The 4 Best Flannel Sheets We Tested for Warm Beds on Cold Nights

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Grant Webster

People / Grant Webster

As the weather cools down, it may be time to swap out your bedding. If you’re looking to give your bed a cozy upgrade, there’s nothing as warm, comfy, or festive as flannel sheets.

We’ve tested 224 sheets, includingcotton sheets,bamboo sets, andbreathable linen bedding. Needless to say, we can be tough critics when it comes to sheets. Of the 30 flannel sets we slept on, we found four that were softer, warmer, and higher quality than the competition.

What We LearnedFlannel sheets sometimes get a bad reputation for being too warm, causing sleepers to overheat. During our testing, we discovered that flannel sheets can be breathable and even lightweight. We believe everyone would benefit from indulging in flannel sheets this winter, and our favorites include some sheets that will even givehot sleepersa good night’s sleep.

What We Learned

Flannel sheets sometimes get a bad reputation for being too warm, causing sleepers to overheat. During our testing, we discovered that flannel sheets can be breathable and even lightweight. We believe everyone would benefit from indulging in flannel sheets this winter, and our favorites include some sheets that will even givehot sleepersa good night’s sleep.

These are the best flannel sheets, from breathable sets to the ones we’d reach for on the coldest nights.

Best Overall:SALELands’ End Flannel Sheet Set at Landsend.com$68$41Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALELands’ End Flannel Sheet Set at Landsend.com$68$41

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Budget:

Best Plaid:Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set at Amazon$42Jump to Review

Best Plaid:Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set at Amazon$42

Best Plaid:

Most Breathable:L.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet Set at L.L.Bean$119Jump to Review

Most Breathable:L.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet Set at L.L.Bean$119

Most Breathable:

Best OverallLands’ End Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: Lands' End$68$41 at Landsend.comStar QualitiesSuper soft and warmHigh-quality fabric, with no loose threadsCan be monogrammed, and pieces can be purchased separatelyRed FlagsWe noticed slight shrinkage after washingIf you’re looking for the warmest flannel sheets, you’ve come to the right place: These Lands’ End sheets will keep you comfortable on even the coldest winter nights, especially when paired with ahigh-quality comforter. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and the medium-weight material is hefty enough to keep away the midnight shivers.They’re well made, and after six months of testing, we were still impressed with the quality. We also appreciated that the fitted sheet has all-around elastic, so it’s extra secure on the bed. If you’d like to add a preppy touch, you can even get these sheets monogrammed for an additional fee.Testers SayOur tester, who loves flannel sheets, calls this “dreamy” set one of the best she’s ever tried. While testing these sheets, our tester was pregnant and frequently overheating. Impressively, she never woke up hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable.Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Color Options:10 |Pocket Depth:14 inchesPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant Webster

Best OverallLands’ End Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: Lands' End$68$41 at Landsend.com

Best OverallLands’ End Flannel Sheet Set

Best Overall

Lands’ End Flannel Sheet Set

PHOTO: Lands' End

$68$41 at Landsend.com

Star QualitiesSuper soft and warmHigh-quality fabric, with no loose threadsCan be monogrammed, and pieces can be purchased separatelyRed FlagsWe noticed slight shrinkage after washing

Star QualitiesSuper soft and warmHigh-quality fabric, with no loose threadsCan be monogrammed, and pieces can be purchased separately

Super soft and warm

High-quality fabric, with no loose threads

Can be monogrammed, and pieces can be purchased separately

Red FlagsWe noticed slight shrinkage after washing

We noticed slight shrinkage after washing

If you’re looking for the warmest flannel sheets, you’ve come to the right place: These Lands’ End sheets will keep you comfortable on even the coldest winter nights, especially when paired with ahigh-quality comforter. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and the medium-weight material is hefty enough to keep away the midnight shivers.

They’re well made, and after six months of testing, we were still impressed with the quality. We also appreciated that the fitted sheet has all-around elastic, so it’s extra secure on the bed. If you’d like to add a preppy touch, you can even get these sheets monogrammed for an additional fee.

Testers SayOur tester, who loves flannel sheets, calls this “dreamy” set one of the best she’s ever tried. While testing these sheets, our tester was pregnant and frequently overheating. Impressively, she never woke up hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable.

Testers Say

Our tester, who loves flannel sheets, calls this “dreamy” set one of the best she’s ever tried. While testing these sheets, our tester was pregnant and frequently overheating. Impressively, she never woke up hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Color Options:10 |Pocket Depth:14 inches

PHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant Webster

Best Budget

PHOTO: Amazon

$34 at Amazon$45 at Target$35 at Target

Star QualitiesFabric gets softer with every washNo pilling or loose threadsCheaper than others we’ve triedRed FlagsSignificant shrinkage after washing

Star QualitiesFabric gets softer with every washNo pilling or loose threadsCheaper than others we’ve tried

Fabric gets softer with every wash

No pilling or loose threads

Cheaper than others we’ve tried

Red FlagsSignificant shrinkage after washing

Significant shrinkage after washing

These True North sheets offer a truly cozy night’s sleep at a great price. Over six months of testing, these soft sheets only got softer, and they kept us super warm on cold nights. At this price, the quality of these sheets is impressive: We didn’t notice any loose threads or pilling initially, though after multiple washes we did find a few loose strings.

After the first wash, we noticed some shrinking, which gave the sheets a snug fit on the bed, though they still fit nicely. The fabric slightly faded over time, too, but we appreciated that it never produced static. We loved how cozy these budget sheets were, but heads up: If you’re a really hot sleeper, they might be too warm for you.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Color Options:31 |Pocket Depth:14 inches

PHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant Webster

Best PlaidBliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: Amazon$42 at AmazonStar QualitiesSoft and warm but breathable enough that we didn’t overheatEdges are fully lined with elastic for easy bed-makingPlaid pattern didn’t fade much after multiple washesRed FlagsWe noticed some shrinkage, pilling, and loose strings after washingThese sheets are well-constructed, buttery smooth, and warm enough to keep us cozy without making us overheat. We were glad to find minimal loose threads on these sheets after washing, though we did notice slight pilling over time.During our six months of testing this plaid set, the pattern faded slightly, though we remained impressed with the quality. The inside of the sheet is white, which we don’t love, though it is relatively common for flannel sheets. One design feature we did appreciate was that the fitted sheet has elastic all around the edges, which made making the bed super easy.Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king |Color Options:10 |Pocket Depth:15 inchesPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterExperts Say“The first thing you should look for if you are into flannel sheets is color and pattern. There are so many choices, but the visual aesthetics come first, and then you can consider softness, quality, and price to make your choice.” —Melony Huber, global fashion, textile, and interior designer and co-founder of La Peony

Best PlaidBliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: Amazon$42 at Amazon

Best PlaidBliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Best Plaid

Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

$42 at Amazon

Star QualitiesSoft and warm but breathable enough that we didn’t overheatEdges are fully lined with elastic for easy bed-makingPlaid pattern didn’t fade much after multiple washesRed FlagsWe noticed some shrinkage, pilling, and loose strings after washing

Star QualitiesSoft and warm but breathable enough that we didn’t overheatEdges are fully lined with elastic for easy bed-makingPlaid pattern didn’t fade much after multiple washes

Soft and warm but breathable enough that we didn’t overheat

Edges are fully lined with elastic for easy bed-making

Plaid pattern didn’t fade much after multiple washes

Red FlagsWe noticed some shrinkage, pilling, and loose strings after washing

We noticed some shrinkage, pilling, and loose strings after washing

These sheets are well-constructed, buttery smooth, and warm enough to keep us cozy without making us overheat. We were glad to find minimal loose threads on these sheets after washing, though we did notice slight pilling over time.

During our six months of testing this plaid set, the pattern faded slightly, though we remained impressed with the quality. The inside of the sheet is white, which we don’t love, though it is relatively common for flannel sheets. One design feature we did appreciate was that the fitted sheet has elastic all around the edges, which made making the bed super easy.

Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king |Color Options:10 |Pocket Depth:15 inches

PHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant Webster

Experts Say“The first thing you should look for if you are into flannel sheets is color and pattern. There are so many choices, but the visual aesthetics come first, and then you can consider softness, quality, and price to make your choice.” —Melony Huber, global fashion, textile, and interior designer and co-founder of La Peony

Experts Say

“The first thing you should look for if you are into flannel sheets is color and pattern. There are so many choices, but the visual aesthetics come first, and then you can consider softness, quality, and price to make your choice.” —Melony Huber, global fashion, textile, and interior designer and co-founder of La Peony

Most BreathableL.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: L.L.Bean$119 at L.L.BeanStar QualitiesProvided the perfect amount of warmth without overheatingSoft and plush fabric isn’t too heavyRed FlagsA lot of shrinkage during the first two washesThis L.L.Bean sheet set will challenge everything you thought you knew about flannel sheets. They’re the most breathable sheets we tried, so we never overheated despite staying warm all night. The fabric was soft and plush, but not super heavy.After six months of testing, we were still impressed with the quality of these sheets. At first, we noticed a lot of shrinkage and slight pilling while washing. Over time, though, these sheets proved to be in it for the long haul, and they were still in great shape after months of use.Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king, California king |Color Options:9 |Pocket Depth:15 inchesPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant WebsterPHOTO: People / Grant Webster

Most BreathableL.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet SetPHOTO: L.L.Bean$119 at L.L.Bean

Most BreathableL.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

Most Breathable

L.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

PHOTO: L.L.Bean

$119 at L.L.Bean

Star QualitiesProvided the perfect amount of warmth without overheatingSoft and plush fabric isn’t too heavyRed FlagsA lot of shrinkage during the first two washes

Star QualitiesProvided the perfect amount of warmth without overheatingSoft and plush fabric isn’t too heavy

Provided the perfect amount of warmth without overheating

Soft and plush fabric isn’t too heavy

Red FlagsA lot of shrinkage during the first two washes

A lot of shrinkage during the first two washes

This L.L.Bean sheet set will challenge everything you thought you knew about flannel sheets. They’re the most breathable sheets we tried, so we never overheated despite staying warm all night. The fabric was soft and plush, but not super heavy.

After six months of testing, we were still impressed with the quality of these sheets. At first, we noticed a lot of shrinkage and slight pilling while washing. Over time, though, these sheets proved to be in it for the long haul, and they were still in great shape after months of use.

Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king, California king |Color Options:9 |Pocket Depth:15 inches

Other Flannel Sheets We Tried

What to Know About Flannel Sheets

Material

Flannel is a fabric that can be made from cotton, wool, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Cotton makes for softer flannel, which is why most of the products on our best flannel sheets list are made from cotton. During our testing, we discovered that no matter the material, most flannel sheets tend to pill over time. However, higher-quality cotton flannel sheets are more resistant to pilling. We found that theLands’ End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Sheet Setwas very resistant to pilling.

Thread Count

You’ll notice that no thread count is listed for these sheets. That’s because the quality of flannel sheets is measured in terms of GSM (grams per square meter), not thread count.The Sleep Foundationrecommends looking for flannel sheets in the 170+ GSM range for durability and heaviness, though if you want something more lightweight, choose a lower GSM. Some manufacturers don’t list the GSM on the website, but you can always reach out for that information.

Pocket Depth

The pocket depth, which is listed in inches, refers to the length of a fitted sheet’s corner seam. For a sheet to fit well onyour mattress, the pocket depth should be larger than the depth of the mattress. If you’re at the store and you’ve forgotten to measure your mattress, just know that the deeper the pocket, the better the sheets will stay on your bed without popping off in the middle of the night. Don’t go too deep, though, or else you might find yourself having to tuck extra fabric under the mattress.

Care

Since flannel sheets are made from cotton, they’re easy to care for. All of the sheets on our list are machine-washable. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations on water and dryer temperature. Flannel sheets tend to shed a lot of lint, so wash them separately from other laundry, and be sure to clean your dryer’s lint filter after drying.

Price Range

Price is always a factor when it comes to bedding. But for flannel sheets that you will only be using for part of the year, it’s even more important. While you don’t want to waste money on a set of sheets that will fall apart after just a couple of washes, you might not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a seasonal item. Still, just like a pair ofsilk or satin sheets, with proper laundering, a well-made set of flannel sheets could last for many winters, so you might want to invest in a premium set like theLands’ End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Sheet Setor theL.L.Bean Comfort Flannel Sheet Set.

Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 30 flannel sheet sets, ranging in design, price, and GSM from popular brands like Eddie Bauer, L.L.Bean, The Company Store, and more.

Barbara Bellesi Zitois a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE who covers lifestyle, real estate, and home improvement content. To curate this article on the best flannel sheets, she consulted our testers, who provided their insights and honest thoughts on which sets were warm and cozy without being too hot. PEOPLE shopping writerGenevieve Cepedamost recently updated this article. After reevaluating PEOPLE’s top picks, she further narrowed down our favorites to recommend the absolute best flannel sheets of 2024.

Our Expert PanelMelony Huberis the owner and design director ofLa Peony Clothing.

Our Expert Panel

Melony Huberis the owner and design director ofLa Peony Clothing.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com