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Trying to decide between fitted sheets or flat sheets or maybe getting both? If you’re wondering which type of bed sheets are the best, then you’ve come to the right place because today we find out who comes out the victor in the fitted vs. flat sheets battle.
Difference between fitted sheets vs flat sheets
Both fitted sheets and flat sheets are rectangular bed sheets but fitted sheets feature elastic corners and have more of a three dimensional shape whereas flat sheets do not have an elastic band and feature finished hems.
Flat and fitted sheets come in all corresponding mattress sizes, including oversized mattresses. They can be made from either natural or synthetic materials, the most common ones being cotton and linen.
Both flat sheets and fitted sheets are also called bottom sheets.
What is a fitted sheet?
Fitted sheets are a type of bed linen or bed sheet that is used to cover an entire mattress. All fitted sheets have elasticized corners that can be tucked underneath a mattress ensuring a secure fit.
Depending on the bedding brand, fitted bed sheets can come as deep fitted sheets that can fit thicker mattresses. A deep fitted sheet or deep pocket sheet can fit mattresses that are as thick as 15 inches and up, provided that you get the correct size that corresponds to your mattress size.
Fitted sheets usually come as part of bedding sets that can also include a duvet cover as well as a flat bed sheet and pillow cases. Some bedding sets also come with top sheets.
Although fitted sheets provide a quick and convenient way to cover your mattress – doing away with the tucking and pulling due to their elasticated corners – a lot of people find it annoying to neatly fold fitted sheets due to their three dimensional nature. Fitted sheets don’t lie flat when folded like an ordinary flat sheet which can make storing them a little cumbersome.
What is a flat sheet?
Just like a fitted sheet, a flat sheet is a rectangular sheet that is used to cover a mattress but unlike a fitted sheet, a flat sheet does not have elasticized corners. Instead, flat sheets feature finished hems.
Those who prefer to use a flat sheet employ different techniques to get that snug fit such as hospital corners. Called such because it was first used by nurses in the 1800s, the hospital corner the technique is also often used in hotels as well as in the military.
Just like its name implies, flat sheets are flat, making them very easy to fold and store.
Flat sheets can come in a variety of fabrics but just like fitted sheets, the most popular types of flat sheets are ones that are made of cotton and linen. The best material when it comes to both flat sheets and fitted sheets always depend on personal preference but it is always ideal to choose the most breathable option, especially during the summer months.
As with fitted sheets, a flat sheet usually comes as part of a bedding set, which can include duvet covers, pillow cases and either a flat sheet or a fitted sheet. Some bedding brands include both flat and fitted sheets in their sets.
When it comes to sizes, flat sheets can be found in all sizes, including a King-size flat sheet. If you have a thick mattress, always make sure that the flat sheet you choose is big enough for you to be able to tuck the bottom corners in. If unsure, then always opt for the bigger option. This is one advantage that flat sheets have over fitted sheets – a bigger sized flat sheet can also work on smaller mattress sizes.
Flat sheet and fitted sheet dimensions
| Mattress Size | Flat Sheet | Fitted Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 66" x 96" | 39" x 75" |
| Twin XL | 66" x 96" | 39" x 80" |
| Full | 96" x 102" | 54" x 75" |
| Queen | 96" x 102" | 60" x 80" |
| King | 102" x 112" | 76" x 80" |
| California King | 102" x 112" | 72" x 84" |
Flat and fitted sheets come in all sizes, each one corresponding to a particular mattress size. Fitted sheets work best with its exact corresponding mattress size, otherwise the corners won’t be as neat. You get a little bit more freedom with flat sheets when it comes to fitting a mattress.
Always take into consideration any other mattress accessories you use such as a mattress topper and a mattress protector. These can add a little bulk to your bed.
Is it possible to use a flat top sheet as a fitted sheet?
It certainly is possible to use a flat top sheet as a fitted sheet as long as you employ the technique of hospital corners.
Creating a tight, snug fit is crucial otherwise your flat sheet may move around and come off as you sleep.
To create hospital corners, first you need to make sure you have a flat sheet large enough to cover the entire mattress with enough excess fabric to go underneath it.
Start at one corner at the foot of the bed (any corner is fine). Lift the mattress and tuck the excess fabric underneath. Take hold of the excess fabric hanging on the side of the mattress and place on top of the mattress – the edge of the sheet should then form a 45 degree angle with the corner of your mattress.
Take the fabric that has formed a 45 degree angle and tuck in the hanging fabric along the side of the mattress and let the sheet fall.
Make sure the edge of the sheet is aligned with the corner of the mattress and tuck in.
Repeat all steps of each corner of the bed.
How to choose a flat and fitted sheet set
Choosing between a flat sheet and a fitted sheet should not be difficult but there are a few factors involved to choosing the ones that suit your personal preferences the most.
Thread count
Thread count only matters when it comes to 100% pure long staple cotton fabrics so if you are on the hunt for the perfect cotton flat or fitted sheet, a thread count ranging from 300-600 is ideal. This range can give both softness, sheen and breathability.
Thread count is basically useless when it comes to materials other than cotton, so if you see a polyester linen blend sheet set that boasts a high thread count, it doesn’t really mean anything.
Type of material
As we’ve mentioned previously, flat sheets and fitted sheets come in all kinds of materials/fabrics. The most popular materials are cotton and linen.
Both cotton and linen sheets are highly regarded because of their softness, durability and breathability. The best cotton sheets are made from 100% Egyptian cotton (see our Jennifer Adams sheets review for an example) while the best (and most breathable) linen sheets are made from bamboo linen.
Flat and fitted sheets can also come in materials such as silk, satin or a blend of both natural and synthetic materials. Again, it all boils down to personal choice.
Price
Price ranges for flat and fitted sheets can vary wildly depending on brand and material. Bear in mind that both flat and fitted sheets also come as part of a bedding set which can increase the price exponentially.
A few brands, however, offer both flat sheets and fitted sheets that can be bought separate from a set.
You also need to take the type of material into consideration. As an example, 100% pure Egyptian cotton sheets will definitely cost more than a polyester blend sheet.
FAQs
You do not need to use both a flat sheet and a fitted sheet on a mattress as either one alone can do a good job of covering your mattress. However, some people prefer to use both using the fitted sheet as the actual bed sheet and the flat sheet as a top sheet as an extra layer of protection and insulation.
Most hotels opt to use flat sheets rather than fitted sheets because it is easier to employ the hospital corner technique on flat sheets.
A top sheet is not necessarily the same as a flat sheet in terms of usage. A flat sheet is used to cover a mattress but a top sheet is used to cover the entire bed as a means of both protection and insulation. However, some people use a flat sheet as a top sheet hence the confusion.
Conclusion
Both flat sheets and fitted sheets serve their purpose well when it comes to covering a mattress. They come in a wide range of types and colors that can suit any bedroom.
Choosing the right type of bed sheets to use all depends on your needs and preferences.
Next step: Read our Aeptom Organic Bamboo Sheet Set review. Bamboo sheets are becoming more popular, and for good reason. We list the pros and cons of Aeptom sheets so you can decide for yourself if they’re the right option for you.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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