The Best Editor-Tested Flannel Sheets That Will Keep You Cozy All Winter Long

Written by

Britt Franklin
Britt FranklinCommerce Editor
As a blogger turned journalist, I love tapping into curiosity that drives us to curate spaces that truly embody our vision. I test products for a living, which puts me at the forefront of trendy and innovative gadgets and gizmos to make life at home more fun and efficient.
Morgan Pryor
Morgan PryorCommerce Assistant Editor
I cover must-have home products, sales, and brand launches. Prior to working at ATM, I earned my degree in Culture Writing and Criticism from NYU, and I interned at publications like CNN Underscored, TV Insider, Texas Monthly (I'm a Dallas native), and more. When I'm not writing, I'm usually at the movies or browsing in a thrift store.
updated Jan 15, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Blue bedroom with bed with flannel sheets and pillowcases. Seal in upper left that reads "Apartment Therapy the Best List 2025 Flannel Sheets"
Credit: James Tiffany

When the winter months hit, making your bed into a warm, cozy escape from the cold should be one of your top priorities. Aside from the usual suspects like blankets, candles, and sleep masks, a surefire way to transform your bedroom for the season is to invest in flannel sheets. They’re typically heavier, definitely warmer, and much softer than your average cotton bedding. They’re also available in a variety of styles and fabrics that are often exclusively tailored for the fall and winter months, like plaid.

There are plenty of flannel sheets on the market from top brands, like Parachute, Quince, L.L. Bean, and more. But which ones are worth buying? To answer this question, I’ve enlisted the help of our home experts at Apartment Therapy, who have done all of the hard work for you and slept on all these flannel sheets during the height of winter. Read on to see  the picks that they’ve determined are the best of the best, and get ready to bundle up (and stay that way until at least March).

The Best Flannel Sheets

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, from who flannel is best for to what makes flannel great versus just good.

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 less expensive options made from polyester (also known as micro flannel). Flannel is known for its plush softness and heavier weight, making it an ideal choice for colder weather. It also tends to come in patterns, particularly nostalgic plaid.

Hot vs. Cold Sleepers

If you’re a hot sleeper, you might be inclined to avoid flannel altogether — but thanks to manufacturing technology and modern textile design, you don’t have to. While cotton flannel is more breathable than micro flannel, the fuzzy surface is designed to trap heat, so “cooling” and flannel don’t really exist in tandem. That said, some flannel sheets come thinner or even more loosely woven and are actually breathable.

If you tend to get chilly or really want to embrace that cozy life, make sure your flannel sheets are made of 100% cotton and have a lighter weight or are between 120 to 170 GSM (grams per square meter). Unless you’re in a cabin or without sufficient heating, ditch your comforter and opt for a light quilt. You could, alternatively, invest in just a flannel duvet cover or blanket to achieve the flannel effect without going all in. Most of our flannel sheet winners also come in duvet covers.

Care

Flannel is easy to take care of, but you do have to follow a few rules. Historically, pilling has been just a fact of life with flannel bedding, but there are now modern processes brands use to prevent it, and there are steps you can take at home to minimize the issue further. 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 some initial shrinking, so many brands will purposely add extra fabric to their sizes to account for it.

Certifications

There are a number of material and textile certifications to consider when shopping for flannel bedding.

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Ensures every component of a product has been tested and is free of harmful chemicals, synthetics, and dyes
  • OEKO-TEX Made In Green certified: Ensures textiles and leather products have been manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities under safe and socially responsible working conditions and tested for harmful substances.
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified: Confirms the ecological and social responsibility with which textile products are made.
  • Fair Trade certifiedMeets rigorous standards of environmental protection, sustainability, safe working conditions, and social and economic betterment.
  • Made Safe certified: Ensures everyday products are non-toxic, made with safe ingredients and materials, and are family safe.
  • GREENGUARD certified: Ensures the materials have low chemical emissions.

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 the sheets 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?

The Best Flannel Sheets

Our top pick won over commerce SEO editor Sarah, after they were recommended by her aunt. Her aunt’s bedroom gets shockingly frigid in the winter, so Sarah knew that L.L. Bean’s flannel set would do the trick to beat the chill in her own apartment. They’re as velvety soft and smooth as the brand claims, resisting shrinkage and piling and brushed on both sides for a buttery feel. Supima cotton also has the benefit of being 50% stronger than other cotton varieties, according to L.L. Bean’s website, so you can look forward to pulling them out of your linen closet year after year. Further, they can fit mattresses up to 15 inches deep.

Even those who run hot while sleeping don’t have to miss out on this cozy option. “I usually stay away from flannel sheets because of my aforementioned hot sleeper status,” Sarah says in her review. “However, I was so blown away by how comfortably I slept in these that I don’t know how I ever braved the winter without them.”

Read our full review of L.L. Bean’s Premium Supima Flannel Sheet Set.

Specifications:

  • 100% Supima cotton flannel
  • 6 oz. per square yard
  • Available in 6 colors and 5 sizes
  • Includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases 
  • Machine washable; tumble dry

Who It’s Best For: Those who run hot, cold, or anywhere in between while sleeping; those who want a sheet set that’s as soft as it is durable and long-lasting.

Good to Know: The brand also offers two printed versions of these flannel sheets, which you can find here.

When the cold sneaks up on us and we need to grab a good set of cozy sheets ASAP without spending over $100 on a set, the Eddie Bauer Novelty Prints Flannel Sheet Set is our hero. Available in a range of festive patterns from plaid to penguin, these sheets are perfectly weighted, 100% cotton, and easily machine washable. “Having tested them a number of times over the years, I love going back to them again and again, especially during the holidays,” says AT contributor Kendall.

She adds, “These sheets are soft (and get softer over time) and heavyweight, which I absolutely love. The adorable look, quality feel, and durable construction of these Eddie Bauer sheets have made them a go-to in my bedding arsenal for winter (and a great, budget-friendly holiday gift as well!).”

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton
  • 160 GSM
  • Available in 38 styles and 5 sizes
  • Includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin set)
  • Machine washable; tumble dry low
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want to spend too much for a solid set of cozy sheets; those who want sheets as holiday season decor; those with kids.

Good to Know: These are an especially solid pick for kids since they’re an affordable option that can be replaced as needed but stand up to frequent washes (and come in the cutest prints!).

Luxury sheets do the most without cutting any corners for the sake of price point. If you’re in the market (or even just in the mood) for the ultimate investment in cold-weather self-care, Coyuchi’s Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheet Set is your best choice. There’s a style for everyone with an impressive range of 13 colors, including striped patterns. Most importantly, though, the construction is eco-friendly. The solid color sets are made of 100% organic cotton, while the striped ones consist of a blend of organic cotton and unused factory scraps. The result is an impressively soft addition to your bedding, with a thick 6-ounce weight that’ll envelop you like a cloud. Still, it’s on the breathable side.

Shopping writer Nikol calls these the “perfect” winter sheets — and she’s tested a lot of bedding, so that’s high praise. “My parents also slept on them when they visited me in NYC for Thanksgiving and said they were warm all night,” she adds. “I love the ‘undyed’ color, too — it’s not as basic as white but still neutral and easy to style.”

Specifications:

  • 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
  • 6 oz. per square yard
  • Available in 13 styles and 5 sizes
  • Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase with Twin Set)
  • Machine wash cold/gentle; tumble dry low

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a high-end option that they can rely on for years; those who are after more sustainable bedding.

Good to Know: “These have pilled a little bit, but I think that just comes with the territory when you sleep on flannel sheets,” Nikol says.

One of the best perks that come with flannel sheets — aside from their marshmallow-like feel — is that you can add some flair to your bed with a fun print. Schoolhouse’s set came out on top for us in terms of visual appeal with its camp-inspired plaid print, which comes across as retro-yet-timeless. The pop of color will brighten up your room during the dreary winter months. Of course, there are more pros beyond its appearance: The material is brushed for added softness, and the weight is the ideal middle ground between thin and thick. You’ll likely want to stay tucked underneath your covers all night long, especially as they get more cozy after every wash.

“I got these flannel sheets for my son and I am jealous every time I make his bed (which is unfortunately every day),” says Valerie, AT’s ad operations director. “The color combination is gorgeous and just a little unexpected. The feel is soft and luxurious even after washing.”

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton flannel
  • Available in 2 styles and 2 sizes
  • Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase with Twin Set)
  • Machine wash warm; tumble dry low

Who It’s Best For: Those looking to add a timeless, eye-catching print to their bedding; those that want a set with a luxurious feel.

Good to Know: Schoolhouse sells a set of Highland Flannel pillowcases separately in case you’d like to have extra on hand. “What makes them extra special (other than the stunning fabric) is the way they envelope your pillow,” says a reviewer. “So you don’t see your pillow from the side, which is a high-end touch.”

Parachute is a go-to for bedding among our editors, so it comes as no surprise that its Flannel Fitted Sheet is our favorite for layering. If you have a thick comforter and a few other blankets going on — as I’m sure many of us do during the winter — then breathability is key in your sheets. Parachute’s definitely fits the bill, taking the old-school material up a notch with its smooth, double-brushed finish. It also will look stylish from where it peeks out beneath your other layers; its heathered color comes from weaving together light and dark yarn-dyed threads. It also hugs the mattress securely with its continuous elastic hem.

Editorial assistant Tamieka, who tends to get cold during the night, confirms that they’re “super soft” and “cozy.” “I also loved that the sheets did not fade after washing them,” she continues, adding that she was blown away by the texture and the Thyme color enhances the rest of her bedding.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton flannel
  • Available in up to 2 colors and 4 sizes
  • Includes 1 fitted sheet
  • Machine wash warm/gentle; tumble dry low
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a layer that looks as luxurious as it feels; those who have other warm layers on their bed.

Good to Know: Parachute sells a pillowcase set made of the same material separately, which comes in the same hues. The matching flannel quilt is currently on backorder in most sizes and colors.

If versatility is what you’re after, then this Lands’ End set is bound to be a hit. It consists entirely of Supima cotton, which the brand claims falls within the top 3% of cotton grown in the USA and is farmed to minimize environmental impact. It also includes a flat sheet that’s longer than standard, allowing it to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The all-around elastic ensures that it won’t budge from where it hugs your mattress — and Mila, AT’s commerce coordinator, adds that the included pillowcases remain in place all night long, too.

“Despite the tiny bit of shedding that I have noticed, this is the best sheet set that I own to use during the winter,” Mila says. “The sheets themselves feel very soft and cozy, and I noticed that my sleep quality has tremendously improved. I used to toss and turn during the winter because it would get really cold in my room at night, but I have not done that once since using them.”

Specifications:

  • 100% Supima cotton
  • Available in up to 3 colors and 6 sizes
  • Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase with Twin Set)
  • Machine wash

Who It’s Best For: Those who are looking for sheets with a super-soft and warm feel; those who have deeper mattresses or mattress toppers and want a secure fit.

Good to Know: For an extra $16, you can add a monogram to your sheet set — it’ll be placed on the pillowcases and top sheet, so when the latter is folded down, it’ll be visible.