With cold weather on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for a successful winter hibernation. Aside from the usual suspects (blankets, candles, books, etc.), a surefire way to turn your bedroom into a cozy den is to invest in flannel sheets, which are heavier, warmer, and softer than your average cotton bedding. But which ones are worth buying? To answer this question, I enlisted the help of News & Culture Editor Tara Bellucci to do the hard work of sleeping on all these flannel sheets and determining which are the best of the best. Read on to see our tried-and-true picks for flannel sheets, and get ready to bundle up and stay that way until March.
- Best Overall: The Company Store Company Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Budget: Target Threshold Printed Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Patterned: Eddie Bauer Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Solid: Lands’ End Supima Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Organic: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets
- Best Organic: Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Breathable: Riley Home Reversible Flannel Sheet Set
- Best Upgrade: Serena & Lily Alpine Flannel Sheet Set
What to Consider Before Buying Flannel Sheets
If you’re researching flannel sheets, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
What is flannel?
First of all, let’s talk about what exactly flannel is. Flannel is a fabric that has a napped finish due to either a special brushing technique or from its loosely spun weave. While older versions of flannel were made with wool, nowadays pretty much all flannel is made from cotton, although there are cheaper options made from polyester (also known as micro flannel). Flannel is known for its supreme softness and heavier weight, making it an ideal choice for colder weather, and tends to come in patterns (particularly plaid).
Hot vs. cold sleepers
If you’re a hot sleeper, you might be inclined to avoid flannel altogether. While cotton flannel is more breathable than micro flannel, the fuzzy surface is designed to trap heat, so there’s not too much you can do to find “cooling” flannel sheets. If you really want to embrace that cozy life, make sure your flannel sheets are made of 100% cotton and have a lighter weight. Ditch your comforter and opt for a light quilt, or invest in just a flannel duvet cover or blanket to achieve the flannel effect without going all in.
Flannel bedding care
Flannel is really easy to take care of, but you do have to follow a few rules. While pilling is just a fact of life with flannel bedding, there are steps you can take to minimize the issue. Make sure you wash your sheets in cold or warm water on a gentle setting, and dry on low heat (you’ll want to avoid high heat on all accounts). Also note that flannel is prone to shrinking, so many brands will purposely add extra fabric to their sizes to account for it.
Certifications
The main certification that’s important to this list is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means the bedding is free of harmful synthetics and dyes. (Read more about this certification and why it’s important.)
What We Look For in Flannel Sheets
We tested a wide range of cotton flannel sheets, judging them on the following criteria:
- Feel: How do the sheets feel out of the box? What’s their weight? Are they soft? Are they comfortable to sleep on?
- Warmth: Do they feel warm right when you get into bed? Are they warm and cozy? Do they cause overheating?
- Durability: Do the sheets pill? Do they get softer with time and washing?
Note: All prices listed are for Queen size.
It’s no surprise that The Company Store, aka the makers of some of the best down comforters and cozy bedding out there, created the very best flannel sheets. You’d be hard-pressed to find a flaw with these—they’re ultra soft right out the package, with a good weight and thickness, and they’re warm. “I can imagine these being clutch in the middle of February when you don’t want to get out of bed,” says Tara.
Here’s what else you need to know: They’re available in a wide range of colors (15!) and come with a hefty 90-night trial period, so you can be sure you love them before committing. And if you want even more options, you’re in luck, because these aren’t the only flannel sheets The Company Store makes—there’s also an organic cotton set, as well as several different patterned options (you’ll have to purchase each piece separately).
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 5-oz. cotton flannel
- Available in 15 colors and 5 sizes
- 90-night trial period
Who It’s Best For: Those who want plenty of color options; those who want something really warm.
Good to Know: Flat sheet and pillowcases can be monogrammed.
Truth be told, Threshold’s flannel sheets are every bit as good as The Company Store’s—and they’re way less expensive. Tara describes them as “the right balance of soft and cozy without being too hot,” and they come in a variety of fun patterns. They tend to sell out though, so you’ll want to grab them as early in the season as you can. Worried about durability? Don’t be—Tara has had Threshold flannel sheets for over five years, and aside from light pilling and decreased softness, they’ve held up really well over time. The deep, gripped pockets on the fitted sheet are another bonus.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 100% cotton flannel
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in 9 patterns and 5 sizes
Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want to spend a lot.
Good to Know: You can also find these sheets in solid colors.
If it’s patterns you want, look no further than Eddie Bauer’s flannel sheets. These sheets come in a whopping 27 different patterns, ranging from winter themes (check out the adorable Ski Slope option) to animals (School of Fish!) to more traditional plaids. When it comes to feel, these sheets are on the lighter side, making them a bit more breathable and better suited to warmer sleepers than others on this list. Don’t worry, though—they still feel super soft and cozy, and are pre-shrunk to minimize shrinking after that first wash. You can find them at all the major home retailers, but check out Macy’s to take advantage of frequent deals.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 100% cotton flannel
- Available in 27 patterns and 4 sizes
Who It’s Best For: Those who want ALL the options; those who prefer a lighter weight.
Good to Know: You can also buy these sheets at Overstock, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot.
Like The Company Store, it’s no surprise that Lands’ End makes some seriously high quality flannel sheets. They’re a nice heavy weight and feel instantly warm and soft—basically everything you could want for a winter nest. They also stand out for being made from Supima cotton, which is trademarked pima cotton produced in the U.S. that has extra-long-staple fibers. Elaine Harman, Senior Web Developer at AT and diehard flannel sheet fan, has slept on Lands’ End sheets for over 10 years and says they’re “soft and fuzzy even after many washings, and the colors haven’t faded noticeably.” Plus, they come in Cal King, a not-so-common size for flannel.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 6-oz. 100% cotton flannel
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in 7 colors and 6 sizes
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a heavier weight and ultra warmth; those looking for a less common bed size.
Good to Know: Flat sheet and pillowcases can be monogrammed.
Warm and weighty, Coyuchi’s simply amazing Cloud Brushed flannel sheets are a seriously good organic option. The velvety finish is soft and smooth and pill-resistant, and you have six different colors to choose from, ranging from classic white to autumnal ginger. In addition to the six solid colors, there’s also one pattern: pale gray with dark blue stripes. They’re expensive, but you’re getting sheets that are good for you and the environment—they’re GOTS- and Made Safe-certified, and Coyuchi is committed to making sure the processing, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of their products is done in a sustainable way.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 6-oz. 100% organic cotton flannel
- GOTS and Made Safe certified
- Available in 7 colors and 5 sizes
- 30-night trial period
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for something heavier and organic.
Good to Know: Even the packaging is eco-friendly—all sheets come in a reusable organic cloth bag.
That’s right—it was impossible to pick between Coyuchi and Boll & Branch’s flannel sheets, so we’ve declared it a tie. Boll & Branch’s sheets are truly luxurious, with an impressively soft, weighted feel. They’re also totally breathable and resistant to pilling, two features you’d expect when the price is this high. Another great feature? Unlike other luxury brands, there are actually tons of color options here, including more traditional plaids and versatile solid colors. Plus, Boll & Branch is notable for their huge array of sizes—whether you’re looking for Twin XL or Split King, you’re in luck.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 100% organic cotton flannel
- GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in 15 colors and 8 sizes
- 30-night trial period
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for something organic; those looking for luxury; those looking for unusual sizes.
Good to Know: You can also find these sheets at Nordstrom, although in fewer size and color options.
If you’re not totally sure about flannel, Riley Home’s sheets are a great place to start on your flannel journey. Tara describes them as “almost crisp,” with a lighter weight that feels closer to regular cotton sheets than others on this list. They’re still soft and cozy, and they’re also reversible for a more versatile style. There are fewer color options here—the set only comes in gray, navy, and oatmeal—but they’re good choices if you’re not a fan of patterns or bright colors for your bedding. Another bonus? The fitted sheet has deep pockets and those helpful tags on the side that say “side” so you know which is the long way.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 100% cotton flannel
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in 3 colors and 3 sizes
- 100-night trial period
Who It’s Best For: Those who want something versatile and lightweight.
Good to Know: These sheets are also available at Bloomingdale’s.
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, especially if you’re treating yourself to sheets that are this good. Serena & Lily may be a brand more associated with California breeziness than New England coziness, but they’ve perfected the art of flannel bedding with these sheets. Soft and cozy but not too thick or rough, the Alpine sheets give you a luxuriously warm sleep—and the higher price reflects that. Fortunately, they’re 20 percent off right now, so it’s the best time to splurge. And if you’re still unsure, consider Tara’s review: “Am I… in a cloud? Is this what a baby bird feels like, surrounded by handpicked fluff?” Probably, yes.
Specifications:
- Top sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- 100% woven cotton flannel
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in 2 colors and 5 sizes
- 60-night trial period
Who It’s Best For: Those who want to really treat themselves.
Good to Know: While the sheets are only available in solid colors, you can buy a flannel duvet cover and shams in a nice plaid pattern.