Deep Pocket Sheets Explained So You Can Find The Right Fit For Your Mattress

Making your bed can be a pain in more ways than one. But even if you've given up on ever folding your sheets correctly, some fitted sheet problems have an easy solution: deep pocket sheets. Deep pocket sheets are designed to provide more coverage to thicker mattresses, and they're worth considering if your fitted sheets never seem to stay in place or cover your mattress all the way.

Deep pocket sheets are similar to regular fitted sheets in most ways. They're made of materials like cotton and microfiber, and they come in a range of colors, patterns, and thread counts. The major difference is the amount of fabric. Standard sheets have pockets around 14 inches deep, while deep pocket sheets have pockets ranging from around 15 to 22 inches deep, so they help prevent your sheets from slipping off the bed. There are also extra deep pocket sheets for mattresses 24 inches thick and beyond.

Deep pocket sheets are becoming more popular because modern mattresses are thicker than they used to be, and mattress toppers or pads can add to the height as well. Here's how to tell if you need deep pocket sheets, which depth to buy, and where to buy them.

Mattress thicknesses vary based on the length and width of the mattress; for example, while twin mattresses usually get up to only 16 inches thick, king-size beds can be up to 20 inches thick or more. In general, if your mattress is 12 inches thick or more (including any pads or toppers), deep pocket sheets may be the best type of bedsheets for you. Regular sheets may not cover the entire mattress and can slip off more easily.

To get an exact fit, simply use a ruler or tape measure to measure the thickness of your bed, and then shop for deep pocket sheets that fit that thickness. You can add an extra inch or two of wiggle room, but don't size up too far — fitted sheets that are too big are just as likely to bunch up and fall off as those that are too small.

Deep pocket sheets are available at bedding stores like Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, but they're still less common than standard sheet sets. When shopping in person, your choices of material and color may be limited. However, you can find a much wider range of options online, such as these Bedsure Deep Pocket Sheets for beds up to 21 inches thick on Amazon and these Nestl Extra Deep Pocket Sheets on Target's website for beds 18 to 24 inches thick.