Fitted sheet or flat sheet: which is better and when to choose?
When choosing a bedsheet, one question comes up most often: fitted sheet or flat sheet – which one is better? The truth is, both options are great, just made for different habits: one wins on everyday convenience, the other on flexibility and that “hotel bed” look when making the bed. In this guide, we’ll compare both types briefly and clearly, share practical situations for when to choose which, and give you the most important rule so your sheet (especially a fitted sheet) doesn’t slip.
If you’re specifically looking for how to choose the right fitted sheet size for your mattress, we also recommend our size guide: Fitted sheet: how to choose the right size for your mattress.
Fitted sheet vs. flat sheet – what’s the difference?
Bedsheets fall into two main types: fitted sheets and flat sheets. Both do the same job – protect the mattress and create a comfortable base for sleep – but they differ in how they stay on the bed and how much “work” they require day to day.
- Fitted sheet has elastic sewn into the edges, so it wraps around the mattress and stays in place. It’s usually chosen when you want the sheet not to slip, the corners to stay put, and the bed to be made in seconds.
👉 Browse: Fitted sheets - Flat sheet is a classic straight sheet that’s laid over the mattress and tucked underneath, or folded into “hospital corners”. It’s loved by those who prefer a hotel-style bed, have a non-standard mattress, or simply want more flexibility.
👉 Browse: Flat sheets
If you want to see all options in one place, go to the main category: Bedsheets.
When is a fitted sheet the better choice?
A fitted sheet usually wins when everyday convenience matters most and you want the bed to look neat without an extra “bed-making ritual”. It’s especially useful in these situations:
1) When the sheet keeps sliding off or the corners pop up
If you sleep more actively, move around a lot, or children sleep in the bed – a fitted sheet stays more stable because it wraps the mattress and “hooks” underneath.
2) When you want to make the bed quickly
You can put on a fitted sheet in seconds: pull it over the corners and you’re done. It’s extremely practical for everyday use, especially in the mornings when you want order without extra effort.
3) When you have a higher mattress or use a topper
With a topper, flat sheets tend to “travel” more because there are more layers. A fitted sheet handles this much better — you just need to choose the right depth.
4) When you want a smooth surface with fewer wrinkles
A well-fitted sheet wrinkles less and looks tidier – which matters for both comfort and aesthetics.
5) When practicality is key (kids, pets, frequent washing)
A fitted sheet is usually the “less stress” option: it’s faster to put on and easier to manage in your daily routine.
Tip to prevent slipping: choose a fitted sheet that wraps the mattress with a little extra depth — it often works best when the sheet is up to 10 cm “deeper” than your mattress height, so the elastic grips underneath and the sheet won’t slide off.
When is a flat sheet the better choice?
A flat sheet (classic straight sheet) has some very clear advantages. It’s especially useful when you want more flexibility, a hotel-style bed-making look, or when your mattress dimensions aren’t standard.
1) When you want a hotel-style bed
If you like tucking the sheet under the mattress so the bed looks perfectly smooth and crisp, a flat sheet is the classic solution.
2) When the mattress is non-standard or very tall
A flat sheet adapts more easily to non-standard situations because it doesn’t have a limiting “depth”.
3) When you want one item for several uses
- as an extra layer under a fitted sheet (for extra cleanliness/hygiene),
- as a light cover for summer,
- as a practical option for travel or a guest bed.
4) If you’re using a sheet on a sofa bed or daybed
Sofa beds and daybeds often have non-standard dimensions or one side where a fitted sheet can’t be tucked properly. In that case, a flat sheet is usually the more convenient option.
Quick comparison: which one to choose for your situation?
If you want to decide in a minute, here’s a quick “what to choose when” comparison.
Choose a fitted sheet if you:
- want the sheet not to slip and the corners to stay in place;
- sleep more actively (move around) or children sleep in the bed;
- want to make the bed quickly and effortlessly;
- use a topper and flat sheets tend to “travel”;
- want a neat, smooth surface with fewer wrinkles.
Choose a flat sheet if you:
- love a hotel-style bed with the sheet tucked under the mattress;
- have a non-standard mattress and want more flexibility;
- want to use the sheet for other purposes too (e.g., as a light cover);
- will use the sheet on a sofa bed or daybed.
Many homes use both: a fitted sheet for everyday use and a flat sheet for guests or as a summer alternative to a duvet.
Fabric matters more than you think: what to choose for fitted vs. flat sheets?
Comfort often comes down to the fabric: how well it breathes, how it feels on the skin, whether it wrinkles easily, and how it sits on the mattress. Here’s a simple guide:
Sateen, 100% cotton (for smoothness and a “luxury” feel)
- Fitted: Patterned Deluxe sateen fitted sheets and Solid PREMIUM sateen fitted sheets
- Flat: Patterned Deluxe sateen flat sheets and Solid PREMIUM sateen flat sheets
Cotton canvas, 100% cotton (everyday classic)
- Fitted: Cotton canvas fitted sheets
- Flat: Cotton canvas flat sheets
Jersey, 100% cotton (for maximum snug fit)
If you want maximum “stay-put” hold and the quickest fit, jersey fitted sheets are often the best choice: Jersey fitted sheets.
Waterproof option (for protection)
If you want extra mattress protection (for kids, seniors, a guest bed), choose: Waterproof terry fitted sheet.
It’s important to note that waterproof sheets are used only as mattress protection – for maximum comfort, we recommend placing a cotton sheet on top as well.
Most common mistakes when choosing (and how to avoid them)
- Ignoring mattress height (especially when choosing a fitted sheet). For stability: choose a sheet that’s up to 10 cm “deeper” than your mattress height so it grips underneath.
- Choosing a “slightly bigger” size – an oversized sheet wrinkles and slides around.
- Measuring the bed frame instead of the mattress.
- Forgetting the topper, which increases the real height.
Short summary: which sheet should you choose?
- Fitted sheet – if you want the sheet not to slip, corners to stay put, and the bed to be easy to make every day.
- Flat sheet – if you love hotel-style tucking, want flexibility, or use the sheet for multiple purposes.
- For a fitted sheet to stay stable, choose one that’s up to 10 cm “deeper” than your mattress height, so the elastic holds underneath.
Browse sheets (choose by your needs)
Rustilė – find more bedding solutions on our homepage: rustile.lt.
