In a recent OGT Team meeting, someone posed the question of whether or not you sleep with flat or top sheets. It turned out that the team was split about 50/50 on the issue. (I was, and still am, firmly in the “pro-top-sheet” camp. Honestly, until the topic came up in our meeting, I wasn’t even aware many people don’t like or use top sheets!)
After our enlightening conversation about this debate, I wanted to know where you guys stood on the issue. So I posted on my Instagram account to ask my followers about where they stand on the top sheet debate. That post ended up having one of the highest number of comments I’ve EVER gotten on an Instagram post. It’s obviously an issue that people have strong feelings about! :-)
So today I thought I would distill “the great top sheet debate” down for you. I’ll lay out the arguments on both sides of the debate so you can decide where you stand! (Feel free to offer your two cents in a comment at the bottom of this post — there’s nothing wrong with a healthy discourse on bedding preferences!)
Related: The One Thing You Need to Do Before Switching to Lighter Bedding
The Argument Against Using a Top Sheet
The argument against using a top sheet is usually one of comfort or convenience. Regardless of whether the sheet is tucked in or not, it can easily get tangled or twisted up overnight. Top sheets can also trap in more heat, which could be nice during the winter, but may be too warm in the summer.
As far as convenience goes, using a top sheet means you have another piece of bedding to wash regularly. It also adds time and effort to the process of putting clean sheets on your bed. And finally, there’s the fact that it’s usually cheaper to buy one fitted sheet than it is to buy a set with a top sheet!
In Defense of the Top Sheet
On the other hand, arguments in favor of top sheets tend to center around hygiene, functionality, and tradition. Advocates for top sheets often say that it’s more hygienic to use one. It acts as a barrier between your body and the comforter, quilt, or duvet, which can keep germs and sweat away from the blanket.
There’s also a functional aspect to using a flat sheet. During warm summer nights, sleeping with just the top sheet can feel cooler than sleeping uncovered! And as I mentioned above, the top sheet can also provide an extra layer of insulation during the winter.
And finally, there are the traditionalists who argue that using a top sheet is just the right way to make a bed! Whether because Mom always used one, or because they would feel weird without one, some feel that the top sheet is a long-lasting bedding tradition worth honoring.
The Right Way to Ditch Your Top Sheet
If you’re ready to leave your top sheet behind, it’s worth considering that the hygiene argument is a valid one. Without that extra layer, your blanket will be subjected to more sweat and body oils than usual. That’s why I suggest using a duvet with a removable, washable duvet cover.
Just wash your duvet cover as often as you wash your fitted sheet and pillowcases (about once a week.) It’s an easy way to enjoy the benefits of sleeping without a flat sheet without any of the potential drawbacks. I love a good win-win situation! :-)
Oh, and one more thing… if you’re considering ditching your top sheet, don’t throw it out! There are plenty of ways to put your old bedsheets to good use. Learn all about them at the link below!
Related: 17 New Ways to Use Your Old Bed Sheets
Where do you stand on the subject of top sheets?
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Pro top sheet here. Sometimes two in the summer for cool summer nights. I sometimes use a pretty one for the top w/o any blanket or duvet. In the winter, I use fitted and and top flat flannel sheets. Can’t stand to have cold feet. Most of the time I even wear socks in the winter. I probably would be a good candidate for the old bed warmer from the past. LOL
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I was growing up my Mom always used top sheets on our beds. I’ve continued using them because I think a bed is truly made with them. I also think they feel comfortable and I just don’t like the feeling of a blanket on top of me without a sheet in between. My husband was also brought up with and continues to like a top sheet. So for that reason I’m in the top sheet camp!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Obviously this is up to personal preference and shouldn’t even be a debate. However, my personal opinion is that it’s a lot easier and takes less time to wash a top sheet than it is to remove, wash, and put back on a duvet cover. If worried about the top sheet being too tight on the feet, why tuck it in at the bottom? Why not just use the top sheet and forgo the blanket or quilt unless it’s too cold? I always want something covering me while I sleep and sometimes a duvet with a quilt or comforter is too much so throwing that off and having the top sheet there is perfect.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use a top sheet because that’s how I like it. I live where I have no control over the A/C. I’m supposed to leave the fan on 24/7. I have a top sheet, blanket, and comforter. While sleeping, I can choose what I need for comfort without getting out of bed. I start the night with my comforter fanfolded to my side. Question: How is it easier to wash a duvet cover than a flat sheet? Call me crazy, but isn’t it easier to wash a flat sheet?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why? is it YUCK not to use a top sheet. I started using no top sheet recently and I felt it was so freeing, just to use a blanket. In the summer, or if is to warm,1 have a sheet available to use. I wash at night before I go to bed. I’m not filthy when I go to bed. It is not that difficult to wash a blanket.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Having to wash a duvet cover as often as you wash your fitted bottom sheet negates one of the reasons for “ditching” the top sheet. Not only would a duvet cover cost more than a top sheet, it would also take up twice the space in the washer and dryer. Then, when it’s warm in the bedroom and you don’t have a top sheep, you’d have to sleep with nothing on top of you or be too warm. Going without a top sheet makes as much sense as going without underwear, IMO.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m definitely pro-top sheet. I don’t understand why washing a top sheet is anymore problem that washing a duvet cover. I definitely don’t want to sleep under a blanket with no top sheet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.About your top sheet dilemma- my own preference is in the summer I use a top sheet and in the winter I use 2 top sheets. It seldom gets below 37 in my area in the winter but every once in a while it does and I will use a flannel “sheet” that I have made myself. It is cheaper and it is actually straighter than a purchased one. I do not tuck in the top sheet, I like my feet out and cold.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Up until about 5 years ago, I was a “No Top Sheet” person.
Now, as a woman of a certain age, I can attest that a top sheet is a must-have. Yes. it’s a pain but keeping my comforter or blanket dry OR having the ability to use it on its own is a must when you are in full-blown PM HAHA
My only recommendation would be to hunt down sheets of a certain thread count and materials you like. You can use extensions like Honey to let you know when a certain brand is on sale. When they are on sale, stock up if you can.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am older generation and I think most of this is due to the younger ones who don’t even make their beds. There is nothing any better then fresh sheets, top and bottom, for the best nights sleep. I also use the top sheet solely as a blanket if I get to hot for a blanket. I still have something covering me. My daughter on the other hand, uses the top sheet but as a bottom sheet, sleeps on one side of the bed for a day or two and then switches sides. The top sheet comes off and she does the same with the bottom sheet, one side then the other. Cases, she says get changed every day as she sleeps on silk ones.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Well…this was fun! Made me laugh while reading the comments! I know one thing…we’ve got a very clean bunch here. I am with you, too. As far as the comfort factor, I have heat in the winter and central in the summer, so I don’t know the difference. And my quilt is lightweight but warm. My son, on the other hand, will not sleep with a top sheet! When he was little, his sheet was always bunched up at the bottom of his bed by his feet so maybe it is sp,e sort of childhood trauma (yeah, right…) or something? No matter. I have made the most beautiful curtains for MY bedroom with HIS top sheets!! It’s actually a win-win!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I really know nothing other than using a top sheet. I’m afraid using a duvet would be too hard to change really often. I’ve seen demo’s and it looks hard! Am I being backward?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There’s no right or wrong way to do things! If you prefer a top sheet, then stick with it. :-) In my experience, putting on the duvet isn’t too hard, but it definitely takes some getting used to.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, Jill,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like the feel of a top sheet, and like to have something over me in the summer when it’s too warm for a blanket.
In winter, I prefer a top sheet to save on washing my electric blanket as often, and I do like the feel of cotton rather than the blanket against my skin. Also, cotton wicks perspiration away, and I don’t feel sweaty or overheated.
When I visited my friends in Wales, they used duvet covers,
which also served as a top sheet, and they washed them as often as we do sheets, here. But I do love my top sheets! I grew up using them, and the bed doesn’t feel “made” without them.
Who doesn’t use a duvet cover?!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m Australian and we have the same debate here about top sheet vs no top sheet but regardless everyone uses duvet (or doona as we call it) cover.
And yes I wash everything together.
Do those that use top sheets and duvet covers, do you wash the duvet covers less often than the other sheets?
Absolutely to sheet from a sanitary perspective!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow- a timely discussion. We have a beach house, so there are lots of guests. The last visitor in one room removed the top sheet, and I was horrified and so disgusted just imagining the body cells, oils, dirt, and any other (well use your imagination) on my expensive duvet. Then I had to take apart my lovely expensive duvet and wash and dry and then wrestle that bear back together. And I certainly did not stop there, so had to wash all the other top blankets. Frankly, I was angry at such disrespect. Now, I have a typed notice on the bedroom doors to please respect our home management practices and be sure to sleep between the lovely quality sheets while visiting here, and do as you please in your own home. As a totally different side issue- I now also add a note to please do not leave wet towels laying on the hardwood floors.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Top sheets YES! Ironed sheets & pillowcases = the best nights sleep ever! We have a king size bed , use a top sheet with a silk duvet w/ cover.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just wanted to add a few things I did not see in the other comments. I agree that a top sheet can get twisted when you sleep and my husband and I hate the feeling of trapped toes when they are tucked in. We avoid the first issue by pinning the top sheet securely to the quilt. This has the added benefit of being able to quickly make the bed and keeps everything in place. We never tuck in the corners, it may not look as pretty but freedom for our feet is worth it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use a top sheet as it saves on washing the duvet cover. I’m disabled and struggle at the best of times. We change the sheets together, but the quilt cover stays clean – we have a throw over the top too. In summer we just use the sheet – or the sheet and the throw.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hmmm. To each their own I say. I believe most people wash their bed linens often (at least once per week). I have adjustable beds two xl twins to equal a king. Anyone who owns this type of bed knows how difficult they are to make and I am also disabled but I do change linens once a week. Due to my disability though I have too much pain in my feet so anything on top of them causes distress so I have a sheet on top of the comforter and sleep on top of it with a light weight blanket so I don’t use a top sheet but my husband sleeps under the blankets with a top sheet. I am thinking about looking into Sheex brand they are supposedly very comfortable and breathe. However one chooses one thing was evident with this discussion, we like to keep our linens clean! Oh, yes I make my bed daily and expect houseguests to do the same.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am firmly pro-top sheet. Not using a top sheet is like wearing shoes without socks. Yuck. When my daughter moved away from home, and had to start paying per load to do laundry, she stopped using a top sheet. I didn’t even know it was a thing, until then.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t get all the “it’s easier to put a top sheet on the bed than to stuff a duvet in a duvet cover”. I use only duvet covers, no top sheets (as do 90% of Swiss people, I’d say, and of course covers get washed every time you change the bed), and putting the cover on my duvet takes me less than 30 seconds, tops!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m with you Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Growing up my Mother, Grandmother & Aunts always put top sheets on our beds. It was just the way it was back then. I never liked it. I’m a very restless sleeper & so the top sheet always ended up on the floor or I ended up twisted in it somehow. I have had it wrapped around my body, my head, my neck & missing altogether. (It got caught between the bed & the wall) So when I became an adult I did away with the top sheet. So, the hygiene part of it I never really thought of but in my case it wouldn’t do any good anyway lol. I am a sewer & so I often put the top sheets to good use by using them in sewing projects. I’ve always made curtains out of them & I have also used them when I take pictures as a backdrop. SO the top sheet actually has a purpose in my home but not in the traditional sense. Someone told me you can take 2 of them & some Kam Snaps & make a duvet cover. I’m going to try that as soon as I get my craft room finished (I’m re-organizing it)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve always used a top sheet because I never thought anyone didn’t. BUT I’m going to have to stray from popular public opinion. Along with a top sheet we have used an easily washable bedspread. Because we have a dog who sleeps with us on the bed as well as several cats, I always wash both my bedspread and sheets every week because of the added dog/cat hair. I’ve always found top sheets a hassle; now I’m going to try things without a top sheet since the hygiene question is eliminated.
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