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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I’m with you about the keeping the top sheet (it’s easier to clean than to re-stuff the washed duvet cover).
The biggest change I’ve made in making beds was forgetting the hospital corners which I was brought up to do and just letting the top sheet and blankets loose at the bottom. Easy for tossers and also easy to make and remake the bed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I went without a top sheet for quite a while. I am handicapped and my bed is against the wall on one side, so I have to ask other people to make my bed. I hated to make them go to the extra work of putting on the top sheet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.But I finally caved. I was miserable without it. I sweat heavily at night and I got tired of having to wash my blankets. So I am back to the top sheet and I feel much better.
My mom actually used 2 flat sheets. At the end of the week we removed the bottom sheet to be washed and used the top as the bottom sheet the next week. There were 7 kids and laundry was a daily chore. I use a top sheet for hygiene and ease. ( oh! All Moms sheets were white and twins except the parents).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I ditched the top sheet when I went with a duvet and duvet cover. For one, I don’t get all tangled up in bed. It’s easier to make the bed in the morning and it also looks neater.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is news to me. I never heard of or even considered not having a top sheet. I like to be covered and in the summer a top sheet is perfect. In the winter it helps stay warmer with the comforter over it. It looks much prettier when making your bed. Yes, I am one of those who must have the bed made up immediately upon rising. For me, it just wouldn’t be complete without having a top sheet. To each his own I guess.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I was a little kid, eons ago, my mother never thought that I needed a top sheet on my bed, of course, those were the days when people sent sheets, even towels out to the laundry, the fellow would pick up the sheets and towels one week and return them all washed and pressed the next week.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Few people owned washing machines. Today, many of us have washers and dryers or we go to the laundromat, and thus wash our sheets once a week, or perhaps more often if you live in the deep south.
Years ago when I was raising my daughters, they always had a top sheet once they were out of the cribs and had a single bed. (with rails)
I was taught, using the top sheet was the correct way to make a bed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.100% top sheet here. It’s far easier and economical to wash a sheet regularly than a blanket, and if you don’t have a top sheet, then you should be washing that blanket/duvet/comforter as often as you would the sheets.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Top sheet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Pro top sheet. It’s traditional for me. Also, I love the smooth feeling of sheet on skin. I don’t like duvets at all.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just gave up the top sheet and do not miss it. Makes daily making the bed a breeze.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Pro top sheet here. I spend a lot of money on soft comfortable sheets. Why because I love the soft feel against my body. They have to be soft. So the top and bottom sheets have to be soft. Have I mentioned softness enough? Plus it’s easier to wash sheets than duvets, blankets, or comforters. Then of course there is the hygienic part which is very important for me. TOP SHEET FOR ME ALWAYS.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Always use a top sheet on our bed but my kids hate them – claiming to get tangled. They’re old enough to wash & change their own bedding so I don’t care! lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We fixed this for our 7 year old, who struggled to make her bed (in a loft) and was always getting the sheets tangled at night. We got a set of Kids Zip Sheets and the problem was instantly solved.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t have kids, so what are Kid’s Zip Sheets?
Are they simular to sleeping bags; withe kid designs?
Yes, but the top sheet zippers to the bottom sheet.
I Googled it and they are simply sheets with zippers for crib’s and kid’s beds.
Oh I remember seeing the commercial for those, and I remember thinking – “Why didn’t I think of that?!” If my son was still little, I would definitely get him those!
I make our beds the way I would expect them to be made up in hotel. Of course use a top sheet. It protects the duvet cover. It’s easier to deal with than fussing with a duvet cover.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m a traditionalist – all the way. Top and bottom sheet AND duvet cover. I strip my bed weekly and make my bed every morning.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.a top sheet is a must. for alll rerasons already stated and plus if I have a rough spot on my feet I don’t like the feel of ity snagging on a blanket. Plus blanket can get itchy. The top sheet keeps it all smoothed out.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I really like a top sheet. Quite often in the summer that is all I use. Also we do not like duvet at all, we find we are either to hot with it on or cold with it off or partway off. We like a number of thinner quilts and can through of some to get comfortable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Pro top sheet. There is no other way. I need a sheet alone in the summer and in between blankets in the winter. I don’t move much when sleeping so I don’t get tangled up in my covers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A friend and her family each use a fitted sheet and a fleece blanket. Then she washes them ALL every day. Now it is just 1 double bed but can you imagine what it was like before 3 kids left home!!
Personally I don’t use a top sheet, purely because it always gets kicked to the bottom of the bed with my constant moving around, thereby rendering itself useless and an added hassle. I prefer a top sheet and have often “tried again” using one, but without success….gave up for good a few months ago when replacing sheets and just bought the fitted bottom sheet!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love having a top sheet as you say it keeps things cleaner
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Definitely got to have the top sheet…agree with all of the other comments, but for me, here’s another reason…Your sleeping, you get a little cool so you pull the cover up around your neck a little more snugly and if you’re not careful, suddenly you’ve pulled it up too far and then your feet are out in the cold…what do you do, get out of bed to fix it all up or wake yourself up properly trying to kick it back down in place? It’s the top sheet that is tucked in at the foot of the bed that keeps it all in place. Just gotta have that top sheet!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.And there’s another discussion: if you’re pro top sheet, do you tuck it in at the foot of leave it loose. I was taught to tuck in but my hubby of 25 years can’t stand it tucked in!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Tuck in your corner of the bed at the bottom!
My hubby doesn’t like it either, but I found if I tuck the top sheet in with corners, then pull down enough sheet from the top to make a sort of pleat across the bed, that works well for him for a day or two at least.
I am definitely pro-top sheet. Have always used one and don’t think I could be comfortable without it. Your idea of using a duvet cover is definitely a good one for those who prefer to sleep without the top sheet. It’s all just a matter of choice!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband and I sleep with a bottom fitted sheet and two individual twin duvets. That way we dont disturb each other if one of us is tossing and turning. We discovered this on a trip to Europe and decided to do it at home. We have duvet covers that we wash along with the fitted sheet and pillowcases so it is just as hygienic as using a top sheet. We’re never going back!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Top sheet for me! Hygiene is the main consideration as washing the duvet cover every week is much less practical than just washing your sheets and pillowcases. In our climate (Queensland, Australia), for much of the year the top sheet is all that is needed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ever since I started using duvets, I stopped using top sheets. I always have a cover on my duvet, so I don’t see the need for a top sheet, it’s just as hygienic as using a top sheet under blankets or comforter. I definitely couldn’t cope with sleeping under a blanket or comforter without a top sheet, it would be so uncomfortable to me!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll stand with “In defense of the top sheet”, with all of the reasons you mentioned. Also, it is much easier to launder a sheet than a blanket.
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