Top Sheet Bedding Debate: Do You Really Need One? (+ We Shared Our Top Pick!)
Our top sheet bedding debate may be something you never thought about until now.
Top sheet or none? Turns out people have strong opinions. Our team weighed in on the top sheet bedding debate. Here’s how we’re sleeping…
Before we get to the debate, what is a “top sheet”?
A top sheet, otherwise known as a flat sheet, is the fabric that you lie under. It goes directly above the fitted sheet and underneath blankets, quilts, duvets, and/or comforters that might be on the bed and is the barrier between the other layers of bedding.
Here’s what our team said about having a top sheet:
Top sheet 👍vs. no top sheet 👎
“YES! I have always used a top sheet! It seems icky to me to NOT have one as I feel like it keeps my comforter/duvet cover cleaner if my body is not fully in contact with the comforter. If I was to not use a top sheet, I would feel pressure to wash my comforter weekly.” – Bryn
“Team Top Sheet! I love the soft feel of the Quince top sheet. In fact, I pull my top sheet up, fold it over the top of my comforter, and then get in. Best feeling!” – Lina
“I completely agree with Bryn! ‘Icky’ is definitely the word and the fact that’s how my mom taught us, it’s just a habit. Although, my husband does NOT like the top sheet so it’s an interesting half top sheet, half kicked to the bottom top sheet combo!” – Chelsey
“Team Top Sheet all the way! 🙌🏼 There’s no way I’m sleeping with just a comforter on me – NOPE! 😆 I need that perfectly tucked-in sheet, all smooth and cozy. Meanwhile, my husband? He kicks it around like he’s doing karate in his sleep, leaving it crinkled at the bottom of the bed. And let’s just say I get a wee bit annoyed by this. 🙄 Some people just don’t appreciate the art of a well-tucked sheet!” – Collin
“I keep it traditional around here – mattress pad, fitted sheet, top sheet, soft blanket, and a duvet. I need to be super comfortable in order to get any sort of sleep. Plus, the weather is so cray in WI – I’ll use just the top sheet to start off, then pull my soft blanket up about halfway through the night and by morning I have my duvet on as well.” – Jessica
“I love how my crisp, cool cotton sheets feel on my skin! And washing my comforter is just a pain. Without a top sheet, I would feel like I had to wash my comforter as often as my sheets, and I’m not into that.” – Jenna R.
“I don’t mind washing my sheets often, but if I didn’t have the top sheet layer, I would feel like I needed to wash the comforter every time I wash the sheets too. Also (and this might be some ocd talking) but it would drive me crazy to have only the top sheet chillin’ in our linen closet separate from its whole bottom sheet + pillowcase gang. 😆“ – Emily
“Yes, I use a top sheet. I like the smooth feel of a sheet rather than the stitching of a quilt or comforter.” – Kelli
“Top sheet every time! Honestly, I never thought there was another option since it comes in the set. To not use feels like a waste! But also I get hot at night all year long (I use a fan every night whether it’s summer or winter) so using a comforter even in the winter is too much for me.” – Denise
“Team top sheet over here too! The bed just feels more cozy with one. Plus, like others mentioned, I can avoid washing the comforter every time I wash my sheets.” – Kara
“I feel like I need a top sheet for a cool smooth feel to the covers. Just feels wrong to leave it out.” – Amber
“Team top sheet, also! There’s just something about cool sheets when you go to bed.” – Liza
“Definitely team top sheet!!! It’s great for when you get too hot for the comforter and it gives the bed a lighter, crisper feel! My hubs would also say it’s a necessity because he likes to wrap it all over his legs (we often fight over the sheet in the middle of the night 😂)! Also, when you have the right set of sheets, it just makes going to bed even more luxurious.” – Alli
No top sheet 👍 vs. Top sheet 👎
“I don’t use a top sheet, but that’s not because I am passionately against them, I just found that they aren’t worth the hassle. They are hard to keep on the bed and I’ve just found it easier to skip one. I think if I invested in some amazing sheets though, I would reconsider. (I’ve heard all the rave about Quince sheets!)“ – Melinda
“I personally use a top sheet because I grew up with them, but as my teen boys have gotten older I stopped putting one on theirs. They end up at the bottom of the bed literally a day after I wash and remake their bed so I just realized one day it saves me the stress of seeing them all over the floor by skipping it altogether. It’s easier for them to make their beds and we don’t have to have the arguments anymore!” – Sara
Yes, most of our team thinks you need a top sheet.
So why might you need (or not need) a top sheet?…
1. It’s just what you’re used to.
Many of our Hip sidekicks and readers never gave a top sheet a second thought because it’s what they’ve always used growing up. Many also mentioned, they never gave a top sheet a second thought since any set they’ve ever bought came with one.
2. Your sleeping partner might need a top sheet.
Something, or should I say, someone, to think about when deciding if you need a top sheet or not is your sleeping partner (if you have one)! Oftentimes, one of you may not be able to sleep without one, whereas the other could totally do without it…or kick it down to the bottom like my Hip sidekick, Chelsey shared. 😏 Depending on your reasons, you might decide to compromise (whether you like it or not). 😂
3. It makes more laundry.
Arguably, having a top sheet or not having one may make you feel like there’s more consistent laundry to do. Many of our Hip Sidekicks agree that not using a top sheet creates the need to wash your comforter more regularly. The others think you just have more laundry in general with the top sheet being on the bed.
4. Top sheets keep the bed feeling fresher.
There’s nothing like crawling into a bed after a long day and cozying up with fresh, clean, and crisp sheets. That’s until you might get a little too hot. Adding a top sheet can create a cool barrier helping keep you from overheating with a heavy blanket or comforter. Not only that, but it provides an extra layer that gives you the option to take some blankets off if you tend to get too hot.
5. It might be too much of a hassle!
Frustrated about making your bed with all those layers? A top sheet might not be your best option. I found that so many people complain about what a hassle they can be, and I have to say, they have a great point! Not only is tucking them in a pain, but more times than not, they become lopsided or bunched up at the bottom (normally thanks to their sleeping partner). 😉
6. Some change their mind seasonally.
The seasons may influence your decision to have a top sheet. When cold weather comes, some people look forward to crawling in bed with some warm and cozy flannel sheets. Come spring or summer, you may be ready to throw them off the bed.
7. Some top sheets are just too good to pass up.
Many of our Hip sidekicks recently bought Quince bamboo sheets and mentioned how they’re simply too soft to not sleep with. Our Hip Sidekick, Liza, said she tends to go to bed a little earlier just to enjoy them longer.
If you’re in the market for some new sheets, many people from our team think you should try Quince bamboo sheets:
I’ve tested many sheets over the years, and this is the first set where my husband wasn’t kicking them off his side. No matter what your sleeping preferences are, we all think you’ll love these sheets!
Bamboo sheets are known for their softness, ultra-smooth texture, and unparalleled breathability. They’re also hypoallergenic and naturally repel dust mites and other allergens, making them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
Typically, bamboo sheets come at a very high cost. (Hundreds, in fact, when considering popular brands like Cozy Earth bamboo sheets and Cariloha bamboo sheets).
Best of all, you don’t need to choose whether you’re “Team Top Sheet” or not because they offer these amazing sheets with OR without a top sheet! 🙌🏼
Read more about the best bamboo bed sheets!
We tested all of this luxury-like bedding for a year, but it’s affordable.
I feel tangled and held down with a top sheet. I prefer my cozy ribbed blankets or a puffy soft comforter. I love the white ones at Ikea. Sheet sets also come with those bottom box skirts; I don’t have a bottom box because I use a 14 inch foam mattress straight on the base so that gets repurposed into more pillow cases. I also do not use curtains because ew dust. Blackout Blinds only!
I cannot believe it never occurred to me to do something with the dust ruffle. I LOVE the idea of making it into more pillow cases! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sometimes it’s the only cover I use as it gets warmer. I have to be covered so it might be a security thing with me.
Ditto, in the summer its all I use. I have to have something on me when sleeping.
That’s why I love those white hospital blankets with holes (the waffle type blanket). Wamsutta makes one that’s around $70 at bed bath & beyond (after coupon of course) & worth every penny. Even in the heat of Texas, it’s the perfect blanket all year round! Actually, now that I look at it, it doesn’t really have holes, but a zig zag type texture. Anyway, my favorite blanket! I gave up on top sheets as soon as my mom would let me get away with it🙂 You just need the right blanket or comforter on top. If you have a cheap comforter, then you’ll want that sheet to keep it off of you. Almost all comforters are made like cheap ones these days…I had to get an expensive wamsutta comforter too cuz all the others are too hot, stiff, itchy, etc.
None of us use top sheets
Team NO top sheet, but I always buy the sets. LOL The guest room always has 2, but my bed only has the fitted and a quilt. I wash all the bedding at once in one load. Thanks for adding the sheet recommendations!
Yes top sheet. I hate the feeling of touching the comforter but like the weight and warmth it provides. We live in Texas so summer time it’s so hot we just use a top sheet and leave off the comforter.
No top sheet–tangled! But also because my down comforters is covered with a duvet cover–that gets washed with everything else, so no dirty comforter.
Same here, we all use a duvet to cover out down comforter and skip the top sheet. I use the top sheets as paint drop cloths.
That’s right. When you have a duvet cover on your duvet, you don’t use a top sheet, especially if your duvet is down. You wash the cover each week and you’re all set. SO much more comfortable and freeing!
Yes I have to have a top sheet!
No to the top sheet. I feel like it must be folded under at the bottom of the bed and then it cramps my toe space. Crazy first world problems.
I never tuck my top sheet in at the bottom of the mattress. Just leave it loose….happy feet!
How often do you wash your bedding without a top sheet? For me it’s not at all related to comfort or preference, but more of a washable layer separating the harder to wash bedding! Especially since my partner sweats SO much when he sleeps… i feel like a blanket or comforter would get real gross, real quick!
I have my comforter in a duvet cover that’s easy to take off and wash, and no top sheet
Agreed!
Once a week or more depending on which blanket
Definitely a crisp cool top sheet when it gets too warm and a fuzzy warm blanket for when it’s too cold. Not a fan of bulky comforters, duvets and quilts..although they’re nice for decorative purposes.
No top sheet for years, gets tangled and moves too much. Can’t handle it. I thought I was the only one!
Ugh!!! I thought this was only an issue with my kids! I had never heard of anyone NOT using a top sheet. I’ve always used a top sheet. My kids on the other hand would either sleep on top of the top sheet without ever turning it down or turn it down and when they made up their bed, they would leave it at the bottom of their bed. I thought it was because they were too lazy to deal with the extra layer and they weren’t the ones doing the laundry. This was a very interesting post. I didn’t know that their were other people in this world who did not use a top sheet!
Same here! I’ve always used a top sheet, but my kids seem to just kick it to the end of the bed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Top sheet all the way. Sometimes I just like a light covering, and the layer of sheet is perfect. Also, I have no desire to constantly wash my quilt, and I would have to considering sweat, feet, etc. Besides the fact that it’s more cumbersome to wash, it would wear out so much more quickly.
I feel the same as you, Quinna! Thanks for commenting on what you prefer!
I use a top sheet on our bed and I sleep under it. I’m always cold, so I like the extra blanket. My husband runs hot so he just lays on top of it, usually. It’s really no big deal for us. I don’t even really think about it. I don’t have top sheets on either of my kids beds though; I never have. I don’t think they need them.
No top sheet here. Yes we wash our comforter a lot but I feel tangled with a top sheet. I grew up in top sheet family but my husband has converted me.
I ALWAYS hated the top sheet, my mom always made it into a curtain so my curtain always matched my sheets in my room. Now my kids ONLY sleep with a sheet just like my husband and I only sleep with a comforter.
NO top sheet for me. Just a 60 inch body pillow and two microfiber blankets.
I buy my sheets from Target since they sell them separately, so l don’t pay for a sheet l will never use.
And
I buy satin zippered pillowcase from Sally Beauty Supply because l am an angry sleeper and they prevent hair damage. Theirs last FOREVER!!
The threshold fitted sheets with the elastic on the corners & the label that says “top” (so you know which way the sheet goes) are EVERYTHING! I’ll never not have elastic on the corners if I can help it! Those sheets will never come off the corner until you’re ready to take it off.
Haha! Same, I iron my sheets especially the edges if there’s wrinkles. Guess I take after my grandma and mom 🤣
I was raised in Europe and until I met my husband the life was simple – sheet on the mattress and comforter in the cover on top. I still hate the top sheet and won’t sleep under it if I have the choice.
Absolutely a top sheet! I can’t imagine not having one. When my covers get all crazy in the middle of the night I will dig until I find it… then the rest of the covers. Then all is right with the world again….Lol
I put an extra top sheet over my blanket. My dog likes to sleep on the bed. The top sheet keeps my blanket cleaner from paw prints and I’d rather wash the sheet repeatedly. And yes, I like the dog on the bed. We don’t want to stop him from jumping up. He’ll snuggle for a while then warm my freezing feet.
Love this idea!
No top sheet needed. It’s extra laundry 🧺 😝.
I have a toddler and use our top sheets as floor protectors during crafts, messy meals, etc. I wash and change the fitted sheet and our duvet at least weekly but I don’t even like the feeling of covering with a sheet so no top sheet for me 🙂 definitely not icky, just wash your bedding as you should. I just bought a duvet cover so I don’t have to take a comforter to the laundry mat every week and I am loving it!
Team no top sheet also! They make great fort makers for the kids tho! Haha
Absolutely a top sheet!
Top sheet for me. I live in the south and it gets hot in the summer.
For me it’s a sensory issue. My husband and I sleep with soft fuzzy blankets only – no comforters in our house either except on the guest bed! By extension, my children also do the same thing. 😬 We just wash blankets extra; I don’t find it gross if you’re actually washing your bedding!
I feel a top sheet (tucked in at the bottom) keeps me from getting tangled up – it can’t roll all around with me like a loose blanket can.
Interesting topic, I also have a teen boy who HATES top sheets. My mom used to make me use one when living at home. Since moving out, all of my apartments have had heat included and I live in WI. Even WITH the heat off, all of my places have been very hot. I do like the idea of using one as then our body oils dont get on our comforters, but when you are a hot sleeper and your place remains hot, not much else you can do.
My entire life I always thought the top sheet was just frivolous and such a bother. I honestly never understood what the point of it was, and found it cumbersome to sleep in. I would get tangled and that thing ended up at the bottom of my feet. And then I took a temp job to run an Airbnb rental. They told me the duvet covers only got washed once every 6 months. Gross. And that’s when I learned the importance of top sheets. If you’re in a rental/ hotel, always use your top sheet. Also, since I have eczema, the top sheet now stops me from having to wash my blanket every single week, and it gives a little extra warmth in the winter. I am a top sheet convert!
I have to have a top sheet!
Me too! So interesting how we all have a specific preference. Thanks for taking a moment to let us know yours!
If you don’t sleep under the top sheet, you could always put it on top of the fitted sheet and sleep on top of it to have more barrier between your mattress and fitted sheet. And just wash the top sheet more often so you don’t have to take the fitted sheet off and on constantly.
Neat idea! Thanks for the helpful suggestion, Lisa!
I don’t use my top sheets to sleep most of the year except summer. I usually put one on top of my floral/dated love seat that’s also in my bedroom. The pattern isn’t so out of place and it protects it from the dog. I’ve also used some sheets as curtians, extra pillowcases, and wash clothes for gentle cleaning (like on my face to remove make up, or a separate piles to clean windows).
No top sheet! Can’t stand it!!! And yes I wash my comforter more often but I don’t buy crazy, hard to wash comforters. I love the down Big One comforters from Kohls. I get them on sale and have several around.
Thanks so much for sharing with us what you have liked best! I’ll have to look for those comforters at Kohl’s!
I really dislike the flat sheet. It’s too light typically and gets tangled easily than heavier blankets.
Also I like the feel of my thicker/fuzzier blankets on me instead. I get cold Pretty often.
Also it’s not functional for how I personally make the bed. -I sleep with my bf. I’m a midnight blanket stealer and toss/turn a lot. After the fitted sheet I put (random patterns) blanket on just his side of the bed and then just mine. Sometimes I put extra on mine since I get more cold. Then on top I put two matching blankets on his side and my side so it’s more cohesive. This keeps us both sleeping better at night and we wake each other less.
No top sheet, I can’t stand the feeling of having my legs tangled up in a sheet.
No to the top sheet. I have neurapathy which means at night I can’t stand anything touching my toes even in winter. Add to that an adjustable bed where I keep my feet elevated at night and the top sheet with the quilt is just a constant tug of war. I’d have the bed nice and straight before I climbed in. Then throughout the night I moved my legs so much trying to find a position where my feet were “happy” that the top sheet went one way and the quilt went the other. I finally ditched the top sheet. Summer time I ditch the quilt too and just use a Vera Bradley throw blanket and fitted sheet.
I like the top sheet, but my bf and I always have had the debate which side do you face up? Does the pattern face the bottom sheet or does it face up? I say it faces the bottom sheet with a bit of the top folded so you see the pattern there. She says the pattern should face up. What do you guys think?
Technically the pattern should face down so that the edge folded over at the top shows the pattern.
No top sheet. I am European…strictly using duvet cover over the blanket, washing it every week ;-).
Top sheet all the way!!! My comforter is too fancy to wash every week. Every time I travel to Europe, where they don’t use top sheets in hotels, I make them bring me one and they act like I’m nuts. It’s too stinking hot to use a down comforter when they have no A/C in lots of their hotels, lol
We have a waterbed so the bottom and top sheets are sewn together. No choice to take off the top sheet. I love the top sheet though and usually only cover with that at night. Blankets make me too sweaty.
I’m a quilt girl, no comforter or duvet cover on my bed….that said…I want a little softness at night that my quilt with all it’s pretty stitching can’t provide. So top sheet with my quilt works great!
We are a duvet & cover family. The duvet cover acts as the top sheet and is washed EVERY time the sheets are washed. If you go this route, it is important to use a quality duvet cover that is soft and feels like a sheet.
Smart! Do you have a recommendation for a duvet cover?
If I’m sweating while I sleep, I need a new a/c, not a top sheet!
Nope! Just ends up at the foot of the bed in a tangled mess. Hubs and I have our own comforters as well. We say it’s our secret to 17+yr of marriage. 🤷🏻♀️ All 4 kids are offered the sheet and refuse it as well. We’ve found some great uses for them though! Blanket forts, drop cloths for painting, picnic blankets, room dividers…
Yes! I’ve never found the top sheet to be of any benefit and it does end up in a tangled mess at the end of the bed. It is just a hassle; bedding is washed regularly so that is not really a deal breaker.
Top sheet all the way! I change my bedding twice a week and I’m still using a top sheet.
Here’s another bedding question: I’m in the market for a lightweight wool summer blanket that’s washable. I’ve been researching and the usual suspects show up : Faribault, Pendleton etc. I would prefer to stay with a blanket that is made in the USA… But they’re SO EXPENSIVE! I know they’re considered investment pieces but I can’t afford to buy an investment piece so what other options are there that are equally good in quality? Desperately seeking an answer to this question! Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
I grew up in Germany as we were stationed there from 72-96 and German’s very rarely used a top sheet. My mom never put them on the bed until we came to the states and had to use American bedding instead of German bedding. I don’t care either way unless it is hot then I have to use a sheet as a cover. We never turn the air on until it is 80 or humid as our house is shaded and cooler inside especially with the ceiling fans. Being raised overseas without air it is hard to get used to sometimes.
When I studied abroad in Scotland they provided sheet and duvet services, one fitted sheet, one duvet and one duvet cover, there was no top sheet. It seemed totally fine to me then. However if I had a comforter then most definitely yes to a top sheet as you don’t wash a comforter as much as a duvet cover. My kids have a top sheet with duvet and cover however it’s almost always off to the side or near the bottom so now that I think about it, I don’t think they really need a top sheet. I’m a top sheet type of gal because I usually kick off the duvet in the middle of the night but still like to have a light sheet on top of me.
I guess I’m old school. I’m on team “yes” for top sheet. I grew up with a top sheet and my bed doesn’t feel the same without one. My kids on the other hand don’t see a need for it and refuses to use a top sheet. I gave up on fighting with them.
I don’t use a top sheet but I have quite a few pillows so I cut up my top sheet and sew some extra matching pillow cases. Sometimes the king size sheet sets only come with 2 pillow cases so I make a few more because we definitely need more than 2 pillows on a king size bed.