The Best Zipper Sheets to Solve the Worst Bed-Making Task

Can we agree that fitted sheets — no matter how adorable and cute they are —  are the worst? I’ve watched countless YouTube videos on how to fold fitted sheets, and I still get flustered every time I attempt to coax a gathered circle of fabric into a perfect square. And then there’s the actual act of getting said sheets on the bed itself, which is arguably more frustrating. Luckily, I stumbled upon zipper sheets, which solve both the sheet-folding and bed-making problems handily.

Zipper sheets solve a few different problems for me and my family:

• Zipper sheets are easy to fold. Because (for most zipper sheets) the top sheet zips off, leaving behind the fitted base sheet, it’s basically the same as folding a flat sheet.
• Zipper sheets tend to stay in place all night. This is true even for restless sleepers who toss and turn.
• Zipper sheets are easy to change. They’re a great choice for tight spaces — my 5-year-old’s bed is flush against two walls, making it hard to get the right angle to lift the mattress — and loft beds, like my 11-year-old’s, which presents its own unique challenges for making the bed.

Zipper sheets tend to be more expensive than standard bed sheets, and you’ll also have fewer options. You probably won’t find your favorite prints and patterns and you’re also most likely to find cotton zipper sheets — although a few companies offer sateen and flannel and others have microfiber or cotton-bamboo blends. Finally, it’s also worth noting that if you opt for a one-piece zipper sheet, it’s less convenient to put on and remove than a two-piece set.