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7 best flannel sheets for a warm, cozy and comfy night’s sleep
The best flannel sheets are an essential bedding item for keeping cozy during colder months. Here, we have a selection of soft, snuggly options.
If you want bedding that combines ultrasoft comfort with warmth and breathability, a flannel sheet set is what you need.
Combine these soft sheets with high-quality blankets, a comforter or a duvet, and you’ll stay cozy — even during long, dark winter days.
But what are the best flannel sheets for you? It’s time to start your search for the perfect set. Read on to shop our recommendations from top bedding makers, such as L.L. Bean, Boll & Branch and more.
Read more: Get the best earplugs to help you sleep better
Our picks for the best flannel sheets
Best value buy
Pointehaven Heavy Weight 100% Cotton Printed or Solid 170 GSM Flannel Sheet Set
Best overall
Pros & Cons
Made from 100% Turkish cotton
Available in a variety of styles and colors
May shed fibers during the first few washes
Looking for a high-quality set of flannel sheets that won’t break the bank? This product from Bare Home is just what you need.
It’s available in all sizes ranging from twin to California King and Split King, and includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two standard-sized pillowcases. This flannel sheet set is made from 100% brushed cotton flannel and comes in 17 standard colors.
There are also patterned options available if you prefer to add a little more pizazz to your bedspread. These sheets have a thread count of 300 and are made from Turkish cotton that resists pilling, tearing and damage. Fade-resistant dyes also help keep your sheets looking brand new for months to come.
Top luxury splurge
Pros & Cons
Warm and breathable
Fitted sheet has good stretch and a secure fit
Made from 100% organic, sustainable cotton
Only three colors available
Wrinkles easily
If you’re not looking to drop a ton of money on the best flannel sheets, we get it! But while this sheet set from Boll & Branch may be a bit pricey, it’s a great option if you want the best brushed organic flannel sheet set and money is no object. These sheets are crafted from 100% organic, long-staple cotton that’s sustainably sourced and is free of GMOs, formaldehyde and other toxins.
Each set of Boll & Branch sheets is carefully crafted at their artisan facility in Portugal to ensure the very best quality. Unlike some cheaper sheets that are only napped on one side, these flannel sheets are fully brushed on both sides to ensure a luxurious texture. A triple shearing process is also used to reduce pilling while maintaining the warmth and comfort of the flannel material.
Best value buy
Pros & Cons
Affordable price
Thick and heavy cotton weave
Available in a variety of colors and patterns
Not super breathable
Fitted sheet may be too deep for thinner mattresses
On a tight budget? This set of flannel sheets from Pointehaven is the best choice for you. Despite the very affordable price, this cotton flannel sheet set weighs in at 170 gsm (grams per square meter), which puts it on par with some of the pricer premium flannel sheets on this list. Each sheet set is made from 100% Oeko-Tex-certified cotton and is free of harmful chemicals and dyes.
You can get these flannel sheets in sizes king, California King, queen, full, twin and twin XL. In total, there are over 18 colors and patterns available, which lets you choose the right option for your bedspread and room decor. Each flannel sheet set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases except for the twin/twin XL set, which comes with one.
Our favorite striped set
Pros & Cons
Polyester design resists wrinkles
Non-pilling fabric holds up well to washing
Subdued yet stylish striped pattern
Only comes in queen and king sizes
Not as breathable as cotton sheets
Add some stripes to your life! This product from Alcott Hill is one of the best sheet sets if you prefer to avoid solid-colored sheets and want something a little more unique. The soft flannel sheets in this set feature a gray and brown striped motif. Unlike most other picks on this list, they’re made of polyester, which means they’re more wrinkle-resistant than cotton.
You can get these flannel sheets in sizes queen and king, but they don’t come in any smaller sizes, which is unfortunate for those of us with smaller beds. If you’re used to cotton sheets, you may also not like the polyester design, which isn’t as breathable in warmer weather.
Best with deep pockets
Pros & Cons
23-inch pocket depth
100% cotton flannel construction
Can be machine-washed and dried
Limited color selection
May fit looser on thinner mattresses
When it comes to the best flannel sheets with deep pockets, this option from Luxury Extra takes the crown. Deep pockets on a fitted sheet are a must-have if you have a very thick and deep mattress. Even if your mattress isn’t too thick, deep pockets mean that your fitted sheet is less likely to slip and slide around, which can be seriously annoying if you’re a restless sleeper.
With a fitted sheet pocket depth of 23 inches and strong, stretchy elastic, this flannel sheet set stands head and shoulders above most of the competition. For comparison, the other sheets on this list have a pocket depth of between 15 and 18 inches.
If you want flannel sheets for an extra-thick mattress, this set is our top recommendation.
Most breathable
Pros & Cons
Warm yet breathable fabric
Resists pilling and wear
Lots of color options
14-inch pockets are a bit shallow
A bit stiff until you wash them a few times
This is our top pick for the best flannel sheets that combine warmth and breathability. Flannel sheets use a looser, more open weave than other types of cotton sheets, which means they retain more heat. These sheets are made from 18-ounce cotton flannel that keeps you warm in cool weather, yet allows plenty of breathability so you don’t feel sweaty or stuffy at night.
You can choose between king and queen flannel sheets, as well as full, twin XL and twin options. There are 25+ colors and patterns available, too. Made in Portugal from 100% cotton fabric, these sheets also feature all-around elastic in the fitted sheet, which helps it stay in place on your bed.
Best lightweight pick
Pros & Cons
Lightweight yet warm fabric
Resists fading, pilling and shrinking
Made from 100% Portuguese cotton
Higher price point
Limited color selection
Lightweight flannel sheets keep you feeling warm without the bulk of heavier sheets. If you sleep cool but your partner tends to sleep hot, a set of lightweight flannel sheets like this one from L.L. Bean is a great option. Despite using a thinner fabric, these sheets still feel very soft, plush and warm.
This particular product is just a fitted sheet, but there’s also an L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set available with a fitted sheet and top sheet, too. Sizes range from king to twin, so you can get a set of lightweight flannel sheets for everyone in the family.
Flannel sheets: Your commonly asked questions answered
Still mulling over your options for the best flannel sheets? Not sure which to pick or want more information? We answer some common FAQs about flannel sheet sets to help you make the right decision.
What is a good thread count for flannel sheets?
Most flannel bed sheets will have a thread count of between 200 and 400. Thread count is actually not necessarily the best indicator of quality, though. Instead, a metric called GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is used by most bedding companies today. This indicates the weight of the sheet (in grams) based on how many square meters it is. Sheets that are 170GSM or higher are usually considered to be the highest quality.
Can I sleep on flannel sheets all year?
Yes! Traditionally, flannel sheets are used for colder months. But if you live in a climate that doesn’t get too hot in the summer or you tend to sleep cool, you can use them all year round.
However, even the best flannel sheets tend to be warmer and less breathable than “standard” cotton sheets. If you sleep hot or live in a warmer area, it’s usually better to switch to a different sheet set in the summer to stay cool.
Can I put my flannel bedding in the washer and dryer?
Yes. All of the flannel sheets we recommend in this article are fully washable and can go into the dryer, too. Washing the sheets more frequently can help soften them and reduce wear and tear, so feel free to toss them in the washer and dryer at any time. We recommend washing your sheets with cold water and drying them on a low setting to reduce wear and tear.
What’s the difference between flannel and flannelette sheets?
In the past, “flannel” usually referred to a wool or wool-cotton blend that was brushed or “napped” to raise the texture of the fibers and provide additional warmth. Flannelette, on the other hand, is a napped fabric that’s composed of 100% cotton and doesn’t contain wool fibers.
Today, these terms are used pretty much interchangeably. Most of the “flannel” sheet sets you’ll see are actually flannelette since they are made of 100% cotton. The distinction doesn’t matter much, though. Both flannel and flannelette provide a warm, comfy and cozy sleeping experience!
Which flannel sheets are our top picks?
All of the best flannel sheets outlined above are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a cool-weather bedding upgrade, and they’re all worth a look! But if we had to narrow things down even further, we’d recommend the following products:
Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set 100% Cotton: This is our budget pick if you want the best flannel sheets for the fall and winter. These sheets are velvety soft and available in tons of colors to match any bedspread. The thick flannel is plush and cozy and helps you stay warm even in the coldest weather.
Boll & Branch Flannel Solid Sheet Set: They’re definitely not a budget pick, but this set from Boll & Branch takes the title for the softest flannel sheets on the market. If you’re willing to splurge, these flannel sheets won’t let you down. These sheets are made from the finest organic cotton and are napped and triple-sheared for the very best balance of warmth and breathability.
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Prices updated on 10/18/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Eric Liston
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Eric Liston is a freelance writer focusing on consumer product reviews, digital technology — and helping readers find the right items at the right price. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him gaming, cooking or disc golfing.
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