Not all opinions are good opinions. In 2021, Insider Reviews' Connie Chen wrote an opinion piece, "Admit it: You don't need a top sheet for your bed." While I'll admit you don't need a flat sheet (or top sheet), Connie's hatred of flat sheets is misplaced: Duvet covers are the problem.
Here's why you can save time and money by skipping a duvet cover and opting for a flat sheet instead. If you are in the market for a new sheet set, consider purchasing one of our top picks from our best sheets guide.
Flat sheets are easier and faster to clean
Let's start where Chen and I agree. The central premise for several of her arguments is that you don't need pajamas, a flat sheet, and a duvet cover. You can achieve optimal comfort and cleanliness with just one. I agree.
However, Chen argues that pajamas and duvet covers provide the necessary protective layer between you and your comforter. That's fine, but what about washing them? Duvet covers are awful to remove and install.
"I have better things to do with my weekend than wrestle a frumpy piece of linen (or whatever) over a duvet and hopefully tie it in place correctly," said senior reporter Owen Burke. Duvet covers also take up more washer and dryer space. Flat sheets are easy to remove, clean, and put on your bed.
Chen and editor Lily Alig claim that tucking in the flat sheet is an added hassle when making the bed. While that may be so, making the bed each day is an entirely unnecessary task. In my 41 years, I've tucked in a flat sheet fewer than a dozen times and haven't experienced any adverse side effects.
Flat sheets cost less
Again, let's start where Chen and I agree. Bedding brands should allow you to buy a sheet set without a flat sheet. Most do not.
Consequently, when you buy a sheet set, you're stuck with a flat sheet anyway. Even when you find sheet sets that don't come with a flat sheet (Parachute and Brooklinen offer this option), you'll only save a fraction of the total price by forgoing the flat sheet. And then you still have to buy a duvet cover – somehow ditching the flat sheet ends up costing you more in the long run.
Flat sheets are more comfortable
Chen and Insider Reviews' reporter Jenny McGrath claim that flat sheets move around too much as you sleep. This sounds like it may be a problem with specific fabrics. I don't have this problem. I shift a lot in the night, and my silky, smooth sheets stay in place.
Flat sheets are perfect for hot nights. "In the summer, they offer a layer of cover when I inevitably kick off my comforter," said executive editor Sally Kaplan. Burke uses a flat sheet as his only cover during the warmer months. With duvet covers, you can't kick off the duvet and just sleep with the cover.
Equally frustrating, 9 times out of 10, the duvet bunches up inside. This stinks because a lumpy comforter isn't comfortable. To be fair, I have tested duvet covers that work well, but they're the exception.
Lastly, pajamas are just too restrictive, and if you try loose ones, they shift and become uncomfortable. No, thanks!
A solution for couples with mixed flat sheet feelings
Flat sheets are hygienic, easy to clean, affordable, and comfortable, but I understand some people prefer inferior solutions. That's why my flat sheet-free wife and I sleep in separate beds, a perfectly reasonable solution to an unreasonable problem.
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