Bamboo fitted sheets and what makes a good one

Short answer: A good fitted sheet has corners deep enough for the mattress and elastic all the way around. Those two things decide whether it stays in place all night or whether you wake up with a corner that has popped off.

Corner depth first

Measure the height of the mattress and choose a sheet with corners at least as deep. If they are too shallow, the elastic sits on the edge instead of underneath, and the sheet slips when you turn over. A few extra centimetres of depth do no harm. See bamboo fitted sheets.

Elastic all the way around

Elastic only in the corners holds less well than elastic that runs all the way round. With continuous elastic, the sheet pulls in under the mattress on every side and lies taut. That detail separates a good sheet from a cheap one, and it is easy to check before you buy.

Measure length and width precisely

A fitted sheet has to match the length and width of the mattress, not the bed frame. Measure the mattress itself, especially if the bed is not a standard size. A sheet that is too large forms folds, and one that is too small is hard to fit and wears faster under constant tension.

The fabric against the mattress

A fitted sheet lies directly under you all night. If the material is dense and synthetic, it quickly turns clammy if you sweat. A fabric that absorbs and moves moisture feels drier to lie on. Bamboo viscose is known for exactly that property, which is why many choose it. See bamboo bed linen.

How to put it on

Start with two corners at the same end of the mattress, then do the other two. Lift the mattress slightly so the elastic can go fully under the edge. Do not pull hard on the fabric to get the last corner on. If it is a struggle, the corners are probably too shallow.

Wash without stretching

Do not pull on the sheet while it is wet. Wet fabric stretches permanently, and then the corners no longer fit. Wash at 40 degrees, skip the fabric softener and hang the sheet loosely to dry, for example over two lines so the weight is spread. Read more under washing and care.

Folding a fitted sheet

A fitted sheet is hard to fold neatly, but it does not have to be perfect. Tuck the corners into each other in pairs so you get a rectangle, then fold it like an ordinary flat sheet. It takes up less space in the cupboard and does not crease as much.

For a thick mattress

If you have a topper, measure the height with it on. Many sheets fit the mattress alone but not the mattress and topper together. Measure from the bottom of the mattress to the top of the topper, and choose corners at least that deep. See home and homewear in bamboo.