Fitted Sheets

A fitted sheet has elasticated edges designed to wrap snugly around the mattress, holding it in place while you sleep. A flat sheet is a plain rectangular sheet used as a layer between the fitted sheet and your quilt or doona. Some sleepers use both for a traditional layered bed; others skip the flat sheet entirely and sleep directly under a quilt cover. It comes down to personal preference and how warm you like to sleep.

Pocket depth depends on your mattress height: - Standard mattress (20–25cm): A standard fitted sheet with 30cm pocket depth will fit comfortably - Thick mattress or mattress topper (25–35cm): look for a deep fitted sheet with at least 38–40cm pocket depth - Pillow-top or euro-top mattress (35cm+): you may need an extra deep fitted sheet with 45cm+ pocket depth Always measure your mattress, including any topper, before purchasing to avoid fitting issues.

The most common causes are insufficient pocket depth, worn elastic, or a mattress that is too thick for the sheet. If your mattress is within the recommended depth range but the sheet still lifts, check whether the elastic runs only at the corners or all the way around the hem. Full perimeter elastic provides a significantly more secure fit. Canningvale fitted sheets are constructed with full perimeter elastic for exactly this reason.

Sleep hygiene research suggests washing bed sheets, including fitted sheets, every one to two weeks under normal use. If you sweat heavily during sleep, have allergies, or share your bed with pets, washing weekly is advisable. Each wash removes accumulated body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mite allergens that build up in bedding over time. Having two or three sets in rotation makes weekly washing practical without putting excessive wear on any single set. What thread count is best for fitted sheets? Thread count is one indicator of quality, but not the only one. As a general guide: - 200–400TC: good quality everyday cotton, breathable and durable - 400–600TC: noticeably softer with a smoother finish, suits those who prefer a silkier feel - 600–1000TC: premium luxury, hotel-quality softness with exceptional longevity It is worth noting that thread count alone does not determine quality. Fibre type matters as much as count - a 400TC Egyptian cotton sheet will outperform a 1000TC sheet made from short-staple cotton in both feel and durability.

Yes. Canningvale sells fitted sheets individually as well as part of complete sheet sets. Buying individually is useful if you need a replacement for a worn fitted sheet, want to mix materials across your bedding, or are building a layered bed using pieces from different collections. Our mix-and-match range makes it straightforward to combine fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases across colours and textures.

Some shrinkage is normal in new cotton fitted sheets, typically around three to five per cent after the first few washes as the fibres settle. This is accounted for in Canningvale's sizing. To minimise ongoing shrinkage, wash in warm rather than hot water and avoid high heat in the dryer. If you're concerned about fit after washing, remove the sheet while it's slightly damp and gently stretch it back onto the mattress while it finishes drying in place.