A big debate has spilled over from the bedroom to internet forum. The topic of debate? Top sheets. As in, bed linens.
Yes, bedding enthusiasts are divided on whether this often overlooked layer is a bedroom essential or an unnecessary relic.
In the world of homemaking, where the smallest details can ignite passionate opinions, the question remains: do you really need a top sheet, or can a trusty duvet cover make a top sheet redundant?
Here’s a look at the debate sweeping through the internet bedrooms everywhere.
A Generational and Cultural Divide
If you’ve ever bought a bedding linen set from a place like Target, you know the drill.
The standard set typically includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and pillowcases.
The top sheet has long been a staple, providing a barrier between you and your duvet or comforter. But why is this sheet still hanging around? For many, it’s about cleanliness and comfort.
According to a survey by mattress-maker Casper (because who else, right?), there appears to be a generational divide on this matter, lending some credence to the notion that “millennials killed the top sheet.”
Casper’s survey found that 67% of those 55 or older were all about the top sheet, whereas of between those between 18–54, less than 30% feel the same way
On Reddit, the top sheet vs. duvet debate has sparked much conversation. Within the multi-thousand comment discussions, an interesting trend emerges: at least part of the divide may have to do with cultural ties.
“In our country top sheets were never popular (Europe). With duvet I can wrap into it on colder nights, when top sheet and duvet are “disconnected” and is more difficult to keep together. Anyway, I slept with top sheets in hotel, and can’t stand them. They might be easier to change, but more annoying to sleep with,” Reddit user Logical_Challenge540 says.
Could it be that top sheets are an American preference?
Based on the discussions, it certainly appears to be a factor—to the point that going sans top sheet is referred to in the discussions as “going European.”
European immigrants and their descendants may have inherited a preference for duvet covers from their upbringing.
Arguments for the Top Sheet
Advocates argue that a top sheet serves multiple purposes:
- It adds a barrier between your skin and the duvet, keeping the latter cleaner for longer.
- It can be a softer layer that adds comfort.
- It’s considered a more hygienic option, especially for those who want to extend the life of their duvets.
- Top sheets are easier to wash and handle compared to putting a duvet cover on a comforter.
However, it’s worth noting that not every duvet is made of rough fabric, nor is every duvet expensive enough to warrant added protection. While these reasons may resonate with some, for others, the top sheet’s importance is up for debate.
“I always viewed [top sheets] as underwear for the bed,” Redditor u/drNeir says. With 1,400 upvotes, others appear to agree.
The Anti-Top Sheet Movement
On the flip side, there’s a growing group of people ready to toss the top sheet altogether. For them, it’s just one more thing to wash and keep track of.
In an era when minimalism is all the rage, the top sheet is seen by some as an unnecessary piece of fabric cluttering up the laundry pile. Top sheets also add an extra element to making the bed every day.
Those who ditch the top sheet find that a fitted sheet and a duvet are more than enough to stay clean and comfortable. Ultimately, all the parts that make skin contact at night get washed, so the hygienically, the duvet cover-fitted sheet combo— that is, the ‘no top sheet’ camp— really works out the same. To go the extra mile, there’s always the option of both.
Aesthetics may play a role as well.
Some argue that bedspreads look sleeker and more streamlined without the extra layer, favoring a crisp, duvet-only look.
Ultimately, for this group, the top sheet is seen as outdated, fussy, at times, annoying, and even constricting.
“I love the duvet without a top sheet because there is less to get tangled in at night,” one Redditor says.
The Bottom Line
So where does that leave us?
Like most lifestyle choices, the great top sheet debate boils down to personal preference.
But based on generational trends, the top sheet appears to be currently in transition getting phased out.
For some, it’s about coverage and texture; for others, it’s about simplicity and aesthetics. Whether you choose to embrace the top sheet or toss it is entirely up to you—and your comfort.
It seems like people just want to throw away their top sheets, and they may have a point. Based on the pros and cons of using top sheets, whether to use them or not is a matter of personal preference.
So, if you’re wondering if you’re doing the right thing when it comes to your bedding linen, just remember that it’s all up to you, your comfort, and your aesthetics.
Related: Everything You Should Know About ‘Fridgescaping,’ the Internet’s Latest Obsession
This article is for informational purposes only. Trendy Matters has no affiliation with any of the brands or people mentioned. The views in this article are that of the author.
