Twin XL Sheets - Confused? Get the Dorm 411!

By Christi Leslie, Founder & CEO of DormSmart.com
Creator of Dorm411.com

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Just My Opinion: "...Shopping for Twin XL Sheets can be very confusing for college bound students, especially when there are retailers both online and at physical storefronts who advertise twin sheets as twin XL sheets... they just don't understand the difference.  Generally speaking, selling dorm supplies is not their full time job ... or niche market. It's part-time or seasonal at best.

When you are shopping for Twin XL Sheet Sets this dorm season, remember to look for the actual sheet dimensions of each piece in the set.

To help you have a successful shopping trip, I'm listing two examples of ad's below: one that provides shoppers with the correct information about twin XL sheets; and one that does not..."

What's correct in this Twin XL Sheet Set ad?

The ad below provides the actual dimensions for each piece in the Twin XL sheet set (that's good). To fit a standard Twin XL bed, the fitted sheet must be 39" x 80" ... NO EXCEPTIONS! The flat sheet may vary slightly in size between manufacturers and that's ok... just focus on the actual dimensions of the twin XL fitted sheet.

• One Twin XL Fitted Sheet 39" x 80"
• Fits Mattress Up to 18" Deep
• One Twin XL Flat Sheet 70" x 102"
• One Pillow Case 20" x 30" 

What's incorrect in this Twin XL Sheet Set ad?

The ad below fails to provide the dimensions of the most important part of the twin XL sheet set, the fitted sheet. In addition, it mentions that it fits a mattress size of 39" x 90". The standard twin XL mattress is 39" x 80" long, not 90". So even if these sheets look great, they may not fit.

• One flat sheet. Fits mattress – 39" x 90"
• One fitted sheet. Fits mattress up 12" deep
• One standard pillowcase. Fits Pillow – 20" x 26" 

Fact or Fiction About Twin XL Sheets 

• FICTION: A standard twin FITTED sheet will fit my twin XL bed.
• FICTION: I can stretch an extra deep twin FITTED sheet to fit my twin XL bed. 
• FACT: A standard twin FLAT sheet will fit my twin XL bed.
• FACT: Most twin XL sheet sets include a standard size pillowcase. 

What can you do? 
If you see a standard twin XL sheet set you really like... check the actual dimensions of the fitted sheet. It has to be manufactured for a standard twin XL bed of 39" x 80". If the retailer fails to provide that information, shop on...

In the event that your college has custom size dorm beds, you can have your sheets custom made to fit. Just give us a call at DormSmart.com, 1-877-616-DORM.

Hope this helps you to live Dorm Smart!