Choosing the Right Fitted Sheet: Size and Pocket Depth
You barely notice a fitted sheet that fits well – but you notice one that doesn't. It slips, wrinkles or pops off a corner at night. In most cases this is not down to the fabric, but to the size or the pocket depth. In this guide we show you how to find the right fitted sheet for your mattress, what pocket depth means and what to keep in mind with mattress toppers.
Common mattress sizes in Germany
In Germany, mattresses are usually 200 cm long. The width varies depending on the bed. The most common sizes are:
- 90 × 200 cm: the classic single bed, often found in guest and teenagers' rooms or as part of a double bed with two mattresses.
- 100 × 200 cm: a slightly more generous single bed.
- 140 × 200 cm: a large single or narrow double bed, often called a “French bed”.
- 160 × 200 cm: a widespread size for double beds.
- 180 × 200 cm: one of the most popular sizes for double beds.
- 200 × 200 cm: a generous double bed, common with box-spring beds.
There are also other sizes such as 80 × 200 cm, 120 × 200 cm or extra lengths of 210 to 220 cm. If in doubt, measure your mattress rather than relying on the size of the bed frame. Frame and mattress can differ.
One large sheet or two small ones?
If a double bed holds two separate mattresses side by side, for example two of 90 × 200 cm, you have two options. With two individual fitted sheets, each mattress is covered separately and each side sits tight. One large sheet in 180 × 200 cm visually joins both mattresses into one surface, but may form a slight dip in the middle. Both work – it depends on what matters more to you.
What is pocket depth?
Pocket depth indicates the mattress height a fitted sheet is designed for. It refers to the height of the side panel that wraps around the mattress before the elastic reaches underneath. It is sometimes also stated as mattress height.
If the pocket depth is too shallow, the fabric does not reach far enough under the mattress. The sheet is then overstretched, pulls at the seams and pops off the corners more easily. If the pocket depth is much too deep, excess fabric remains at the sides and wrinkles.
How to measure correctly
- Measure the height of your mattress at its highest point, usually in the middle of a side edge.
- If there is a topper on the mattress, measure mattress and topper together.
- Compare the result with the stated pocket depth. It should be at least as large as your measured height.
A practical tip: the actual height of a mattress can differ from the manufacturer's figure, for example because of a thick cover or a domed surface. So it is better to measure yourself and, if in doubt, allow a few centimetres of reserve.
Fitted sheets for mattresses with a topper
Toppers are especially common on box-spring beds but are also used on regular mattresses. Depending on the model, they are usually a few centimetres up to about ten centimetres thick. Together with the mattress, this quickly adds up to a total height of 30 cm or more.
For these cases, fitted sheets with a generous pocket depth are a good choice. A continuous, strong elastic helps to hold mattress and topper together so the topper does not slip. With very tall set-ups, it is worth measuring before you buy to check that the total height is still within the stated depth.
Material and weave
Besides the fit, the material plays an important role. The fitted sheet is the part of your bedding you have the most skin contact with. Classic jersey fitted sheets are stretchy and easy to care for. Fitted sheets made from woven cotton, such as sateen or percale, look smoother and more elegant and match a duvet cover in the same fabric.
Woven fabrics stretch less than jersey. This makes it all the more important to match size and pocket depth precisely.
Our fitted sheets
Jumel Home fitted sheets are made from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton with 600 TC in a sateen weave. They are fully elasticated and fit mattresses with a pocket depth of up to 35 cm. Please measure your mattress including any topper.
Our fitted sheets are available in 90 × 200, 100 × 200, 140 × 200, 160 × 200, 180 × 200 and 200 × 200 cm. To match, you will find pillowcases in 40 × 80, 50 × 70 and 80 × 80 cm as well as complete bed linen sets.
Care tips for a good fit
To keep your fitted sheet fitting well for a long time, wash it before first use and then at 40 °C with similar colours and a mild detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach. Let the sheet dry thoroughly and put it on corner by corner, diagonally: first two opposite corners, then the other two. This spreads the tension evenly.
Frequently asked questions about fitted sheets
What pocket depth do I need for a box-spring bed?
That depends on the height of the mattress and topper. Measure both together. With box-spring beds the total height is often 30 cm or more, so a generous pocket depth makes sense.
Can I put a 180 × 200 cm fitted sheet on a 160 cm mattress?
We would not recommend it. The sheet would be too wide, wrinkle and could slip. Choose the size that matches your mattress wherever possible.
What can I do if my fitted sheet pops off at the corners?
Usually the pocket depth is too shallow, often after adding a topper. Check the total height and, if necessary, choose a sheet with a deeper pocket.
Does a cotton fitted sheet shrink in the wash?
Cotton can contract slightly if washed or dried too hot. So follow the care instructions and wash our bed linen at 40 °C.
Conclusion
The right fitted sheet starts with a tape measure: mattress width, length and total height including topper determine which sheet fits. When size and pocket depth are right, the sheet lies smoothly and stays in place even on restless nights. If you would like to try a fitted sheet made from Egyptian cotton, take your time: we deliver free of charge within Germany, usually within 1–3 working days, and you can return unused items free of charge within 30 days.