What is a Fitted Set?
Most of the time event table skirts will attach to a table using hook and loop clips, hook and loop strips (table edge & skirt) or staples on wood tables. A table topper can be added to finish off the top under the skirting on the sides. This means that if you use clips, they are visible and sometimes get in the way. Although they are clear plastic and do not stand out that much, some customers will prefer a cleaner look for their skirting. That is where fitted sets come in!
A table fitted set is a table skirt that is sewn to a table topper. It gives a nice clean look since there are no clips visible and is finished off nicely for shirred, box or continuous pleats. There are also flat panel fitted sets that do not utilize pleating and are great for adding graphics. Both our Twill and Poly Poplin products are available in fitted sets. Twill offers several pleat styles along with the flat panel option. Poly Poplin just offers flat panel fitted sets.
The main advantage in using a fitted set is a clean professional look. Also, set up is much easier because you simply place it over the table and you are finished. With the table skirt, topper and clips option, it is necessary to place the topper followed by twenty or so plastic hook and loop clips and then the skirting must be attached to the twenty clips. This is way too much work invested for table covers!
A major disadvantage in fitted sets would be the fact that they are made for a specific sized table (your specifications) and will look sloppy on a table size that it was not made for. This removes the flexibility of table skirts fitting on multiple sized tables of the same height. For example, a 17.5’ skirt can wrap around an 8’ table or a 6’ table with no problem. The 8’ table will have an open back and the 6’ will be covered all around. Also, if there is a problem with the topper, such as a coffee spill that may stain the fabric, it is much more difficult to replace than if you had a loose topper.
Another simpler alternative to a fitted set is table throw covers. This is a table cover that is “thrown” over a table for a quick and easy placement. These types of table covers are also made for specific sized tables but are a little more flexible to use. For example a throw cover sized for an 8’ table will also fit on a 6’ table with a little folding and tucking.