![woman making the bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v4mLKaFxJPgtaR72dmmd3a-415-80.jpg)
Everyone knows that a fitted sheet – i.e. the kind that has elastic around the edges – is the superior sheet style. Our T3 best bed sheet guide includes both flat and fitted sheets, but I'm assuming all sensible people are discarding the flat sheets entirely. Fitted sheets are not only far, far easier to put on the bed, but they also pull your sheet flat, and won't displace themselves at the slightest movement, leaving you lying on your mattress protector, or even just your bare mattress.
But as easy as they are to get on the bed, fitted sheets are truly a nightmare to fold. In fact, they're right up there with the most difficult to fold items you can find, along with baby grows, bras and floaty dresses. The kind of things that only Marie Kondo would even consider tackling. With my fitted sheets, I employ the 'roll it up in a ball and shove it in the drawer' approach, having come to the conclusion that no one who lacks the mental capacity to get a flat sheet onto a bed could ever hope to pull off this gold standard of folding.
In fact, I don't know if I've ever really tried to fold a fitted sheet. But there's a folding hack doing the rounds on TikTok that promises to finally make sense of this scenario – and it looks like it might just be doable. The technique comes from TheFoldingLady. So that's a good sign right there. Although I guess that might not actually be her real name. The main steps are as follows:
1. Line up the elasticated edges
TheFoldingLady starts by nestling one of the elasticated edges inside the other, so they make a kind of arch, with the flat fold at the bottom. This might be the trickiest part. Even she seems to be having a bit of a struggle with it.
2. Square them off
She then pulls the two side edges so they're vertical, and pulls and folds the top edge so it makes a horizontal line across the two. Now you've got rough rectangle to work with.
3. Fold it all up
Finally, TheFoldingLady folds the left-hand third of the rectangle into the centre, followed by the right-hand third. This gives a tall rectangle that can then be folded into a smaller, wide rectangle. Easy! Watch the full process in action here:
@thefoldinglady ♬ Rumour Has It - Adele
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra charging speeds leak, and you might be shocked
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has started to be revealed, piece by piece
By Chris Hall Published
-
WhatsApp gets a free update to make it easier to find your friends
WhatsApp's latest upgrade makes it easy to find your favourite people
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
REM-Fit Tencel Cool mattress protector review: a waterproof protector with temperature control
This Rem-Fit mattress protector guards against spills while shielding you from allergens and wicking moisture away for a comfortable sleep
By Alistair Charlton Last updated
-
I tried the Wim Hof breathing hack and I’ve never slept better
What is Wim Hof breathing and does it help with sleep?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Expert reveals the exact colour you should paint your bedroom for restful sleep
What colour is your bedroom wall?
By Lizzie Wilmot Last updated
-
Loop upgrades its popular earplugs with highest noise reduction levels to date
Loop launches new Quiet 2 Plus earplugs with better noise reduction and comfort than before
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Last updated
-
Momcozy Sunrise Wake-up Light review: a 4-in-1 device that promotes a restful night's sleep
It functions as an alarm clock, sound machine, wake-up light and seven-colour night light
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Oura experts reveal women sleep better than men – but there’s one exception
Why women’s sleep changes during their cycle, and how to sleep better on your period
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Survey finds the majority of Brits are angry from tiredness – here’s how to fix it
‘Tangry’ is the new ‘Hangry’, according to new sleep survey
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Londoners are the worst sleepers in the UK, reveals Oura experts
Oura study reveals Brits have surprisingly good sleep habits but there’s room for improvement
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published