Often included in a sheet set, this bedding staple provides a smooth layer between you and your duvet. But what is the purpose of a top sheet – and is one really necessary? This hotly debated discussion has rallied fans on both sides, so our guide breaks down the pros and cons of top sheets to help you decide what works best for you.

What Is a Top Sheet?

A top sheet (also known as a flat sheet) is a thin, oversized sheet that lies between you and a blanket or duvet. Its main purpose is to provide a hygienic layer that keeps your duvet cleaner for longer, reducing the frequency that you'll need to wash the duvet. Plus, a top sheet is less bulky, which makes it easier to wash than a duvet, quilt, or comforter.

Like their fitted counterparts, top sheets come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and patterns. Cotton percale offers a crisp feeling that keeps you cool on warm nights, while a flannel set adds cozy warmth during the colder months of the year. Linen can work year-round with its lightweight breathability, durability, and lived-in softness that gets better with each wash.

Tip!

Need help choosing the right material? Check out Your Guide to the Best Sheets for Sleepers of All Kinds to find what works best for you.

Do You Need a Top Sheet?

Because top sheets were originally made to keep you comfortable beneath an itchy wool blanket, the rise of duvet covers has made top sheets less necessary. Instead, using a top sheet is more about your personal preference. Whether you're already for or against, here are some of the pros and cons for sleeping with a top sheet:

Pros

• Like we mentioned above, top sheets offer added hygiene.
• By trapping dirt and dead skin cells, top sheets can cut down on the amount of times you'd need to wash a duvet cover (and put the duvet cover back on the insert).
• Top sheets can be a breathable option for those hot summer nights where a duvet is too warm.
• In the winter, a top sheet can help trap heat and keep you warm all night.
• Top sheets can add a soft, smooth barrier if your comforter or duvet cover has a scratchy texture.

Cons

• Top sheets don't always stay in place, which makes them prone to getting tangled up at your feet while sleeping.
• Making the bed with a top sheet does take more time and precision.
• The extra layer can add unwanted warmth for people that are already hot sleepers.

Tip!

While a top sheet is best left to your personal preference, a fitted sheet is a must-have that creates a protective layer between you and your mattress.

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