep the mattress and sheet firmly together.
Q: What is the standard size of fitted sheets?
A: There are many sizes available in fitted sheets these days. You can choose from full-size or double which measures 54 x 75 inches, queen size which measures 60 x 80 inches, and king size which measures 76 x 80 inches. There is also a California king size available that measures 72 x 84 inches.
Q: How do you measure a mattress for fitted sheets?
The choice between fitted versus flat depends on the weather and your personal preferences.
Many people sleep on a fitted sheet and under a flat sheet that they use for protecting their comforters, duvets, etc. from body oils and sweat. In case that is too warm for you, you can choose either sheet. Fitted sheets stay firmly put on the mattress whereas flat sheets are easier to fold.
We hope this guide helps you decide!
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