The 7 Best Flannel Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our winner was the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets set
People / Grant Webster
Cold winter nights are made for tucking into cozy sheets when it’s time for bed. Flannel sheets are the gold standard for staying warm and toasty all night. The best flannel sheets for bedtime bliss are ones that provide the same plush softness as your favorite flannel shirt without making you feel too stuffy or hot.
“The first thing you should look for if you are into flannel sheets is color and pattern,” says Melony Huber, global fashion, textile, and interior designer and co-founder of La Peony. “There are so many choices, but the visual aesthetics come first, and then you can consider softness, quality, and price to make your choice.” All the sheet sets on our list are high-quality sheets that are velvety soft, so you can choose colors and patterns — yes, including plaid! — as you see fit for your own bedding.
Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 30 flannel sheet sets, searching for the warmest, softest bedding to keep you sleeping snugly during the cold season. We rated sheets based on their texture, warmth, quality of construction, breathability, durability, and overall value.
Keep scrolling for the best flannel sheets that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets
Pros
These sheets are comfortable and breathable.
The plush feel is on both sides of the sheet.
There were no loose threads or snags after washing,
Cons
The tight weave might prove to be too warm for hot sleepers.
The Coyuchi Cloud Brushed™ Organic Flannel Sheets topped this list. Cloud Brushed might seem like a lofty name, but we found these sheets to be soft and plush. The flannel is soft and gives a very plush feel on both sides of the sheet, which has a nice thickness to it. Though the weave is tight — which might make them too warm for hot sleepers — they are breathable and comfortable. We found them to be made perfectly, with fabric that was not too heavy or thin, but just right.
They are among the pricier sets on our list, but the quality of the stitching, plus the soft, warm texture is worth the price—especially if you're looking to invest in premium sheets. Even after a wash, the sheets felt soft and thick, with no loose threads or snags. They were constructed well and we believe that these will hold up well over time. Though the look and feel of these Coyuchi sheets won us over — the oatmeal-colored fabric looked and felt very natural and neutral — and the sheets are best suited for someone who gets cold easily at night. They are very soft and would be nice for hot sleepers without adding additional layers, using the top sheet as a blanket.
Price at time of publish: From $198
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Color Options: 3 | Pocket Depth: 15 inches
Best Budget: True North by Sleep Philosophy Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
These sheets have an extremely soft feel.
They produced no noticeable static.
There were no loose threads or pilling.
Cons
They might be too heavy for hot sleepers.
We noticed significant shrinkage after washing.
If your aim is coziness while sleeping, the mission is accomplished with this set from True North. During testing, we observed the high quality of these sheets and noted they were extremely soft and offered a cozy feeling that’s perfect for long, cold winter nights — though if you’re a hot sleeper, the feeling might be a bit too cozy.
There weren’t any loose threads or pilling, and they were easy to put on the bed. The sheets were very soft, and we noted that there wasn’t any static. After a wash, we did notice significant shrinking — the set fitted more snugly on the bed the second time around. There was also a bit of fading and a few loose strings, which would be of concern if these had a higher price tag. But at their modest price, these True North flannel sheets have earned their spot as our best budget pick.
Price at time of publish: From $34.99
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Color Options: 33 colors and patterns | Pocket Depth: 14 inches
Best Plaid: Bliss Casa Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
These sheets are super soft.
There is elastic all around the fitted sheet, not just the corners.
These sheets did not fade after washing.
Cons
After washing, we observed some shrinkage, light piling, and loose strings.
There is no print on the bottom side of the sheet, which some may not like.
We found these Bliss Casa sheets to be lightweight yet hefty enough to provide warmth without becoming overheated. They felt buttery smooth and soft to the touch, and there was no pilling in sight. We especially liked that there was elastic all around the edges of the fitted sheet, which made it easier to make the bed. These sheets are constructed well with no loose strings. They nabbed our spot for best plaid because the quality of the plaid print is very good; note that the inside of the sheet is white, which is not uncommon for flannel sheets.
After a wash, we noted a long loose thread on the pillowcase and some light pilling, but there was no fading and the seams were still strong. There was a bit of shrinkage, but it was no problem to get the sheets back on the bed. These sheets are stylish, comfortable, and mechanically sound to provide comfort at a lower price point.
Price at time of publish: From $34.99
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Color Options: 13, with 7 plaid/check prints | Pocket Depth: 15 inches
Related: The 9 Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Breathable: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
These sheets have a lovely texture and weight that is especially good for hot sleepers.
This set has just the right amount of warmth without feeling heavy.
They come in several solid colors, including blue, gray, tan, and green.
Cons
We noticed shrinkage and some slight pilling after washing these sheets.
If you have avoided flannel bedding in the past because you think you’ll feel overheated, the L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel sheet set will change your mind. We found the fabric to be lovely in terms of texture and weight. Despite not being very heavy, these L.L.Bean sheets added just the right amount of warmth. They’d be perfect for cold winter nights, but we believe they’d be just fine for sleeping on average-temperature nights, too.
The seams are well constructed and the weave, though tight, definitely did not stifle. Though there was a lot of shrinkage and some slight pilling, there were no loose threads or other evidence of damage. They fit well on the bed, too. These sheets are available in eight solid shades including blue, green, gray, and tan. This is a good quality sheet set for the price.
Price at time of publish: From $119
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Color Options: 8 | Pocket Depth: 15 inches
Related: The 16 Best Throw Blankets of 2023
Best Soft: The Vermont Country Store Open-Stock Portuguese Cotton Flannel Sheets
Buy at Vermontcountrystore.com
Pros
These sheets are extremely breathable.
They're well-made with quality construction.
There was no fading or loose threads after washing.
Cons
There are no top/bottom tags on the fitted sheet.
The fitted sheet seemed a bit baggy at first, but it fit better after the first wash.
We were thoroughly impressed with these sheets from the Vermont Country Store thanks to their well-made construction and absence of snags or mistakes in the stitching or pattern printing.
We didn’t feel overheated in these sheets and found them to be quite breathable for flannel. Ultimately, the ultra-soft coziness won us over.
The sheets are soft and thick with some subtle napping on both sides. A wash did result in some shrinking for these sheets, but we noted that the color stayed true and there weren’t any pilling or loose threads, so that’s a major plus for these sheets. There were no tags to denote the top or bottom of the fitted sheet, which did seem a little baggy at first, but fit better after they were washed. The pillowcase might fit a bit more snugly if you have a plumper pillow, but that’s not a deal breaker. Despite the shrinkage, they remained soft and warm after a wash.
Price at time of publish: From $39.95
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Color Options: 3 | Pocket Depth: 16 inches for all sizes except twin (13 inches)
Related: The 11 Best Mattress Toppers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Heavyweight: Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
These thick, warm sheets are ideal for cold sleepers.
They have elastic all around the entire fitted sheet, not just the corners.
The sheets maintained their color after washing.
Cons
They're not as soft as some of the other sheets we tested.
There was some shrinkage after washing, but the sheets still fit the bed well.
While heavyweight flannel sheets are an acquired taste — be warned, hot sleepers — they are an absolute winter staple for some. This Egyptian cotton set from Peacock Alley is well deserving of the top spot on our list in the heavyweight sheet category. These sheets are indeed heavier (with a GSM of 200) and therefore not as soft as some of the other flannel sheets on our list.
We noticed that these sheets feel super thick and durable. We also observed that there was a slight nap, but no pilling. Though they are certainly warm, they didn’t offer as much breathability as some of the other sheet sets on our list. These sheets are well made, with elastic all around the fitted sheet for a snug fit on the bed. Even after a wash with some shrinkage, they still fit the bed well, plus the colors stayed true and there were no visible snags or pilling.
Price at time of publish: From $170
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Color Options: 3 | Pocket Depth: 17 inches
Related: The 8 Best Electric Blankets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best with Deep Pockets: Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set
Pros
These sheets are luxuriously soft.
We felt warm and cozy but not overheated.
The pillowcases include a flap to hold the pillow securely.
Cons
The tight weave might feel too heavy for some sleepers.
There was some shrinkage after washing.
We were extremely impressed by these flannel sheets from Boll & Branch, which didn’t have a single defect or flaw. Although it can be hard to gauge quality when shopping online for sheets, the texture was soft on all the pieces — surprisingly, even the underside of the flat sheet — and felt luxurious.
The fitted sheet was roomy — these are our top pick for flannel sheets with deep pockets, after all — so making the bed was quite easy. The pillowcase had a flap to keep the pillow in securely, too. As to be expected, there was some shrinkage in both the flat sheet and the pillowcase after a wash, but there was no wear and just a little pilling.
Even though there’s a tight weave on these sheets, there was enough airflow so that we felt warm and cozy, but not overheated. These sheets felt extremely soft and very comfortable, even better than we expected,
Price at time of publish: From $249
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Color Options: 3 | Pocket Depth: 18 inches for all sizes except twin (16 inches)
Related: The 8 Best Comforters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying Flannel Sheets
Pricing
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, 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 our best overall, the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheet.
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 on a 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.
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 Foundation recommends 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, though, but you can always reach out for that information, too. We listed the few on the list that had GSM information available (such as the Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheets that have an impressive GSM of 200).
How We Tested
Texture: Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 30 sets of flannel sheets. Upon removing sheets from their packaging, we inspected them for loose or uneven construction and flaws, like snags, pilling, or inconsistencies in the color or patterns. We examined the texture, noting whether it was soft and plush or rough and scratchy to the touch. We also took into account whether napping was on one or both sides of the sheet.
Quality: For each set of sheets, we would make up a queen-size bed in our PEOPLE testing lab. Using an infrared thermometer, we took the surface temperature from underneath the top sheet. Next, we lay in bed under the sheets for five minutes to evaluate the sheet set based on comfort and warmth, weight and weave, and airflow and breathability, as well as whether any static electricity was generated by friction with the flannel. Then, we took another surface temperature reading to see how much or little heat was generated by the warm flannel sheets.
Care: Next, we washed and dried the sheets per the manufacturer’s guidelines. We remade the bed, looking for evidence of shrinkage and other wear or damage, such as loose seams or threads, color fading, or tears. We also noted whether the texture of the sheets changed and if there was any pilling to determine whether these sheets would remain durable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thread count on flannel sheets?
Flannel sheets are measured in terms of GSM (grams per square meter) rather than thread count, which is common for sheets made from cotton and other materials.
If you are looking at sheets made from something other than flannel, Huber notes that a higher thread count isn’t always better as it once was believed. “It has become apparent to me over the years that some sheets with higher thread counts are crunchier and more rigid,” she says. “Although that may mean they will last for a long time, it also means they won't feel as soft against your skin or fit your body well during sleep.”
What sheets are worth the money?
If you’re a “tactile individual” as Huber calls herself, then you’ll want to spend money on sheets that feel good against your skin. Flannel sheets are definitely a soft and cozy experience, so depending on whether you run hot or cold at night, you’ll want to choose a lighter or heavier weight of flannel. Since flannel can pill, you’ll want a sheet that can stand up to wash after wash and still feel soft. We can certainly attest to the value and quality of the luxuriously soft Boll & Branch Solid Flannel Sheet Set.
What type of cotton is best for flannel sheets?
Flannel is a fabric made from cotton, wool, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Cotton makes for soft flannel, which is why you’ll note that most of the products on our best flannel sheets list are made from cotton.
If you’re wondering which type of cotton is best, Huber says don’t be swayed by Egyptian cotton over regular cotton. “There's really no difference between Egyptian cotton sheets and regular cotton sheets,” she says. “Egyptian cotton simply means a longer thread, so the cross weaves may feel a little different, but a blend may offset the benefits of Egyptian cotton.”
What should you look for instead? “Cotton blends, brushed cotton, and sateen cotton may be as durable and [feel softer],” Huber explains. Our pick for the softest flannel sheets is Vermont Country Store's Open-Stock Portuguese Cotton Flannel Sheets.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Barbara Bellisi Zito is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle topics, real estate, and home improvement topics. To compile this review, she consulted our testers, who provided their perspectives on attributes including comfort, warmth, weave, weight, airflow, breathability, price, and more. While researching flannel sheets, we spoke with Melony Huber, co-founder of La Peony.
Meet Our Experts
Melony Huber, owner and design director of La Peony Clothing.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to 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.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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