You would think buying bed sheets requires no explanation. They are rectangles of fabric that go on a bed. But then you start shopping and encounter fitted sheets, flat sheets, percale, sateen, thread count, pocket depth, and a wall of packaging that assumes you already understand what all of it means. If you have never been taught the difference between a fitted sheet and a flat sheet (and why would you have been, it is not exactly a school subject), here is everything you need to know about bed sheets from the ground up.
Quick Answer
A bed sheet is a layer of fabric placed on a mattress for hygiene, comfort, and temperature regulation. There are two main types: a fitted sheet (has elastic edges, wraps around the mattress) and a flat sheet (a plain rectangle placed on top of the fitted sheet, under the duvet). Getting these four things right means sheets that fit, feel good, and last.
Fitted Sheet vs Flat Sheet
A fitted sheet has elastic sewn into the edges (either at all four corners or around the entire perimeter). It stretches over the mattress like a glove, with the elastic pulling the fabric underneath the mattress edges to hold it in place. You sleep directly on the fitted sheet. It protects the mattress from body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells while providing the surface texture you feel against your skin.
The most important measurement for a fitted sheet is pocket depth, which is how deep the sheet can stretch to cover your mattress. Modern mattresses range from 8 to 16 inches thick. A sheet designed for a 10-inch mattress will not stay on a 14-inch mattress no matter how tightly you tuck it. Measure your mattress height, add any topper, and buy sheets with a pocket depth at least 2 inches deeper than your total mattress height.
A flat sheet (also called a top sheet) is a plain rectangle that lies between you and your duvet or blanket. Its purpose is to reduce how often you need to wash the duvet cover, since the flat sheet absorbs most of the body contact. Not everyone uses a flat sheet. Many Europeans skip it entirely and wash their duvet cover weekly instead. There is no right or wrong approach. Using a flat sheet means washing the duvet cover less often. Skipping it means one fewer layer to deal with when making the bed.
Materials: What Sheets Are Made From
Cotton is the most common sheet material worldwide. It breathes well, absorbs moisture, and gets softer with washing. Cotton quality varies dramatically. Long-staple varieties (Egyptian, Supima, Pima) produce smoother, more durable sheets. Standard cotton is perfectly functional but pills sooner and feels rougher.
Polyester (microfibre) is the cheapest option. It resists wrinkles and dries quickly but traps heat and does not absorb moisture. Polyester sheets work for guest rooms and kids' beds but are not ideal for primary sleeping surfaces if you sleep warm.
Bamboo viscose is derived from bamboo plants and processed into silky-smooth fabric. It wicks moisture better than cotton and feels cool to the touch. More expensive than cotton but excellent for hot sleepers.
Linen is made from flax plants. It starts rough and becomes extremely soft over months of use. Linen is the most durable sheet material (lasting 15-20 years) and regulates temperature across seasons. The highest upfront cost but lowest cost per year of use.
Tencel lyocell is made from eucalyptus pulp. It absorbs more moisture than cotton, feels smooth, and is environmentally sustainable. Growing in popularity as an alternative to both cotton and bamboo.
Why Sheets Matter More Than You Think
Your sheets are the first thing your body touches when you get into bed. They create the initial temperature sensation (cool, warm, or neutral), the texture sensation (crisp, silky, rough), and the moisture management (absorbing or trapping sweat) that your brain processes within the first few minutes of lying down. These sensory inputs influence how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you stay asleep. Researchers studying the sleep microclimate (the temperature zone between your skin and your bedding) have found that this zone needs to stay between 30-36 degrees Celsius for optimal sleep. Your sheet material is the primary controller of this microclimate. Choosing sheets based on colour or price alone ignores the most important function they serve.
Weave and Thread Count
Percale weave uses a simple one-over, one-under pattern. The result is a crisp, cool, matte fabric that breathes well. Percale starts slightly stiff and softens with washing. Best for warm sleepers and summer months.
Sateen weave uses a four-over, one-under pattern that exposes more thread surface. The result is a smooth, slightly shiny fabric that feels warmer and more luxurious. Best for cool sleepers and people who prefer a silky hand feel.
Thread count measures how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. A common myth is that higher thread count always means better sheets. In reality, 300-400 thread count in quality cotton provides excellent softness and durability. Above 600, manufacturers often inflate the count by twisting multiple thin threads together and counting each one separately. A 300-count Supima percale will feel better than a 1,000-count standard cotton every time. Focus on fibre quality first, thread count second.
Comfort Tip
When buying your first quality sheet set, start with a cotton percale in the $60-$80 range. Percale is the most universally comfortable weave because it breathes well without feeling cold. Avoid thread counts above 400 on your first purchase. The money you save on inflated thread count is better spent on better cotton quality. If you are buying sheets to go with a new mattress, bring your mattress measurements. Dorothy at our Brantford showroom has prevented countless customers from buying beautiful sheets that did not fit their new mattress by checking pocket depth at the point of sale.
For Brantford Residents
If you have never bought "real" sheets before and are upgrading from whatever came in a bag at the department store, visit us at 441 1/2 West Street. Brad or Talia will let you feel the difference between cotton percale, sateen, and bamboo in person. Two minutes of touching differ
ent fabrics teaches more than an hour of reading about them. We match sheet size and pocket depth to your mattress so your first quality sheet purchase fits properly from the start. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fitted sheet and a flat sheet?
A fitted sheet has elastic edges and wraps around the mattress like a glove. You sleep on it. A flat sheet is a plain rectangle placed on top of the fitted sheet, under your duvet or blanket. It is optional. Many people skip the flat sheet entirely and wash their duvet cover more frequently instead.
What size bed sheets do I need?
Match sheets to your mattress size: twin (39 x 75 inches), double/full (54 x 75), queen (60 x 80), king (76 x 80). For the fitted sheet, also check pocket depth. Measure your mattress height plus any topper and buy sheets with pocket depth at least 2 inches deeper than your total.
What is the best bed sheet material?
It depends on how you sleep. Cotton percale for hot sleepers wanting crisp, cool sheets. Cotton sateen for cool sleepers wanting smooth, warm sheets. Bamboo for maximum moisture wicking. Linen for year-round temperature regulation and 15+ year durability. It is difficult to say one material is universally best since each serves different needs.
How often should you wash bed sheets?
Weekly is the standard recommendation. Your sheets accumulate body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mite allergens nightly. If you shower before bed and use a mattress protector, every 10-14 days is acceptable. If you have allergies or skin sensitivity, weekly washing in hot water is important.
Where can I learn about bed sheets in Brantford?
Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street is happy to walk beginners through sheet materials, sizes, and care. Touch different fabrics, ask questions, and leave with sheets that actually fit your bed. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Visit Mattress Miracle Brantford
Good sheets make good sleep easier. Visit our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario to feel fabric differences in person and find sheets matched to your mattress and sleep temperature. White glove delivery available to Hamilton, Kitchener, Toronto, and across Southern Ontario. Call 519-770-0001 or stop by: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Sources
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- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Boor BE, Spilak MP, Laverge J, Novoselac A, Xu Y. Human exposure to indoor air pollutants in sleep microenvironments: A literature review. Build Environ. 2017;125:528-555. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.050
- Shin M, Halaki M, Swan P, Ireland AH, Chow CM. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131. DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S100271