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For many people, flannel is a quintessential part of winter. Most commonly made of wool, cotton, or polyester, flannel has a characteristically fuzzy feel that comes from brushing out the fibers after the fabric is woven. This adds an extra layer of coziness and makes flannel sheets a beloved choice by sleepers looking to stay warm through the night.
Whether you plan to use flannel sheets to save on your heating bills or whether you just like the feel, we’re here to help, with a comprehensive guide to flannel sheets and a list of our top picks. All of our choices are 100 percent cotton flannel, which provides the best balance of softness and durability.
Best Overall
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The Boll & Branch Flannel Sheets are a high quality take on the cotton flannel design. Woven in Portugal, these sheets are made of 100% organic cotton, which makes for a more breathable style of flannel that still retains its warmth. The brushed, velvety finish of these sheets not only makes them soft to the touch, but also helps reduce wear and pilling, which can be a problem for flannel sheets in general. The sheets have been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOLS), which is the industry standard for organic certifications.
Boll & Branch Sheets are produced using fair wages and minimizing water usage, making these a good choice for those who value humanity and sustainability.
The Boll & Branch Flannel Sheets come in four distinct neutral colors and seven standard sizes. The set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 1-2 standard or king pillowcases depending on the size you get. Boll & Branch also offers free returns for up to 30 days.
Best Value
The eLuxury 100% Cotton Solid Color Flannel Sheet Set is a sturdy and practical addition to any home. Made of 100 percent cotton flannel, the sheets are available in a range of elegant colors including white, grey, ivory, light blue, and navy blue, as well as paisley patterns.
Due to their lightweight feel, the eLuxury flannel sheets are not limited to the winter months, but are also breathable enough to be comfortable in summer. This makes them a cost-effective choice for those who want to avoid investing in seasonal sheet sets.
The fully elasticized fitted sheets are 15 inches deep and should fit well on most mattresses, even those that are taller than average. Free of harmful substances, eLuxury flannel sheets are quick-drying and can be washed in cold water and tumble-dried on low heat. eLuxury sells these sheets in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
Best Luxury
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Woven in Portugal, the LL Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set is available in a generous range of bright earthy tones such as driftwood, mineral green, and silver sage. The breathable sheets are made of 100 percent cotton and have a medium weight that makes them suitable for use in summer as well as in winter.
Together with the team in Portugal, LL Bean has developed a way to remove excess fibers in order to give the sheets a smoother feel. The result is a set of hardy, pill-resistant sheets that keep their color and softness over time, even with repeated washing. The sheets are available in twin, full, queen, or king sizes and hold OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.
During the first year, if you decide the sheets aren’t for you, you can send them in for a full refund. After this time, LL Bean will only accept returns of sheets that present defects in materials or workmanship.
Best Organic
The Looma Organic Flannel Sheets are composed of organic long-staple cotton, making them both eco-friendly and highly durable. Long-staple cotton is also exceptionally soft and snuggly. As a result, the sheets and pillowcases in this collection have a velvety hand-feel and drape nicely over the body. Thanks to their flannel composition, these items offer excellent insulation against the cold, but they shouldn’t sleep too warm either.
The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 18 inches, so the set will be compatible with the vast majority of mattresses sold today. Every component can be washed and dried in your household machines, making them convenient and cheap to clean. You can choose from two neutral colors and full, queen, and king sizes.
Looma is a Fairtrade company dedicated to fair wages, responsible land use, and water conservation. Shipping is free for all orders and the sheet set is backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Gravity X Modernist Flannel Sheets are made from 100% cotton. The brushed flannel fabrication results in a soft and cozy feel that helps keep sleepers warm throughout the night.
These flannel sheets are currently produced in four exclusive patterns designed by Modernist. They are a great fit for those seeking warmth and comfort, as well as color and design variety.
Full, queen, and king sizes are available. The set is suitable for shoppers with high-profile mattresses, as the deep-pocket fitted sheet accommodates mattresses that are at least 12 inches tall. Elastic corner bands help minimize any shifting or bunching of the fitted sheet.
Each item in the set can be machine washed in warm water with like colors and tumble dried on a low setting.
Gravity offers free shipping for all U.S. orders. Sheet sets in new condition can be returned for a refund within 30 days of delivery, but customers are responsible for any return shipping costs.
Softest Sheet Set
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High-quality flannel bedding tends to be somewhat pricey, especially if the material is rendered from pure cotton, but The Linens & Hutch Solid Flannel Sheet Set is a notable exception. This soft cotton material drives down the cost without sacrificing the softness and insulation you’ll find with many higher-end flannel collections.
The set is available in five sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king. You can also choose from six neutral colors, and if you prefer a more vibrant look, Linens & Hutch offers 10 patterned options sold at the same price-points. Each component of this set can be washed and dried in any household machine, and the material is wrinkle-resistant for added ease of care.
The fitted sheet in this set has a pocket depth of 14 inches, making it compatible any mattress that measures up to 18 inches thick. Each collection also includes a flat sheet and one to two pillowcases, depending on the selected size.
In addition to carrying a very reasonable price-point, the Solid Flannel Sheet Set qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Every purchase includes a sleep trial that allows you to test out and clean the sheets for up to 101 nights before making a decision.
Best Cotton
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Cotton flannel is a popular bedding material because it sleeps cool during hotter times of the year but also insulates against the cold when temperatures dip. The Standard Textile Flannel Sheet Set takes comfort a step further by using brushed cotton, an exceptionally smooth material with a soft hand-feel that is optimal for people with sensitive skin. This set has also earned the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, meaning the sheets and pillowcases do not contain any harmful chemicals.
Customers can choose from four solid colors, as well as two attractive check designs. Six sizes ranging from twin to king and California king are also available. The fitted sheet is compatible with mattresses measuring up to 16 inches thick, which comprises the majority of models sold today. Each item can be laundered in your household washer and dryer, making the set easy and cheap to clean.
The price-point for the Flannel Sheet Set is very approachable and Standard Textile will ship for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Returns are accepted within 90 days of your original purchase, even if you’ve slept on or cleaned any of the items.
Best Temperature Regulation
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Slumber Cloud is a bedding company that offers a line of sheet sets, each with varying degrees of warmth and coolness. The Flannel Sheet Set is the brand’s warmest sheet option, but the company uses a patented fabric that helps control temperature and makes the sheets more comfortable for sleepers who run hot.
The Slumber Cloud Flannel Sheet Set is made with a blend of 60% cotton and 40% Outlast viscose. These patented fibers are designed to store heat from the body as it warms up and release heat as your body cools down. This allows the sheets to confer warmth without necessarily overheating the body. Although the sheets are designed to reduce overheating, the flannel material will likely still be too hot for people who run hot.
Since the fabric technology responds to an individual’s body temperature, the Slumber Cloud Flannel Sheet Set is able to provide customized temperature regulation for couples who share a bed but have differing thermal preferences.
These Slumber Cloud sheets have a brushed finish and provide the soft feel that people commonly associate with flannel. The set is available in one color (gray), and the six size options are twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Fitted sheets have a pocket depth of 15 inches, but the elastic construction allows them to fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The sheets have OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification to ensure that they do not contain harmful chemicals.
Customers receive a 60-day trial and may return the sheets for a full refund within this time period. Return shipping is free. The sheets are backed by a 180-day warranty.
Best Heavyweight
Mellanni is a well-known name in the bedsheets market, and the Mellanni Flannel Cotton Sheet Set promises to deliver the excellent value for money that customers have come to expect from the company. Double-napped, with a weight of 160 grams per square meter, the sheets are thick and heavy, perfect for the coldest months of the year or for those who live in cool climates. As an added bonus, they are breathable and hypoallergenic.
The Mellanni flannel sheets are sold in all the standard mattress sizes and come in a range of colors including white, burgundy, and other colors and patterns. The fitted sheet is fully elasticized for a better fit. As with most cotton flannel, the sheets can be machine-washed in warm water on the delicate cycle with a mild detergent. Drying should be done on the delicate cycle with warm or medium heat.
Mellanni ships the sheets for free to customers in the U.S. The company also offers a rare “forever” sleep trial so you can take your time to see if you really love the sheets. Unsurprisingly, the sheets are also covered by a lifetime warranty.
Flannel spread to the U.S. in the 1800’s, where it played an important role in protecting chilly workers in trades such as railway construction and logging. Throughout the 20th century, flannel was used by a wealth of wide-ranging populations including the army, the working class, outdoor enthusiasts, and the Seattle grunge movement. The fabric eventually spread to the mainstream, and the plaid flannel shirt is now considered a staple in the American wardrobe.
No longer relegated to freezing outdoor jobs, cozy flannel is now a popular choice for winter bed sheets and pajamas. Today’s flannel sheets come in a diverse range of materials, including cotton and microfiber.
Flannel is a fairly general term, and flannel sheets vary widely in quality and feel depending on factors like their weight and what material they’re made from. We’ll dive into how flannel sheets are made and what to look for when buying to help you can narrow down your choices.
We’ve made a list of the most important things to keep in mind when buying bed sheets. Some of these are inherent to every type of bed sheet, while others more specifically apply to flannel. Luxury prices aren’t always a promise of higher-quality materials, but with a better understanding of these factors you’ll be able to see past the marketing jargon and hone in on the best bang for your buck.
Originally made from wool, flannel has since branched out and can now be found in a variety of materials. While all flannel sheets share broad advantages, such as their insulating ability, each material brings its own additional benefits and drawbacks.
Soft and fuzzy flannel is a favorite with many people, especially in winter. However, hot sleepers may not be so enthusiastic about its warm and cozy feel. Here are some of the main pros and cons of flannel.
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Flannel sheets are primarily chosen for their cozy feel and ability to keep sleepers warm. They’re often used as a supplement to a heavier comforter or duvet, and can even suffice on their own in moderately cool weather. Because flannel made from wool or cotton is also relatively breathable, some sleepers may opt to use lightweight flannel sheets year-round.
Despite their advantages, flannel sheets aren’t for everyone. Sleepers who tend to run hot or those who live in warm climates will likely find that flannel traps heat and makes for an uncomfortably warm night. Hot sleepers usually prefer breathable percale or linen sheets.
Flannel requires careful washing and drying to prevent pilling and wrinkling, which may be frustrating if you’re short on time. If this is a concern, synthetic flannel made from polyester or microfiber is the way to go.
Instead of using thread count like other types of sheets, flannel sheets are measured in grams per square meter (GSM). This describes the weight of the sheets, with implications for the material’s breathability and warmth. Of course, the materials used to make the flannel also have an impact on its durability and feel. Synthetic micro flannel sheets are usually more lightweight.
The most expensive flannel is heavyweight flannel, which weighs at least 170 gsm, or 5 ounces per square yard. Due to its tighter weave, heavyweight flannel is more durable and less likely to pill. It also traps more heat, which for many people is the aim of buying flannel sheets. That said, beware of sheets that are exceedingly heavy with coarse fibers, as this usually indicates poor-quality sheets.
By contrast, lightweight flannel refers to flannel that’s lighter than 135 gsm. This flannel is more breathable and retains less heat, but it’s likely to pill more easily and usually has a shorter lifespan. Flannel that lies between these two extremes may be the most suitable for those who plan to sleep with their flannel sheets all year long.