The Very Best Flannel Sheets
| Rank | Product | Highlights | Warranty |
| #1 | 
Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Flannel Sheet set |
| 1 year |
| #2 |
 Mellanni 100% Cotton 4 Piece Flannel Sheet Set |
| Lifetime |
| #3 | 
Great Bay Home Extra Soft Flannel Sheet Set |
| 30-day return policy (full refund) |
| #4 | 
Thermee Micro Flannel Sheet Set |
| N/A |
| #5 | 
Laura Ashley Home Flannel Sheets |
| N/A |
| #6 | 
Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set |
| N/A |
The best flannel sheets stay soft and fuzzy after all the washings and dryings, and they resist pilling. You don’t have to pay a lot to get good flannel sheets, either. These are probably some of the most affordable bed sheets out there, but they feel like luxury. Flannel sheets aren’t for everyone, but they might be for you. To find out if these are the dream sheets you’ve been looking for, keep reading. You’ll learn what the difference is between flannel types and the others out there, and what to look for when you’re shopping for the sheets. And don’t forget to go through the best flannel sheets reviews where you can see a breakdown of all the details and read about what others thought about them.
What’s the Difference Between Flannel Sheets and All the Others?
When shopping for sheets, you might notice that there’s a lot out there. Flannel differs from microfiber, percale, and sateen in a specific way. Flannel doesn’t have to come in that classic red and black blocked pattern that we all associate with lumberjacks. Nor is it made from wool anymore, like it was originally in Scotland, where flannel came from. These sheets are typically made of 100 percent cotton and they have a brushed or combed surface, which gives it its fluffy, soft feel. Sometimes they’re made from a cotton and polyester blend, which lends the linens a bit more durability, color-fastness, and a lower price tag.
The brushed fabric is usually the same on both sides of the sheet, so you can feel the softness on top and bottom. These linens can be super warm because of the way they’re made. They’re meant to trap in body heat to keep you warm, especially during cold, wintery days and nights. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t also breathable. Pick up 100 percent cotton flannel sheets and you’ll benefit from the cotton absorbing a bit of your sweat at night. But if you’re someone who suffers from serious night sweats, they may not be the right choice for you
There are a few downsides to flannel linens, though. If you go with all-cotton linens, then you might notice some shrinkage after the first wash and dry. Also, pilling is going to happen. It’s just a reality that comes with brushed cotton flannel sheets. And in the pilling process, your sheets are going to lose a bit of softness.
Some companies have figured out a way to combat pilling and the loss of softness and size by adding in a bit of polyester. The added manmade material extends the life of your flannel bed linens, and it helps them from pilling quickly.
You can work a little harder in the maintenance part to reduce pilling and keep your linens softer for a longer period. Rather than drying them in the dryer, try hanging your sheets to dry. Also, a bit of vinegar in the wash can help. As with any fabric for your bed, avoid using fabric softener. You don’t want to coat your sheets in any extra stuff that could contribute to pilling and actually end up making your sheets stiffer.
What to Look for in the Best Flannel Sheets
If you’re thinking that flannel bed linens sound like your kind of material, then there are a few things you need to know before buying some. Start by arming yourself with the knowledge you need, and then read through reviews like the ones below.
– Flannel weight
First, you’re going to notice a specification that isn’t typically added to other sheets: weight. Flannel weight is measured in grams. The higher the gram weight, the heavier the sheet is, and on the flip side, the lower the number, the lighter the sheet is. This will help you decide on which set of sheets is right for you and the climate you live in. Residing in the Tundra? Pick up the heaviest flannel sheets to stay toasty warm. Only have to deal with a few months of cold weather? You might be better off with the lightweight flannel. This weight also indicates how tight or loose the weave is.
So, 190-gram flannel sheets are going to keep the heat in, while 140-gram flannel sheets will be a bit more breathable, allowing a bit more air to circulate. But those 190-gram sheets are going to be softer to the touch and probably a tad more durable.
Find flannel bed linens that have fully elasticized fitted ones. These ensure a snug fit on your mattress. Deep pockets are typically standard with most sheets made today, but if you have mattress toppers or an extra-thick mattress, it might be worth checking how deep those pockets are. If you tend to be a sheet hog (or sleep with one), you might want to look for flannel sheets that have a top sheet with extra inches. It can mean the difference between cozying up in bed with all your bits and pieces covered or freezing because half of you is covered.
– Material
Despite what some people may think, flannel doesn’t refer to the fabric but rather the finish of it. Flannel is just the weave of the fabric that indicates a fuzzy texture, achieved by special combing techniques, but it can be done on an array of different materials, from cotton to polyester. The first thing to consider when buying flannel sheets is which material you want them to be, as it can majorly change the features of fabric such as durability of breathability. These are the most common materials for flannel sheets, each with its pros and cons.
Cotton is the most common type of fabric with flannel weave these days. Natural, breathable, and thermo-regulating, cotton flannel sheets are good at wicking away moisture while still retaining heat, which makes them toasty and pleasant and not too hot. While cotton flannel is generally easy to keep clean as it is machine washable, it is prone to shrinkage, especially after the first wash, so it is important to follow care instructions to the T or go for prewashed and preshrunk sheets.
Wool flannel is a less common material for sheets, as it is expensive, difficult to maintain, and not readily available. Of course, wool is a great insulator and it is ideal for cold weather, but instead of going for sheets which are hard (if not impossible) to find, go for a wool mattress topper, blanket, or wool-filled comforter if you are eager to experience the many benefits of wool bedding.
Synthetic materials might not inspire confidence when it comes to softness and coziness, but you’d be surprised how luxurious and plush polyester flannel feels. With different blends and finishes available, synthetic fabrics can closely mimic the feel of natural materials, with the advantages of being cheaper, easier to maintain, and more durable. And not to mention great at keeping you warm- one of the main downsides to synthetics is that they trap warmth, but in the case of flannel sheets, that actually comes as a bonus.
– Style
Finally, you don’t have to settle for flannel patterns. Plenty of flannel linens come in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that fits your bedroom’s colors or theme. Don’t forget to check for return policies or warranties, as these can come in handy if you happen to get sent a set of sheets that have snags, holes, or other defects.
– Durability
Flannel sheets are notorious for piling: it’s those fuzzy little balls all over your sheets that appear after washing that drive most people away from using flannel sheets. The truth is that pilling is inevitable with flannel as it is a result of the rubbing that happens in the wash, but a lot depends on the quality of the fabric. Cheaper, thinner flannels tend to pill straightway, with texture changes after the initial wash, whereas higher-quality fabrics can go years before any really noticeable damage is done. To avoid your sheets looking worse for the wear after just a couple of washes, go for thicker flannel (higher GSM number) or opt for a polyester-based flannel as synthetic materials are much more resistant to wear and tear and won’t pill as much.
The Best Flannel Sheets Reviews
#1. Mellanni 100% Cotton 4 Piece Flannel Sheets Set
SPECS
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 170 grams
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Dimensions (queen): 90 x 102 inches (flat); 60 x 80 inches (fitted)
- Deep pockets: 16 inches
- Colors/Patterns: 13
- Warranty: Lifetime
Consumer reports claim that this is one of the most popular. And for good reason. The Mellanni cotton flannel sheet set comes with a warning that you should heed: These sheets will pill quite a bit. It’s simply the nature of 100 percent cotton flannel linens. You can’t get around it. However, many people who have bought these sheets said the pilling and lint created was excessive. At the price point, though, these are still a good option, and if you take care when you wash and dry these fabrics, you can minimize the pilling.
You get your choice from 13 different colors and patterns, but most of the colors are a bit lighter than you might expect. These sheets should get softer with each wash, but you might have a different experience. These thick sheets will keep you warm, but you shouldn’t overheat because it’s a mid-weight flannel sheet at 170 grams. While these sheets are marketed to fit thick mattresses – up to 16 inches – there were complaints about fit issues. Plus, cotton is likely to shrink a bit with the first few washes.
Pros
- 13 colors, patterns
- Lifetime guarantee
- Gets softer over time
- Thick
Cons
- Measurements may be off
- Lots of pilling
If you’re looking for an affordable set of flannel sheets, these might work well for you and your bed.
#2. Great Bay Home Extra Soft 100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
SPECS
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 180 grams
- Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
- Dimensions (queen): 90 x 102 inches (flat); 60 x 80 inches (fitted)
- Deep pockets: 17 inches
- Colors/Patterns: 7
- Warranty: 30-day return policy (full refund)
When it comes to finding winter sheets that aren’t too heavy, the Great Bay Home cotton flannel sheet set could be just the thing you need. At 180 grams, they are a good mid-weight flannel sheet set, but many customers report they’re lighter weight than that. It might be hard to imagine a thin flannel sheet, but that’s how these are described. They’re super soft to the touch, and they can keep you warm on a winter night.
Of course, as these are 100 percent cotton, they pill a bit. You may need to clean out your dryer’s lint trap a few times, but the sheets shouldn’t be any worse for the wear. The deep pockets keep the fitted sheet on, and the elastic goes all the way around, keeping your sheets in place. Shrinkage could still happen, so try to choose cold water washes and drying on a line. These sheets are affordable enough that you could buy a couple sets to switch out every week to reduce use and extend the life of the sets.
Pros
- Super soft
- Mid-weight
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons
- Shrinking common
- Lots of pilling
If you want a set of flannel sheets that are warm and soft, but also lighter in weight, these might be the ones you’re looking for.
#3. Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set
SPECS
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 190 grams
- Sizes: Queen, king, California king
- Dimensions (queen): 90 x 108 inches (flat); 60 x 80 inches (fitted)
- Deep pockets: 17 inches
- Colors/Patterns: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
It’s hard to find a set of flannel bed linens that resist pilling, but the Pinzon Signature set may be the proverbial needle in the haystack. These sheets are 100 percent cotton and they weigh in at 190 grams per square yard. That makes this a thick, heavy set of sheets. And because these sheets are double napped, you get that softness on both sides of the sheets.
Although you get a lot of options when it comes to colors and patterns – a total of 10 – they aren’t all what they’re cracked up to be. You might find that the colors are totally off from what you see on your screen. Plus, the sizing seems to be a bit off with these sheets, especially in the fitted sheet. It’ll fit a 12-inch mattress snugly, but 17-inch thick mattresses likely won’t work as well. And seeing as how these sheets could shrink, you might be disappointed. Still, you get a one-year warranty with this flannel set, should anything go wrong.
Pros
- Thick
- Durable
- Heavy
- Double-napped
Cons
- Colors seem off
- Sizing issues
If you’re looking for a thick set of flannel covers that are heavier, these might be the ones for you.
#4. Thermee Micro Flannel Shavel Home Products Sheet Set
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: N/A
- Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
- Dimensions (queen): 90 x 108 inches (flat); 60 x 80 inches (fitted)
- Deep pockets: 16 inches
- Colors/Patterns: 1
- Warranty: N/A
The Thermee Micro Flannel Shavel Home sheets are a bit of a one-off. They are made with no cotton at all – they’re 100 percent polyester. This comes with a couple of benefits and a few downsides. First, the good stuff. These are colorfast sheets. The one pattern this set comes in shouldn’t fade at all, whether you use super-hot water when you wash them. These are also a durable fabric, but still lightweight. It’s polyester, though, so these sheets aren’t breathable at all, but you’ll be warm using them. There’s also no pilling or wrinkling with these sheets.
The biggest issue with these sheets are the sizing issues. In some cases, the fitted sheet isn’t big enough to fit at all. In other cases, the elastic snaps easily, leaving you with a useless fitted sheet. They are soft and durable, but they’re closer to a knit fabric, like a t-shirt, rather than flannel. You also have no choice in the pattern – there’s just the one, but it is adorable.
Pros
- Colorfast
- Durable
- Lightweight
- No pilling
- Wrinkle-resistant
Cons
- Sizing issues
- Poor quality elastic
If you want a set of flannel linens that won’t pill or wrinkle, these might work well for your needs.
#5. Laura Ashley Home Flannel Sheets
SPECS
- Material: Cotton flannel
- GSM: 165
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Beautifully designed and carefully made, these flannel sheets by Laura Ashley will satisfy even the pickiest sleepers. Not only that they look fabulous- there are 9 gorgeous prints to pick from- but they are also very durable and remarkably soft. Made from pure cotton combed to create that fuzzy plush feel, these sheets are prewashed and preshrunk to make sure that you can wash them without worrying about your sheets getting out of the machine a size too small. Wrinkle-resistant, anti-fade, stain-resistant, these cotton flannel sheets are thick and will keep you warm and toasty throughout the cold season.
The set comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases- or one if you’re getting twin size. The depth of the pockets is circa 18 inches, so the sheets should easily fit most standard mattresses with ease.
Pros
- 165 GSM cotton flannel for optimal weight and warmth
- Deep pockets fit most standard mattresses
- Preshrunk fabric
- Suitable for cold weather
- 9 beautiful pattern designs to choose from
Cons
- Stitching could be better
- Sheds somewhat
If you don’t want solid color sheets but still value quality, these Laura Ashley flannel sheets are a great choice. Offering a variety of patterns to match any decor without compromising on softness or durability of their sheets, they offer the best of both worlds- style and functionality both.
#6. Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- GSM: 140
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King California, King, Twin XL
Best flannel sheets with deep pockets
When you want the best of both worlds, micro flannel is the fabric to go for. Shavel managed to create sheets that boast the comfort and softness of cotton flannel with the low-maintenance and durability of synthetic materials such as fleece. Micro flannel is moisture-wicking and dries fast, and it’s machine washable and dryable so maintenance is a breeze. Of course, the property that wins people over the most is the unparalleled plushness and luxurious feel of this fabric- it will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Lightweight but warm, these micro flannel sheets will keep you toasty without overheating.
Only one side of these sheets is napped, so be sure to keep an eye for the velvety side when making your bed. These sheets feature deep pockets that fit mattresses up to 19 inches deep: the set includes two pillowcases, one fitted and one flat sheet. To match anyone’s needs and preferences, these sheets come in 15 different styles.
Pros
- Doesn’t pill, wrinkle, or shrink
- Lightweight but warm
- Fast-drying and easy to keep clean
- Fits extra deep mattresses up to 19 inches
- Durable
- Soft to touch
Cons
- Elastic around the fitted sheet prone to breaking
If you want low-maintenance flannel sheets that stand up to wear and tear, this soft and fuzzy micro flannel sheet set is just the thing. Fast-drying, durable, and exceptionally soft to touch, they’ll give you all the coziness of cotton without any of the hassles.
Conclusion
Like all sheets, flannel sheets come with caveats and not any two kinds of sheets are exactly alike. So, you can pick flannel sheets that are lighter in weight or heavier. And one set might not shrink at all, while the other loses a few inches in its first wash. Although all the sheets featured here are considered the best, there’s one that meets most of the standards better than all the others.
The Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set offers a softer feel than most flannel sheets at its price point. It’s reasonably priced, but double napped, and oh-so-soft. The thickness and heavy weight lend more durability than other 100-percent cotton sheets. And the one-year warranty is a nice bonus – just in case.
Recent Updates
October 29, 2021: The Whisper Organic Flannel Sheet Set has been removed due to product unavailability. Two new products have been added due to consumer popularity: Laura Ashley Home Flannel Sheets and the Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set.