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Shea Simmons is an Atlanta-based writer who has written about everything from whether Crisco is a good moisturizer to how to KonMari your space. Her work has appeared in Bustle, My First Apartment, and Make It Grateful. Read more...

You’ve probably heard that a top sheet can be controversial. Well, we’ve got some news for you. Some people only use top sheets. In fact, they use them in place of a fitted one.

While it might sound odd to ditch your fitted sheet in favor of a flat or top sheet, there are actually several reasons why it’s a practical decision. It’s also not anything new.

Using a flat sheet in place of a fitted option has been happening in hotels, hospitals, and the military for a while. In fact, back in 2015, Jay Shah, Hersha Hospitality Trust CEO, told The Philadelphia Inquirer that top sheets are likely to last longer. Not only will they not come undone from the mattress at night when tucked properly, but they don’t have the added issue of elastic wear and tear reducing life span.

You can purchase sets of only flat sheets.

Of course, we’re all familiar with storing and laundering a fitted sheet. While you can watch video tutorial upon video tutorial, folding a fitted sheet is still a wild ride for many. Most of the time that means a messy, crumpled pile in your linen closet that takes up more space and makes the area look less tidy.

Then, there’s washing them. If you’ve ever tossed a flat sheet, pillow case, or blanket into the dryer with a fitted sheet, you know they’ll likely need to be freed from an elastic cage. Thanks to the bands that keep fitted sheets on the bed, other items can bunch and wad up in the dryer, getting trapped inside the sheet.

Sold on switching out your fitted sheet for a flat one now? You’ll need to know how to make hospital corners. They’re simpler than you think.

If you’re tired of fighting with fitted sheets, it might be time to rethink your views on top sheets. However, we understand if you’d still rather forgo their traditional use.

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