We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 8 Best Flannel Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bundle up with the coziest options we tested

An assortment of flannel sheets folded on a bed

The Spruce / Grant Webster

There’s no feeling quite as cozy as jumping into a bed dressed with thick flannel sheets. Whether you’re looking for a warmer, full-time replacement for your traditional cotton sheets or just want to bulk up your bedding during the winter months, flannel sheets are an exceptionally soft option sure to keep you toasty at night.

After hours of research, we put 45 top-rated flannel sheets to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them by their quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We tested flannel sheets with a variety of weights—measured using grams per square meter (or GSM)—ranging from more lightweight options at 135 GSM to heavier picks at 225 GSM. 

Although these sheets may vary in density and warmth, we found that all of our favorite picks offered a plush and cozy texture, were breathable enough to prevent overheating, and maintained their quality wash after wash. In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we also used the sheets at home to see how each set held up over six months.

Editor's Note: This article was revised in February 2024 with updated long-term testing insights.

Testing Stats
Products Tested 45
Hours Spent Testing 3,384+
Tests Performed 5
Unique Testers 23

What to Know Before You Get Started

When shopping for flannel sheets, it’s important to consider both the weight and fiber content, both of which will affect the product’s overall quality, texture, and warmth level. 

  • The weight of a material is measured in grams per square meter (or GSM). The higher the GSM of the flannel sheet, the denser and heavier it will be. If you’re looking for a warmer, more insulated flannel sheet, you’ll want to check for a higher GSM, since its tight weave will trap heat more effectively than flannel sheets with a lower GSM.
  • When it comes to the quality of flannel sheets, fiber content is key. Many high-quality flannel sheets are made with 100 percent cotton, but they can also be made using a blend of fabrics, including polyester. 100 percent cotton flannel sheets tend to be more durable, moisture-wicking, and breathable than those made with synthetic materials. 
Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets

Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets

Coyuchi

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • Luxuriously soft and napped on both sides

  • Heavy and dense construction

  • Nicely breathable

  • Holds up well over time

What We Don't Like
  • Must be washed on delicate

Of the 45 flannel sheet sets we’ve tried, the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheet Set is our clear winner, earning perfect scores across the board. We were immediately impressed with the overall quality of the flannel sheet, as it seemed to be well-made and had a nice thickness. We found the sheet’s texture to be very fleecy, with a soft plush feel on both sides that’s especially suitable for colder climates. The Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets are tied for the heaviest flannel sheets we’ve tested, at around 225.28 GSM.

Despite their hefty construction, we found that the sheets were still excellent at regulating our temperature, yet very warm and cozy. While the Coyuchi sheets had a significant thickness and density, they had adequate airflow and remained breathable over time. The sheets held up exceptionally in the wash, and we were impressed that they still maintained their quality and didn’t seem to have any pilling or snags. 

We continued to test the Coyuchi sheets at home for two months where they were a dream to sleep under, providing consistent exceptional softness. 

While you do have to pay careful attention to the care instructions (they have to be washed on delicate or gentle cycles only), the sheets have become softer with each wash, so we think they’re the best pick for anyone looking for unmatched coziness. If you’re looking to invest in flannel sheets, the quality and construction of the Coyuchi sheets can’t be beaten, as their overall comfort and durability make these a luxurious bedding staple you’ll keep for years to come.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Weight: 225.28 GSM | Care: Machine wash cold on delicate or gentle cycle, tumble dry low

Best Budget

Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.2/5
  • Warmth
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Nostalgic patterns

  • Double-brushed

  • Buttery smooth texture

What We Don't Like
  • Loose string and some pilling after washing

  • Inside of the sheet is white

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly flannel sheet set, the Bliss Casa 100 percent Cotton Flannel Sheet Set is a great pick that feels way more expensive than its price tag reflects. This sheet set offers a ton of bang for your buck, and we were impressed by its high-quality feel and luxurious warmth. The sheets were well-constructed, had a saturated pattern, and did not have any loose threads. However, note that the pattern on this sheet set is printed using a digital process, so the pattern is only visible on one side.

Upon arrival, we liked that the sheets felt buttery smooth to the touch with a nice thickness and weight. We remained warm and cozy while lying underneath these sheets, which were also surprisingly breathable with adequate airflow to prevent overheating.

Although we still consider these sheets to be a great option for their price point, they could have held up better in the wash. In the lab, we found that they aren’t as durable as some of the other options on this list, as we noticed light pilling and loose threads after washing. That said, we still think their texture rivals that of more expensive flannel sheets, bringing a ton of value to the Bliss Casa sheet set. 

Despite some concerns about longevity during our lab tests, these sheets have held up relatively well throughout use at home for two months. The material has even gotten slightly softer with each wash, with only slight pilling throughout. It’s worth noting that after consistently laundering these sheets, we noticed significant lint buildup in our dryers. However, this didn’t detract from the quality of the sheets themselves. 

Overall, we’re huge fans of the Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheets as they still feel great and provide a ton of comfort night after night. We love that they’re stylish, comfortable, and mechanically sound—all at a reasonable price point.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Cotton | Weight: 150 GSM | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. Wash dark colors separately

What is flannel?

Flannel is a generally thick and soft woven fabric that has a fuzzy texture, meaning it can trap heat more effectively than the smooth surface of traditional cotton sheets. This texture is created through a technique called “napping”, a finishing process that involves brushing the fabric, according to Preeti Gopinath, Director of the MFA Textiles Program and Associate Professor at the Parsons School of Fashion. Often, high-quality flannel is made of cotton—but you may also see synthetic flannels, also known as microfiber flannel.

Gopinath says the most important factors to consider when shopping for a well-made flannel are both the quality of the fabric as well as the manufacturing operation. “It’s a combination of both the napping process and the material quality because the fabric needs to be woven strongly enough with fairly dense yarn.”

Best Splurge

Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set

Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set

Boll & Branch

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • High-quality, durable sheets

  • Breathable and suitable for year-round use

  • Velvety feel

What We Don't Like
  • Pillowcase significantly shrank after wash

If you’re willing to spend a little extra money on luxury bedding, the Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set is well worth the investment. Made from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton, we found this sheet set to be velvety and exceptionally soft to the touch on both sides—it truly outperformed its competitors in terms of texture. These sheets are brushed and triple-sheared, a thoughtful finishing process intended to help prevent pilling. We found the texture of this set to be lavishly warm yet comfortably breathable. This is the lightest option on this list at around 135 GSM, and we loved how they provided adequate airflow and didn’t feel stifling.

We’re overall pleased with the Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set’s performance over six months, but we have noticed some minor flaws we think are worth mentioning. Although we’ve really enjoyed using these sheets night after night, we observed quite a bit of pilling around the two-month mark. While the pilling remains, it hasn’t gotten much worse since the beginning of our testing period. After drying these sheets on a higher setting than recommended, we noticed significant shrinkage, making the pillowcase too small for our pillow afterward. This is at no fault of the product, but we recommend following care instructions carefully. As for texture and fit, these sheets are still top-notch.

They still feel exceptionally comfortable, and the quality seems to have remained consistent. In fact, they seem to have gotten softer with each wash. Additionally, we were pleased to find we haven’t had any issues overheating throughout the night despite the thickness of the sheets.

Although these sheets are more expensive than other options on this list, we found the higher price tag was warranted, considering their thoughtful manufacturing process and luxurious texture that’s a step above the rest. Not only are these sheets GOTS-certified organic, but they’re also OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they’ve been tested for potentially harmful substances. These sheets’ top-notch quality is evident at first touch, and we think they’re worth the splurge—especially when you consider how much time you spend in bed.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, king w/std. cases, Cal king, split king | Material: Organic cotton | Weight: 135.47 GSM | Care: Machine wash gentle cold, tumble dry medium

Softest

Lands’ End Flannel Sheet Set

Lands' End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Plush texture

  • Stylish look

  • High-quality construction

What We Don't Like
  • Longer dry time

For those seeking exceptionally soft sheets ideal for snuggling up this winter, the Lands’ End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set is sure to keep you cozy during the chilly season. What makes these flannel sheets stand out is their extremely soft, plush texture that we found to feel snug and comfortable. 

These sheets offer a medium weight that feels substantial but isn’t overly heavy or difficult to maneuver when making the bed. The high quality is evident in the construction, and we love how well the sheets fit over the mattress we used, which was 14 inches deep. Available in 11 stylish colorways, these sheets are just as aesthetically pleasing as they are soft. 

While these sheets offer significant heft, they still have adequate breathability and never feel overly stifling—even for sleepers who tend to overheat at night. The sheets did, however, warm us up to a comfortable level, feeling like a cozy hug on chilly nights.

So far, they’ve proved to be very durable, as they’ve held their softness and have not shown any signs of wear despite consistent use. While we did notice a bit of lint buildup in our dryer after washing the sheets, this tends to be expected. Additionally, we had to put the sheets through the dryer a couple of times to dry fully, but this was a minor qualm considering the overall impressive performance.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Material: Cotton | Weight: 177 GSM | Care: Machine washable

Best Heavyweight

Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Peacock Alley

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • Nicely insulating

  • Held up well over time

  • Monogramming available

What We Don't Like
  • Not the plushest texture

If you get especially chilly when sleeping, or live in a particularly cold climate, a heavier flannel sheet set like this one from Peacock Alley is the ideal solution to help you stay warm all through the night. These sheets weigh in at a whopping 200 GSM, meaning they’re the second heaviest option on this list behind the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets (our best overall pick). 

We also love that these sheets are OEKO-TEX certified (meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances) and made with 100 percent Egyptian long staple cotton, which is among the highest-quality cotton in terms of durability and softness.

The napping on this product is more subtle, and we found that the texture of these sheets was not as soft as others we tested. However, they did a great job at trapping body heat and felt extremely warm while underneath them. These dense sheets aren’t super breathable, so while they might not be for everyone, they’ll do the trick for colder sleepers. This sheet set held up well in the wash, as there was no fading, loose threads, or pilling. 

After two months, we still highly recommend this sheet set, especially for those who struggle to keep warm at night. They excelled at trapping body heat, making them the perfect choice for colder temperatures. Despite this, the sheets have never felt uncomfortably hot or stifling. The sheets have held up well over time, becoming softer with each wash, and no signs of wear other than slight pilling. 

For those who have trouble situating fitted sheets on their beds, we like that the fitted sheet from this set hase deeper pockets than many competitors, fitting a mattress up to 17 inches deep. There’s also an option to add a monogram onto the sheet set for a personalized touch.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Material: Egyptian Long-Staple Cotton | Weight: 200 GSM | Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry low, remove promptly

Should hot sleepers avoid flannel sheets?

If you tend to get hot when you sleep, then yes, you may want to avoid flannel sheets and opt for cooler options. But if you have your heart set on flannel, there are a couple of things you can pay attention to. First, favor cotton flannels over wool flannels and microfiber flannels (cotton tends to be more breathable than wool and synthetic materials. Then, look for a flannel with a lighter weight (150 GSM or less is ideal). We especially recommend the Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set (best splurge) for those who tend to sleep hot.

Best Temperature-Regulating

Crate & Barrel Stripe Flannel Sheet Set

Crate & Barrel Stripe Flannel Sheet Set

Crate & Barrel

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight, comfortable construction

  • High-end look

  • Very durable

What We Don’t Like
  • Limited sizes and colors

If you’re concerned that flannel sheets might be too heavy for your sleeping habits but still want something slightly heftier than your traditional cotton sheets, the Crate & Barrel Stripe Flannel Sheet Set is the perfect in-between. Compared to other flannel sheets we’ve tested, these are relatively lightweight but still have a substantial construction that gives us confidence in their longevity. Even on warmer fall days that hit 70 degrees, we didn’t feel overly hot in these sheets and felt comfortable all night long. Additionally, we love the cozy texture of these sheets, which were soft to the touch and very luxurious.

When making the bed, we found that these sheets fit perfectly over our 8-inch-deep mattress with a topper. The fitted sheet stayed in place all night long, and it didn’t ride up or come off at any point. Boasting a refined look and high-end construction, these stylish sheets will elevate any space. While we wish there were more colors available, we love the classic hues that are offered. 

After four months of use, we found these sheets have gotten even softer in time. We’ve washed and dried them multiple times throughout the testing period, and we’re happy to report that they’ve retained their quality and look. We have zero complaints about this sheet set and think they’re a great pick that offers the perfect balance between warmth and breathability.

Sizes: Full or queen | Material: Cotton | Weight: Not listed | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Is pilling and shrinkage normal for flannel sheets?

In short, yes. Anki Spets, Designer and Owner of AREA Home, explains that the overall quality of both the fabric as well as the construction of the weave will indicate just how much shrinkage and pilling the flannel sheet will have post-wash. “The sheet should not be too loosely woven and it has to have a good quality cotton,” Spets said. 

Shrinkage is natural for cotton fabrics, but flannel sheets with a tighter weave will shrink less, while loosely woven fabrics will have significant shrinkage post-wash. The sheet’s GSM also plays a role in how much shrinkage will occur, as a higher GSM tends to correlate with a tighter, denser weave.

Best Organic

L.L.Bean Organic Flannel Sheet

L.L. Bean Organic Flannel Sheet

L.L. Bean

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • Medium weight that’s suitable for year-round use

  • Resistant to pilling

  • Strong and durable organic cotton

What We Don’t Like
  • None

If you prefer to shop organic, consider the L.L. Bean Organic Flannel Sheets. Made with 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton, this sheet set is brushed on both sides and offers an exceptionally comfortable texture that’ll make it difficult to get out of bed. Plus, it’s available in four sleek colorways, which look especially high-end and stylish on the bed.

These flannel sheets kept us warm and cozy at night, quickly becoming a go-to set we consistently reached for during the testing period. It has even kept us warm during sub-zero temperatures, which is no easy feat. The medium-weight sheets feel as though you’re sleeping in your favorite flannel shirt, offering a substantial feel that’s suitable for year-round use. While we didn’t particularly notice any specific temperature-regulating properties, we didn’t experience any issues with overheating at night either, indicating adequate airflow and breathability. 

These sheets also proved to be highly durable with no signs of wear after four months, even with two people and a restless puppy sharing the bed. The color has not faded and still looks as good as new. While we did notice some significant lint buildup in the drier after the first few washes, the manufacturer says that this is normal, and is a result of the brushed flannel construction. 

Additionally, there have been no changes in texture, as the sheets felt just as soft as they did upon arrival. We also haven’t noticed any pilling or other signs of wear, which is especially impressive considering pilling tends to be normal for flannel. 

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Organic cotton | Weight: 177 GSM | Care: Machine washable

Best Durable

L.L.Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets

L.L. Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets

L.L. Bean

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
What We Like
  • Thick, heavyweight construction

  • Suitable for year-round use

  • Luxurious, high-end material

  • Exceptionally soft

What We Don’t Like
  • Slight fading in time

  • Prone to wrinkles

When investing in a new sheet set, you’ll want to ensure it stands the test of time. We’re confident that the L.L. Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets will last you years to come, as these impressive sheets offer a heavyweight construction that’s hefty enough to withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with consistent use. 

At around 210 GSM, these sheets are lighter than the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets (best overall) but heavier than the Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set (best heavyweight). Upon arrival, we were immediately impressed with the quality of these sheets—you can truly feel the luxurious, high-end construction just by handling the material. 

We also loved the soft and fuzzy hand-feel of these sheets, which made sleeping on them a dream. While these sheets are thicker and heavier than your average flannel, we surprisingly had no issues overheating at night, even with an extra-hot sleeper in the bed. We didn’t wake up sweating when testing these sheets out in warmer fall weather and felt nicely insulated underneath them as temperatures dropped.

After laundering these sheets multiple times throughout our four-month testing period, we’re thrilled with how well they’ve maintained their quality. They have become even softer in time, losing some initial stiffness and feeling nicely worn in. We tested a colorway with a vibrant pattern and noticed slight fading over time, but we didn’t think it was very noticeable. 

The sheet set also shows no further signs of wear post-wash, but note that we did find quite a bit of lint buildup in our drier afterward. Additionally, we noticed that these sheets have a longer dry time than other options we’ve tested due to their significant weight. There were also some apparent wrinkles post-wash, which is worth noting if you like a cleaner bedscape. All things considered, the long-lasting quality and luxe texture make it one of our favorite picks.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Cotton | Weight: 210.22 GSM | Care: Machine wash and dry

Final Verdict

Of all the options we tested, our best overall pick is the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets because of its durability, soft plush material, and high-end construction. We also recommend the Bliss Casa 4 Piece 100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Set (our best budget pick). Its extremely soft double-brushed material and charming pattern options add a ton of value to this relatively low-cost sheet set.

How We Tested the Flannel Sheets

After researching the most beloved, top-rated flannel sheets currently on the market, we gathered dozens options and put them to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa and in our own homes. We evaluated them on the basis of quality by inspecting the sheets both before and after following the care instructions. We looked for any loose threads, pilling, snags, and imperfections in the stitching, dye, or pattern. We also noted any specifics about each sheet, including the weight and fiber content.

Next, we assessed the texture of each flannel sheet, considering its thickness, breathability, softness, structure, and smoothness. Additionally, we ran our hands over the back of each sheet, noting whether one or both sides were napped. At that point, we made the bed with the sheets, observing how snugly the fitted sheet fit over the mattress, whether there was shifting or bunching, and how it draped over the bed. We also paid special attention to the depth of the fitted sheet and whether or not there was any excess fabric hanging over the sides. 

We then tested the sheets’ breathability by observing how much air flow circulated when laying underneath them and whether or not they felt stifling. We also considered the weight and weave, noting how heavy and dense the sheets felt. When testing the warmth, we noted whether or not the sheets retained body heat after prolonged use.

To evaluate the durability of each flannel sheet, we followed care instructions and noted whether or not the quality, texture, and fit were changed after washing and drying. We also judged whether there were any signs of wear, imperfections, wrinkles, or shrinkage post-wash. Finally, we assessed the sheets’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality. 

In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we conducted real-world testing in order to see how the linen sheets held up over time, checking in after several months for many products. For this long-term testing, we took the lab-tested sheets home to see how they performed in real-world scenarios. We considered not only the quality, texture, breathability, durability, warmth, and value, but also how the sheets may have improved or enhanced their sleep quality. We also observed whether or not the texture of the sheets changed after multiple rounds in the wash and whether or not we'd recommend the products to a friend or family member.

We analyzed our testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of flannel sheets we believe are the best on the market.

Two people laying in two beds made up with different flannel sheet sets

The Spruce / Grant Webster

What to Look for in Flannel Sheets

Weight

When it comes to flannel sheets, a high GSM (grams per square meter) is a strong indicator that the product will be of good quality. While traditional cotton sheets typically use thread count to measure quality, flannel sheets use GSM. “The higher the GSM, the heavier and denser the fabric, as more yarns are packed into a square meter,” according to Preeti Gopinath, Director of the MFA Textiles Program and Associate Professor at the Parsons School of Fashion. “This usually implies a better-quality fabric and a tighter weave.” 

Anki Spets, designer and owner of AREA Home, explains that when looking for high-quality fabrics to produce flannel sheets for her company, she tends to look for heavier materials. “When I buy fabrics, I always look at the weight,” she said. “In this case, if it’s too light, it’s not going to be good. It’s going to have to be a little heavy.” 

Like thread count, the weight of a flannel sheet set can certainly contribute to the overall quality and feel, but it’s ultimately just one of many factors that should be considered. Some of our lighter flannel sheet sets scored just as well or even better than heavier options. Since we think all of the options on this list are high-quality, the weight you choose should strongly hinge on personal preference.

Warmer sheets, like the 225-GSM Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets (best overall), will trap body heat a lot more than flannel sheets with a looser weave. If you're looking for a lighter and more breathable flannel set, consider the 135-GSM Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set (best splurge).

Napping

Napping is a finishing process that raises the fibers of a material through brushing, which is what gives flannel its signature fuzzy texture. While some options on the market may only be napped on one side, many high-quality options, including the Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set (best budget), are napped on both sides for a cozy feel no matter how you make the bed.

Fiber

When it comes to the quality of flannel sheets, fiber content is key. All of the sheets on this list are made with 100 percent cotton, but you can also find flannel made from other natural materials, synthetic fibers, or a blend of fibers. In general, we found that 100 percent cotton flannel sheets tend to be more durable, moisture-wicking, and breathable than those made with synthetic materials.

Some of the highest-quality cotton variations on the market include Turkish, Supima, and Egyptian cotton. Because these types of cotton have long-staple fibers, they offer a softer texture and higher durability than standard cotton. 

Person shaking out a Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet over a bed

The Spruce / Grant Webster

FAQ
  • What is flannel?

    Flannel is a generally thick and soft woven fabric that has a raised texture, meaning it can trap in heat more effectively than the smooth surface of traditional cotton sheets. This texture is created through a technique called “napping”, a finishing process that involves brushing the fabric, according to Gopinath. Often, high quality flannel is made of cotton. But you may also see wool flannels or synthetic flannels (also known as microfiber flannels). Gopinath says the most important factors to consider when shopping for a well-made flannel are both the quality of the fabric as well as the manufacturing operation. “It’s a combination of both the napping process and the material quality because the fabric needs to be woven strongly enough with fairly dense yarn.”

  • Should hot sleepers avoid flannel sheets?

    If you tend to get hot when you sleep, then yes, you may want to avoid flannel sheets and opt for cooler options. But if you have your heart set on flannel, there are a couple of things you can do. First, favor cotton flannels over wool flannels and microfiber flannels (cotton tends to be more breathable than wool and synthetic materials. Then, look for a flannel with a lighter weight (5 ounces or less is ideal).

  • Is pilling and shrinkage normal for flannel sheets?

    In short, yes. Spets explains that the overall quality of both the fabric as well as the construction of the weave will indicate just how much shrinkage and pilling the flannel sheet will have post-wash. “The sheet should not be too loosely woven and it has to have a good quality cotton,” Spets said. “Then it will last. It will not pill and after washing, it will shrink a little bit, but not a lot."

    Shrinkage is natural for cotton fabrics, but flannel sheets with a tighter weave will shrink less, while loosely woven fabrics will have significant shrinkage post-wash. The sheet’s GSM also plays a role in how much shrinkage will occur, as a higher GSM tends to correlate with a tighter, denser weave.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a writer for The Spruce who specializes in bed, bath, and home decor topics. She has worked on numerous other related roundups, including best silk sheets, best throw blankets, and best comforters, To compile this list, she consulted testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted outside research about flannel sheets. Each option in this list performed the best during our in-lab and at-home tests. In addition, Pineda also spoke to experts in the field to gather guidance regarding the construction and manufacturing process of flannel sheets. 

Other Experts: