Fitted Sheets

A fitted sheet is a bottom sheet designed to fit snugly over your mattress with elasticated corners or edges that wrap around the mattress sides. Unlike flat sheets, fitted sheets have deep pockets and elastic that keeps them securely in place throughout the night, preventing bunching or sliding off. In South Africa, fitted sheets are essential for maintaining a neat bed appearance and ensuring comfortable sleep, especially during hot nights when you might move around more. They create a smooth, wrinkle-free sleeping surface and are much easier to put on than trying to tuck in flat sheets, making bed-making quicker and more efficient.

Measure your mattress length, width, and depth to determine the correct fitted sheet size. Standard South African mattress sizes are: Single (90cm x 190cm), Three-Quarter (105cm x 190cm), Double (135cm x 190cm), Queen (152cm x 200cm), and King (183cm x 200cm). However, always measure your specific mattress as sizes can vary between manufacturers. Check the sheet's packaging or product description for the exact dimensions it fits. Many South African retailers now clearly label the mattress dimensions each sheet accommodates. If you're unsure, it's better to go slightly larger than smaller, as sheets that are too small will pop off the corners during sleep.

Consider your mattress depth first - most South African mattresses range from 15-30cm deep, so ensure your fitted sheet pocket depth matches. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton percale or bamboo for South Africa's warm climate, especially in provinces like Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, or the Western Cape during summer. Cotton jersey (t-shirt material) is popular for its stretch and comfort but may retain more heat. Look for quality elastic that won't lose tension quickly - important in South Africa's strong UV conditions if you line dry. Consider thread count between 200-400 for durability. Choose colours that hide dust and dirt, particularly important in areas with high dust levels. Ensure the sheet is pre-shrunk to avoid sizing issues after washing.

Your fitted sheet pocket should be 2-5cm deeper than your mattress thickness to ensure proper fit and allow for tucking under. Most standard South African mattresses are 15-25cm deep, so look for fitted sheets with 20-30cm pockets. If you have a pillow-top or extra-thick mattress (common in luxury ranges), you'll need deep-pocket sheets of 30-40cm. Memory foam toppers, popular in South Africa's climate for temperature regulation, add extra height requiring deeper pockets. Sheets that are too shallow will pop off corners during sleep, while excessively deep pockets may bunch up under the mattress. Always check your mattress depth including any toppers before purchasing.

Generally, buy the exact size for your mattress, but going one size up can work if you have a thick mattress or use mattress protectors and toppers. For example, if you have a double mattress with a thick protector, a queen fitted sheet might provide better coverage and stay secure. This is particularly relevant in South Africa where many people use waterproof mattress protectors due to humidity in coastal areas. However, sheets that are too large will bunch up and create an uncomfortable sleeping surface. If you're between sizes or have an unusually thick mattress setup, the larger size may be more practical than struggling with sheets that don't fit properly.