Fitted sheet: how to choose the right size for your mattress (height, corners, no slipping)

A fitted sheet is one of the most convenient solutions — but only as long as it fits your mattress: stays in place, wraps the corners neatly, and doesn’t leave wrinkles. If the sheet keeps slipping off, the corners “won’t go on,” or the fabric bunches up, the most common reason isn’t the width or length — it’s the mattress height (and a topper, if you use one). In this guide, we’ll show you how to measure your mattress correctly, which fitted sheet size to choose for the most popular bed dimensions, and what to do so your fitted sheet stays secure — even if you move a lot while sleeping.

What is a fitted sheet and why it doesn’t “slip”

A fitted sheet is a sheet with elastic sewn into the edges. It wraps around the sides and corners of the mattress, so it stays more stable than a regular flat sheet: it doesn’t twist, doesn’t bunch into a “ball,” and your bed looks neater in the morning.

Fitted sheets are most often chosen if you:

• want a sheet that is quick and easy to pull on over the mattress;
• sleep restlessly;
• make the bed often (kids’ room, guest bed);
• wash frequently and want a solution that always looks tidy.

Important: a fitted sheet won’t “slip” only when it’s chosen not just by the mattress width and length, but also by the mattress height.

How to measure your mattress correctly (3 measurements)

For a fitted sheet to stay secure, you need to measure not only the mattress width and length, but also the height. These three numbers solve 90% of “slipping fitted sheet” problems.

1) Measure the mattress width and length

Measure the mattress from edge to edge (not the bed frame). The most common sizes: 90×200, 120×200, 140×200, 160×200, 180×200, 200×200 cm.

2) Measure the mattress height (this is the most important)

Height is the distance from the bottom of the mattress to the top. A fitted sheet needs to wrap the sides so the elastic can hook underneath the mattress and stay taut.

Our recommendation so the sheet won’t slip: choose a fitted sheet whose depth allowance is up to 10 cm larger than your mattress (or mattress + topper) height. Then the sheet will “grab” the mattress from underneath, stay more stable, and won’t slide off.

3) Account for a topper

If you use a topper, you need to measure with it on — because the fitted sheet has to wrap the whole “sandwich.”

Size guide: which fitted sheet to choose for your mattress dimensions

A simple rule: the fitted sheet size (width × length) usually matches the mattress size. Where people most often make a mistake is choosing the wrong depth for the mattress height.

If your mattress is non-standard, choose a fitted sheet by the exact measurement or a made-to-order solution. And when choosing depth, remember the rule: the sheet should be up to 10 cm “taller” than the mattress so it can stay hooked under the mattress.

When a fitted sheet still slips (and how to fix it)

1) The sheet is too shallow for your mattress height (not enough depth)

Signs: corners are hard to pull on, the sheet “pops off” overnight, the elastic is stretched to the limit.
Solution: choose a sheet that wraps your mattress height with an allowance of up to 10 cm so the elastic can hold from underneath.

2) The sheet is too big (wrinkles and starts to “move”)

Signs: the sheet feels “loose,” fabric gathers in the corners, and during sleep the fabric twists into wrinkles.
Solution: choose the exact width × length for your mattress, and solve comfort through the depth (height).

3) The material and stretch don’t match your habits

Sometimes the issue isn’t the measurements but the feel: some fabrics “hold” more firmly, others are smoother or more slippery — especially if you sleep actively. In that case, it’s worth choosing a more snug-fitting fabric or simply double-checking the depth and size again.

Which fabric to choose: cotton canvas, sateen or jersey?

Cotton canvas, 100% cotton (everyday classic)

Best for: if you want a durable, long-lasting option that’s easy to care for and breathes well.

Browse: Cotton fitted sheets.

Sateen, 100% cotton (for smoothness and a “luxury” feel)

Best for: if you love a soft, smooth surface and want a bed that looks especially elegant.

• Patterned Deluxe sateen fitted sheets
• Solid-colour PREMIUM sateen fitted sheets

Knit / jersey, 100% cotton (maximum snug fit)

Best for: if you want the sheet to fit perfectly and be easy to put on even on a taller mattress.

Browse: Jersey fitted sheets.

Waterproof option

If you’re looking for extra mattress protection (for kids, seniors, a guest bed, or simply peace of mind), choose a waterproof option:

Waterproof terry fitted sheet.

The waterproof terry fitted sheet is used only as mattress protection — for maximum comfort, we recommend placing a cotton sheet on top.

Care: how to wash so the elastic doesn’t stretch out

• Choose a gentler wash and don’t overload the washing machine drum.
• Avoid very aggressive spinning and extremely hot drying — that’s what stresses the elastic the most.
• When air-drying, try not to hang it in a way that stretches the elastic.

Most common mistakes when buying online (and how to avoid them)

• Not measuring the mattress height (or topper) — and that’s exactly what most often causes slipping.
• Measuring the bed frame instead of the mattress.
• Choosing a “slightly bigger” sheet — it wrinkles and starts to shift.
• Mixing up similar sizes (e.g., 160×200 vs non-standard options).

Recommendations by situation (quick pick)

• Thinner mattress (18–22 cm): a standard fitted sheet with a height of 25–30 cm usually works — what matters is a stable wrap.
• Medium mattress (23–28 cm): choose a fitted sheet with extra depth allowance so it holds under the mattress.
• Tall mattress (29–35 cm) / with topper: measure with the topper and choose a sheet that is up to 10 cm “taller” than the total height.

Browse fitted sheets by size (so it truly fits)

When you know your mattress width × length and height (with a topper, if you use one), you’ll choose your fitted sheet with no guesswork — and it will stay secure, won’t slip at the corners, and will look tidy every morning.

👉 Browse the collection: Fitted sheets.

FAQ: fitted sheet (answers to the most common questions)

How do I choose a fitted sheet based on mattress height?

Measure the mattress height (with a topper, if there is one) and choose a sheet with a depth allowance of up to 10 cm — so the elastic can hold from underneath and the sheet won’t slip off.

Does a fitted sheet work for a tall mattress (25–30 cm)?

Yes. The key is choosing a fitted sheet with enough depth so it can securely “grab” the mattress from underneath.

What should I do if my fitted sheet keeps slipping off?

First check: (1) whether the sheet depth is enough for the height, (2) whether the size matches the mattress, (3) whether you’re including the topper height. Most often, the problem is exactly the height (depth).

How do I wash a fitted sheet so the elastic doesn’t stretch out?

Choose a gentle wash, don’t overload the machine, and avoid very aggressive spinning and extremely hot drying.

What’s the difference between a jersey fitted sheet and a cotton canvas or sateen one?

A jersey fitted sheet is stretchier, fits more snugly and is easier to put on, while cotton canvas is classic, sturdy and versatile for everyday use. Jersey fitted sheets have elastic all around the edge, while cotton canvas and sateen ones have elastic only in the corners.

Quick summary (so you can choose in 30 seconds)

• Width × length should match the mattress (e.g., 160×200 → 160×200).
• Mattress height (with a topper) is the most important measurement.
• Choose a sheet with a height allowance of up to 10 cm — so it holds under the mattress and doesn’t slip.
• If the sheet slips: check height first, then width/length, and only then the fabric.

Rustilė – discover more home textile and bedding solutions on our homepage: rustile.de.