UK Emperor and Super King Sheets: Why They're So Hard to Find
7 November 2026
If you've ever tried to buy sheets for an emperor bed in the UK, you'll know the problem. High street shops stock plenty of doubles and kings, a few super kings, and almost no emperors. What you do find is often a polyester blend, or the fitted sheet won't reach round a deep mattress.
This guide sets out the exact UK bed sizes, why the biggest ones are so poorly served, and how to get pure cotton sheets that actually fit.
UK bed sizes explained
UK mattress sizes are standard in name but not always in practice. These are the usual dimensions; check your own mattress before ordering.
| UK size | Mattress (W × L) | RocketLinen fit |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190 cm (3' × 6'3") | Made to measure |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm (4'6" × 6'3") | Made to measure |
| King | 150 × 200 cm (5' × 6'6") | Made to measure |
| Super King | 180 × 200 cm (6' × 6'6") | Standard Super King fits |
| Emperor | usually 200 × 215 cm (6'6" × 7') | Made to measure |
The names don't travel. A UK king is narrower than a US or UAE king, and a UK emperor is a different size from an emperor elsewhere. Always order by centimetres, not by name.
Pillowcases are simpler: UK standard pillowcases are 50 × 75 cm and king pillowcases 50 × 90 cm, the same as RocketLinen's regular and king sizes.
Why emperor and super king sheets are hard to find
- Few people own them. Doubles and kings make up most UK beds, so shops give the biggest sizes little shelf space and often stock them in only one or two colours.
- Emperor isn't one size. Some brands sell a 200 × 200 cm emperor, others 200 × 215 cm. A sheet labelled emperor may not match your mattress.
- Mattresses got deeper. Large beds usually come with deep pillow-top or hybrid mattresses, and toppers on top. Many fitted sheets stop at around 30 cm (12 in) deep.
- Cheap blends fill the gap. Where large sizes are stocked, they're often polycotton or microfiber, which sleep warmer and pill sooner than pure cotton.
What to check before you buy
- Measure width and length in centimetres, not by the size name.
- Measure depth with your topper on, and pick a fitted sheet at least that deep. Our deep pocket fitted sheets guide shows how.
- Check the fabric. Look for 100% cotton on the label, not "cotton rich" or polycotton.
- Check the flat sheet and duvet cover too. On an emperor bed they need extra width to hang properly over the sides.
Pure cotton sheets made to fit your bed
RocketLinen makes sheets to your exact measurements, so an emperor, super king or any in-between size fits properly. Every set is 100% long-staple cotton in a sateen weave, with fitted sheets made to any depth.
- Open the RocketLinen custom studio.
- Choose your items: fitted sheet, flat sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases, together or separately.
- Enter your width, length and depth in centimetres or inches.
- You see the price, delivery cost and delivery time before you pay.
Timing. Made-to-measure orders take 12 to 14 days to make, then 5 to 7 days to reach the UK. Allow about three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an emperor bed in the UK? Usually 200 × 215 cm (6'6" × 7'), though some brands sell a 200 × 200 cm emperor. Measure your mattress to be sure.
Is a super king the same as a US king? No. A UK super king is 180 × 200 cm. A US king is about 193 × 203 cm, so US sheets won't fit a UK super king properly.
Why don't high street shops stock emperor sheets? Very few UK homes have emperor beds, so most shops carry only a small range or none at all.
Can I get pure cotton emperor sheets? Yes. RocketLinen makes 100% cotton sheets to your exact emperor size, including deep fitted sheets.
How long does delivery to the UK take? About three weeks for made-to-measure orders: 12 to 14 days to make, then 5 to 7 days to deliver.
