Flat Sheet vs Fitted Sheet
When it comes to bed sheet sets, most typically contain a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and pillow cases. The sheets are commonly referred to as the top sheet and bottom sheet in the set. The bottom, or fitted sheets go directly over the mattress, so they are the sheet that you lie on. The top sheet, or flat sheet, goes over you and under a duvet, blanket or comforter.
Here are the main differences between a flat sheet vs fitted sheet to help you see which works best for you.
- Flat Sheet – The flat sheet is most commonly used as a top sheet to cover up with and has been around since the 15th century when sheets were first invented! It is, by design, a simple rectangular piece of cloth that in addition to being used as a top sheet, can also be used as a bottom sheet, when tucked under the mattress as a luxury layer between you and the mattress.
- Fitted Sheet – Fitted sheets were invented in the 50's and were a huge success due to their ease of use vs flat sheets. Instead of being folded and tucked under the mattress like flat sheets, fitted sheets, included an elastic hemmed pocket to help keep the sheet firmly in place on the mattress to prevent it from becoming untucked.
When buying sheets, you are probably safe to estimate a size when choosing flat sheets, due to their loose and generous fit. It is important, however, to remember that you need to know the size of your mattress when buying fitted sheets, as they are made to fit the mattress size precisely. Most sheets can be purchased by twin, full, queen, and king sizes, which are created to fit most modern mattresses.