Double bed sheets:
standard, maxi
and custom sizes for every mattress
Buying double bed sheets seems simple — until they arrive home and don't fit. Standard, maxi, European, American sizes, pocket depth: this guide compiles everything into verifiable tables and explains how to never get the size wrong again.
The three Italian sizes: standard, wider, and maxi
In Italy, three main formats for double mattresses coexist — and no manufacturer is obliged to use the same nomenclature. What one brand calls "maxi", another calls "king size" or "large format". The mattress measurement in centimeters is the only reliable variable.
Standard Double — 160×200 cm
The historically dominant size in Italy, present in almost all beds purchased before 2015. It is still the most common format in existing beds, and 160×200 sheets are the most produced size by Italian brands. The mattress measures 160 cm in width and 200 cm in length; the fitted sheets are 160×200 with 28-30 cm pockets; the standard flat sheet is 240×270 cm.
Wider Double — 170×200 cm
A transitional size found in some Italian beds — less common than the 160 and 180 formats, but real. It is often found in beds with integrated headboards that result in an unusual width, or in some models from local manufacturers. Not all bedding manufacturers categorize this format: if you have this size, physically measure your mattress before purchasing and check the availability of the specific format.
Maxi Double — 180×200 cm
The format that has grown significantly since 2015 — a de facto standard in new Italian furnishings and the norm throughout central and northern Europe. Anyone buying a new bed today almost always buys a 180×200. A 160×200 fitted sheet on a 180×200 mattress does not work: the reduced width of 20 cm does not cover the edges of the mattress, the sheet slips off, and the feeling of quality drops to zero, regardless of the material.
The number one mistake when buying double bed sheets is to buy "standard size" without checking the width of your mattress. If you bought your bed after 2015, there's over a 60% chance it's 180×200. Measure before buying — it takes 30 seconds with a tape measure and prevents a return.
Diagram: formats compared to scale
×
200 cm
Traditional size
Standard IT
IT · Pre-2015×
200 cm
New IT/EU furnishings
Maxi / King EU
IT/EU · Current standard×
203 cm
Imported US beds
King Size USA
US · Dedicated beddingThe difference between the 160 and 180 is 20 cm in width — visually modest, but structurally incompatible for bedding. The US King is additionally 13 cm wider than the Italian maxi, bringing the total to 33 cm compared to the classic standard: a completely different size that requires specific bedding not available in standard European formats.
Complete table: every size for every mattress
The following table collects the sizes of fitted sheets, flat sheets, and duvet covers for each double mattress format — from standard Italian to international sizes. The indicated measurements refer to the dimensions of the finished fabric suitable for the corresponding mattress, including the margin for tucking in the flat sheet.
| Format | Mattress (W×L cm) | Fitted Sheet | Flat Sheet | Duvet Cover | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Italian sizes | |||||
| Standard Double IT | 160×200 cm | 160×200 cm | 240×270 cm | 240×220 cm | Most common format until 2015 |
| Wider Double IT | 170×200 cm | 170×200 cm | 250×280 cm | 250×220 cm | Less common — measure before purchasing |
| Maxi Double ITEU | 180×200 cm | 180×200 cm | 260×280 cm | 260×220 cm | Dominant standard in new IT/EU furnishings |
| Super Maxi EU | 200×200 cm | 200×200 cm | 280×300 cm | 280×240 cm | Designer beds — uncommon format |
| International Sizes | |||||
| Double UK UK | 135×190 cm | 140×190 cm | 230×260 cm | 230×200 cm | Narrower and shorter than IT standard — different bedding |
| King Size UK UK | 150×200 cm | 150×200 cm | 240×270 cm | 240×220 cm | Similar to IT standard 160 — slight lateral difference |
| Super King UK UK | 180×200 cm | 180×200 cm | 260×280 cm | 260×220 cm | Equivalent to IT maxi 180×200 cm |
| Queen Size USA US | 153×203 cm | ~160×205 cm | 240×274 cm | 240×218 cm | Close to IT standard 160 — verify measurements first |
| King Size USA US | 193×203 cm | 200×200 cm | 274×274 cm | 274×230 cm | 13 cm wider than IT maxi — specific bedding |
| California King USA US | 183×213 cm | 183×215 cm | 274×305 cm | 274×234 cm | Longer than all EU standards — check availability |
Fitted sheet measurements indicate the dimension of the fabric base, equal to that of the mattress. The depth of the corner pockets — which depends on the mattress thickness — is a separate variable discussed in the dedicated section. Measurements may vary by ±2-3 cm between different manufacturers. Flat sheet measurements include approximately 35-40 cm of margin on each side for tucking in.
How to measure your mattress in 3 steps (with formula)
Before buying any double bed sheet set, measuring your mattress takes less than 2 minutes and eliminates the possibility of error. Three measurements are needed, each with a specific role.
Mattress Width
Measure the short side — from edge to edge. This is the critical measurement: 160, 170, or 180 cm. Don't rely on memory: measure physically, as even "definitely 160" beds often turn out to be 180 in new apartments.
→ Determine the size (160 / 170 / 180)
Mattress Length
Measure the long side — from edge to edge. In Italy, it's almost always 200 cm. This is particularly relevant for beds imported from the USA (203 cm) or California King size (213 cm).
→ Check compatibility with US/UK beds
Mattress Thickness
Measure the total height of the mattress — from the bed base to the top. This determines the necessary pocket depth. Modern mattresses: 22-32 cm. Premium memory foam: up to 35 cm.
→ Pocket depth = thickness + 5-8 cm
Topper? Add it
If you have a topper on your mattress, measure its height and add it to the mattress thickness. A 26 cm mattress with an 8 cm topper requires pockets of at least 38 cm — not 30.
Mattress + topper = total depth
The complete formula for choosing a fitted sheet is: minimum pocket depth = mattress thickness + topper + 6 cm. Practical example: 180×200×28 cm mattress, 6 cm topper → minimum depth 40 cm. With this formula in hand, the following paragraph on pockets becomes immediately applicable.
Pocket Depth: the parameter no one explains
The pocket depth (or "corner height") is the most overlooked parameter when buying sheets — and the most frequent cause of sheets constantly coming off during the night. It doesn't always appear in product descriptions and is rarely specified in comparisons between brands.
Modern mattresses, especially memory foam and premium orthopedic mattresses, are increasingly thicker: 22-24 cm for standard mattresses, 26-30 cm for comfort, up to 32-38 cm for thicker orthopedic ones. With an added topper, the necessary depth can exceed 40 cm.
| Mattress thickness | Minimum depth | Recommended depth | Typical mattress type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 18 cm | 22 cm | 25 cm | Futons, folding beds, thin mattresses |
| 18–22 cm | 24 cm | 27 cm | Standard traditional mattresses pre-2010 |
| 22–28 cm | 28 cm | 30–32 cm | Modern comfort mattresses — the most common in Italy today |
| 28–32 cm | 32 cm | 35 cm | Orthopedic mattresses, intermediate memory foam |
| 32–38 cm | 36 cm | 40+ cm | Premium memory foam, hotel mattresses, + topper |
| Mattress + topper | Total thickness + 5 cm | Total thickness + 8 cm | Always measure the sum |
Looniva 100% bamboo sets have 30 cm pocket depths — suitable for mattresses up to 26-28 cm thick with a secure hold margin. For thicker mattresses or those with toppers, please contact us before purchasing to check compatibility with your specific bed.
You've measured your mattress. Now choose the right size.
30 cm pockets, certified 100% bamboo, sizes available for the two most popular formats in Italy. If you have any doubts about the size, customer service will respond within 24 hours.
International Sizes: UK, USA, France, Germany
If you've bought a bed abroad, received it as a gift from someone living outside Italy, or seen sizes with American names on international e-commerce sites, the sizes can differ significantly from Italian standards. Here are practical tips for navigating different systems.
France and Germany — European Metric System
France and Germany use the metric system with measurements very close to Italian ones. The standard French double is 160×200 cm (identical to Italian); the French "grand lit" or "King" is 180×200 cm. In Germany, the "Doppelbett" is 160×200 and the local "Queensize" is typically 180×200. For these countries, compatibility with Italian sheets is almost total — however, always check the mattress thickness for the pockets.
United Kingdom — Hybrid System
The UK system uses names identical to American ones but very different measurements. A UK King Size (150×200 cm) is 10 cm narrower than the standard Italian double (160 cm). A UK Super King (180×200 cm) perfectly matches the Italian maxi. A UK Double (135×190 cm) is both narrower and shorter than the Italian standard — requiring specific bedding. Never trust only the size name with UK beds.
USA — Inches and Incompatible Sizes
The American system uses inches and has structurally different measurements for each size. A Queen Size (153×203 cm) is the closest to the standard Italian double: slightly narrower by 7 cm (153 vs 160) and longer by 3 cm (203 vs 200). Italian 160×200 sheets will fit with a small compromise. A King Size (193×203 cm) requires specific bedding — 33 cm wider than the Italian 160. A California King (183×213 cm) is unique and incompatible with any European standard.
For any bed purchased or received from abroad: physically measure the mattress with a tape measure (width × length × thickness) and use those values in cm — never the size name — to choose your sheets. Size names (King, Queen, Double) are not standardized between countries and are a systematic source of errors.
The 5 most common mistakes when buying — and how to avoid them
Five real situations, with direct solutions for each.
Buying "double" without checking if the mattress is 160 or 180
The term "matrimoniale" (double) in Italy covers 160, 170, and 180 cm. The mattress width in centimeters is the only information that matters. A 160 sheet on a 180 mattress will come off both sides every night — no fabric quality compensates for the wrong size. Measure first. Thirty seconds with a tape measure.
Not checking the pocket depth before purchase
A fitted sheet with 22 cm pockets on a 30 cm mattress won't stay on: the pockets don't cover the thickness, and the fabric will detach at night. Always check the pocket depth in the product description — and if not indicated, ask explicitly. This is not a secondary technical detail: it's the difference between sheets that stay in place and frustrating sheets.
Confusing fabric measurement with mattress measurement
A 180×200 cm fitted sheet has an actual fabric width of approximately 240-260 cm (including the corner bands). The measurements in descriptions refer to the mattress they are designed for — not the size of the open fabric. Comparing fabric measurements with mattress measurements always causes confusion. Refer to the mattress size, not the fabric.
Using "King Size" as a universal size without specifying IT/UK/US
UK King Size (150 cm), IT/EU King Size (180 cm), and US King Size (193 cm) differ by tens of centimeters. The name "King Size" alone does not uniquely identify a measurement — it depends on the reference system. For any international order, always specify dimensions in centimeters and not the size name.
Not considering shrinkage after the first wash
Sheets made from natural and semi-synthetic fibers shrink slightly after the first few washes — between 2% and 5% if washed at higher than recommended temperatures. Serious manufacturers pre-wash or cut with extra allowance to compensate. Always check if the stated measurements are pre- or post-wash. For bamboo: wash at 30°C, shrinkage ≤3-4%. For more information: do bamboo sheets change color and size after washing?
From Size to Material: usage profile guide
Once the correct size has been determined with the chart and measuring guide, choosing the material is the second step. There is no universally best material for double bed sheets — the answer depends on how you sleep, the primary season of use, and any specific health or practical needs.
Those who sweat at night or sleep hot
Priority: active thermoregulation, rapid moisture wicking, cool feel
100% OEKO-TEX Bamboo — active thermoregulation through microporous structure, dissipates heat and moisture better than cotton, modal, and linen for those who sweat significantly
Sensitive skin, eczema, or dermatitis
Priority: no mechanical abrasion, verifiable chemical certification, antibacterial properties
100% OEKO-TEX Class II Bamboo — round cross-section with no micro-abrasions, intrinsic antibacterial Kun agent, verifiable OEKO-TEX on my.oeko-tex.com
Dust mite allergy
Priority: reduction of microclimate favorable to mites, tolerates frequent washing
100% Bamboo + dust mite proof mattress protector — three documented mechanisms against mite proliferation, combined with a physical barrier on the mattress
Maximum durability, no special care
Priority: 10+ years longevity, tolerance to high washing temperatures, daily practicality
Long-staple Egyptian Cotton (400-600 thread count) — the most durable fiber, tolerates washing up to 60°C, stable in the long term
Hot summer nights, seasonal use
Priority: maximum freshness, light touch, summer moisture management
100% Bamboo for those who sweat; 100% linen for those who prefer maximum breathability and tolerate a more rustic feel. For choosing bamboo/modal in summer: bamboo vs modal in summer
Children, newborns, delicate skin
Priority: OEKO-TEX Class I chemical safety, no abrasion, tolerates frequent washing
100% OEKO-TEX Class I Bamboo — the strictest certification for products in contact with children up to 3 years old, structural hypoallergenic properties
Sustainability as an explicit priority
Priority: verifiable supply chain, pesticide-free cultivation, environmental certifications
100% Bamboo with FSC + OEKO-TEX — documented pesticide-free cultivation, FSC for source management, OEKO-TEX for the finished product. For the full picture: pesticide-free bamboo: myth or reality
"The wrong size ruins even the best fabric. The right size, even for an average fabric, guarantees a peaceful night. Measure first, then choose the material."
Looniva Editorial · Buying GuideRight size, right material: the Looniva set starts here.
Choose your size — standard or maxi — and the complete set: fitted sheet with 30 cm pockets, flat sheet, pillowcases. 100% Bamboo with verifiable OEKO-TEX number on my.oeko-tex.com.
Conclusion
Double bed sheet sizes are not a secondary technical detail — they are the primary factor determining nighttime comfort. A premium set on the wrong mattress does not work; a set in the right size, even of average quality, guarantees a night without frustration.
The process is clear: measure the width, length, and thickness of the mattress (plus topper if present), check the pocket depth of the product, then choose the material based on your profile. The complete table in this guide covers every Italian and international format with the exact measurements of each component of the set.
If you still have doubts about the right size for your specific mattress — or if you are looking for your first certified bamboo set — Looniva customer service is available for a personalized recommendation before purchase. The complete guide to bamboo bedding is available here: bamboo bedding: the complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard sizes for double bed sheets in Italy?
In Italy, there are three main sizes: 160×200 cm (classic standard, dominant in pre-2015 beds), 170×200 cm (wider, less common), 180×200 cm (maxi, standard in new furnishings). The fitted sheet matches the mattress size; the standard flat sheet is 240×270 cm (for 160) or 260×280 cm (for 180); the duvet cover is 240×220 cm (for 160) or 260×220 cm (for 180).
How do I correctly measure my mattress to buy the right sheets?
Three measurements: 1) Width (short side) — the critical measurement that determines the size: 160, 170, or 180 cm. 2) Length (long side) — almost always 200 cm in Italy. 3) Thickness — determines the pocket depth: typically 22-32 cm in modern mattresses. If you have a topper, add its thickness. Pocket depth formula: mattress thickness + topper + 6 cm.
What is the difference between standard and maxi double bed sheets?
Standard (160×200 cm) is the traditional Italian format; maxi (180×200 cm) is the standard for new furnishings and the norm in Europe. The two sizes are not interchangeable: a 160 sheet on a 180 mattress will not cover the edges correctly and will slip off every night. If you bought your bed after 2015, measure before ordering — it is very likely a 180×200.
What does the pocket depth of a fitted sheet mean?
It is the height of the elastic pocket that tucks under the mattress — it must be at least equal to the mattress thickness + 5-8 cm margin. For mattresses 22-28 cm: minimum pocket 28-30 cm. For mattresses 28-35 cm: pocket 32-38 cm. Looniva sets have 30 cm pockets — suitable for most modern Italian mattresses up to 26-28 cm thick.
Are American bed sizes compatible with Italian sheets?
Only partially. The USA Queen Size (153×203 cm) is close to the Italian double 160 — 160 sheets will fit with a small compromise. The USA King Size (193×203 cm) is 33 cm wider than the Italian standard 160 and 13 cm wider than the maxi 180: it requires specific bedding. For any imported USA bed, measure the mattress in centimeters — do not rely on the size name.
Do bamboo sheets shrink after washing and change size?
100% quality bamboo viscose sheets shrink minimally after the first few washes — less than 3-4% if washed at 30-40°C on a delicate cycle. Serious manufacturers compensate in the cut. To minimize: first wash at 30°C, air dry, never use a high-temperature dryer. The measurements stated by Looniva refer to the product after the first few washes.
Right size, right fiber.
Truly effective nights.
100% certified bamboo viscose sheet sets — in the two most popular sizes in Italy. Fitted sheet with 30 cm pockets, flat sheet, and pillowcases included. Verifiable OEKO-TEX number on my.oeko-tex.com. If your size is not in the catalog, please contact us.