What are fitted and flat sheets?

So ever wonder what fitted and flat sheets are and why they have those names?

Well fitted sheets are made to fit snugly over the mattress, with stitched gussets at the corners and elastic at the corners or around the entire edge of the fitted sheet. Correctly fitted to the size of the mattress pad (hence the name fitted sheet), the fitted sheet should not cause the mattress to bow (too short in the gusset), or fit loosely (too long in the gusset). Most linen sources make fitted sheets for deep and extra deep mattresses. Traditional European beds use a flat sheet in place of a fitted, with folded and tucked corners wrapped around the mattress. Measurements should include the size of the bed and the depth of the mattress (include any mattress pad).

A flat sheet is also called a top sheet. Turn-back, the amount that is folded down at the head of the bed, should be ample (10 to 18 inches) with enough to tuck between the mattress and box spring at the foot of the bed. Most flat sheets have a stitched or attached cuff on the turn-back at the top of the bed. This cuff is a stitched or attached band of fabric that finishes the look of the turn-back. Measurements should included the size of the bed, the depth of the mattress (including any mattress pad) and enough extra to tuck between the mattress and box spring on both sides of the bed.

A sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (Twin sets have one pillow case). If the sheets are pachaged and sold as a set, the King set usually includes King-size pillowcases. The general rule is to have three sets on hand – one on the bed, one in the closet and one in the laundry.

Your sheets should last 10 to 15 years and often longer, depending on use and care. The average person will want to select a new pattern or style long before their sheets wear out.