Bedding Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Sheets and Duvets

Ever stood in front of a pile of sheets and wondered which one actually fits your bed? You’re not alone. Bedding sizes can feel like a maze, especially with terms like "XL" or "deep‑pocket" thrown around. This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you the basics you need to pick the right fit, no matter where you live.

What the Most Common Sizes Mean

In the UK, the standard sizes run from Single (90 × 190 cm) up to Super King (180 × 200 cm). The US uses inches, so a Twin is 38 × 75 in and a King is 76 × 80 in. New Zealand follows the UK naming but often adds a "deep‑pocket" option for thicker mattresses.

When you see "XL" on a sheet label, it can mean two things:

• Extra‑Long: The sheet is longer than the standard length for that width. Ideal for taller people.
• Extra‑Deep: The pocket depth is deeper, so it wraps around thicker mattresses or those with a topper.

Most brands will tell you which meaning applies, but if they don’t, check the measurements. A standard fitted sheet for a UK Double is 135 × 190 cm, while a Double XL will be around 135 × 210 cm.

How to Measure Your Bed for a Perfect Fit

Grab a tape measure and follow these three steps:

1. Width: Measure from side to side of the mattress, not the frame.
2. Length: Measure from head to foot. Add 5‑10 cm if you like extra overhang.
3. Depth: Measure the mattress thickness, including any topper. This tells you whether you need a deep‑pocket sheet.

Write those numbers down and compare them to the size chart on the product page. If the sheet’s dimensions are at least 2‑3 cm larger on each side, you’ll get a snug fit without the sheet slipping off.

Need a quick cheat sheet? Here’s a short reference for the most popular UK sizes:

• Single: 90 × 190 cm (standard), 90 × 210 cm (XL)
• Double: 135 × 190 cm (standard), 135 × 210 cm (XL)
• King: 150 × 200 cm (standard), 150 × 210 cm (XL)
• Super King: 180 × 200 cm (standard), 180 × 210 cm (XL)

Keep those numbers handy when you shop online. Most sites let you filter by "deep‑pocket" or "extra‑long" so you don’t have to guess.

Choosing the right bedding size isn’t just about looks – a well‑fitted sheet feels smoother, stays in place, and lasts longer. Now that you know how to read the labels and measure your bed, you can shop with confidence and skip the frustration of returns.

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Browse our collection of XL and deep‑pocket sheets, duvets, and pillowcases. Each piece matches the dimensions we’ve covered, so you’ll find a perfect match for any mattress shape or size.