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

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.

Flannel sheets are 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 Coyuchi, L.L. Bean, and more. But which ones are worth buying?

To answer this question, we’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).

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.

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.

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 grams per square meter (GSM). 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.

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.

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

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

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?

L.L. Bean’s Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheets won us over with their velvety soft feel and weight that can be used year-round. The sheets were designed in partnership with flannel experts, woven in Portugal using a process that removes fibers to give it that extra soft touch.

• They resist shrinkage and piling and are brushed for a buttery smooth feel.
• They get softer with every wash.
• They have a weight of 5 ounces that’s perfect for year-round use.
• 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. They provide just the right amount of warmth without making you overheat in the middle of the night.

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.

Specifications:

• Materials: 100% brushed cotton flannel
• Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: Nine options
• Pocket Depth: 15 inches
• Certifications: N/A

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!).”

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.

Specifications:

• Materials: 100% cotton
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king
• Colors: 46 options
• Pocket Depth: 15 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

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 eight 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.

Former 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.”

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.

Specifications:

• Materials: 100% certified organic cotton
• Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: Eight options
• Pocket Depth: 15 inches
• Certifications: GOTS

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. Threshold’s set delivers on the visual appeal with prints that go beyond classic plaid. The eye-catching prints — from geometric to floral — will brighten up your room during the dreary winter months. Of course, there are more pros beyond the set’s appearance: The material is extra soft, it’s made of 100% cotton flannel, and it costs under $100. The set also comes in holiday prints if you’re feeling extra festive.

Who It’s Best For: Those looking to add an eye-catching print to their bedding; those that want an affordable set with a super soft feel.

Specifications:

• Materials: 100% cotton flannel
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king
• Colors: Three options
• Pocket Depth: 17 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Made in Green

If a soft and long-lasting sheet set is what you’re after, then this Lands’ End set is bound to be a hit. These 5-ounce sheets are crafted by master weavers in Portugal, combed to remove shorter fibers for that velvet-like flannel feel we know and love. An upgrade from previous versions, this set is designed to pill less and be more durable. With Lands’ End’s The Sheet That Fits feature, it comes with a flat sheet that’s bigger than the standard size and has a fitted sheet with an all-around elastic that fits mattresses up to 14 inches deep.

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.

Specifications:

• Materials: 100% cotton
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: Eight options
• Pocket Depth: 14 inches
• Certifications: N/A