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On chilly nights, curling up under quality flannel sheets is a great way to stay cozy. However, not all flannels are created equal. The best flannel sheets should be soft, warm, easy to care for, and develop minimal pilling (the small balls of fibers that form on some fabrics) after washing.
Shoppers who think flannel is available only in plaid prints are in for a surprise. Cozy flannel sheets come in a range of patterns, colors, and styles. We tested each of the sets on our list to find the sheets that are soft and durable. We used these sheets for multiple nights and washed them several times to make sure they could make any bed a cozy haven.
Keep reading to learn about what to consider when choosing the best flannel sheets, and what we found out when testing these top picks. We’ll discuss how to select the best weight, material, patterns, and more to help shoppers pick the best flannel sheets.
- BEST OVERALL: Mellanni Lightweight 160GSM Flannel Cotton Sheet Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pointehaven 170GSM Heavy-Weight Flannel Sheet Set
- BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Great Bay Home 4-Piece Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet
- BEST YEAR-ROUND: Shavel Home Products Micro Flannel Sheet Set
- BEST FOR KIDS: Eddie Bauer Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
- BEST PATTERNED: Laura Ashley Flannel Sheet Set
- BEST SOFT: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
- MOST BREATHABLE: Beautyrest 100% Cotton Oversize Flannel Sheet Set
- BEST DEEP-POCKET: Tribeca Living Flannel Extra-Deep-Pocket Sheet Set
How We Tested the Best Flannel Sheets
The flannel sheets on our list were tested and scored on a rubric to compare and contrast features. We prewashed all of the sheets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We monitored shrinking during the washing process. We also noted how much pilling took place after the initial wash. The sheets were then slept on for at least one night, though a few sets were slept on more than once. The outside temperatures were in the 40 degree Fahrenheit range, while the inside temperatures stayed in the high 50s to low 60 degree Fahrenheit range in the bedroom.
The sheets were tested on mattresses of the following heights based on the sheet size:
- Twin: 11.5-inch mattress
- Queen: 11-inch mattress
- King: 13-inch mattress
The sheets were then washed at least three times in total to check pilling, fading, and texture. We took note of how much lint the sheets shed as well as the strength of the seams, which can be a weak point for flannel. We then scored them based on their performance.
Our Top Picks
Staying warm on chilly nights can be as simple as adding a cozy set of flannel sheets to the bed. We tested some of the top brands to reach the recommendations below for the best flannel sheets by category.
Best Overall
Mellanni Lightweight 160GSM Flannel Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
- Soft and comfortable fabric made the bed feel welcoming
- Warm without causing overheating, even for sleepers who overheat easily
- Certified organic cotton and free of common textile chemicals
Cons
- Very slight pilling makes the sheets look a bit more worn
Product Specs
- GSM weight: 160
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Plain/standard
For people who aren’t crazy about plaid patterns, these Mellanni cotton flannel sheets are a stylish and effective alternative. Available in six sizes and a variety of solids and prints, these preshrunk 100 percent organic cotton sheets also have a double-napped finish for added softness and warmth. With a grams per square meter (GSM) weight of 160, they are in the medium-weight category, making them perfect for year-round use or for hot sleepers who still like the feel of flannel.
We found these sheets to be everything that was promised in the description. They’re comfortable and warm, but they’re not too heavy. We didn’t overheat, and they washed well. After three washes, there was slight pilling, but nothing out of the ordinary. Mellanni flannel sheets are fade-, stain-, shed-, and wrinkle-resistant, and they won’t shrink after a round in the wash.
Get the Mellanni flannel sheets at Amazon or Mellanni.
Best Bang for the Buck
Pointehaven 170GSM Heavy-Weight Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Extra yardage in the flat sheet accommodates shrinkage and leads to a better fit
- Affordable price point for sheets that offer a balance of warmth and comfort
- Warm and breathable for a comfortable temperature balance
Cons
- Not many styles of prints from which to choose
- Fitted sheet might not hold on a 16-inch-high mattress
Product Specs
- GSM weight: 170
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Percale
Pointehaven offers these flannel sheet sets with a GSM weight of 170 for a reasonable price. The sheets are 100 percent cotton and double napped for added warmth and comfort. This four-piece set includes a flat sheet, a deep-pocket fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
While it’s advertised as fitting a 16-inch mattress, we’re not sure that would work with the slight (and expected) shrinking. We tested them on an 11-inch mattress, and the fitted sheet was pretty tight. It might fit on a mattress that’s a couple of inches taller, but we doubt it would fit a 16-inch model.
We liked the contemporary prints in this line, which offer a fun alternative to plaid, solid, or novelty-themed flannel sheets. However, we wish they had a few more design options at this particular fabric weight, though there are other print options in different weights.
We also appreciated that the flat sheet offered extra yardage to accommodate for shrinkage, something the fitted sheet did not appear to provide. That said, those who want a heavy-weight flannel sheet set that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg will want to consider this budget-friendly set from Pointehaven.
Get the Pointehaven flannel sheets at Amazon, Wayfair, or Kohl’s.
Best for Cold Weather
Great Bay Home 4-Piece Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet
Pros
- Buttery soft feel, even after several washings
- Weight and dense weave provide a good drape for excellent comfort
- Warm but breathable, which helps prevent overheating
Cons
- May not fit on taller mattresses due to shrinking
Product Specs
- GSM weight: 190
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Twill
This four-piece set from Great Bay Home is made of Turkish cotton with a heavy GSM weight of 190 for the winter cold. The weight of the fabric combined with the twill weave gives these sheets more drape than the average flannel sheet, which was something we noticed right away during testing. There’s also a slight nap on both sides, giving them an extra boost of warmth.
We found that the sheets held up well to washing with minimal pilling. The Great Bay Home sheets were comfortably smooth, which prevented getting caught in the sheets while sleeping. The queen-size set is supposed to fit mattresses from 14 to 17 inches; however, due to some shrinking, they were a tight fit on our 11-inch mattress. These sheets are super soft and don’t lose that softness with washing.
Get the Great Bay Home flannel sheets at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Year-Round
Shavel Home Products Micro Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Lightweight but provides adequate warmth for cooler temperatures
- Suitable for year-round use because of the balance of warmth and weight
- Retained their color after several washes without pilling
Cons
- Not quite as breathable as cotton
Product Specs
- GSM weight: N/A
- Fabric: Polyester
- Weave: Twill
Shavel Home Products micro flannel sheets are durable yet lightweight, so they are suitable for year-round use. However, the sheets are made from synthetic fibers, so they are not especially breathable in comparison to cotton flannel.
These sheets are thin and provide the right amount of warmth during the cold months. They’re definitely lighter than the cotton sheets we tested and less breathable. However, we didn’t find them overly warm, even though one of our testers sleeps warm. There was no pilling with this microfiber, and the sheets looked as good coming out of the dryer as they did going into the washing machine. Plus, they’re super easy to wash and don’t wrinkle like cotton.
In warmer weather, the sheets make a good top layer and remain cool to the touch. Despite their synthetic fabric, they are certified as free of harmful chemicals. The sets are available in a variety of fun and colorful patterns as well as six different sizes. They’re also colorfast and won’t fade, even when washed in super-hot water.
Get the Shavel Home Products flannel sheetsat Amazon or Shavel Home Products.
Best For Kids
Eddie Bauer Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Comes in fun seasonal and animal prints to change up kids’ bedding
- Soft, warm flannel for a cozy night’s sleep
- Deep-fitted sheets fit many mattress thicknesses
Cons
- Slight pilling when washed
Product Specs
- GSM weight: N/A
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Twill
In addition to premium outerwear, Eddie Bauer offers home bedding and other home decor. The company’s flannel bedding is made from 100 percent cotton that is preshrunk and double napped for added softness. It also has a cozy weight. These flannel sheets insulate while wicking away excess moisture and are great for layering or using on their own.
In testing, they were warm and had a decent drape. We also found that they didn’t shrink as much as other cotton flannel sheets. They left room to spare on the 11.5-inch mattress on which they were tested. That made putting on the fitted sheet much easier, which is a bonus for kids’ sheets.
Sure, these sheets will keep the kiddos warm on cold nights, but what sets them apart are the fun prints. They are available in a variety of novelty snowy woodland prints, including bears, dogs, trucks, and more.
Get the Eddie Bauer flannel sheets at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Patterned
Laura Ashley Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Withstood washing well, with minimal pilling and no fading of the pattern colors
- Beautiful balance of drape and breathability, making them comfortable and cozy
- Keeps the sleeper warm without overheating
Cons
- We love their patterns but wish there were more
Product Specs
- GSM weight: N/A
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Plain/standard
A soft patterned flannel sheet can bring an extra dose of coziness to the bedroom. The Laura Ashley flannel sheet set comes in 20 patterns that range from florals and plaids to animal prints. These smooth flannel sheets were a favorite during testing.
Their single-sided nap kept a smooth surface against the skin and made the sheets feel light. Even though they felt light, the sheets kept temperatures comfortable. We stayed warm without overheating, and they wicked away moisture well, thanks to the cotton fabric. They held up to washing beautifully, with little pilling or fading after five washes.
While there was slight shrinkage, the sheets fit well with some room to spare on the 11-inch mattress used in testing. A good tug on the seams while putting them on the bed and testing their durability showed that they were up for a challenge. We loved these sheets enough that we’d buy them in several patterns to use all winter long.
Get the Laura Ashley flannel sheets at Amazon, Laura Ashley, or Kohl’s.
Best Soft
L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Buttery-soft brushed flannel that felt luxurious against the skin
- Good balance of heat retention and breathability for all-night comfort
- Draped well over the body for easier sleep positioning with maximum heat retention
Cons
- Would be nice if they came in a few more patterned options
Product Specs
- GSM weight: N/A
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Plain/standard
L.L.Bean’s reputation for quality holds up with the brand’s Ultrasoft Comfort flannel sheet set. Out of the package, these sheets were buttery soft. After five washes, they were still buttery soft with minimal pilling. They shrunk slightly but not enough that it affected their fit.
They’re made of a brushed flannel that’s soft and smooth. The double-napped fabric balanced heat retention and breathability, so we stayed comfortable despite fluctuating nighttime temperatures. Part of that successful breathability comes from the cotton fabric, which naturally wicks away moisture.
These sheets also had a beautiful drape and weight that cascaded over the body. It gave them a good fit so we didn’t have to shift around to get the sheets in the right position. Additionally, for flannel sheets, they’re smooth, which prevented us from getting caught in the sheets when tossing and turning. The product description says they’re designed for year-round use, and we’d agree that they’d be usable all year except in hot climates. L.L.Bean sells these sheets in eight solid colors and four checkered color patterns.
Get the L.L.Bean flannel sheets at L.L.Bean or Dillard’s.
Most Breathable
Beautyrest 100% Cotton Oversize Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
- Added warmth but the high breathability prevented sleepers from overheating
- Soft texture of the fabric felt good against the skin
- Good selection of solid and patterned fabrics
Cons
- Had a lot of pilling from washing
- Shrunk enough to leave a tight fit for taller mattresses
Product Specs
- GSM weight: N/A
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Plain/standard
These 100 percent cotton flannel sheets offer excellent breathability and warmth. Cotton’s natural breathability prevented overheating and the cotton wicked away moisture well. At the same time, they did a good job of retaining heat. The sheets are made of brushed flannel, giving them a soft texture. The Beautyrest sheets have nap on both sides, which improves their heat retention. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, which means they’re free from a long list of harmful chemicals.
The Beautyrest sheets are also oversize to fit taller mattresses. However, they shrunk quite a bit during testing. They fit the 11-inch mattress we tested them on and could fit a mattress a few inches taller. However, they might get tight on 18-inch mattresses.
The seams of these sheets were durable. However, the fabric did pill quite a bit during washing, which added texture to the soft fabric.
Get the Beautyrest flannel sheets at Amazon or Kohl’s.
Best Deep-Pocket
Tribeca Living Flannel Extra-Deep-Pocket Sheet Set
Pros
- Deep pocket fits tall mattresses but stays in place on shorter models
- Excellent drape over the body for a more comfortable night’s rest
- Good balance of breathability and warmth retention that held heat but prevented overheating
Cons
- We’d love to see even more colors and patterns
Product Specs
- GSM weight: 170
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weave: Plain/standard
The Tribeca Living flannel extra-deep-pocket sheet set is designed for mattresses in the 18-inch range. Even with slight shrinking, these sheets can encompass those behemoth mattresses and provide the cold-weather comfort that sleepers need. On the shorter testing mattress, they engulfed each corner with ample room for more mattress height. However, they didn’t slide around on a shorter mattress, staying in place even after a full night of sleep.
These sheets were another favorite during testing. The single-sided nap design leaves a smooth sheet against the skin, but the flannel maximizes heat retention. The GSM weight of 170 provided a nice drape, so it didn’t take much adjusting to get comfortable and stay that way. They kept us warm without overheating, and our pajamas didn’t get caught on the flannel.
The Tribeca sheets also washed well. They didn’t fade or pill, looking as bright after the fifth washing as they did after the first. These sheets come in 11 colors and patterns to accommodate different bedroom decors.
Get the Tribeca Living flannel sheets at Amazon, Macy’s, or Target.
ALSO TESTED:
Great Bay Home 4-Piece Nordic Cotton Flannel Sheet
These Great Bay Home sheets were a disappointment from the start. They were badly pilled from the moment we opened the package. They pilled excessively where we laid on them while sleeping. After they were washed, they had shrunk so severely that they barely fit on a 13-inch king-size mattress, even though they were designed to fit one up to 17 inches thick. It was a hard pass on these sheets.
Bare Home Flannel Cotton Sheet Set
The Bare Home sheets were harder to pass by. They felt great and were warm, and they’re free of harmful chemicals, but a seam ripped on the pillowcase after one washing. It wasn’t a small rip, either, and the pillowcase basically disintegrated in our hands. The rip could have been a fluke, but we couldn’t put these on the list if there’s a risk of weak seams.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Flannel Sheets
When it comes to selecting the right set of flannel sheets, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has different needs, preferences, and budgets. Read on to review important considerations in selecting the best flannel sheets.
Year-Round vs. Seasonal
Although flannel sheets are a popular choice for cold nights, some people prefer to use them year-round. Flannel sheets are often used as a supplement to a heavier comforter or duvet and can even be used on their own in more moderate weather.
Flannel sheets are described by weight, not thread count; their softness and quality depend on their weight. Flannel weight is sometimes listed in ounces per square yard (imperial measurement), but it’s more commonly described with metric measurements in GSM—this is how much one square meter of fabric weighs. The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric. All fabrics have a GSM, but it’s listed on flannel sheets the most often. The heavier the weight, the warmer the sheets. Not all manufacturers include the GSM weight in their description, so shoppers may have to rely on other factors to determine the warmth.
Fabrics generally fall into these weight categories:
- Lightweight: GSM weight of 30 to 150
- Medium-weight: GSM weight of 150 to 350
- Heavyweight: GSM weight of 350-plus
Most flannel sheets technically fall within the medium-weight category. However, flannel sheets with a fabric rating of a GSM weight of 170 or higher, or at least 5 ounces, are heavy, warm, and should last for a long time. These sheets are best suited for seasonal use. Flannel sheets under a GSM weight of 170 are considered lighter weight and can be used year-round unless the user tends to sleep hot or lives in a warmer climate.
Weave
Most sheets are defined by their weave, which determines their feel and durability. While flannel is a type of weave known for its napped, or fuzzy, finish and softness, flannel sheets can be either plain weave or twill weave. In plain weave, the fabric resembles a checkerboard. In twill weave, the pattern is diagonal. Plain weave is more durable, but twill offers better drape. For flannel sheets, a nice drape means that they fit well over the body yet stay breathable and comfortable.
Texture
Flannel is well known for its texture—the fuzzy surface is called its nap. Napping is a technique in which the fabric is brushed after it’s woven. Flannel sheets can be napped on both sides or just one side, and the napping can be heavy or light.
Sheets with napping on both sides are usually the softest and warmest, as the napping traps warm air. Double-napped sheets also cost more, but for shoppers who live in a cold climate, that extra cost might be worth it.
Softness
Regardless of the fabric type, the best flannel sheets are undeniably soft. After all, no one wants to sleep on scratchy sheets. Wool and quality cotton flannel sheets soften with use, while synthetic fabrics and blends stay relatively the same.
Napping also plays a part in how soft the sheets are. Basic flannel sheets are napped on one side, while premium sheets will be napped on both sides. Remember, the nap gives the flannel its “fuzzy” look and cushy softness.
Warmth
When setting out to buy the best flannel sheets, remember that the fabric’s weight and nap will determine the sheets’ warmth. The heavier the sheets, the warmer they will be. Also, double-napped flannel sheets are warmer than sheets with only one napped side.
Wool flannel sheets lead the way in warmth, but they can be expensive and high-maintenance to clean. For the ultimate warmth without the drawbacks of wool, go for double-napped cotton or cotton blend sheets that are above 5 ounces in weight.
Breathability
Flannel sheets’ breathability depends on a few things, including the weave as well as the quality and type of fiber used. The most breathable sheets have loose-woven fabrics or long-staple fibers that tend to allow more room for air to pass through.
Wool flannel sheets offer the best breathability, but cotton is a close second. Synthetic sheets feel cool to the touch but do not wick moisture away from the body. Synthetic flannel sheets also feature a tighter weave that limits air passage. And for hot sleepers, it’s probably best to avoid double-napped sheets.
Moisture Wicking
On the other hand, hot sleepers will want to strongly consider sheets with moisture-wicking properties. Cotton and wool flannel sheets offer the best moisture wicking, but although cotton can wick moisture from the body during sleep, it doesn’t keep users as warm as wool. Those who are prone to sweating in their sleep will want to avoid synthetic sheets. As previously noted, they are cool to the touch, but they don’t wick away moisture and are not very breathable.
Ease of Care
Like other sheets, flannel sheets will need to be washed regularly, so ease of care should be top of mind. Care instructions for flannel sheets vary according to the material. Cotton and synthetic fibers are typically machine washable in cold or warm water and can be dried on low or medium heat.
While some wool flannel sheets are machine washable, many are not, and none of them should be put in the dryer. These sheets will need to be line dried.
Types of Flannel Sheets
Flannel is a soft woven fabric made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber. Welsh shepherds started weaving flannel from wool as a way to keep themselves warm in the wet, windy weather. Nowadays, flannel is made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons.
Cotton
Cotton is a popular choice for flannel because it is soft and lightweight. Its durability and performance depend on the cotton staple (the length of the fibers) and weave tightness. Brushed flannel goes through a process that raises fibers to improve texture.
As for regular cotton sheets, extra-long-staple cottons (like Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton) are considered premium options. Low-quality cotton sheets are more likely to pill and have a shorter lifespan.
The type of cotton used for weaving the flannel sheets determines their cost and durability. In general, cotton offers a wide range of prices, versatility in color and patterns, and softness. It’s the most common fabric used today for making flannel.
Cotton flannel sheets are the best option for those who sleep hot. The sheets are pretty breathable, and while cotton flannel sheets don’t wick moisture away from the body as well as wool, the fabric is a solid, quality choice.
Wool
Wool is known for its warmth and moisture-wicking properties. Good quality wool is warm, lightweight, and strong and will keep sleepers dry even when it’s full of moisture, thanks to its evaporative quality. Wool fibers absorb moisture and release it into the air. It’s also naturally fire-resistant.
Wool is one of the more expensive materials used for flannel, and therefore it is not as popular as cotton or synthetic options. Wool needs to be washed with care; it’s often not machine washable and cannot go into the dryer. There are machine-washable wool options available, but they tend to be more expensive. However, with proper care, wool flannel sheets can last a lifetime.
Wool is extremely insulating, so for those who are hot sleepers, wool will probably be too warm. Wool flannel sheets can be scratchy at first, but they get softer with continued use.
Synthetic
Synthetic flannel, also known as micro flannel, is made from polyester microfiber. This material is stain- and wrinkle-resistant, durable, and generally less expensive than wool or cotton. The material is made from plastic and is used in a variety of home products.
Synthetic flannel sheets are soft, easy to clean, and can withstand repeated use and washings without breaking down or pilling. However, the material is generally thin and prone to static electricity.
Blend
Cotton-and-polyester-blended flannel offers the ability to reap the benefits of both fibers: warmth, durability, and reasonable cost. Flannel blends are softer and warmer than synthetic flannel sheets, more wrinkle-resistant than cotton flannel sheets, and considerably less expensive than 100 percent cotton or wool sheets. These sheets retain their color and shape even after laundering. Blends offer cotton’s lightweight breathability and synthetic fibers’ ease of care. Blended flannel sheets also pill less than cotton.
FAQs
Flannel sheets can keep sleepers cozy in colder months. If you’re wondering if flannel sheets are right for you, read on to find out the answers to the most common questions when it comes to flannel sheets.
Q. How do you wash and care for flannel sheets?
How you wash and care for flannel sheets depends on the material they’re made from. Cotton and synthetic flannel can be cleaned and dried in home washing machines and dryers. Wool flannel sheets require special care and cannot be washed in hot water or placed in the dryer.
Q. How can you tell if flannel sheets are good quality?
The quality of the sheet depends on its primary material and weight. Cotton or wool sheets that have a GSM weight of at least 170 are better-quality sheets.
Q. Do all flannel sheets pill?
All flannel pills to some extent. Lower-quality flannel will pill immediately, while higher-quality sheets will do so only over an extended period.
Q. Should you wash new flannel sheets?
Yes. Most sheets have sizing (a substance that is applied as a protective filler or glaze) on them when they are new. Washing them removes the sizing. Be sure to follow the proper washing instructions for your flannel sheets.
Meet the Tester
Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products, home design and decor, and general indoor and outdoor home improvement for 5-plus years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars.
Additional research provided by Debbie Wolfe.
