The Best Flannel Sheets for Chilly Winter Nights, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Flannel Sheets for Chilly Winter Nights, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Keep warm during the cooler months with comfy, soft flannel sheets on the bed.

On chilly nights, curling up under quality flannel sheets is a great way to stay cozy. However, not all flannels are created equal. The best flannel sheets should be soft, warm, easy to care for, and develop minimal pilling (the small balls of fibers that form on some fabrics) after washing.

Shoppers who think flannel is available only in plaid prints are in for a surprise. Cozy flannel sheets come in a range of patterns, colors, and styles. We tested each of the sets on our list to find the sheets that are soft and durable. We used these sheets for multiple nights and washed them several times to make sure they could make any bed a cozy haven.

Keep reading to learn about what to consider when choosing the best flannel sheets, and what we found out when testing these top picks. We’ll discuss how to select the best weight, material, patterns, and more to help shoppers pick the best flannel sheets.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mellanni Lightweight 160GSM Flannel Cotton Sheet Set
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pointehaven 170GSM Heavy-Weight Flannel Sheet Set
3. BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Great Bay Home 4-Piece Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet
4. BEST YEAR-ROUND: Shavel Home Products Micro Flannel Sheet Set
5. BEST FOR KIDS: Eddie Bauer Cotton Flannel Sheet Set 
6. BEST PATTERNED: Laura Ashley Flannel Sheet Set
7. BEST SOFT: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
8. MOST BREATHABLE: Beautyrest 100% Cotton Oversize Flannel Sheet Set
9. BEST DEEP-POCKET: Tribeca Living Flannel Extra-Deep-Pocket Sheet Set

How We Tested the Best Flannel Sheets

The flannel sheets on our list were tested and scored on a rubric to compare and contrast features. We prewashed all of the sheets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We monitored shrinking during the washing process. We also noted how much pilling took place after the initial wash. The sheets were then slept on for at least one night, though a few sets were slept on more than once. The outside temperatures were in the 40 degree Fahrenheit range, while the inside temperatures stayed in the high 50s to low 60 degree Fahrenheit range in the bedroom.

The sheets were tested on mattresses of the following heights based on the sheet size:

• Twin: 11.5-inch mattress
• Queen: 11-inch mattress
• King: 13-inch mattress

The sheets were then washed at least three times in total to check pilling, fading, and texture. We took note of how much lint the sheets shed as well as the strength of the seams, which can be a weak point for flannel. We then scored them based on their performance.

Our Top Picks

Staying warm on chilly nights can be as simple as adding a cozy set of flannel sheets to the bed. We tested some of the top brands to reach the recommendations below for the best flannel sheets by category.

Best Overall

Mellanni Lightweight 160GSM Flannel Cotton Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: 160
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Plain/standard

Pros

• Soft and comfortable fabric made the bed feel welcoming
• Warm without causing overheating, even for sleepers who overheat easily
• Certified organic cotton and free of common textile chemicals

Cons

• Very slight pilling makes the sheets look a bit more worn

For people who aren’t crazy about plaid patterns, these Mellanni cotton flannel sheets are a stylish and effective alternative. Available in six sizes and a variety of solids and prints, these preshrunk 100 percent organic cotton sheets also have a double-napped finish for added softness and warmth. With a grams per square meter (GSM) weight of 160, they are in the medium-weight category, making them perfect for year-round use or for hot sleepers who still like the feel of flannel.

We found these sheets to be everything that was promised in the description. They’re comfortable and warm, but they’re not too heavy. We didn’t overheat, and they washed well. After three washes, there was slight pilling, but nothing out of the ordinary. Mellanni flannel sheets are fade-, stain-, shed-, and wrinkle-resistant, and they won’t shrink after a round in the wash.

Get the Mellanni flannel sheets at Amazon or Mellanni.

Best Bang for the Buck

Pointehaven 170GSM Heavy-Weight Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: 170
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Percale

Pros

• Extra yardage in the flat sheet accommodates shrinkage and leads to a better fit
• Affordable price point for sheets that offer a balance of warmth and comfort
• Warm and breathable for a comfortable temperature balance

Cons

• Not many styles of prints from which to choose
• Fitted sheet might not hold on a 16-inch-high mattress

Pointehaven offers these flannel sheet sets with a GSM weight of 170 for a reasonable price. The sheets are 100 percent cotton and double napped for added warmth and comfort. This four-piece set includes a flat sheet, a deep-pocket fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

While it’s advertised as fitting a 16-inch mattress, we’re not sure that would work with the slight (and expected) shrinking. We tested them on an 11-inch mattress, and the fitted sheet was pretty tight. It might fit on a mattress that’s a couple of inches taller, but we doubt it would fit a 16-inch model.

We liked the contemporary prints in this line, which offer a fun alternative to plaid, solid, or novelty-themed flannel sheets. However, we wish they had a few more design options at this particular fabric weight, though there are other print options in different weights.

We also appreciated that the flat sheet offered extra yardage to accommodate for shrinkage, something the fitted sheet did not appear to provide. That said, those who want a heavy-weight flannel sheet set that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg will want to consider this budget-friendly set from Pointehaven.

Get the Pointehaven flannel sheets at Amazon, Wayfair, or Kohl’s.

Best for Cold Weather

Great Bay Home 4-Piece Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: 190
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Twill

Pros

• Buttery soft feel, even after several washings
• Weight and dense weave provide a good drape for excellent comfort
• Warm but breathable, which helps prevent overheating

Cons

• May not fit on taller mattresses due to shrinking

This four-piece set from Great Bay Home is made of Turkish cotton with a heavy GSM weight of 190 for the winter cold. The weight of the fabric combined with the twill weave gives these sheets more drape than the average flannel sheet, which was something we noticed right away during testing. There’s also a slight nap on both sides, giving them an extra boost of warmth.

We found that the sheets held up well to washing with minimal pilling. The Great Bay Home sheets were comfortably smooth, which prevented getting caught in the sheets while sleeping. The queen-size set is supposed to fit mattresses from 14 to 17 inches; however, due to some shrinking, they were a tight fit on our 11-inch mattress. These sheets are super soft and don’t lose that softness with washing.

Get the Great Bay Home flannel sheets at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Year-Round

Shavel Home Products Micro Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: N/A
• Fabric: Polyester
• Weave: Twill

Pros

• Lightweight but provides adequate warmth for cooler temperatures
• Suitable for year-round use because of the balance of warmth and weight
• Retained their color after several washes without pilling

Cons

• Not quite as breathable as cotton

Shavel Home Products micro flannel sheets are durable yet lightweight, so they are suitable for year-round use. However, the sheets are made from synthetic fibers, so they are not especially breathable in comparison to cotton flannel.

These sheets are thin and provide the right amount of warmth during the cold months. They’re definitely lighter than the cotton sheets we tested and less breathable. However, we didn’t find them overly warm, even though one of our testers sleeps warm. There was no pilling with this microfiber, and the sheets looked as good coming out of the dryer as they did going into the washing machine. Plus, they’re super easy to wash and don’t wrinkle like cotton.

In warmer weather, the sheets make a good top layer and remain cool to the touch. Despite their synthetic fabric, they are certified as free of harmful chemicals. The sets are available in a variety of fun and colorful patterns as well as six different sizes. They’re also colorfast and won’t fade, even when washed in super-hot water.

Get the Shavel Home Products flannel sheetsat Amazon or Shavel Home Products.

Best For Kids

Eddie Bauer Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: N/A
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Twill

Pros

• Comes in fun seasonal and animal prints to change up kids’ bedding
• Soft, warm flannel for a cozy night’s sleep
• Deep-fitted sheets fit many mattress thicknesses

Cons

• Slight pilling when washed

In addition to premium outerwear, Eddie Bauer offers home bedding and other home decor. The company’s flannel bedding is made from 100 percent cotton that is preshrunk and double napped for added softness. It also has a cozy weight. These flannel sheets insulate while wicking away excess moisture and are great for layering or using on their own.

In testing, they were warm and had a decent drape. We also found that they didn’t shrink as much as other cotton flannel sheets. They left room to spare on the 11.5-inch mattress on which they were tested. That made putting on the fitted sheet much easier, which is a bonus for kids’ sheets.

Sure, these sheets will keep the kiddos warm on cold nights, but what sets them apart are the fun prints. They are available in a variety of novelty snowy woodland prints, including bears, dogs, trucks, and more.

Get the Eddie Bauer flannel sheets at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Best Patterned

Laura Ashley Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: N/A
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Plain/standard

Pros

• Withstood washing well, with minimal pilling and no fading of the pattern colors
• Beautiful balance of drape and breathability, making them comfortable and cozy
• Keeps the sleeper warm without overheating

Cons

• We love their patterns but wish there were more

A soft patterned flannel sheet can bring an extra dose of coziness to the bedroom. The Laura Ashley flannel sheet set comes in 20 patterns that range from florals and plaids to animal prints. These smooth flannel sheets were a favorite during testing.

Their single-sided nap kept a smooth surface against the skin and made the sheets feel light. Even though they felt light, the sheets kept temperatures comfortable. We stayed warm without overheating, and they wicked away moisture well, thanks to the cotton fabric. They held up to washing beautifully, with little pilling or fading after five washes.

While there was slight shrinkage, the sheets fit well with some room to spare on the 11-inch mattress used in testing. A good tug on the seams while putting them on the bed and testing their durability showed that they were up for a challenge. We loved these sheets enough that we’d buy them in several patterns to use all winter long.

Get the Laura Ashley flannel sheets at Amazon, Laura Ashley, or Kohl’s.

Best Soft

L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: N/A
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Plain/standard

Pros

• Buttery-soft brushed flannel that felt luxurious against the skin
• Good balance of heat retention and breathability for all-night comfort
• Draped well over the body for easier sleep positioning with maximum heat retention

Cons

• Would be nice if they came in a few more patterned options

L.L.Bean’s reputation for quality holds up with the brand’s Ultrasoft Comfort flannel sheet set. Out of the package, these sheets were buttery soft. After five washes, they were still buttery soft with minimal pilling. They shrunk slightly but not enough that it affected their fit.

They’re made of a brushed flannel that’s soft and smooth. The double-napped fabric balanced heat retention and breathability, so we stayed comfortable despite fluctuating nighttime temperatures. Part of that successful breathability comes from the cotton fabric, which naturally wicks away moisture.

These sheets also had a beautiful drape and weight that cascaded over the body. It gave them a good fit so we didn’t have to shift around to get the sheets in the right position. Additionally, for flannel sheets, they’re smooth, which prevented us from getting caught in the sheets when tossing and turning. The product description says they’re designed for year-round use, and we’d agree that they’d be usable all year except in hot climates. L.L.Bean sells these sheets in eight solid colors and four checkered color patterns.

Get the L.L.Bean flannel sheets at L.L.Bean or Dillard’s.

Most Breathable

Beautyrest 100% Cotton Oversize Flannel Sheet Set

Product Specs 

• GSM weight: N/A
• Fabric: Cotton
• Weave: Plain/standard

Pros

• Added warmth but the high breathability prevented sleepers from overheating
• Soft texture of the fabric felt good against the skin
• Good selection of solid and patterned fabrics

Cons

• Had a lot of pilling from washing
• Shrunk enough to leave a tight fit for taller mattresses

These 100 percent cotton flannel sheets offer excellent breathability and warmth. Cotton’s natural breathability prevented overheating and the cotton wicked away moisture well. At the same time, they did a good job of retaining heat. The sheets are made of brushed flannel, giving them a soft texture. The Beautyrest sheets have nap on both sides, which improves their heat retention. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, which means they’re free from a long list of harmful chemicals.

The Beautyrest sheets are also oversize to fit taller mattresses. However, they shrunk quite a bit during testing. They fit the 11-inch mattress we tested them on and could fit a mattress a few inches taller. However, they might get tight on 18-inch mattresses.

The seams of these sheets were durable. However, the fabric did pill quite a bit during washing, which added texture to the soft fabric.

Get the Beautyrest flannel sheets at Amazon or Kohl’s.

Best Deep-Pocket

Tribeca Living Flannel Extra-Deep-Pocket Sheet Set