Yes, Elastic fitted sheets may shrink. As you know, Elastic fitted sheets are a must-have for modern bedrooms. Millions of individuals throughout the globe have chosen them because they fit well and look smooth. But a lot of people notice something that makes them frustrated over time i.e. their sheet that used to fit exactly no longer hugs the edges as it used to.
This typically leads to the same question: Do elastic fitted sheets shrink and become smaller? Yes, but that’s not all, there is more to the story as to why these sheets shrink over time. Let's look at what actually causes that and how you may deal with it or get rid of this problem.
Understanding Fabric Behavior
The most common reason why fitted sheets shrink is because the fabric does this on its own. Poly-cotton blends and microfiber sheets are more resistant, but they aren't completely impervious. So, when you throw your brand-new king-size elastic fitted bed sheet in the dryer on high, you're effectively starting this process of shrinking, unknowingly.
Pre-shrunk sheets go through a finishing process that makes them less prone to shrink after you purchase them. But that may not be the way all brands, unlike Bombay dyeing elastic fitted bed sheets do it.
That's why it's so crucial to do your research and find out whether the sheet has been treated before you buy it, especially if you're buying any extra-wide elastic fitted sheets for larger or custom-made mattresses.
What Is The Role of Elastic Bands?
The elastic might also become damaged and shrink, in addition to the cloth. Most elastic fitted sheets have bands sewed around the edges or only the corners. The sheet's performance over time depends on the quality and breadth of this elastic.
High heat and fast drying may damage or even bend the elastic, making it less flexible and less able to hold on to the mattress. After this, no matter how carefully you stretch it, your sheet may not fit as tightly around the mattress as it used to before.
A fitted elastic bed sheet with cheap bands will wear out soon. The corners can come off at night, or the edges might roll up, and you'll have to fix and make the bed all the time. Buying a fitted sheet with strong, thick elastic may help a lot with this problem, even if it shrinks a little.
Sizing: Getting It Right from the Start
A lot of people have trouble since the sheet doesn't fit their mattress. For instance, if you try to put a queen-size elastic fitted sheet over a thick mattress with a topper, it will not be able to cover the whole thing evenly from the start. The situation becomes worse once shrinking starts.
So, it's really very crucial to pick out the right pocket depth and sheet size for your needs. You need to get one with measures that suit the height of your mattress. Don't forget to include the height of any mattress coverings or toppers you have. In case the sheet you are using is already too tight for you to use comfortably, even a little bit of shrinking will make it nearly impossible for you to use it.
Washing Habits and Their Impact
The way you wash and dry your elastic fitted sheets may make a big impact. The major cause of shrinking is high temperature. Washing sheets in hot water and drying them on a high heat cycle makes the fibers tighter and the sheet smaller. Always go for softer detergents that are not that harsh.
You can try to either let the sheets air dry or use the lowest heat setting on your machine while those are drying. If you can, take the sheet off the mattress while it is still a little wet and lay it down over the mattress. This will cause the sheet to maintain its shape.
Why Some Shrinkage Can Be Good
Not all shrinking is harmful, which is interesting. If your fitted sheet was a little too loose at first, a little bit of shrinking might make it fit better. The corners hold better, the surface remains tight, and the bed looks nicer.
In some scenarios, shrinking may actually help your elastic fitted sheets function better overall. There are certain signs pointing to the fact that the cloth has previously been treated to stop it from shrinking in the future. Also, read the reviews from other users to discover how well the elastic lasts. It will help you a lot.
Should You Size Up?
In case your mattress is thicker or you regularly use a topper over your mattress, it could be a good idea to choose a fitted sheet that is one size larger. You can also try going for one that has pockets that are deeper. If your mattress is thicker than normal, a standard fitted sheet made of elastic and measuring queen size could not fit it well.
If you choose a sheet that has wider pockets or one that reads "deep fit" or "extra deep fit," you will be able to prevent size issues even after it has gone through a little amount of shrinkage.
This proactive approach allows for a bit of flexibility. Even if the sheet shrinks a little, it will still fit the mattress properly without pulling off the corners or rolling up as you sleep.
Final Words
Yes, Elastic fitted sheets may shrink, but you can control it. If you wash elastic fitted sheets in hot water, there is a possibility that they may shrink in size. This is especially true for sheets made of natural fibers. But it doesn't mean you have to deal with sheets that don't fit properly or buy new sheets every few months.
This is true regardless of whether you are dressing a standard bed or searching for king size or extra wide sheets. There's nothing like the satisfaction of getting into a well-made bed at the end of a hard day, particularly when your fitted sheet remains where it should.
