Best Flannel Sheets
It’s tough to imagine coziness in the cold days of the year without instantly thinking about flannel sheets. Fuzzy, soft, and just warm enough to keep you toasty but not overheated, paired with a great blanket and a comforter, flannel sheets are just the thing to keep your bills lower when the temperatures drop and yourself pleasantly snug. Of course, not all flannel sheets are made alike. The only common feature of these sheets is their fuzzy finish, but in fact, they can be made from different materials, both synthetic and natural.
Flannel sheets also come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are some important considerations that could influence the durability, ease of maintenance, and general overall quality of sheets- this is why it’s important to know what features to look for.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 | 
Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set |
|
| #2 | 
Laura Ashley Home Flannel Sheets |
|
| #3 | 
Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set |
|
| #4 | 
Great Bay Home Cotton Flannel Sheets |
|
What to Look for in Flannel Sheets
You might be interested also in: Best Cotton Flannel Sheets
If you want premium comfort without breaking the bank, you’ll have to do your research. Flannel sheets might all look alike, at least at the first glance, but there are some significant differences that could significantly impact your decision. For instance, certain fabrics are easier to maintain than others or more durable than the alternative, whereas some are better at retaining heat and so on. To make sure you’ll get the best flannel sheets that fit your budget, pay attention to the following factors.
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.
Flannel weight
When people talk about bed sheet quality, it’s the thread count number that’s often the one being thrown around. However, when it comes to flannel, its quality and durability are not determined by thread count but rather its weight. So, while for cotton or other materials with a woven finish you would look for thread count (number of woven threads per square inch) as a quality indicator, with flannel, you have to pay attention to GSM number or how much grams per square meter the fabric weighs. The heavier the flannel, the thicker and the warmer it is, but there’s no need to go overboard (in fact, it might be counterproductive). The ideal GSM for flannel sheets is around 170 grams per square meter, and flannel sheets of this quality are superbly soft and warm. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t go for flannel sheets with 130 GSM or lower, as they are too thin and lightweight to be used during the freezing cold days of the year- or to withstand years of wear and tear without ripping.
Finish
Flannel finish stands out for the fuzzy, plush texture it creates: to achieve it, a fine metal brush is used to raise the fibers to create the nap (or the fuzziness, if you wish). This process can be done on various types of fabric, both natural and synthetic, both its mostly wool, cotton, or polyester blends that are napped to create a flannel finish. Some flannel sheets are napped on both sides for superior comfort as any side of the sheet will feel soft and warm, so you don’t have to worry about switching up the sides when you make the bed. These often feel the most luxurious, as well, as they are generally thicker and made from higher quality cotton.
Style
While most associate flannel with plaid pattern, the truth is that flannel sheets come in all sorts of styles: solid colors ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant hues, geometric patterns for a modern appeal, a variety of prints for all ages and decor, and so on. Finding a perfect match for your bedroom’s theme and decor won’t be an issue- there’s a match for anyone’s preferences.
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.
Best Flannel Sheets
Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set
Editor’s choice
For generations, the finest cotton flannel has been manufactured in Portugal, as the long-staple cotton they grow is much more durable and produces a better quality fabric. Pinzon uses imported Portuguese cotton to make their high-quality flannel sheets and the difference is very noticeable. Heavy, warm, and durable, these sheets weigh 190 GSM and will be a great choice for really cold weather. Thanks to the double-napped finish on both sides of the sheets, they have a luxurious velvety feel that ensures optimal coziness.
Machine washable and dryable, these well-made flannel sheets will be easy to maintain and will last you years to come with proper care. The set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases and comes in eight solid colors and 3 floral patterns you can choose from to match any bedroom decor. The sheets fit mattresses up to 17 inches tall so this set is a good choice for most people.
Who Should Purchase This?
Perfect for snowy nights and cold weather, these heavy, warm cotton flannel sheets will keep you toasty and snug as bug, Luxuriously soft but surprisingly durable, Portuguese cotton flannel is the top choice if you value comfort and convenience both.
Pros
- Double-napped finish for softness
- 190 GSM heavy velvety flannel
- Made from imported Portuguese cotton
- Sheets fit deep mattresses up to 17 inches
- Available in a range of solid colors and patterns
- Perfect for cold weather
- Made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory
Cons
- Colors don’t always match the pictures
- No twin sizes available
Specs for comparison:
Material: Portuguese cotton flannel
GSM: 190 GSM
Available sizes: Queen, King, California King
Laura Ashley Home Flannel Sheets
Runner up
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.
Who Should Purchase This?
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.
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
Specs for comparison:
Material: Cotton flannel
GSM: 165
Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set
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.
Who Should Purchase This?
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.
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
Specs for comparison:
Material: Polyester
GSM: 140
Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King California, King, Twin XL
Great Bay Home Cotton Flannel Sheets
Best flannel sheets for kids
If you want your child to sleep snug as a bug when the temperatures drop, colorful cotton flannel sheets are just the thing- and the beautiful designs by Great Bay Home definitely fit the bill. Made from high-quality 100 percent Turkish cotton combed to achieve superior softness, these sheets are warm, fuzzy, and breathable to boot. The 170 GSM weight makes them thick but not too heavy- ideal for chilly evenings and cold nights both. Furthermore, as the cotton is very breathable and absorbent, you can rest assured your kid won’t wake up with a sweaty forehead or damp PJs.
While the ease of maintenance and durability are what will make parents love these flannel sheets, the design and the variety of styles are what children adore about these sheets. From woodland creatures to depictions of fun in the snow and everything in between, these cotton flannel sheets are available in patterns that both little girls and boys like. Each set comes with a pillowcase, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet that fits mattresses up to 17 inches deep.
Who Should Purchase This?
When you want your kid to sleep on great quality, durable cotton flannel sheets but still want them to look fun enough for a child’s bedroom, these colorful designs are a fantastic choice. Well made, soft, and resistant to wear and tear, they’ll be easy to maintain and the cute kids design will make them irresistible to youngsters.
Pros
- 170 GSM cotton feels velvety soft
- Won’t overheat
- Breathable
- Easy to keep clean
- Deep pocket for thicker mattresses
- 13 beautiful designs for kids
Cons
- Prone to pilling
Specs for comparison:
Material: Cotton flannel
GSM: 170 GSM
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Bottom Line
Flannel sheets are the ideal bedding for colder weather: sleeping on the fuzzy fabric will make you feel toasty and cozy, and might even help you save on the electric bill. Paired with a fluffy comforter or a warm blanket, flannel sheets will help regulate the temperature inside the bed even if it’s freezing cold outside of it, but not all types of flannel will do the job with the same efficacy.
As flannel sheets come in different materials- cotton and synthetic alternatives being the most popular- their quality and properties vary, so make sure to do your research to ensure you’re getting the best fit. Cotton flannel sheets are a great choice for natural, breathable bedding, whereas polyester flannel is a better match for those looking for an affordable, more durable alternative.