Top sheets are the flat sheets that go on top of your fitted sheet and underneath your blanket, duvet, or comforter, mainly to add comfort and keep heavier bedding cleaner for longer.

What is a top sheet?

A top sheet (also called a flat sheet) is a large rectangular sheet that you lie under, rather than directly on.

It sits between your body and your blanket/duvet, acting as a light, washable barrier against sweat, body oils, and skin cells.

  • Placed over: the fitted sheet.
  • Placed under: blankets, comforter, or duvet.
  • Main jobs: hygiene, a bit of extra warmth, and a softer feel against your skin.

Top sheet vs. fitted sheet

A fitted sheet and a top sheet look and behave differently.

  • Fitted sheet:
    • Has elastic around the edges.
    • Stretches tightly over the mattress.
    • Protects the mattress and gives you a smooth surface to lie on.
  • Top sheet:
    • Flat, no elastic.
    • Lies loosely on top of the fitted sheet.
    • Protects the duvet/blanket and adds comfort and temperature control.

Here’s a quick view in HTML table format (as requested):

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Sheet type</th>
      <th>Where it goes</th>
      <th>Main function</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Top sheet (flat sheet)</td>
      <td>Between sleeper and blanket/duvet</td>
      <td>Comfort layer, hygiene barrier for duvet/blanket</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Fitted sheet</td>
      <td>Directly over mattress</td>
      <td>Protects mattress, smooth surface to lie on</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Why people like top sheets

Supporters see them as a small, practical upgrade to sleep hygiene and comfort.

  • Hygiene boost: Keeps sweat, oils, and dead skin off your duvet or comforter, so you don’t have to wash those bulky pieces as often.
  • Comfort: Adds a soft, breathable layer; fabric options (cotton, bamboo, percale, sateen) can make the bed feel cooler or cozier.
  • Temperature control: On warm nights, you can sleep just under the top sheet without a heavy blanket; on cooler nights, it becomes a subtle extra layer.
  • Hotel feel: Hotels and guest rooms commonly use top sheets for a neat, layered, “freshly made bed” look and easy turn-over between guests.

“If you’re a bit hygiene-obsessed or wash your duvet less often, a top sheet can feel almost non-negotiable.”

Why some people skip them

There’s an active “top sheet vs no top sheet” debate in recent years, especially in younger households and on forums and social media.

Common reasons people ditch top sheets:

  • Tangling and fuss: The sheet can bunch up or slide toward the end of the bed, which some find annoying.
  • Extra step when making the bed: More layers means more time tucking and straightening every morning.
  • Prefer duvets with covers: Many who skip top sheets just wash a duvet cover frequently instead, treating it like a giant pillowcase.
  • Heat: Some hot sleepers feel that a top sheet makes them too warm or “wrapped up,” especially in hot climates.

In a lot of current forum and lifestyle discussions (especially in North America and Europe), going “fitted sheet + duvet cover only” is often described as the more minimalist, modern trend, while full top-sheet setups are seen as more traditional or hotel-style.

When does a top sheet make sense?

There’s no one right answer; it depends on how you sleep and how you handle laundry.

You might want a top sheet if:

  1. You don’t wash your duvet cover very often.
    • A top sheet lets you wash a lighter piece weekly while cleaning the duvet cover less frequently.
  1. You share a bed.
    • It can help keep shared bedding cleaner, especially if one partner runs hotter or sweats more.
  1. You like layered bedding.
    • Layering can make it easier to fine-tune warmth by adding or kicking off the duvet.

You might skip a top sheet if:

  • You already wash your duvet cover regularly and want fewer steps when making the bed.
  • You move a lot at night and find loose sheets restrictive or messy.
  • You prefer an ultra-minimal setup (mattress, fitted sheet, duvet) for speed and simplicity.

Quick usage rundown

If you’re picturing how to use one, a simple mental image helps.

  1. Put the fitted sheet over the mattress.
  2. Lay the top sheet on top, finished side facing down so the nice side is against your skin when folded over.
  3. Tuck the foot of the top sheet under the mattress if you like that snug, hotel-style feel, or leave it loose if you prefer more freedom.
  1. Add your blanket, comforter, or duvet on top.

Bottom note

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.