What is a top sheet? And do you need one?

A top sheet is a flat sheet that goes between you and your duvet cover or blanket. It is essentially a rectangle of cloth often with a decorative edge which is oversized for your mattress.

So when making your bed you would:

Put a mattress protector over your mattress.
Put a fitted or flat sheet on top of your protector.
Add a top sheet on top of the bottom sheet.
Put your duvet or blanket on top of your top sheet - Your duvet will be in a duvet cover.
You then sleep between the top sheet and the sheet that covers your mattress.

To keep cool when sleeping in very warm weather, you may decide not to have a duvet or blanket at all and instead just sleep under your top sheet.

Top sheets v flat sheets

A top sheet is sometimes called a flat sheet. They are essentially the same thing but used in slightly different ways. To learn more, read our flat sheet guide.

Our top sheets have handy feet labels so that you know which way around they go.

Why you should use a top sheet?

We are often asked what are top sheets for? There are two reasons people use one:

Hygiene

The main aim of the top sheet is to keep your blanket or duvet cover cleaner for longer. A top sheet provides an extra layer between you and your duvet, meaning that your duvet needs washing less often.

Temperature regulation

When it’s really warm you may just want a top sheet and nothing else. Hot sleepers and those who live in warmer climates often use a top bed sheet as the only upper bedding layer.

It is also said that in the winter a top sheet can keep you that bit warmer. Though we personally think this is negligible, especially if you have a top quality duvet.

Are top sheets popular?

They used to be a staple in bedrooms but top sheets are less common than they used to be. Mainly because most people now sleep with a duvet so extra sheets are not really necessary.

Where to shop for high quality top sheets?

If you’re looking to buy a reliable top sheet brand, check out our luxury Egyptian cotton top sheets edged with single silky marrow stitch piping to match our cotton bedding.