Another reason top sheets are less necessary for some people is the growing popularity of duvet covers.
A duvet cover surrounds the comforter or duvet and can be removed and washed separately. For someone who prefers this bedding setup, the duvet cover itself can provide a washable layer between the sleeper and the duvet.
That means a separate flat sheet may feel redundant.
4. Some People Prefer Fewer Layers
Bedding preferences are highly personal.
Some sleepers simply don't like the feeling of several layers around them. A fitted sheet plus a lightweight comforter or duvet may feel more comfortable and less restrictive than a traditional layered bed.
This can be particularly appealing to people who tend to get warm while sleeping.
On the other hand, people who like the feeling of being tucked in may prefer keeping a top sheet.
5. Washing Bedding Can Be Simpler
Removing the top sheet also means one less item to wash, fold, and put back on the bed.
That might not sound like a major difference, but bedding can be surprisingly bulky. Washing a fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, duvet cover, and comforter can quickly turn into multiple loads of laundry.
For people trying to simplify household chores, fewer bedding pieces can be an appealing solution.
6. Different Bedding Habits Are Becoming More Common
There isn't one universally correct way to make a bed.
Traditional bedding arrangements have varied across countries, climates, households, and generations. Today, people are also exposed to different bedding styles through hotels, social media, interior design trends, and online shopping.
As a result, the classic fitted-sheet-plus-top-sheet arrangement is no longer the only setup people consider normal.
7. Some People Still Love Top Sheets
Despite the trend toward skipping them, plenty of people have no intention of giving up their flat sheets.
A top sheet can be useful because it's generally easier to wash than a bulky comforter or duvet. It can also provide an extra layer of warmth without requiring a heavier blanket.
For people who like to sleep under several layers, a top sheet can be especially comfortable.
And if you share a bed with someone who prefers different temperatures, an extra sheet can provide another layer that can easily be adjusted during the night.
Is It Better to Use a Top Sheet?
Not necessarily.
There isn't a single bedding arrangement that's best for everyone. The right setup depends on factors such as sleeping temperature, the type of comforter or duvet you use, how often you want to wash your bedding, and simply what feels comfortable.
If you enjoy sleeping with a top sheet, there's no reason to stop using one just because other people have abandoned the habit.
Likewise, if you find yourself constantly fighting with a tangled sheet or dreading another item of laundry, leaving it off is perfectly reasonable.
What Can You Use Instead?
If you decide to skip the top sheet, there are several simple options.
Duvet Cover
A washable duvet cover can surround your comforter and provide a removable layer that's easier to launder than the duvet itself.
Lightweight Blanket
A washable blanket can be placed directly over the fitted sheet if you want an additional layer without using a traditional flat sheet.
Comforter
Some people simply use a fitted sheet underneath and a comforter on top. This is probably the simplest arrangement of all.
The Bottom Line
The disappearance of the top sheet isn't really about a new rule for how beds should be made. It's mostly about convenience and personal preference.
Some people prefer the simplicity of using only a fitted sheet and duvet. Others appreciate having a flat sheet because it's comfortable, easy to wash, and provides an additional layer between them and their heavier bedding.
So if you've noticed more beds without top sheets lately, you're not imagining it. The traditional setup is simply no longer the only way people choose to make their beds—and for many, fewer layers means less laundry, less fuss, and a more comfortable night's sleep.
