Among the many colors, shapes and styles, fitted sheets stand out brightly. They are practical, do not bunch up, and stay securely on the mattress, without moving even during the most restless sleep. But how to choose the right fitted sheet so that it fully meets your wishes and expectations?
What are the advantages of fitted sheets?
She is perfect in every way:
- does not bunch up;
- no need to constantly correct;
- will not slide anywhere;
- will replace the cover.
They say it’s uncomfortable to iron, but it’s enough to know a couple of life hacks. The method of putting it on the mattress helps me. Once it is stretched, it is very easy to iron it with a hot iron. Some housewives stretch the sheet over the ironing board.
Determining the size
Please note that the manufacturer writes three numbers on the packaging: length, width and height of the product. If only two numbers are written, then it is universal and suitable for any mattress height.
Products with elastic bands are now also produced for round beds. For them you need to measure the diameter.
Standard sizes will help simplify the search, but it is better to take the height with a margin of 5 cm. For example, for a mattress 150x200x20, 150x200x25 is better suited. Selecting a close fit at 20 cm in height often ends in disappointment, since the sheet may turn out to be smaller than needed.
Popular manufacturers
Today, many domestic companies are engaged in the production of stretch sheets. Among them the most popular:
- Askona is the largest company producing not only sheets, but also mattresses of all types. The company's production facilities, located in the cities of Novosibirsk and Kovrov, allow us to supply the market with truly high-quality bedding with elastic bands, suitable for beds of any size;
- "Mertsana" is a famous clothing factory located in the city of Ivanovo. Under the brand of this manufacturer, high-quality knitted and terry stretch sheets are supplied to the market, with a choice of up to 12 color shades;
- “Ikea” is a famous trading brand in Russia with Swedish roots. The production of sheets using the technologies of Swedish developers allows customers to always count on the practicality of their purchase;
- “Artpostel” is another recognized brand of sleep products from the city of Ivanovo. The company produces tensioning accessories of all sizes and colors;
- Hobby Textile is a large company that cooperates with the Turkish brand Hobby Home Collection. It produces sheets made from 100% cotton.
The choice of manufacturer is of great importance when purchasing fitted sheets with elastic, because this is the only way the buyer can protect himself from purchasing low-quality products. In addition, it is very important to correctly select the size and material of bedding, which would not only fit perfectly under the sleeping place, but also would not cause allergic reactions. If you follow all the above rules, you can be sure that your sleep on the purchased stretch sheets will be strong and healthy.
Fabrics for sheets with elastic
Having decided on the size, we proceed to the most important part - the choice of fabric. There are so many options in stores that sometimes you get lost, but the main thing is to decide what is your priority: price, comfort, color. Do not forget that each person has his own preferences, some like coolness, while others like to bask in the warmth.
Satin
An option for luxury lovers. Properties resemble silk, but satin costs significantly less. It has a smooth surface with a slight shine and pleasant coolness. Its advantages:
- Satin is wear-resistant and easily withstands 300-400 washing cycles.
- Beautiful appearance.
Compared to calico, its price is higher.
Batiste
It has a complex structure, which causes low strength, but its luxurious designs make it possible to give it as a gift. I just rarely have to use it. Of course, cambric also has its advantages:
- Almost transparent fabric.
- Light and airy material.
- Elegance.
Lawn is used extremely rarely for stretched sheets. More often it is used to make sets for newlyweds or babies.
Knitwear
Practical option:
- The elasticity allows you to fit perfectly on the mattress.
- They wash great.
- They have the property of allowing air to pass through.
- Adding 3% synthetics will prevent the formation of pellets.
- Particularly soft.
To prevent the sheet from stretching, it is necessary to wash it on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees and with low spin speed.
I often recommend knitwear, it looks great without ironing, just shake the fabric vigorously before drying.
Terry, velor
A chic option for those who love warmth, softness and tenderness. The undoubted advantages of terry and velor are:
- Warmth in any weather.
- Absorbs moisture.
- Does not cause allergies.
- Does not wrinkle and does not require ironing.
- The material does not roll or slip.
- Follows the contours of the bed.
- Durability.
And a terry sheet will make an original and beautiful gift.
Be sure to use conditioner when washing to maintain incredible softness for as long as possible.
Bamboo
It is now at the peak of popularity, because many housewives have already appreciated the advantages of the material:
- Natural bamboo lasts a very long time.
- Has natural shine and softness.
- A practical option for every day.
- Lightweight material.
In terms of its properties, bamboo is close to silk and cashmere, only it costs less.
Ranfors and calico
Suitable for gift and daily use. The fabrics showed their best side:
- Permanent coloring.
- Long service life.
- Smooth surface.
- Hypoallergenic.
They are wrinkled and must be ironed, but these are the most common fabrics for fitted sheets.
To preserve thin elastic bands, it is recommended to wash products at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees.
Sheet with elastic - how to choose the right size
Many people wonder what a fitted sheet is and how it differs from a simple sheet?
Its difference is already defined in the name itself - with an elastic band. This is a sheet with an elastic band sewn around the edges of the perimeter. Most often, the elastic is sewn into the corners of the sheet, but there are options along the entire edge (usually for small, children's mattresses).
It is quite simple to put on - you just need to straighten it and pull it over the corners of the mattress. Its main advantages are that it does not need to be constantly rearranged, leveled, or straightened. It holds well on the surface of the mattress, is stretched around the entire perimeter and does not form folds. I put it on and forgot until the next wash.
The best option for sewing such a sheet is cotton or linen. This material is quite durable, breathable and does not cause allergic reactions.
How to choose the right size?
In simple words, a sheet with an elastic band is a regular cover that covers all sides of your mattress with a tie and fixing them in the under-mattress area. The area under the mattress where the edge of the sheet with a sewn-in elastic band extends is called the fold.
In order to choose the right fitted sheet, you need to know the exact size of the bed or mattress. The size of the sheet is indicated in three dimensions: width, length and height of the mattress. For example, the width of the mattress is 80 cm, the length is 160 cm, and the height is 20 cm. In addition to the main dimensions, the fold of the sheet is usually used by default up to 15 cm (+/-).
When purchasing bed linen in a store, namely sheets with an elastic band, the dimensions indicated on the package type: 80×160 will indicate the dimensions of the bed in width and length for which it is intended. The height is sometimes not indicated, since according to the standard it is considered to be 20 cm. This is not a completely correct approach to marking sheets, because not all mattresses have the same height. Although it is believed that a sheet with a standard of 20 cm is usually suitable for a mattress with a height of 25 cm due to the reserve of material used for the fold.
Important! The information on the product insert should clearly inform the buyer about the size of the fitted sheet and how it will fit on their mattress.
If the sheet is marked, for example, 120x200x20 or more, no additional information is given regarding the height of the mattress or the overall height of the side, then we do not recommend purchasing sheets of this type. Some manufacturers, in order to save money, use the same sheets (of the same size in height and length) for mattresses of different heights - both 20 cm and 35 cm. Obviously, such a sheet, with a mattress height of 35 cm, will have a minimum folded under it, which will affect its constant sliding (it will jump off the mattress). As such, there are no clear regulatory standards for the commensurability of the parameters of sheets and mattresses. Therefore, when purchasing ready-made fitted sheets, keep this in mind.
If you want to sew your own sheets, you can use a cutting calculator that will help you determine the amount of fabric and elastic needed to match the size of your mattress.
As mentioned above, the elastic can be sewn into the corners, or it can run along the entire perimeter. The only difference between the two options is that with the first, such a sheet is easier to maintain, that is, it is easier to iron, wash, and also more convenient to put on the mattress. In terms of their stability on the surface of the mattress, both options are the same. Don't think that more elastic is better. To a greater extent, stability will depend on the fabric itself, the quality and length of the elastic and the correctly selected amount of bend under the mattress. When choosing bed linen, including sheets with elastic, take this nuance into account.
Table of correspondence between fitted sheets and standard mattress options:
Mattress | Recommended size of fitted sheet, cm (width x length x height) | |||
Width, cm | Length, cm | Height, cm | ||
60 | 120 | 6-13 | 60 x 120 x 10 | |
65 | 125 | 6-13 | 65 x 125 x 10 | |
80 | 160 | 20 | 80 x 160 x 20 | |
80 | 200 | 20 | 80 x 200 x 20 | |
90 | 200 | 20 | 90 x 200 x 20 | |
100 | 200 | 20 | 100 x 200 x 20 | |
120 | 200 | 20 | 120 x 200 x 20 | |
140 | 200 | 20 | 140 x 200 x 20 | |
160 | 200 | 20 | 160 x 200 x 20 | |
180 | 200 | 20 | 180 x 200 x 20 | |
200 | 200 | 20 | 200 x 200 x 20 |
As mentioned above, by default all sheets have a mattress fold, which can be used as a reserve for the height of your mattress. For example, if the height of your mattress is 25 cm, then a sheet with a standard height of 20 cm will be put on it. That is, if such a sheet has a default height of 15 cm under the bend of the mattress, then for a mattress height of 25 cm it will be 10 cm, because 5 cm will go as an addition to the height. Well, we think we figured it out.
Some people are interested in whether a sheet larger in width and length than the mattress itself is suitable. Our answer is no. The main reason is the corners, which are stitched for a specific mattress size. That is, if, for example, you put a sheet with an elastic band measuring 90 cm x 200 cm on a mattress 80 cm x 200 cm, then the corners of this sheet will simply sag. Such a sheet will not sit securely on the mattress and wrinkles will constantly form. If the size of the sheet differs from the size of the mattress only by the height, then a selection option is still possible, if the bend is sufficient. However, this is still not the most optimal option, because if the fold becomes smaller than intended for these purposes, then the sheet may simply jump off the mattress.
For information on how to sew such a sheet yourself and how much fabric and elastic you need for it, read here.
If you still have questions regarding what kind of sheet you need, you can use our calculator for selecting sizes for any sleeping place
In conclusion, I would like to note that the ideal option is still to tailor the sheet exactly to the size of your mattress, which will allow it to keep its shape well, without folds and not curl. The same can be said about the pillowcase, regarding the pillow under which it is sewn and the duvet cover, regarding the size of the blanket itself.
Manufacturer
Russian factories have not all included sheets with elastic in their product range, because they often buy sets from us rather than individual elements. Although gradually the European habit of buying sheets separately is penetrating to us.
The price of fitted sheets is often comparable to the cost of a full set. But searches in online stores yielded results. I present to your attention interesting offers:
- Rajtex offers a wide selection of different materials.
- "Postelka37" sells inexpensive knitwear options.
- “Size to size” surprises with a huge assortment of expensive fabrics.
High-quality products should have neat seams. Poor tailoring threatens the fragility of any material.
Pros and cons of fitted sheets
This type of bedding has its advantages and disadvantages. The first include:
- Creating a smooth and perfect coating without creases, lumps or folds.
- Bed linen with a sheet with an elastic band reliably protects the mattress from dirt. It is often chosen if it is not possible to remove the cover and wash it, that is, the sheet can serve as a mattress cover.
- Does not need ironing. Thanks to the elastic strip, the sheet stretches over the surface and straightens out.
The product has few disadvantages, but they still exist:
- Lack of versatility
. If regular linen fits any bed or sofa, then a sheet with an elastic band is selected according to the size of the mattress. A small product will not stretch, but a large product will slip, gather in folds, and the like. - Difficulties with choosing a design
. If the sheet is matched to a specific set of linen, it may be difficult to find the right color. - Difficulty ironing and folding
. This moment is purely individual. Over time, a person gets used to using such underwear and no longer experiences any special problems with care.
Selection by season
Fabrics can be selected according to the weather:
- Smooth sliding surfaces are suitable for summer; they will give you a feeling of coolness.
- Natural materials with their hygroscopic properties to remove moisture are suitable for any weather. Satin and chintz are universal materials.
- Soft fabrics with pile, such as terry, are ideal for winter.
Synthetics with lace are beautiful, but impractical. It is unpleasant to sleep on in the heat, and in the cold it cools the body even more.
In the end, we figured out how to choose a sheet with an elastic band. First of all, we focus on the size of the bed and how it feels. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find one that will last!
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Advantages and practicality of fitted sheets
The advantages of fitted sheets over regular bed linen are visible to the naked eye. Firstly, a standard sheet gets tangled and constantly slides off the mattress. Secondly, ugly folds constantly appear at the corners of the mattress and on its very surface. Finally, you need to have a mathematical mind in order to accurately cover a round bed with an ordinary square sheet. It is obvious that the fitted sheet is far superior to its antediluvian counterparts in terms of reliability and aesthetics.