I’ve always loved layers.
A fitted sheet.
A top sheet.
A duvet.
A throw blanket.
Pillows stacked like a hotel display.
But my husband?
He’s a top-sheet refusenik .
To him, it’s one more thing to tuck in, one more layer to kick off by morning — and honestly, he doesn’t get the point.
And it turns out…
He’s not alone.
Across the country, a quiet bedding revolution is happening — and it’s being led by people who’ve decided to skip the top sheet altogether.
From minimalist sleepers to hot sleepers to the proudly lazy…
Let’s explore why the top sheet is fading from our beds — and what this says about how we sleep today.
🛏️ The Origins of the Top Sheet – Why We Used to Use It
Once upon a time, bedding was a ritual — not just comfort, but structure.
Back in the day, the top sheet served a clear purpose:
Hygiene : Kept body oils and sweat off the duvet or comforter
Warmth : Layering allowed for adjustable temperature control
Tradition : Beds were made a certain way — and top sheets were part of the formula
Suzanne Pollak, founder of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits, once said:
“A proper bed requires a bottom sheet, a top sheet, a blanket, and a coverlet.”
That was the classic four-layer bed — neat, tidy, and deeply traditional.
But now?
People are skipping a step — and it’s not just laziness.
🚫 Why People Are Ditching the Top Sheet
1. Simplicity Wins
Let’s face it — making the bed is one more thing on the morning to-do list.
With a fitted sheet and duvet, you’re done in seconds.
No tucking.
No smoothing.
No fighting with corners that won’t stay tucked.
Just a quick toss and smooth — and you’re out the door.
2. Tangling is Real:
