To help you find the best flannel sheets for your home, we tested 29 in our Lab, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We also sought the advice of textile experts, including Ruthie Osswald, designer at Brooklinen, and Kristie Rhodes, Manager of Woven Product Development at Cotton Incorporated. Our top pick is the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets for their soft texture, medium heft, and lack of shrinkage after washing. Read on to learn more about our top picks and how to choose the best flannel sheets for your home. Who it isn’t for: People who want patterned flannel sheets. Our tester had nothing but good things to say about the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets. They found the sheets to be “perfectly made”, boasting “a beautiful flannel fabric that was not too heavy or thin—just right.” Not only that, but they believe that these sheets will hold up well over time and “be everyone’s autumn or winter favorite.” The durability of the fabric can be attributed to its weight, which measures six ounces per square yard of fabric. In the flannel world, the higher the ounces, the heavier—and warmer—the fabric is likely to be. The sweet spot is considered five ounces per square yard, so this sheet set being six ounces means you’ll get flannel that still gives you a level of breathability without sacrificing warmth. Our tester definitely found this to be true and also liked how the sheets had a “plush feel” on both sides. Even after washing, these sheets were still very soft and didn’t pill one bit. They also didn’t shrink, which couldn’t be said for other flannel sheets we tested. The material used for this flannel is organic cotton that has been certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Made Safe.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingMaterial: Organic cottonWeight: 6 ounces per square yard (about 170 grams per square meter)
Price at time of publish: $268 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want flannel sheets that are a solid color. We were happy to discover that these flannel sheets provide a lot of value for their low price point. Our tester told us the “construction of these sheets were sound” and that “the texture was buttery smooth to the touch.” They also had a nice heft to them that was comfortable enough to snuggle up in but not so hot that our tester got overheated. This makes sense, since the GSM (otherwise known as grams per square meter) is 150 (heavyweight sheets are usually 170 GSM or above). The price of these sheets unfortunately did show some wear after our first wash. They shrank a little bit and exhibited pilling in spots, and a long thread came loose in the pillowcase. Despite this, our tester told us they’d still recommend this to family and friends. What’s also great about these sheets is the pattern options, including a couple floral options and wintry patterns as well as five plaid options, all of which would look especially great in a cabin or alongside rustic, cabin-style decor.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, kingMaterial: CottonWeight: 150 grams per square meter (about 5.3 ounces per square yard)
Price at time of publish: $43 for queen Who it isn’t for: People looking for full or California king size bed sheets. Those who keep a big budget for sheets will enjoy this fine flannel set from Pine Cone Hill. Our tester was “wowed” by how soft these sheets were, saying that the texture felt “somewhere between butter-y and velvet-y” on their skin. They said the quality could also be found in the little details: The stitching was neat, the corners sharp, and there was a very deep envelope pocket in the pillowcase. The latter detail is especially nice if you’re someone whose pillows tend to peek out of the pillowcase. These sheets boast a thickness that our tester said was the “right combination of warm and breathable.” We were, however, a little disappointed that the sheets did shrink and pill a bit after washing. Luckily, the stripes helped minimize the appearance of wear, according to our tester. There also aren’t a lot of color or size options—aside from this unique blue-striped pattern, the sheets are also available in a cream-striped pattern and a solid cream chambray color, but sizes are extremely limited.
Sizes: Twin, queen, kingMaterial: CottonWeight: 170 grams per square meter (about 6 ounces per square yard)
Price at time of publish: $332 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want patterned sheets. When it comes to breathable sheets, most people don’t automatically think of flannel because the very purpose of the fabric is to trap heat to make you warmer. However, flannel can be breathable, you just have to know what you’re looking for while shopping. These sheets from The Vermont Country Store are made of high-quality Portuguese cotton with a heavier weight, but our tester found them to be extremely breathable. In fact, they told us that even though they ended up spending more time with these sheets than in our specified testing time, they didn’t overheat at all. This is especially surprising considering that this flannel is triple-brushed (the more flannel is brushed, the warmer it will be). Our tester also found these sheets to be “so soft, thick, and warm,” telling us: “I felt so cozy when snuggled underneath the sheet.” They actually liked these sheets so much they are considering getting a set for themselves. After our first wash, these flannel sheets didn’t pill, snag, or fade in color; however, they did shrink significantly, so keep that in mind before you buy. And unlike other flannel sheets, you can’t buy them as a set, which allows you to buy exactly the sheets you need.
Sizes: Twin, full, king, queen, California kingMaterial: CottonWeight: Not listed; our measurements put them around 169 grams, or 6 ounces
Price at time of publish: $175 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want heavy flannel sheets. After testing, it was easy to see why this flannel sheet set is as popular as it is. Our tester enthusiastically told us that these are a “GREAT BUY” and would not hesitate to encourage others to buy them for themselves. They found the fabric of this flannel to be “very well-constructed”, boasting a “nice plushness.” While using them, our tester told us they felt warmer and noted that although the weave is tight, the flannel didn’t feel stifling on them. What stands out about this set of flannel sheets is that it is made in Portugal, which is known for producing quality flannel. The Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set is also OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that the bedding was tested to ensure that it doesn’t contain any harmful substances. Although the brand touts this product as one that is resistant to shrinking and pilling, we didn’t find that to be the case after our first wash. Our tester told us that these “shrank quite a bit” and did slightly pill all over. However, our tester did agree with the brand’s claim that you could use this year-round, telling us that they could see themselves using this on a cold winter night and “an average-temperature day too.”
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingMaterial: CottonWeight: 5 ounces (about 142 grams)
Price at time of publish: $129 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want plush flannel sheets. One way for hot sleepers to enjoy the splendor of flannel without overheating is by getting lightweight sheets. Our tester found these sheets to be markedly thinner than other flannel sheets, and during testing described them as “very light and breathable.” As a self-identified hot sleeper, they found this characteristic to be a real benefit: “They feel cozy without being overly hot.” This breathability can be attributed to the cotton material, which boasts an OEKO-TEX certification for chemical safety. Although more comfortable for our tester, they did say these aren’t as warm compared to other sheets they tested, which may be a dealbreaker for those looking for really warm, cozy sheets. After washing, these sheets did shrink a bit and produce some slight pilling, however the plaid patterns helped disguise the wear caused by washing. There are five pattern options available, including plaid with neutral and earth tones, as well as an all white sheet set with specks of blue.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingMaterial: CottonWeight: 140 grams (about 5 ounces)
Price at time of publish: $209 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for soft flannel sheets. If you like your winter sheets to have more of a weight to them, you should consider these sheets from Looma. Our tester remarked that these sheets have a “dense feeling to them” and feel “well-constructed and durable” overall. These sheets are made from cotton and are completely organic; the brand also engages in fair trade practices, boasts an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 distinction, and works with farmers that are certified by GOTS. One thing to keep in mind is that our tester was a bit disappointed that these sheets weren’t as soft as expected, which can sometimes happen with heftier sheets. Still, if you’re a cold sleeper looking for a heavy sheet set, this is one of the best options out there. These sheets also survived the washing machine better than others we tested, with no loose threads or seams and very little shrinkage. This sheet set comes in just two colors, charcoal and slate, and three sizes.
Sizes: Full, queen, kingMaterial: Organic cottonWeight: Not listed; our measurements put them around 225 grams, or 8 ounces
Price at time of publish: $240 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want patterned sheets with the print present on both sides of the sheets. In addition to the cozy warmth they provide, another great benefit of flannel sheets are the fun patterns available. Because flannel is seasonal, people often swap out their sheets to match the mood of winter or the spirit of the holidays. The True North by Sleep Philosophy sheets have patterns for a variety of occasions, seasons, and decor styles, including plaid, snowmen, and even cars carrying Christmas trees. You’ll also find a handful of animal-themed options too, such as owls in trees and various dog prints, like French bulldogs. There are also more neutral options, including solid colors, dots, and geometric shapes. During testing, our tester said these sheets felt “very high quality” and found them to be “extremely soft and cozy” while bundled up in them. They also remarked how warm the sheets get, so much so that our tester felt super warmed up after only laying with the flat sheet. One thing our tester didn’t like was the state these sheets were in after their first wash. They told us there was a little bit of fading and loose strings as well as shrinkage. Still, for a budget sheet set you might only use for a few months out of the year, these are a great deal.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingMaterial: CottonWeight: Not listed; our measurements put them around 165 grams, or 5.8 ounces
Price at time of publish: $50 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want flannel sheets with a napped texture on both sides of the sheet. There’s something about plaid that just elevates the level of cozy that flannel brings. We loved these UGG flannel sheets for the quality plaid pattern as well as the color options available. Oftentimes plaid colors are very loud (think: bright reds, rich earth tones) and may not blend in well with other decor in your home, but with the light blue, gray, and white and black color combos available, you needn’t worry about these sheets clashing. Our tester found these sheets to be “well-made” and felt “soft and warm” on hand. They also told us that there was enough airflow between the sheets that they didn’t feel too hot after laying with them. What they didn’t like about this product was that there was a different texture present on the underside of the flat sheet that wasn’t as soft. Our tester also told us that these sheets “shrank a bunch” after washing, so much so that the sheet set was harder to put back on our bed.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, kingMaterial: CottonWeight: Not listed; our measurements put them around 222 grams, or 7.8 ounces
Price at time of publish: $80 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for flannel sheets with a pattern. If patterns aren’t really part of your home decor style, consider this flannel bed sheet set from Lands’ End, which has a nice selection of solid colors. These solid colors include neutrals such as white, ivory, and light stone, as well as shades of blue and vibrant options such as pink and sage green. These sheets are made of cotton from Portugal and, according to our tester, were “soft and comfortable” during our testing. They said the flannel’s heft falls right down the middle, telling us that the sheets are breathable yet warm enough to keep them toasty during the colder months. After our first wash, we discovered that these sheets didn’t pill but they did shrink a bit width-wise. What’s unique about these sheets is that Lands’ End actually accommodates for shrinking by making their flat sheets longer and their fitted sheets deeper, since flannel has a tendency of shrinking.
Sizes: Twin, extra twin long, full, queen, California kingMaterial: CottonWeight: 5 ounces; about 142 grams
Price at time of publish: $130 for queen
Our Testing Process
We tested 29 flannel sheets in our Lab and assessed them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We first examined the sheets for imperfections, and took notes on the feel of the fabric, evaluating if the fabric felt rough and scratchy instead of soft and plush. We then put the sheets on our bed to make sure they fit, and noted if the flat sheet was too long or the pillowcases didn’t cover the entire pillow. After the bed was made, we put an infrared thermometer under the sheet to gauge the temperature, had our testers lay under the sheets for five minutes, and then conducted another temperature read. Once the five minutes passed, we asked our testers to rate the warmth, how heavy the sheets felt, if they felt there was any breathability with the fabric, and if any static was produced. We then washed the sheets following the manufacturer’s instructions and noted if any damage or shrinkage occurred in the wash. We took all this into account to come up with the best flannel sheets.
How to Shop for Flannel Sheets Like a Pro
Material
Some may be surprised to know that flannel isn’t a material, but a fabric that is made from one or more materials, with common ones including cotton, wool, or polyester. All of our top picks, as well as the vast majority of flannel sheets we tested, are cotton, which has a lot of benefits in addition to softness. “Cotton sheets are naturally breathable, durable, easy to care for, and hypoallergenic,” says Rhodes. This inherent breathability is important because it’ll prevent you from overheating under the covers. Polyester is a synthetic fabric which does have a softness to it but is not breathable. Not just polyester, but all synthetic fabrics, will heat you up in a way that natural fabrics just won’t. With that said, polyester is a better option for people who run cold while sleeping. Wool is a nice in-between of cotton and polyester because wool is a natural fabric, so there is some breathability, and it is warmer than cotton. It’s also moisture-wicking, so if you do overheat and sweat, the fabric will absorb that moisture from your body so you’re not as sweaty when you wake up.
Weight
Another thing that affects the warmth of flannel sheets is the weight of the fabric. The weight of flannel sheets is measured by ounces per square yard or grams per square meter. The higher the ounces per square yard, the heftier the fabric will be. Rhodes told us that most flannel sheets weigh five ounces per square yard or higher. During testing, we found that sheets that had this weight had a medium heft that made the sheets warm but also breathable. The lower the ounces per square yard, the more lightweight the sheets will be. Depending on the fabric, a lightweight flannel may not make you as warm.
Napping
What gives flannel that distinct fuzziness is a technique called napping, which helps trap heat that gives flannel its signature warmth. Rhodes explains: “The fibers are raised by rapidly passing over the fabric with revolving cylinders covered with fine wire bristles. Fibers from the loosely twisted filling yarns are lifted from the fabric by the teeth wires to form the nap. This nap may be further brushed and/or sheared to make a more even surface,” she says. If you can, get a sheet set that is napped on both sides, or at least, make sure the flat sheet is. The UGG Flannel Sheet Set is only napped on one side, which might be better for those who aren’t so sure about flannel sheets. Retailers often don’t specify if a flannel is brushed on one or all sides of the sheet set, so it’s best to give it a feel for yourself before you commit to the purchase.
More Flannel Sheets to Consider
Boll & Branch Flannel Solid Sheet Set: Our tester found these sheets to be “extremely soft and comfortable” and “luxurious,” but was turned off by the shrinkage that occurred, to the point where they wouldn’t recommend them to others. Beautyrest Oversized Flannel Cotton Sheet Set: Our tester, who told us they never liked flannel sheets because they get too hot in them, told us they would buy these for themselves because they are “warm, but breathable.” However, they did not like how much pilling occurred after just one wash.
Questions You Might Ask
Do flannel sheets shrink?
Yes. Many of the flannel sheets we tested shrank, either by a little or by a lot. Cotton has a much higher tendency to shrink than polyester, or similar synthetic fabrics. To prevent shrinkage in your cotton flannel sheets, Osswald recommends always washing them on cold and drying them on a low heat setting. This also helps prevent wear and tear on the sheets overtime.
How do you prevent pilling in your sheets?
Unfortunately, you don’t have a whole lot of control over pilling and there isn’t really a single hack or two that will prevent it from happening entirely. In fact, according to Rhodes, flannel may produce more pilling than other materials. However, she says that pilling on cotton flannel breaks off easier than its blended counterparts that include synthetic fabrics such as polyester. So if pilling is something that just bugs you, stick with cotton and be sure to launder your sheets separately from other garments, according to Osswald. Friction from other garments, especially when the machines are filled to the brim, can aid in the production of pilling.
Can flannel sheets be used year-round?
Many people think that because of the warmth that flannel sheets produce, they should only be reserved during the colder months, but you can use flannel sheets year-round. And if you run cold or have air conditioning that makes your home chilly, this may not be a bad idea. Flannel sheets made of cotton, like the L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set, are best for year-round use thanks to their natural breathability. You should also consider getting flannel sheets with a lighter heft, which is anything that is less than five ounces per square yard. Usually flannel sheets with a greater heft are more likely to make you warmer.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. We researched the best flannel sheets and tested 29 of the most popular in our Lab, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We also sought the advice of Ruthie Osswald, Designer at Brooklinen, and Kristin Rhodes, Manager of Woven Product Development at Cotton Incorporated.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if Purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
