What Is a Fitted Sheet?

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they make their bed. However, no one said that you had to tuck the corners in yourself. The easiest way to achieve this is to use fitted sheets. These sheets cling perfectly to your mattress, stretching out any creases and wrinkles.
On average, a person spends 8 hours of their day sleeping and an additional 4 laying on bed various times during the day. Getting to know the sheets you sleep on is just as important as getting to know yourself.
Right off the bat, the major difference between fitted sheets and regular sheets is that fitted sheets stretch and hug the mattress. Even if you toss and turn all night, they are unlikely to move from their place.
What is a Fitted Sheet?
A fitted sheet is also called a contour sheet by many people. It is a bedsheet that has elastic sewn into the sides. This elastic makes it easier for the sheet to grip onto the mattress and stay in place. They usually do not get wrinkled, nor do they move out of place at night.
The Two Kinds of Fitted Sheets
There are two kinds of fitted sheets based on how the elastic is sewn at the hem:
Corner sheets
Corner sheets feature elastic that is sewn right along with the four corners of the sheet. This is done so the sheet can tightly grip the mattress without being tucked all the way in. These usually have a cover of a flat sheet on top of them.
Shower cap sheets
The shower cap sheet is the second type of fitted sheet where the elastic runs along the outside edge of the sheets. This makes it easier for them to cling onto the whole mattress, ensuring that it doesn’t move. It is mostly used on its own, without a flat sheet.
How to Buy the Perfect Fitted Sheet
Buying the perfect sheets can be hard. And it gets even harder when it comes to fitted sheets. You need to have an idea about the dimensions of your mattress to get that snug fit. Since fitted sheets include corners and edges inside them, they can look weird when not in use or if not rightly folded.
To buy the perfect sheet you need to have the following things in mind:
- Make sure the dimensions of the flat surface of the sheet match that of the bed.
- Similarly, make sure to check the depth of the inner pocket of the fitted sheet. This should be just as wide as the width or thickness of the mattress.
- Lastly, always ensure to buy sheets with good elastic that will last them a considerable amount of time.
Choosing the Right Fitted Sheet
If you’re looking to buy the best-fitted sheet, then CGK Extra Deep Pocket Fitted Sheet is one of the best ones out there. These sheets come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any kind of bed that you are looking for. Ideally, they fit beds that are 18-24 inches thick to ensure the best fit and creaseless finish.
The material used to make these sheets is microfiber, which makes them very breathable and absorbent. These sheets are thicker than most and offer quality protection to your mattress underneath. Additionally, they are soft to touch and do not lose their softness, color, or size when washed and dried.
Here are a few of the many advantages of adding fitted sheets to your collection of bed covers:
- They are easy to change
- Made of soft microfiber material
- They fit almost all standard bed sizes
- Offer thick and protective layering
- They are machine-wash friendly
Here are the Different Materials for Fitted Sheets
Knowing the different materials used for making fitted sheets will help you pick the right one for your bed. Here are some of the most popular materials used:
Cotton
There are various kinds of cotton used to make bed sheets. It is a preferred material because it is easy to breathe and absorbs liquids or sweat better. There are various sorts of cotton used such as Egyptian cotton or Upland cotton. At times they use cotton blends instead!
Silk
Silk is an extravagant choice for bedding and can make sheets that promote good skin health, are soft to touch, and do not heat up as well. It comes in pretty colors and often gives a luxurious look to a room. Silk fitted sheets usually do not have a cover top sheet on them.
Flannel
A popular winter material, flannel is inexpensive and warm. It helps keep the mattress and bed cozy during cold winter nights. However, it is not very breathable and cannot be used for warmer seasons. Flannels fitted sheets are usually top sheets with no plain covers.
How are Fitted Sheets Different from Plain Sheets
Plain sheets are completely straight and cut in a uniform rectangular shape. They have to be tucked in and are mostly used as the top sheet of any bedding. Fitted sheets are generally considered as protection for the mattress and although many people would leave them bare, older people prefer to put plain sheets on top.
These sheets can be made of light and breathable materials or warm and heavy ones, depending on the season. They are easier to clean and can be changed more often. Also in case your mattress is big and heavy, flat sheets are easier to remove since you don’t have to lift the mattress while changing the sheets!
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether you choose to use them on your own or with a flat sheet on top, fitted sheets have become a bedroom essential for many. If you keep in mind the size of your mattress and the look you’re going for, it’s easy to pick a fitted sheet for your room. Remember to always have more than one sheet so you can alternate between washes!