The fitted sheet is a product that customers quickly lose patience with if it doesn't fit properly. This month, buyers visiting our site searched for jersey fitted sheets, a cotton topper fitted sheet and options for contract projects. The difference between good and mediocre quality lies mainly in the knit, the weight of the fabric and the stretch. Here is what to look for.
Single jersey or double jersey: what is the difference?
Single jersey is a light, supple knitted fabric with a smooth face and a slightly rougher back. It drapes softly, is easy to iron or fold and suits standard mattresses. For retailers, it is an accessible entry point with a clear story: soft, stretchy and practical.
Double jersey is a denser, sturdier knit. It often feels fuller, is less prone to curling and holds its shape better after many washes. For hotels and rental businesses, that is a real selling point, as the sheets are washed frequently and subject to heavy use.
A muslin fitted sheet, also searched for as a micro muslin fitted sheet, is a different construction. It is generally thinner and the fabric itself is less elastic, so the fit comes mainly from the elastic. Treat it as a category in its own right, not as a replacement for jersey.
Grammage and stretch: what to look for on the shelf
Grammage is a useful measure, but only when you consider it alongside the knit and the composition. A heavier fabric is usually more stable and more opaque. A lighter fabric is more supple and easier to pack. For every item, ask for the stated grammage and always compare within the same fabric type.
Stretch determines whether the sheet stays in place. Look out for the following points:
- A sheet with elastane in the fabric recovers better than one without.
- Check whether the elastic runs all the way round or only sits in the corners.
- Test the stretch across the width and the length, not just at the edge.
- Ask for the dimensions and the maximum mattress depth for each item.
- Have a test wash done and measure again afterwards.
- For certification (such as OEKO-TEX), ask for confirmation per item, together with the certificate.
Fitted sheets for deep mattresses and toppers
Mattresses are getting deeper, and many customers add a mattress topper on top. A standard fitted sheet is then quickly too tight. The corners pull off, the sheet strains and customers return it. A fitted sheet that is too tight is one of the most common reasons for a return.
A topper fitted sheet solves this with a deeper skirt and a more generous cut. A cotton topper fitted sheet is popular because it feels breathable and familiar. Cotton jersey combines this with the stretch needed to close around a thick topper. In your range, state clearly which mattress depth each sheet is designed for, so customers don't have to guess.
If your customer group asks for a fitted sheet with a zip, for instance to make changing the bed easier on heavy mattresses, discuss the options beforehand. This is a more specialist product that is best positioned separately.
Contract and hotel: choose repeatability
For a contract fitted sheet in jersey, consistency matters more than the latest fabric innovation. Choose a quality you can reorder in the same colour and size over time, so that rooms stay uniform. Double jersey, or a sturdy single jersey with a good elastic, is often the sensible foundation. Also consider your laundry process: a fabric that is washed at higher temperatures or in intensive cycles has to be able to withstand that.
If you would like to see the full range, you will find it in our bed textiles collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is double jersey always better than single jersey?
No. Double jersey is sturdier and more durable under heavy use, but single jersey is lighter and softer, and works well for standard mattresses and a broad retail audience.
What should I do if customers say the fitted sheet is too tight?
Check the mattress depth, any topper and the stated size of the sheet. For a deep mattress setup, choose a topper fitted sheet with a deeper skirt and a stretchy fabric.
Does a muslin fitted sheet suit a deep mattress?
That depends on the cut and the elastic. The fabric itself generally stretches less than jersey, so check the maximum mattress depth for each item.
Would you like to buy jersey fitted sheets, topper fitted sheets or contract qualities for your shop, webshop or hotel? Request a retail account with MPS Textiles. We will be happy to discuss which quality suits your customer group.
