A bed sheet is a rectangular piece of cloth used either singly or in a pair as bedding, which is larger in length and width than a mattress, and which is placed immediately above a mattress or bed, but below blankets and other bedding (such as comforters and bedspreads). A bottom sheet is laid above the mattress, and may be either a flat sheet or a fitted sheet (a sheet which has been sewn with elastic or a drawstring along the hem of the top, sides and bottom of the sheet to prevent it from slipping off of the mattress). A top sheet, in the many countries where they are used, is a flat sheet, which is placed above a bottom sheet and below other bedding.

Because of the natural qualities of flax, linen bedding gets softer as the fabric ages. Of all bedding materials, linen is also the most cooling one because of its looser weave. And since it’s incredibly moisture-resistant, too — it can absorb up to 20 percent of its weight — linen bedding is ideal for those who live in warmer climates or those who prefer to stay cool at night. Moreover, linen is hypoallergenic, so if you have sensitive skin or suffer from any skin conditions or allergies, it will feel soothing on your skin.