Bedsheets are the basic lining for any and every bed. This keeps your mattress clean and your skin protected from bacteria and germs. There are different types of bed sheets materials you can find which all provide their benefits. There is softness, luxuriousness, cooling; but the material we’re discussing here is flannel.
Flannel bed sheets are best differentiated through their warming capabilities. While other materials will pride themselves on how cool they can allow you to sleep, flannel was made to assure that you sleep warm, snug, and comfortable throughout the chilliest, most frigid weather.
Rank | Product | Highlights |
#1 | Eddie Bauer Flannel Bedding Sheet Set |
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#2 | CGK Full-Size Sheet Set 4 Pieces |
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#3 | Laura Ashley Home Flannel Bedding Sheet Set |
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#4 | Comfort Spaces Cotton Flannel Sheets |
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#5 | Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set |
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What is Flannel?
Flannel is a material that is made from either cotton wool, synthetic fibers, or a blend of two or more of these. Flannel has a different measure of quality from other fabrics. Rather than relying solely on thread count for quality assurance, you can determine quality through the weave, weight measurements (GSM), and texture.
Advantages of Flannel Sheets
Flannel sheets aren’t the same as regular sheets, that much has been established. So, what is it exactly that makes them so special?
- Flannel sheets are instantly warm. As soon as you climb into bed you get hugged with warmth from the flannel; there are no cold spots on the bed and no matter how much you toss and turn you’ll be kept at the same warm temperature.
- Flannel sheets keep you warm during the night and consume no energy while doing so. This means you can save up on the heating bill while still keeping snug during winter.
- Flannel has a deluxe level of softness thanks to its brushed surface. Brushing the flannel will raise the fibers to make it plusher.
- Flannel is a much more durable sheet thanks to the tighter weave used in its construction.
Micro-Flannel vs Cotton Flannel
There are two main types of flannel you can commonly come across; cotton flannel and micro-flannel.
— Cotton Flannel; Benefits
Cotton flannel is a more breathable material that allows for greater airflow while you sleep. It’s capable of absorbing moisture so it doesn’t cling to your skin and helps you sleep cool. Cotton also provides you with a plusher feel. It’s a heavier material and wicks moisture better than microfiber, which makes it softer and cloud-like.
— Cotton Flannel; Drawbacks
Cotton, however, can become rough after time, especially if what you have purchased isn’t of high quality. The longer the cotton flannel is used, the rougher it’ll feel. Another issue would be the fact that cotton shrinks. Even after the first wash, you’ll notice a distinct difference in the size of the sheet. Pre-shrunk cotton sheets may use chemical compounds to prevent shrinkage which may not be safe for sensitive skin.
— Micro-Flannel; Benefits
Micro-flannel is much softer to the touch than cotton is, which is great if snuggly comfort is your main aim. It’s a less expensive option that lasts longer since it is easier to maintain. There is less lint shedding, less pilling, and less shrinkage in comparison to cotton. It’s machine washable and dryer friendly, and it’s not as easy to permanently stain as cotton is.
— Micro-Flannel; Drawbacks
Micro-flannel, however, is much thinner than cotton which means it might tear easier. It also transfers moisture rather than absorb it, which means microfiber sheets might lean towards the stickier side. You might find it clinging to your skin after a few nights. In this case, it’s time for a wash.
Flannel Weaves
It’s important to pay attention to the type of weave since there are a couple of possibilities for fleece.
- Percale: Also known as a plain weave, it has a matte appearance that uses a criss-cross weave. This helps the sheet resist tearing but makes it prone to wrinkling.
- Sateen: Sateen has a much looser weave in comparison to percale which makes it less prone to wrinkling. Unfortunately, this also means that it has a shorter lifespan.
- Twill: Twill weaves follow a diagonal pattern, which makes it a bulkier, durable weave. It’s more resistant to water and air, therefore making it less susceptible to overall wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
- Jersey: The weave for the jersey is flat, with vertical lines. This weave softens the sheet and allows it to be more flexible. The downfall to the jersey weave is that once it unwinds, the rest of the yarn follows suit like dominoes.
Thread Count and Weight
While thread count is a main determining factor for quality in microfiber, cotton, and wool sheets, flannel is a little different.
Flannel’s secret to success and softness lies inside its weight. Measured in either ounces or grams, flannel sheets are rated with GSM (Grams per square meter). The higher the rating, the softer and more durable the flannel will be. Sheets that have a rating of 170 GSM, or 5 ounces, are the basis for a warm, snug, soft, and long-lasting sheet.
Colors and Patterns
Colorful sheets with patterns and designs are always a preferable choice over plain sheets, but not all flannel is made for this.
The brighter and more decorated you want your sheets to be, the heavier the flannel material should be. Lower weighted and lighter sheets are prone to fading as well as discoloration. The color can bleed off of the material and onto other clothes you wash it with.
Maintenance and Care
A great feature of flannel is that it’s machine washable, so cleaning is easier and quicker. However, it’s best to wash your sheets independently from the rest of your clothes and other materials to avoid pilling and bleeding of colors.
Wash them in lukewarm water and if using a dryer, use a low heat setting to prevent pilling and flattening. It’s important to take your sheets out occasionally, even if you’re not going to use them, and shake them out so they don’t flatten or fuzz.
In case pilling occurs, a fabric shaver can help remove it. Do not use a lint brush since they’re too aggressive. They’ll pull out the fibers and ruin the shape of the sheets. So long as you have your flannel sheets, don’t sit or lie on it for too long. This can be the primary cause of pilling and the sheet feeling rough.
You may want to read: Best Queen Size Flannel Sheets
Best Full-Size Flannel Sheets
1. Eddie Bauer Flannel Collection 100% Premium Cotton Bedding Sheet Set
SPECS:
- Included Pieces: 1 Fitted Sheet, 1 Flat Sheet, 2 Pillowcases
- Measurements: Flat Sheet – 54” x 75” / Flat Sheet – 81” x 96” / Pillowcases – 20” x 30”
- Materials: 100% cotton
Best Overall Flannel Sheets
Eddie Bauer’s sheets are well known and trusted products. They use 100% cotton flannel in their sheets for a warm, comfy night’s rest. They have a wide variety of creative and modern designs to match the layout of your room.
There are four pieces inside of this set; a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet has elasticized ends on all sides. This helps prevent any slipping during the night, so the sheets don’t pull up, even if you toss around.
All sheets come pre-shrunk to ensure you can wash them without them coming out too small for your mattress. They are also brushed beforehand for additional softness.
These sheets are machine washable in cold water. To make sure the pattern and colors don’t fade or discolor, it’s best to wash these sheets on their own. Tumble dry them on low, and do not attempt to breach any version of Eddie Bauer flannel sheets.
Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
There is a wide variety of patterns, colors, and styles to choose from. They all have a chilly, woodland, and cottage theme to them which helps create an extra comfy and relaxed setting in your room. So, if personalizing your room is a priority alongside the warmth, then these Eddie Bauer’s sheets are the right choice.
2. CGK Full-Size Sheet Set 4 Pieces
SPECS:
- Included Pieces: 1 Flat Sheet, 1 Fitted Sheet, 2 Pillowcases
- Measurements: Flat Sheet – 96” x 81” / Fitted Sheet – 75” x 54” / Pillowcases – 20” x 30”
- Materials: Microfiber
Budget Pick
The budget pick on our list comes from CGK. This flannel sheet set, like the previous one, has four pieces inside of it. There is a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The flat sheet is 16 inches deep for a deep-pocketed fit. It can easily fit underneath your mattress to sit tight over the bed.
This size is universal for most full-sized mattresses. It’s a good sheet for any room in the house, with a wide variety of colors to choose from.
The brushed microfiber is weightless and breathable. This allows for a cooler night’s rest underneath silky and soft sheets.
These sheets are also machine washable for easy cleaning. With a thread count of 1800, this sheet is not only soft and comfortable, but resistant to tearing, shrinking, and fading when in the wash.
Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
Anyone can enjoy this flannel sheet as it is universally sized to fit most, if not all, full-sized mattresses. It comes with all the features and benefits of quality sheets while still fitting into a tighter budget.
3. Laura Ashley Home Flannel Collection 100% Premium Cotton Bedding Sheet Set
SPECS:
- Included Pieces: 1 Flat Sheet, 1 Fitted Sheet, 2 Pillowcases
- Measurements: Flat Sheet – 96” x 81” / Fitted Sheet – 75” x 54” / Pillowcases 21” x 32”
- Materials: 100% cotton
Best Hypoallergenic Flannel Sheets
This flannel is made with 100% cotton and comes with four pieces in the set. There is one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases, all with the same print on them.
The sheets come pre-washed to ensure they don’t shrink after going in the wash. They have also been brushed to prevent intense pilling. They are also wrinkled, fade, and stain-resistant for easier maintenance.
A unique feature of this sheet set from Laura Ashley is that it’s hypoallergenic. That means anyone can enjoy this sheet set, worry-free of triggering allergic reactions. The soft cotton material is breathable, so you won’t wake up in a cold sweat after a snug night’s rest.
The fitted sheet has elastic running through all sides for a tight, perfect fit. There’ll be no shuffling during the night, which helps prevent ripping and tearing.
The whole set is machine washable in cold water, and tumble dried on a gentle heat. These cannot be bleached, and it’s recommended to only iron them on low heat settings.
Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
Laura Ashley’s flannel sheets are durable enough to handle continuous, daily use. They also hold the benefit of being skin-friendly and hypoallergenic for those who are wary of allergic reactions to certain materials and bedding.
4. Comfort Spaces Cotton Flannel Sheets
SPECS:
- Included Pieces: 1 Flat Sheet, 1 Fitted Sheet, 1 Pillowcase
- Measurements: Flat Sheet – 80” x 98” / Fitted Sheet – 55” x 76” x 12” / Pillowcases – 21” x 30”
- Materials: Microfleece and cotton blend
Value Pick
Comfort Spaces lives up to its name with its cool, soft, and subtle colored flannel sheets. With these sets, you can make any room in your home sophisticated and tranquil.
Made with a blend of microfleece and 100% pure cotton, these sheets are soft to the touch and extremely warm to sleep in. You can create the perfect environment of subtlety and tranquility with these flannel sheets.
The GSM for these sheets is 135, and the set comes with three pieces. One fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one standard-size pillowcase. The fitted sheet has elastic on all sides for a firm fit on your mattress. The fit is also 16 inches deep to properly cover up your entire mattress.
The sheet is machine washable and air dries quickly. Air drying maintains the softness of the fabric. You can’t bleach this sheet since it will discolor it.
Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
These flannel sheet sets provide you with all the benefits of flannel as well as a great theme for your room. Thanks to the gentler hues, it’s easy to match these sheets with any kind of décor in your room.
5. Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set
SPECS:
- Included Pieces: 1 Fitted Sheet, 1 Flat Sheet, 2 Pillowcases
- Measurements: Fitted Sheet – 54” x 75” x 15” / Flat Sheet – 81” x 96” / Pillowcases – 20” x 30”
- Materials: Turkish Cotton
Premium Pick
Finally, we have the premium pick from Bare Home. Made with Turkish cotton and a 300-thread count, these flannel sheets provide a velvety soft feel.
This is a four-piece set that comes with one flat and fitted sheet, with two complementing standardized pillowcases. The cotton is double brushed to prevent pilling as much as possible.
The fitted sheet is a fully elasticized fit no matter the mattress. The pocket reaches 15 inches deep to tuck neatly underneath standard sized full mattresses.
These flannel sheets keep you toasty with their long-lasting quality and plush softness. There are no toxins or harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing of these sheets. This makes them safe for sensitive skin and hyper-sensitive users with allergic reactions.
These are machine washable, but it’s recommended to wash these sheets on their own to prevent any bleeding, fading, or discoloration. Bare Home provides a 30-day return policy in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
This choice from Bare Home uses premium materials and construction to make durable, decorated, and cozy sheets. They’re perfect for colder nights when you need warmth to sleep comfortably.
Conclusion
Flannel sheets, exclusively those of the highest quality, are in a league of their own. They keep you warm and comfortable throughout the coldest of winters and have a feeling that simply can’t be replicated. Once you have found the right flannel bedsheet, it’s hard to even imagine moving to another type of material.
Flannel sheets are a blessing to be shared, so if you feel you know someone who is in dire need of some warm sheets, share this article to deliver a head start on where to look.