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The top sheet is perhaps the most controversial article of bedding. Some people can’t imagine sleeping without one, while others find it unnecessary.
Also known as a flat sheet, the top sheet lies directly over you and underneath a comforter. A top sheet functions as a barrier between your skin and the comforter, helping to keep the bed more hygienic. It may also replace a comforter or blanket during the warmer seasons.
Top sheets are uncommon in Europe, but they are standard in the U.S. However, this trend is changing as more and more Americans forgo top sheets.
We cover the pros and cons of using a top sheet and shed light on the debate.
A top sheet is a thin layer of fabric that creates a barrier between the sleeper and their comforter. A comforter or duvet stays more hygienic when used with a top sheet, since the sheet shields against sweat, oil, dead skin cells, and dust mites.
Most sheet sets include top sheets, but you can also purchase them individually.
Comforters and duvets are often difficult to launder. Some are dry clean only, and machine-washable options may be too bulky to fit in your home washer. A top sheet helps keep a comforter or duvet clean longer. Since top sheets are much easier to wash, you can refresh your sleep surface more often with less hassle. Not having to wash your comforter as frequently also extends its lifespan.
Additionally, top sheets can be used instead of a comforter during the warmer months. Those made from lightweight and breathable fabrics are especially beneficial for people who experience night sweats or hot flashes. At the same time, top sheets can help you stay warm when used with a comforter during cold seasons.
Top sheets don’t always stay put, which defeats the purpose of protecting your comforter. A tangled sheet can also be irritating to wrestle with while you’re trying to sleep.
Even a thin sheet may be one layer too many for those who overheat at night. Plus, some sleepers prefer the silky or plush feel of their duvet against their skin.
Top sheets also add an extra step to making a bed.
Top SheetProsConsAlso called a bottom sheet, a fitted sheet goes directly over the mattress. Unlike a top sheet, a fitted sheet has an elasticized perimeter that tucks underneath the mattress to anchor it in place. While a top sheet protects your comforter, a fitted sheet shields your mattress from sweat, oil, dirt, dust mites, and skin cells.
Top sheets come in a range of materials, just like any other type of bedding. Every fabric has a unique feel and different properties. Some are more seasonally versatile, while others are better suited to either cold or warm climates.
Cotton sheets dominate the market because of the natural fiber’s softness and breathability. A top sheet may use a common weave, such as sateen or percale, or it may be knit. Each variation affects the texture, performance, and quality. Thread count also determines the sheet’s weight, durability, and suppleness.
Cotton sheets come in a variety of price-points to suit any budget. Supima and Egyptian cotton are extra-long staple varieties known for their softness and durability, but they usually come at a premium price-point. Shorter staple varieties tend to be more affordable.
Cotton top sheets are an excellent choice for hot sleepers and those who prefer natural materials.
Made from flax fibers, linen sheets have a coarser texture that softens over time with washing. Linen is naturally breathable, but it also insulates well during colder months. This makes it a good year-round option.
Linen sheets have a distinct lived-in appearance. Some people find linen sheets rough even with repeated washing. However, the tradeoff is exceptional durability.
Linen sheets are especially popular with hot sleepers due to their breathability and moisture control, but they tend to carry a higher price tag.
Constructed from the cocoons of silkworms, silk sheets are valued for their smooth and supple texture. They also have a slight sheen and fluid drape. Silk naturally wicks away moisture and allows airflow, helping sleepers stay cool during warmer seasons.
Shoppers should note that silk sheets are on the pricier side, and they’re usually more difficult to care for. However, they may be worth the investment for hot sleepers and those with sensitive skin.
Flannel is typically made from wool, cotton, polyester, or a blend of those materials. The fibers are brushed to increase softness, creating a distinctly cozy feel that works well for colder seasons.
Flannel sheets are generally quite durable, but they tend to pill. While they can help reduce heating costs during the winter, most sleepers prefer a lightweight option for summer. However, a flannel top sheet may be too heavy for hot sleepers regardless of the season.
Most homeowners know the basics of what they need to kit out their bedroom. Bed, bedside table, dressers, bedding, etc. And while we’re talking about bedroom essentials, one that we get asked all the time is 'what's the deal with the top sheet?'
We don't question the bedding basics of pillowcases and duvet covers, and even fitted sheets have their well-earned place. So, where do top sheets fit into the picture? Are they a practical and essential part of your bedding set, or an unnecessary extra bit of laundry to worry about?
Top sheets have been fading in and out of fashion over the years, and there’s still debate over whether their benefits outweigh their drawbacks. Here’s the scoop on what a top sheet is and why you should — or shouldn’t — get one.
In the simplest terms, a top sheet is an oversized flat sheet that lies between you and your duvet, comforter, or blanket. It forms a protective barrier so that your skin comes into contact only with the top sheet, meaning that your upper bedding stays cleaner for longer.
When you ask yourself, “what is a top sheet used for?”, this is its primary purpose. After all, washing cumbersome comforters is an effort few people enjoy. It’s much easier to simply wash a light top sheet.
You should wash your top sheet whenever you wash your bottom sheet and pillowcases — on average every four to seven days. This ensures a healthy and clean sleep environment for you and your skin. With the protection the top sheet offers, you only need to lug your upper bedding into the laundry bin every two to four weeks.
While many people choose to use a bottom fitted sheet or flat sheet only, there are advantages to using a top sheet. However, there are some perceived disadvantages as well. Let’s look a little closer at the pros and cons of using a top sheet in your bed-making routine.
There are many benefits to using a top sheet. For one thing, it’s an aid in temperature control. While in bed, a top sheet can act as an extra insulating layer by trapping warm air to keep you toasty without adding too much bulk.
Similarly, in warmer weather, you can kick back the duvet and simply cover up with the thin top sheet, helping you keep cool while still being covered.
A top sheet can also protect sensitive skin. Not all duvet covers are created equally, and a soft satin top sheet may be just the thing to give you that luxurious softness without having to buy an entire expensive duvet set.
There’s also the previously mentioned factor of protection. Humans shed thousands of skin cells every night, not to mention the bacteria that can pass from our bodies to our linen. Without a top sheet to protect your comforter or duvet, that means washing your entire set of bedding more frequently.
The old skin particles and bacteria can also make their way into your duvet inner as well, creating a potential health hazard if you only intend to wash your duvet cover.
Because top sheets in bed come into direct contact with your skin, it’s best to invest in quality. In this regard, they can be an added expense, especially when good-quality bed linen tends to be on the pricier side.
Restless sleepers may also get annoyed as they are more likely to get tangled up in the extra layer when they toss and turn during the night. In such circumstances, a top sheet can become restricting by allowing less freedom of movement.
These sheets often inevitably get bunched up at the bottom of the bed beneath the duvet, in which case they’re not fulfilling their main purpose. This can make mornings a little trickier and time-consuming when attempting to make your be — with an extra layer to fish out, straighten out, and tuck into submission.
If you have a busy morning schedule, it could become a slight nuisance. The biggest argument against them is that they’re unnecessary if you tend to wash all of your bed clothes on a regular basis regardless.
There’s a hot debate concerning satin versus organic cotton for the optimal bedding experience, but top sheets can come in various types of other materials as well. These include percale, cotton, sateen, hemp, and linen, to mention a few.
The type of material you choose should take into account environmental factors such as your climate and skin sensitivity. This is because different materials have varying levels of breathability and therefore heat retention. After all, no one wants to wake up a sweaty mess because their linen doesn’t breathe well.
100% organic cotton is one of the best choices for your linens, not only because it’s better for the environment, but also because it’s better for your skin. You’ll find only the best quality 300-thread count organic cotton bedding at Delilah Home. It’s GOTS certified as 100% organic, and available in trendy neutral colors to suit any color scheme.
Another great contender emerging onto the market is hemp. It’s a naturally breathable fabric that makes for wonderful temperature regulation. Although it’s 50% thicker than other fabrics, it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. It has all the softness of cotton but it’s three times stronger, so your will bedding lasts longer.
Our range of 100% organic hemp bedding is a worthwhile indulgence.
At the end of the day, top sheets aren’t for everyone. It’ll depend on your sleeping habits and the amount of time you have to dedicate not only to laundry but to making the bed as well. To many, the benefits of a top sheet outweigh the potential issues that can accompany them.
If you use a top sheet regularly, you can quickly learn how to fold and tuck them and avoid the dreaded bunching and tangling. If you find they’re just not worth the hype though, it’s perfectly fine to simply focus on finding the best bed linens for your standard bedding.
Browse through our article on the best fabrics you can choose to guarantee a comfortable night’s sleep.