Flat Sheets

Flat sheets are also called top sheets and lie between you and your comforter while you sleep. A flat sheet doesn’t have elastic corners like a fitted sheet does. Instead, it’s tucked around your bed’s edges. 

Using a flat sheet adds a hygienic barrier with a smooth, soft surface that lies between you and the top layers of your bedding. Flat sheets are a lightweight cover that can keep you warmer on cold nights. The right flat sheet can provide temperature regulation. They can be tucked to stay on your bed when using a technique called hospital corners to give your bed a tight, crisp, and wrinkle-free look, while making it more comfortable.

Flat cotton bed sheets made of long-staple cotton are softer and more breathable than most standard lower quality sheets. Linen, made of flax fibers, is highly durable, and cool in warm climates. Luxurious silk sheets made of Tencel feel gentle on your skin. Delara Tencel sheets are hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial.

To ensure your flat sheet bed linens last, wash them in cool or warm water to preserve their fibers. Avoid bleach and use a mild detergent. Air drying is the recommended way to dry your organic flat sheets to maintain their freshness and durability. You could also use a dryer set on a low heat. Fold your flat sheet and rotate it between uses to reduce wear, and store away from the sun. Using these suggestions will keep your sheets in good condition for years to come.

Thread count isn’t the only factor that indicates the quality of a flat bed sheet. It's the quality of the cotton or fabric and its weave that determine their softness and durability. Long-staple cotton sheets feel smoother and softer than sheets made with other fabrics because they’re grown with organic cotton. The ideal thread count for sheets depends on your preferences.

Lay your flat sheet on a flat surface so you can fold it the proper way. Fold it in half lengthwise, and bring the two shorter edges together. Fold it in half again, making sure its edges match up. Create a rectangle by folding it in thirds or in half crosswise. Smooth any wrinkles for a crisp finish and ensure the edges are even. Then you have a compact rectangle for easy storage.

Although a flat sheet can technically cover a mattress, it doesn’t really replace a fitted sheet for daily use because it doesn’t have elasticized corners like a fitted sheet. It could slip off while you’re sleeping, and need to be adjusted. During an emergency, a flat sheet can cover the mattress, but generally you’re better off using a flat sheet as your top sheet and a fitted sheet next to the mattress.

If you want a well-fitted bed, the size of the flat sheet you need depends on the size of your mattress.  Consider your mattress’s thickness because a pillow top mattress might need a larger flat sheet to cover it. A twin size might take a twin size flat sheet, or a twin XL flat sheet, which is longer. Full or double mattresses need a flat sheet around 81 inches by 96 inches. Queen beds need a flat sheet about 90 inches by 102 inches. King and California King mattresses use flat sheets measuring 108 inches by 102 inches. Measure your bed before you buy, because exact sheet sizes vary by brand.

Wash your flat sheets once a week using a mild detergent. Wash them more often if you sweat a lot. Washing your sheets regularly makes them more hygienic, for a healthier, more comfortable bed.