How To Stop Bed Sheets Coming Off

12 Nov 2025 | 4 Minute Read - Words By Kriti
Tired of waking up to fitted sheets that won’t stay put? From choosing the right size to using clever accessories, this guide explains how to keep your bed sheets secure for a smooth, comfortable night’s sleep.

Table of Contents

  1. Make Sure You Buy The Right Sheet Size
  2. Place a Textured Sheet Under Your Fitted Sheet
  3. Make Your Bed from the Top Down
  4. Try Sheet Suspenders
  5. Secure Your Sheet in Place with Safety Pins
  6. Use Rug Corners
  7. Hold Your Sheet in Place with Stretch Bands
  8. Try Out Sock Tape
  9. Invest in Zippered Sheets
  10. Apply Velcro Strips for Extra Hold
  11. Replace Worn-Out Sheets
  12. Final Thoughts
  13. FAQs

Few things are more annoying than waking up tangled in your bedding and finding your fitted sheet halfway off the mattress. Even perfectly sized sheets can still slip for a multitude of reasons, including restless sleep, silky fabrics, and unaccounted-for mattress toppers.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid this frustrating situation and ensure a restful night's sleep. From simple DIY solutions to clever bedding accessories that actually work, here's how you can keep your sheets snug and secure.

Make Sure You Buy The Right Sheet Size

The first step in avoiding any sheet-slipping problems is to get sheets that actually fit your mattress. Many people check length and width but forget to consider mattress depth, especially if they use a mattress topper or protector.

Standard UK mattresses range between 7 and 14 inches, with deeper models extending up to 22 inches. If your fitted sheet doesn't have enough pocket depth to accommodate this, it will stretch too tightly and pop off during the night.

The wrong-size sheet can cause all sorts of issues, so measure your mattress properly before going shopping. When in doubt, choose a slightly larger sheet over one that's too small.

Place a Textured Sheet Under Your Fitted Sheet

Memory foam and latex mattresses are known for being slippery. When paired with sheets made from smooth materials like satin or silk, you've got the perfect conditions for constant sheet movement.

The fix involves adding a textured sheet between your mattress and fitted sheet to create friction and prevent the corners from coming loose.

Flannel and brushed cotton are ideal for cooler months, as they naturally grip the fabric above it. In summer, a lighter layer like Egyptian cotton provides just enough texture without overheating.

Make Your Bed from the Top Down

The way you make your bed affects how well it stays made throughout the night. A sheet that's put on quickly and unevenly is more likely to pop off than one that has been carefully fitted around each corner.

Start by putting the sheet around the top mattress corners first, as these are usually the most difficult to secure. Once they are snug, pull the sheet tight toward the bottom of the mattress, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go, and hook the remaining corners.

This top-down method ensures the fabric is evenly stretched and smooth, giving you a stable base and improved comfort throughout the night.

Try Sheet Suspenders

Sheet suspenders are a game-changer for anyone tired of constant re-tucking. These adjustable elastic straps attach underneath your mattress, connecting diagonally between each corner of your fitted sheet.

Each suspender has three T-shaped clips, which are easy to use. Start by attaching the central clip to the corner of your sheet and stretching the side clips outwards until taut. Once all four corners are secured, tighten the elastic using the built-in adjusters.

Secure Your Sheet in Place with Safety Pins

For a quick, budget-friendly solution, safety pins can do the trick. Use large, sturdy pins to anchor your fitted sheet to your mattress cover or under-sheet.

To avoid damaging the fabric, angle the pins so they only pierce the elastic edge of the sheet and a bit of the layer beneath. If you're an active sleeper, opt for locking safety pins to prevent them from opening in the night.

Use Rug Corners

Rug corners aren't just for keeping carpets in place. These small textured grips can also be used to prevent your sheets from slipping.

Simply place one pad under each corner of the mattress before securing your fitted sheet. The grippy texture helps the fabric stay anchored between the pad and the mattress, providing extra friction where it is most needed.

This trick works especially well if you're dealing with slippery fabrics like silk, satin, or bamboo, and it's completely invisible once your bed is made.

Hold Your Sheet in Place with Stretch Bands

Stretch bands, also known as sheet straps or grippers, are designed to secure your bedding from multiple angles. Often shaped like an "X", they attach under your mattress to create a firm hold.

To use them, fit your sheet as normal, then lift the mattress slightly to clip each band diagonally across the underside. Tighten the elastic until the sheet feels firm and evenly stretched.

These bands distribute tension evenly across your mattress, making them a favourite for restless sleepers and those with deep mattresses.

Try Out Sock Tape

It may sound strange, but sock tape (the type that athletes use to keep their socks up) can work wonders for bed sheets.

Loop the tape from the top of your sheet and then under your mattress, ending back where you started. The flexible, adhesive nature of the tape keeps your sheet in place without leaving any residue. It's an inexpensive, temporary fix that works surprisingly well.

Invest in Zippered Sheets

If you have tried everything and your sheets still come off, zippered sheets will be your new best friend! This innovative design features two parts: a base that wraps under the mattress and a sheet that zips into place.

Once zipped up, your sheet won't budge, no matter how much you toss and turn. Another bonus is that zippered sheets are incredibly easy to change, as all you need to do is unzip the top part, wash it, and zip it back on.

They may cost a little more, but this long-term solution is definitely worth it!

Apply Velcro Strips for Extra Hold

Velcro strips provide a strong, adjustable way to keep your sheets anchored without damaging your mattress. This method works by creating secure attachment points between your sheet and mattress cover or base layer.

Sew or stick the soft (loop) side of the Velcro onto the corners and sides of your fitted sheet's elastic band. Then attach the rough (hook) side to the corresponding positions on your mattress protector or directly onto your mattress if it has a fabric surface.

When you fit your sheet, the Velcro pairs lock together automatically, creating multiple secure connection points. The beauty of this system is that it's completely adjustable, meaning you can position the strips exactly where your particular mattress needs the most grip.

Replace Worn-Out Sheets

Over time, the elasticated corners of your fitted sheet may start losing their stretch. The fabric may weaken, and seams may begin to fray. Once this happens, no amount of adjusting will keep your sheet secure.

Check your bedding regularly for signs of wear, paying special attention to the corners. If the elastic is limp or brittle, it's high time for a replacement. When buying new sheets, look for high-quality fabrics and elastic that runs around the entire hem instead of just the corners.

Shop at trusted retailers like Belledorm, which offer durable sheets with reinforced edges, designed to fit well and stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your bed sheets in place doesn't have to be a nightly struggle. All you need to do is pay careful attention to sheet size and make use of simple tools like bed suspenders, safety pins, or elastic bands.

When standard solutions prove insufficient, consider investing in zippered sheets or textured underlayers for a long-term solution.

Here at Belledorm, we have a wide range of premium fitted sheets, mattress toppers, and smart bedding accessories designed to stay put and keep you comfy throughout the night.

FAQs

Why does my bedsheet come off every night?

Some of the most common causes of sheet slippage include:

  • Incorrect sheet size

  • Smooth fabrics that slip easily

  • Ill-fitting sheets

  • Restless sleeping habits

Adding mattress toppers or protectors can also increase the depth of your mattress, which can lead to slipping sheets.

Does the bed sheet material matter when it comes to keeping sheets in place?

Yes, absolutely! Fabrics like silk, satin, and bamboo feel luxurious but have the drawback of being naturally slippery. Textured materials, like cotton and linen, tend to grip the mattress better. If you like the feeling of ultra-smooth sheets, pair them with sheet straps or rug grips to avoid slippage.

How much do stretch bands cost?

Depending on the design and the material, you can expect to pay anywhere between £6 and £20 for stretch bands. Adjustable elastic straps with metal clips are generally more durable and offer better tension.

What role does mattress depth play in keeping sheets from slipping?

Mattress depth plays a significant role in how well your sheets stay on. A deep or extra-deep mattress (15-22 inches) will easily overwhelm a standard fitted sheet. Remember to double-check the measurements of your mattress (including any protectors and toppers) before buying sheets to ensure a snug fit. 

Your recently viewed items