Successfully tucking in a flat sheet over a mattress is something of a rite of passage. Everyone can certainly scrunch a sheet under the mattress to roughly hold it in place, of course. But getting that crisp, “hospital corner” is an art form in itself.
The easy solution?
Get fitted sheets instead.
Simply pop the elastic band around the corners of the mattress and you’re good to go. So long as you get the appropriate size, they’ll stay in place all night long no matter how much you toss and turn.
Choosing the Right Fitted Sheets
For a comprehensive look at choosing the right bed sheets in general, check out our other posts on the subject.
Here we’ll condense it down into some main considerations:
- Size
- Thread count
- Material
- Weave
Size
This is obviously the first consideration with any bedsheet, but it’s slightly more important when it comes to fitted sheets. Fitted sheets are, not surprisingly, meant to fit snugly around a mattress. So long as you choose the sheet size that matches the mattress size — double, Queen, King, etc. — you’re pretty safe.
However, there is one thing you need to take into account: mattress toppers and anything that might increase the height of the mattress.
Since fitted sheets are supposed to be snug, any extra height is going to interfere with the sheet’s ability to stay in place. Luckily, you can find fitted sheets that have extra height, such as mega King or mega Queen.
Thread Count
It’s a myth that the higher the thread count, the better. It’s definitely true up until a certain point, but after that you’re buying marketing gimmicks rather than quality. You often end up buying sheets made of lesser-quality multi-ply thread used to artificially inflate numbers.
Manchester Collection offers luxurious, soft 400 thread count fitted sheets. These sheets are the perfect blend of comfort and durability. There are no lower-quality, multi-ply threads bulking up the thread-count here.
Material
Material can be as much a personal preference as an indication of quality.
Nothing really beats cotton, the go-to fabric for bed sheets. It’s soft, breathable, and insulating, perfect for all times of the year. Manchester Collection fitted sheets are all 100% cotton.
Cotton polyster blends are wrinkle-free and affordable, but without the cooling quality of pure cotton.
Polyester has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and is perfect for Australia’s warmer climates.
Weave
There are various weaves available for sheets. The weave doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of the sheet, but does affect the feel of it. Like your sheets with a little snap to them? Choose percale. Flat knits keep sheets soft, but are prone to slipping (good thing you’re getting fitted!) Sateen offers a nice, clean, smooth feel.
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
We’d be remiss not to include this important information in an article about fitted sheets!
There are two ways to store your fitted sheets:
- Roll them in a ball and cram them into a linen cupboard.
- Fold them neatly.
As anyone who’s had fitted sheets knows, the latter is easier said than done. Truth is, it’s actually not that difficult. Here’s how to fold a fitted sheet in four easy steps:
- Hold the fitted sheet by the top corners.
Turn the top two corners inside out, with the elastic facing you. Bring the corners together, then flip one corner over the other to create a pocket. - Turn the bed sheet 180 degrees.
Create a second pocket up top. Tuck any gathered sides into the sheet. - Fold the fitted sheet in half.
Readjust your hold so each hand has two corners. The folded seam should be at the bottom and the tucked and gathered edge facing you. Fold the sheet in half once more so that all four fitted corners meet, and flip the right set of corners over the left set. - Lay the folded sheet on the bed.
Make sure the gathered edge is facing up. Fold the longer part of the curved edge in toward the center a few inches to create a straight edge. The sheet should now be a rectangle. Fold in half lengthwise, then fold into thirds.
To be fair, that’s more complicated than a regular sheet, but it is manageable. Try it a few times and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
Check Out Our Range at Manchester Collection
Whatever size or colour you’re after, we have something to suit you here at Manchester Collection. Check out our extensive range of luxurious fitted sheets, with a range of pillow case styles to choose from as well.