How to choose a sheet with an elastic band?
Elastic sheets are popular. It is understandable - such linen does not slip off the mattress, does not crumple, it is convenient to sleep on it. However, all this is true only if the linen is selected correctly. Read about how to do this in the article.
Description
The sheets with elastic are a rectangular fabric with elastic sewn around the perimeter. It stretches over the mattress, does not slip, does not gather into a lump. At the same time, the mattress can be almost any, the main thing is not too soft, otherwise it will not withstand the tension of the elastic band.
There are different model options. These are sheets in which an elastic band is sewn along the entire perimeter, and products with elastic bands along the edges (at the corners). The former are more convenient because they provide a secure fixation of the laundry. Finally, there is a variation in which a braid is inserted at the corners of the sheet, slightly extending to the long sides of the sheet. This braid is usually used for thin sheets made from expensive fabrics - a coarse elastic band around the entire perimeter can tear the product.
It is logical that the size of the sheet should exactly match the size of the mattress (length and width). And the lifting of the sheet is usually done 3-5 cm above the height of the mattress.
Products with an elastic band are especially convenient for children, as well as for those who have a restless sleep - tossing and turning in their sleep. The sheet will not curl or clump.
Undoubtedly, it is more convenient and easier to use when making the bed. Tucking in a large, heavy mattress or a bunk bed - in these cases, a sheet with an elastic band is especially convenient.
The advantages of the product do not end there. A sheet with an elastic band can also serve as a mattress cover. In this case, it is pulled over the mattress, and an ordinary sheet is put on top. As a rule, this option is chosen by people who want to keep the mattress clean and fresh as long as possible. And also those who like softer and more layered bed.
Finally, the fitted sheet is ideal for an inflatable mattress. The latter is used by many as a temporary sleeping place, as well as a mobile bed for guests. If you cover the air mattress with an ordinary sheet, then sleep turns into torment. An analogue on an elastic band will not get lost and slip. The main thing is that the size of the sheet matches the parameters of the mattress.
Types of fabric
All existing types of fabrics for sheets are divided into 2 large groups - natural and artificial. The former are made from natural fibers of plant origin. To obtain artificial variants, wood pulp is added to natural fibers and subjected to additional treatments. The result is matter that is not much inferior to natural matter. At the same time, artificial analogs may be more practical and affordable.
There is also a third type - synthetic fabrics (acrylic, polysatin, polyester). The material is based on products of oil and natural gas. Such a sheet does not allow air and moisture to pass through, in addition, it is rather slippery and uncomfortable. Even the presence of an elastic band around the perimeter does not save her.
Natural
- Satin can be distinguished among natural fabrics. Outwardly, it is similar to silk - the same pleasant, glossy and like a cool surface. But unlike silk, satin is cheaper and more practical. It can withstand up to 300-400 washes without changing its appearance.
The satin product is suitable for everyday use as well as for special occasions.
- Poplin is considered a popular type of cotton underwear. It is a soft but dense material that keeps its shape well. The material allows air to pass through, but at the same time retains heat.
- Batiste is a light and translucent material. The material has a complex structure, thanks to which it looks airy and elegant.
However, this reduces wear resistance, and therefore cambric sheets are not suitable for everyday use. But they can be a great present.
- Calico is a practical material. Among its advantages are wear resistance, durability, and resistance to washing.
Calico sheets are pleasant to the body, promote sound sleep. In short, the best option for daily use.
- Mahra is a practical, pleasant to the body and durable material. These sheets are comfortable for daily use, they are soft and warm, breathable and absorbent. It should be noted that the material is easy to care for - it can be washed in an automatic machine and it is not necessary to iron it with an iron. The knitted fabrics fit the mattress tightly, they do not roll or wrinkle. Terry sheets may have a waterproof lining. On the reverse side, the product is equipped with a polyurethane membrane (a kind of oilcloth).
This sheet is ideal for cots, the bed of the elderly or bedridden patients.
- Warm options include a flannel sheet. It is soft, keeps warm, but at the same time "breathes". Washes easily and dries quickly.
- Linen sheets are considered one of the most hypoallergenic, because due to the peculiarities of the material, pathogenic microorganisms are not formed on its surface. The fabric is rather rough and knots are felt during use.
Some people don't like this, while other people compare the surface to a massage mat and are quite happy with this effect. The material is durable, dries quickly.
Artificial
- Velor - this sheet has a velvety surface and luxurious appearance. The product becomes soft, warm, pleasant to the body. Due to the peculiarities of the material, the sheet will fit the mattress tightly without rolling. In addition, an exquisite item is able to transform the interior, adding gloss and bliss to it.
A great gift option, bed linen for special occasions. It is also suitable for everyday use, but the cost may seem high.
- Atlas is a noble product that can be analogous to silk. Smooth, glossy sheets will instantly create an atmosphere of luxury and pleasant coolness. Outwardly, they are very similar to silk, but have a more affordable cost.
Of course, it is difficult to call such products practical - despite the presence of an elastic band, they can slip off, and puffs appear on the surface.
- Bamboo is a material that is gaining more and more popularity lately. The secret is in its unique qualities. Bamboo products are hypoallergenic, breathable. They are characterized by increased wear-resistant properties and are practical. The appearance of the material is also impressive - it is soft, pleasant to the touch, has a slight sheen, and looks noble.
Many people call the disadvantage of bamboo sheets the high cost.
Sizes and shapes
The standard is the rectangular shape of the sheet with an elastic band. However, today it will not be difficult to find an analogue for a round bed.
There are children (104x160 cm) and adult sizes. Adult products, as a rule, are selected according to the size of the bed and are single, one-and-a-half and double. However, not all manufacturers adhere to uniform standards, which explains the difference in the size of sheets, sometimes up to 10-15 cm for different brands.
A standard single sheet is a 110x200 cm product. However, they cannot be called very popular, in contrast to one and a half-sleeping counterparts, the size of which is 150x200 cm. Double-bed products are usually chosen by family people, the size of the sheet in this case is 175-210 cm (width), length 210-230 cm (length) ...
The dimensions of the sheet may differ from the given standards upwards, but they cannot be smaller.
Euro sheets are well suited for wide beds. Their length can be 260 or 280 cm, width - 240 cm.
There are also custom sheets - round and oval. Usually their diameter is 250 cm.
Colors
Today manufacturers offer a huge range of shades of stretch sheets. Calm monochromatic products are considered practical. They will ensure the harmony of the sleeping place, and this option is also easy to combine with most duvet covers and pillows.
Designers also recommend combining the color of the sheet with the surrounding interior. For bright rooms with many decorative elements, it is better to choose bed linen of a calm range without a print. If the interior of the bedroom is simple and laconic, you can choose sheets of more saturated colors.
The white shade is called universal, but many people associate such underwear with hospital underwear. In this case, it is better to give preference to beige options in warm colors - milky, ivory and others. The gray sheet looks noble, it is non-staining.
But it is better to choose melange or darker gray shades. Sometimes it happens that light gray laundry looks stale.
Stretch sheets of blue and blue shades are quite common. They are also quite good for sleeping and are versatile. These are the colors of harmony, tranquility.
Psychologists believe that these colors contribute to faster falling asleep.
Green colors also relax and tone up. And this is important - after all, you want not only to fall asleep quickly, but also to wake up vigorous. It is recommended to give preference to light, light green shades. Dark, deep tones can be overwhelming.
A black sheet with an elastic band is quite rare. Undoubtedly, this option is not for everybody.
Psychologists say that such underwear can cause weakness after sleep.
Manufacturers overview
Consider the most popular manufacturers of stretch sheets.
Rajtex
A domestic brand that has a long history on the market.Known to customers for products that optimally combine high quality and affordability. Products with elastic bands here are made of 100% cotton, which reliably "wraps" the mattress and keeps its shape well. The linen is durable, even after numerous washes it retains its appearance and functionality. The elastic band is dense, elastic. The pleasant blue shade is versatile and gives a feeling of freshness. Dimensions 90x200x20 cm.
Maison d`or
This French manufacturer produces elasticized sheets that are part of the Jakarli collection. They are terry products in soft pastel colors. Nnatural cotton does not cause allergies, moisture and air permeability, and terry cloth gently and delicately touches the skin, giving a pleasant tactile sensation. The product looks exquisite and expensive.
Suitable for mattress sizes 240x220 cm, the set includes 2 pillowcases per pillow.
Tivolyo
A Turkish company that has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and luxury bedding. The set of sheets with an elastic band and pillowcases is made of satin. All users note the highest class of the material - it is dense, but soft. The high quality of tailoring is also worth noting.
Together, this ensures the aesthetic appeal of the products and their long service life. Many people call a disadvantage the high cost (about 2,000 rubles).
"EGO"
A domestic company that produces sheets with an elastic band in beige color from natural cotton. Due to the special weaving of fibers, the product has good extensibility, and the wide elastic band tightly fixes the linen on the mattress.
The laundry is easy to wash and, in principle, you can do without ironing. The downside is the low density of the material.
Amore mio
A cotton sheet in the size of 120x200 cm is well fixed on the surface of the mattress, without clumping or slipping. It is pleasant to the touch, moisture and breathable. The product is characterized by durability and practicality, does not need ironing.
After washing, the fabric shrinks slightly (not critical), but after 5-6 washes, small pellets appear.
In general, this is an affordable product, well worth the money.
Actuel
Manufacturer - Pakistan, cotton sheet with elastic bands at the corners. Strong, dense, yet soft. There is a choice of colors (white, gray, dark blue). Sold with 2 pillowcases.
Biberna
German luxury products. Knitted sheets in beautiful "tasty" colors - sky blue, pale lilac, light pink. Reliable hold, suitable as mattress toppers.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a product, you should rely on several criteria.
- The size. Measure the width, length and height of the mattress carefully. Only after that, start looking for a sheet on it. It can be a product of a standard size (deviations of 1-2 cm are allowed) or custom-made sheets according to your individual measurements. If we are talking about a product made of knitwear, then the permissible error can be up to 5 cm. But it is better, of course, when the size of the sheet exactly matches the size of the mattress. The size of the sheet is indicated on the package. The first number is the length of the product, then the width, the third is the height. If the last parameter is missing, then the sheet fits all standard mattresses.
- Material. For hot summers, sheets made of smooth, sliding fabrics work well. They will give you a cool feeling. For winter, on the contrary, more fleecy fabrics are preferable - flannel, terry. Satin and chintz are considered universal for any season. Natural materials are a priority - they absorb moisture, allow air to pass through and do not give a feeling of a greenhouse effect. You can store them folded into a roll, without worrying about ironing - you don't need it.
- Drawing. As a rule, the pattern of the sheet is matched to the color of the duvet cover and pillowcase.Sheets in white and other light shades will be a win-win option - they will be combined with most sets. Another option is to select a single-colored sheet in the color of the set for a set with a pattern.
- Quality. Before buying, evaluate the quality of the product - the elastic should be tight, the lines should be even. The presence of protruding threads, too rough seams is unacceptable. It is more convenient when the elastic is sewn around the entire perimeter of the product, and not just along the edges.
It is better to purchase stretch sheets at specialized points, give preference to well-known brands. They may have a higher cost, but they will last longer.
How to care?
It is recommended to wash the sheet before the first use. The optimum water temperature in most cases is +40 degrees. This recommendation is valid unless the manufacturer provides other information on washing.
Do not wash together color and white, use bleach and too aggressive detergents for bright colored products.
Natural drying is the best option. Spread the sheet on the dryer, after folding it in half. You can hang the product. It is not recommended to dry it folded in several layers or lay it out on a hot radiator.
As a rule, questions arise when it is necessary to iron the sheet. If the product has elastic bands only at the edges, then it can be ironed using the classical method. To do this, fold the product 2 times in length and width and iron it.
If the elastic is around the perimeter of the sheet, this method will not work. Better to spread the sheet on the ironing board, and start work from the center of the product, gradually move to the edges, as if drawing a circle. This process is quite laborious, but it allows you to iron the sheet with high quality, as well as to avoid "ironing out" - lines that are difficult to iron out.
Many housewives are interested in how to fold the sheet with an elastic band ergonomically. Step by step, this process is as follows:
- fold the sheet in half, tucking one corner into the other;
- then - again in half, after which all the corners should be at the same point;
- then you should mentally divide the sheet in half and fold it in three;
- finally, fold in half along the longest section.
In this form, the product takes up less space and does not wrinkle during storage.
Review overview
For the most part, bed sheets with elastic get a lot of positive reviews. Most often, buyers note the ease of use, the ability to save time on making the bed, and the reliable fixation of the product. If we are talking about natural or artificial fabrics, then pleasant tactile sensations, restful sleep, and attractive appearance “figure” in the review.
User dissatisfaction concerns aspects such as care and storage - ironing a product requires skill, and storage requires more space. Besides, the stretch sheet cannot be folded in the usual "pile". Sometimes there are reviews of excessive rigidity, as well as the high cost of a sheet with an elastic band.
It is not uncommon to find the accusation of stretching the sheet when it comes to knitwear. A thorough inspection before purchase will help to avoid this.