We spend a good chunk of time on our beds. Having the right bedsheet is required to keep the bedding in place. Bedsheets are important for three main domains: home, hotel, and hospital.
Every sheet aims to look stylish and feel comfortable and cosy. There are two types of bedsheets available – fitted sheets and flat sheets.
Key Takeaways
- Fitted sheets have elastic corners designed to fit snugly over the mattress, while flat sheets are laid over the mattress.
- Fitted sheets are easier to put on and less likely to come off at night, while flat sheets require more effort to tuck in.
- Fitted sheets are sold in sets with pillowcases, while flat sheets may be sold separately.
Fitted Sheet vs Flat Sheet
A fitted sheet is a type of bed sheet that has corners fitted with elastic for fitting the bed precisely and is designed according to the exact measurement of the mattress. A flat sheet is simply a cloth placed on a bed, and most people tuck it underneath so that it fits. It is mostly used as the top cover.
Fitted sheets have to be bought according to the exact measurement of the mattress. Even a difference of an inch would not fit perfectly over the mattress.
The material of fitted sheets is thick and not ideal for sleeping over directly as it can cause skin irritation.
On the other hand, flat sheets can run large and the excess cloth can be tucked underneath. Flat sheets are used as top covers or sheets.
The material of flat sheets is thin and feels cool. Hence, it is ideal for sleeping, especially in hotter months.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Fitted Sheet | Flat Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | There are various fabric options available and the material is mostly thick | There are various fabric options available and the material is mostly thin |
| Function | To protect the mattress and add a soft even layer on the bed | To protect the duvet and provide cooler nights in warm months |
| Another name | Bottom sheet | Top sheet |
| Advantage | Do not move or come off from the bedding, easily changeable | Protects the underneath mattress, duvet, or fitted sheet underneath and temperature control |
| Disadvantage | Difficult to fold and takes up space during storage | It gets wrinkles, crumbles, and comes off the bedding during slumber |
What is Fitted Sheet?
Fitted sheets have stretchable elastic bands, which are sewn at the seam of the bedsheet. The function of fitted sheets is that they prevent the bedsheet from coming off the bedding.
They do not move and stay in the place. Fitted sheets are also known as bottom sheets.
Fitted sheets are easy to change or remove. Loosening one corner and pulling the sheet would remove the sheet easily.
Fitted sheets protect the mattress and form an outer shield or layer. It does not give wrinkles or crumbles on the sheet.
Initially, fitted sheets were used to cover mattresses, but now they are widely used as bedsheets, too. A major drawback of fitted sheets is that they take up a lot of space for storage.
Before buying a fitted sheet, it is important to have the exact measurements because even a difference of an inch would not create the right fit.
Fitted sheets are bound to the corners of the mattress and extend the longevity of the mattress. It also acts as a soft surface during slumber.
Fitted sheets are loved for their secure stay on the mattress. The users who love a neat, smooth and flat look on the bed prefer fitted sheets.
What is Flat Sheet?
Flat sheets, as the name suggests, are flat without any fitting. Flat sheets are large pieces of cloth with the seams stitched. They do not have the provision for an elasticated end.
A flat sheet is either spread loosely over the mattress or can be tucked under the mattress. A flat sheet is also known as a top sheet.
The name top sheet was derived from the traditional usage type as flat sheets were spread over a fitted sheet as a top cover.
Flat sheets, when used over fitted sheets, protect the underneath fitted sheet. It also protects the duvet from accidental stains, regular dust, and dirt.
A combination of a flat sheet with a fitted sheet provides additional comfort.
Flat sheets are best for the skin. It acts as a barrier for the skin from irritants like bacteria, mites, parasites, dust, and other allergic substances.
People who have skin allergies, sensitive skin, or get night sweats prefer flat sheets to keep the skin cool.
Flat sheets are great temperature controller and are widely used in hotter countries as it provides a cooler experience. Linen flat sheets are the best in the feature of temperature controllers.
There are various fabric material options available. Organic materials like cotton are not only softer on the skin but also breathable easily washable, and expensive.
The cheaper alternatives are synthetic materials and polyester sheets.
Main Differences Between Fitted Sheet and Flat Sheet
- Fitted sheets have elasticated ends while flat sheets have simply stitched ends.
- Fitted sheets are used as a bottom layer, while flat sheets are used as a top layer.
- Fitted sheets can be hugged to the corners of the mattress, while flat sheets can be dropped loose or tucked below the mattress.
- Fitted sheets need to be bought in the exact size and dimension to have the right fit, while flat sheets can be bought even in the larger size, and the excess can be tucked underneath.
- Fitted sheets lay neat, stretched, and smoothed, while flat sheets get centred and bunch up and do not remain neat all around the day.
Last Updated : 31 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The details about the fabric and function of both types of sheets was particularly good – very comprehensive.
The information given in the article is extremely useful. The comparison table really puts the differences between the two types of sheets in perspective. Great read!
I’m impressed by the depth of this article. I feel like I’ve learned quite a lot about bedsheets today.
The article was quite amusing, seeing as it’s about bedsheets. However, the detailed comparison was greatly appreciated.
I had a little laugh myself! But you’re right, the comparison was very thorough.
The pros and cons of both sheets were made very clear. Excellent writing.
The drawbacks and advantages of each type of sheet were very clearly laid out. This article was enlightening.
I couldn’t agree more – understanding the pros and cons of each sheet type will make it easier to make a decision when purchasing new sheets.
I’m glad I read this article. I’m going to feel much better informed when I go sheet shopping.
I never knew there was such a big difference between fitted and flat sheets. Very informative piece.
Right? I’ve been putting flat and fitted sheets on my bed without giving it much thought, but now I see the benefits of each.
This article has made me reconsider the type of bedsheet I use. I feel much more informed about my options now.
I feel the same way. I appreciate the in-depth comparison between fitted and flat sheets.