If you’ve ever purchased or received a sheet set, you’ve likely encountered both flat and fitted bed sheets.
While some people use both types of sheets for added comfort and protection, others prefer to use only one or the other. In this article, we’ll further detail the differences between fitted vs flat sheets, how to care for each one, and common sheet materials.
A flat sheet (also called a top sheet) is just what it sounds like—a large, flat piece of fabric that often comes as part of a sheet set. Typically placed between the sleeper and the main blanket or duvet, a flat sheet serves as a barrier to keep the duvet clean and add a touch of extra comfort.
Flat sheets are usually larger than the mattress itself, even when ordered in the same size. This added length and width allows the sheet to drape over the sides of the mattress, making it easy to tuck in for a neater appearance. This design also accommodates taller mattresses or those with toppers, ensuring full coverage.
While some sleepers love the extra layer and versatility a flat sheet provides, it’s not for everyone. You may prefer to sleep only with a fitted sheet, paired with a comforter or duvet. However, there can be benefits to using a flat sheet.
It’s not necessary to sleep with a flat sheet, but it can make a few aspects of caring for your sleep setup a little easier. Plus, flat sheets are simple to care for and they fold up easily.
A fitted sheet is the part of a sheet set designed to cover and protect your mattress. With elasticized corners—and sometimes elastic along the sides—it wraps securely around the mattress, creating a smooth and comfortable sleeping surface that stays in place through the night.
Fitted sheets can look unusual when not on a mattress due to their elastic edges, which create a 3D shape that folds into itself and rounds at the corners. This unique shape can make folding and storing them a bit tricky.
Although fitted sheets can be a hassle to fold and store, using a fitted sheet is essential for mattress protection and overall sleep hygiene.
If you don’t have a fitted sheet, you can always use an extra flat sheet in its place and simply tuck the edges under your mattress. Either way, we recommend always sleeping on bedding instead of directly on your mattress.
We’ve established that flat and fitted sheets are both important in their own ways. But what makes them different from one another?
Flat sheets are typically placed over the sleeper, between them and their comforter or duvet. If needed, a flat sheet can double as a fitted sheet by tucking its edges under the mattress, though this is not ideal. However, using a fitted sheet as a flat sheet isn’t practical due to its elastic edges.
Flat and fitted sheets are easy to distinguish by their shape. A flat sheet is a simple rectangular piece with straight, clean edges. In contrast, a fitted sheet appears rounded when laid flat due to its elasticized corners, which make it fold inward. Fitted sheets are also defined by their “pocket depth,” allowing them to fit mattresses of varying heights securely.
Both flat and fitted sheets are often sold together in matching sets for convenience, providing a coordinated look and consistent material benefits. However, some companies sell them separately, giving you the flexibility to mix and match materials. This allows for a customized sleep experience; for instance, you might prefer a soft bamboo fitted sheet for its silky feel and a breathable cotton or linen flat sheet for added temperature regulation.
If you buy your flat and fitted sheets as part of a set, they can usually be washed and dried the same way. Most bedding can be safely laundered in a washing machine and dried on a low setting to prevent shrinkage. However, it’s important to follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different types of bedding material may require different washing and drying techniques.
Folding a flat sheet is simple due to its straight edges, allowing it to be folded neatly into halves, thirds, or quarters as needed. Fitted sheets, however, present more of a challenge because of their elastic corners. While it may seem tricky, following a step-by-step guide can make folding a fitted sheet easier, helping you keep your bedding organized and neatly stored.
READ MORE: Two easy ways to fold a fitted sheet
You might wonder why flat and fitted sheets have different dimensions. Fitted sheets need elasticized edges and extra depth to wrap around the mattress securely, which can make them appear smaller when folded. To ensure a proper fit, your fitted sheet should match your mattress size, as shown in the dimension table below.
Flat sheets, on the other hand, will lay perfectly flat when on the ground. When placed on your mattress or a raised surface, the sheet is meant to drape over the edges. This adds to your mattress’s tidy appearance, makes it possible for you to tuck the edges of your top sheet under your mattress for a snug fit, and gives you extra room to move around under your sheet while you sleep.
Because of this, your flat sheet’s dimensions will be quite a bit larger than those of your mattress and fitted sheet.
Mattress Size | Flat Sheet Dimensions | Fitted Sheet Dimensions* |
---|---|---|
Twin (38″ x 75″) | 78″ x 99″ | 38″ x 75″ |
Twin XL (38″ x 80″) | 78″ x 104″ | 38″ x 80″ |
Full/Double (53″ x 75″) | 93″ x 99″ | 54″ x 75″ |
Queen (60″ x 80″) | 100″ x 104″ | 60″ x 80″ |
King (76″ x 80″) | 116″ x 104″ | 76″ x 80″ |
California King (72″ x 84″) | 112″ x 108″ | 72″ x 84″ |
Split King (76″ x 80″)
| 78″ x 104″ (x2) | 38″ x 80″ (x2) |
*Note: Fitted sheets also have a height measurement, which will vary depending on the sheet. You should always be sure to check the height/depth of your fitted sheet to ensure it will fit your mattress properly.
Both fitted and flat sheets have their uses and advantages. A flat sheet is more versatile, as it can be used as a top sheet or even in place of a fitted sheet if needed. While using a flat sheet is optional and depends on personal preference, we recommend always having a sheet between you and your mattress for comfort and hygiene. A fitted sheet makes this process the easiest.
No, you don’t need to use both a flat and fitted sheet. If you choose just one, a fitted sheet is best for protecting your mattress and providing a comfortable surface. However, adding a flat sheet can have benefits, like protecting your duvet, improving sleep hygiene, and making laundry easier.
Yes, you can use a flat sheet as a fitted sheet in a pinch. It may take a little more effort to get it to stay snug on your mattress, but it’s a good alternative if a fitted sheet isn’t available. To do this, lay the flat sheet centered on the mattress, tuck in the head and foot, and use military-style corner folds to secure the sheet.
Place your flat sheet over the fitted sheet, with the top edge aligned at the head of the bed and the sides hanging evenly. Tuck the bottom edge under the mattress and fold the bottom corners using military-style folds. Tuck in the sides, leaving the top untucked so you can fold it over your duvet or comforter if desired.
Yes, most people sleep under the flat sheet for an extra layer of comfort and to keep their duvet clean. However, if you don’t like using a flat sheet, it’s not necessary. You can also use a flat sheet as a substitute for a fitted sheet if needed.
Your fitted sheets could be slipping off your bed for a number of reasons:
A deep-pocket fitted sheet is made to fit thicker mattresses, typically over 15 inches tall. The deeper pockets ensure that the sheet covers the mattress completely and stays in place. Knowing your mattress height can help you choose the right sheet size.
Most flat and fitted sheets can be machine-washed and dried on low heat to prevent shrinkage. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions, as different bedding materials can require different care.
READ MORE: How often should you wash your sheets?
Follow the below steps for an easy method to fold your fitted sheet nicely:
Looking for more detailed instructions? Watch our videos on how to fold a fitted sheet.
When shopping for new bed sheets, there are multiple factors you should consider. Here are some of the top considerations we think you should take into account:
Although it can seem like a fairly simple topic, there are many considerations that factor into using flat sheets vs fitted sheets. Some sleepers prefer to use both a flat and fitted sheet, while others prefer the fitted sheet on its own.
When it comes to creating your ideal sleep environment, it’s a good idea to purchase a sheet set that comes with both types of sheets. This will give you the option to customize your sleep setup to fit you perfectly.
These are our top recommended choices for full sheet sets:
Our goal is to provide the information you need to find the mattress that’s right for you. Get started with some of our most popular mattress shopping resources:
We use independent, third-party engineering firms (commissioned by us) with the APEGA stamp of approval to conduct mattress testing on our behalf, using publicly available data. We review and test all mattresses on over 40 criteria we think are important to you, including price, country of manufacture, sleep trial, warranty, features, materials used, motion isolation and edge support ratings, customer satisfaction reviews, returns, and refunds.