What do you mean, no top sheet?

George (RIP) says: No top sheet necessary!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I’d like to discuss something of utmost importance; something that impacts all of us on a daily basis: bedding. (Ha ha, but also true.)

How I grew up doing it

If you are like me, you grew up with your bedding assembled as such:

Top layer = bedspreadNext = 0-2 blankets and/or comforters depending on the seasonNext = Top sheet (flat)Next = Bottom sheet (fitted)Bottom layer = mattress cover

I think most of my readers will understand that people are meant to insert themselves between the top and bottom sheets for sleeping, but apparently some Europeans are confused about this. That’s because they do not use a top sheet at home. What?!. Similarly, I was almost 50 years old before it ever occurred to me to sleep without a top sheet — or without blankets and a bedspread, for that matter!

 

Duvet v. Comforter

Before we continue, I think a few definitions are called for.

I’m sure everyone has their own terminology, be it regional, familial, generational, or marketing.

But for purposes of this blog post:

Duvet = A fluffy insert for a duvet cover. I have two — a winter-weight duvet and a summer-weight duvet.

Duvet Cover = A cover for your duvet that can be easily swapped out for a different look. Many people who use the covered duvet for decorative purposes often still use a top sheet. In my case, though, I only purchase duvet covers that look and feel like sheets and can be machine washed and dried along with the bottom sheet and pillowcases.

Comforter = A stand-alone layer, not requiring a cover, that can replace a blanket and/or bedspread, and is usually used with a top sheet.

Depending on the size, I suppose a comforter could fit inside a duvet cover, but that doesn’t make it a duvet despite Landon Bryant, in this TikTok, talking in terms of putting “duvet covers” on “comforters”. He usually talks about Southern things — phrases, food, manners — and I think he’s run out of Southern things to talk about, since there’s not a lot of call for extra warmth in the South. In any case, note the comments on his post — people have big feelings about this topic!

SIDEBAR: Duvet vs. Comforter: What’s the Difference and Which to Get

If this image is blurry, click the sidebar link.

OK, but…no top sheet?!?!

I’ve seen several references lately to the “no top sheet” debate. There seem to be two major reasons for the divided camps: geographical and generational. Europeans, for example, tend not to use top sheets (or so I hear), and younger generations (starting with Millennials) seem to be trending that way too.

I was converted to the “no top sheet” way of life years ago on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) trip to Alaska. It was something that frankly had never occurred to me before. And I never slept better! (Well, the gentle rocking of the ship might have had a little something to do with it, too.)

NCL’s staff is very international. I’m not sure if they were just doing what they’re used to doing at home, or if NCL HQ declared it to be more efficient. They used duvets, but wrapped them in sheets in a way I’m not sure I could recreate (i.e. they didn’t use closeable duvet covers).

When I got home I researched duvets, duvet covers, and comforters and decided to give it a try. I’ve been through a few duvet covers and bottom sheets since then, but my choices are always made of machine-washable and -dryable cotton fabric that feels soft, like a regular sheet, on my skin.

SIDEBAR: What Is a Top Sheet? Do You Actually Need One?

 

How I do it now

So, my bedding is (and has been for years now) assembled thusly:

Top layer = Duvet inside sheet-like duvet coverNext = Bottom (fitted) sheetBottom layer = Mattress cover (I just use an old blanket. Maybe one of these days I’ll spring for a proper one.)

You should probably know that I’m also not the kind of girl with decorative pillows on her bed. It’s just not worth the effort (to me) of putting them on, taking them off, storing them, and keeping them clean.

Bed pillows are supremely important for sleeping, though! I may or may not write a whole separate post about pillows. I’ve tried them all and am currently a fan of the Pillow Cube, if you want to know.

 

Benefits of streamlined bedding

Ah, the simplicity of it!

No getting tangled up in the sheets and covers during the night!No blankets separating from the sheets and from each other and having to wrangle them all back into place in the morning!One shake of the duvet and I’m done making the bed!

 

Common concerns

The main concerns people seem to have are cleanliness, comfort, and difficulty of putting the cover on a duvet.

So, to answer your questions, no, I am not getting a fancy duvet cover dirty, or sleeping with something non-absorbent or scratchy next to my skin. The ones I buy have the same exact feel as a top sheet, and are just as easily washed and dried. We won’t get into how often to wash bedding. It depends on so many things, like what you wear, if anything, to bed. And who allows their pets to sleep with them (me) or eats crackers in bed (not me).

And no, it’s not too hot (or cold) because I have two duvets — a lightweight one for summer and a heavier one for winter. I change mid-spring and mid-fall when I start getting too hot or too cold. And I have, on occasion, slept under only the empty duvet cover (so, the weight of two sheets).

Over the years I’ve had a couple of different styles of duvet covers. Most of them close at the bottom. In that case I recommend the “burrito method” of putting the cover on: The burrito method of putting on (and taking off) a duvet cover.

The one I’m using now, though, opens on two sides and zips closed. It’s sold by Quick Zip, which also offers a unique bottom sheet solution: The sides that fit around and tuck under the mattress stay in place. And the top zips off to wash. Hard to picture? See the illustration below and look for the videos on this page for how the fitted sheet and duvet covers work.

QuickZip fitted bottom sheet

I don’t care if you purchase anything from Quick Zip. I just want you to know that such a thing exists. Can you see how much easier this would be for someone who struggles to maneuver their mattress and fitted sheet? (And maybe doesn’t wash them as often as they should as a result?) If you aren’t struggling, then never mind, this isn’t for you.

 

Why am I writing about bedding, anyway?

This is not a right or wrong thing. Although I don’t expect everyone to switch their bedding based on what I do, I will say I’m a little surprised at how adamant people can be about the way they’ve always done things, including how they make a bed. And how some of them disparage those who do it differently. But it’s most definitely a way to simplify bed-making, if that’s what you’re looking for!

 

How to fold a fitted sheet

Either way, you’ll need a fitted bottom sheet. (Well, unless you want to use a flat sheet that’s big enough to tuck in the edges to keep in in place.)

If you aren’t using Quick Zip, and if you have multiple sets of sheets per bed, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of folding them neatly for storage. So here are a couple of how-to videos for you:

(The Seana Method)

If that doesn’t work for you, try this:

How to purrfectly fold a fitted sheet in seconds (Meow!)

 

PRO TIP: Did you know that you never have to fold anything if you take it off the bed, wash and dry it, and put it back on the bed? Yes, there will be a few hours during which the bed will be — gasp! — naked. But it’s also an incentive to finish the laundry you started, no?

 

Are you in the “top sheet” camp? Or are you team “no top sheet”?

What generation are you and where did you grow up?

Do you use the terms duvet and comforter interchangeably?

How do YOU put on your duvet cover or fold a fitted sheet?

Please share with us by leaving a comment below!

______________________________________________________Hazel Thornton is an author, genealogist, and retired home and office organizer.
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