The Best Flannel Sheets of 2026

When the weather gets cold, it’s hard to beat the fuzzy feel of flannel on your mattress. Soft and cozy, the best flannel sheets are warm but not too warm, and they don’t pill quickly.

We judged popular flannel sheet sets on a number of factors, including comfort, warmth, and pilling. After testing, our favorite was the Boll and Branch Flannel Solid Sheet (available at Boll & Branch) set. They took our top spot for its performance, but also for the little details, from the box to the paper inside to the barely-there, beautiful stitching on every piece.

Someone looking for even more warmth from their flannel bedding should consider our favorite heavyweight sheet, the Company Store Legends Luxury Velvet Flannel Sheets (available at The Company Store). Those who want to save a little money (sheets are expensive—especially, regrettably, our top tier testers) will find themselves pleased with the L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Flannel sheets (Available at L.L. Bean), which are around $100 less than both Boll and Branch and the Company Store's flannel sheets and ranked third overall in our tests.

Other Flannel Sheets We Tested

How We Test Flannel Sheets

The Testers

Jamie Ueda, who has years of experience working for apparel and textile companies, is a stickler for quality materials and sound design. That’s especially true when it comes to flannel bedding. She prides herself on helping consumers make smart purchasing decisions for everything fabric-related.

In 2023, Madison Durham, a senior staff writer at Reviewed, tested an additional nine sets of sheets, including a retest of certain options like the Company Store’s flannel sheets. She tests a wide range of products for Reviewed, including sleepwear, jewelry, and more.

The Tests

Over four weeks, Jamie slept on each set of flannel sheets for two or three nights. She assessed how the sheets felt, the warmth level, and her overall experience.

Jamie also examined the quality of the stitching and how well the fitted sheet fit on the bed. She measured each flat sheet before and after she washed and dried them to determine how much they shrank. Finally, she dropped pomegranate juice on the sheet, let the stain sit overnight before washing it, and evaluated how well it came out. Madison completed the same tests as Jamie when she tested the sheets, excluding the stain test.

Afterward, the sheet sets were sent to our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Reviewed’s team of scientists wrapped up testing or measured at home. Lab staff and testers measured the weight of the sheets and compared their evaluation to the advertised weight.

What To Know Before Buying Flannel Sheets

During cold weather, even the best sheets have a hard time competing with the cozy warmth of flannel. A well-made cotton flannel sheet set can also save you from emptying the linen closet to pile blankets onto your bed. Here are some things to consider when shopping for flannel sheets.

Weight

People often make a big deal about thread count when shopping for sateen sheets. But when it comes to flannel sheets, you’ll often see the weight called out on packaging or production descriptions. This measure is noted by ounces per square yard, though sometimes you’ll see grams per square meter. The sets we tested ranged from 5 to 6 ounces. Generally, the higher the number, the heavier and warmer it will feel.

A higher weight does not necessarily make for better sheets. What will best serve you partially depends on where you live and other preferences.

If you live in a more temperate climate, you may want a lighter weight that keeps you cozy without overheating. The same goes if you tend to sleep hot. If you’re looking for the warmest flannel sheets, a heavier weight, such as 6 ounces, may serve you better.

Brushing

You’ll also want to pay attention to how much brushing the sheets have, i.e., how fuzzy the sheets feel. The fuzzier they feel, the warmer they will be because the fuzz acts as an insulator, similar to how fur keeps animals warm. Sheets brushed on both sides tend to be warmer than those brushed on one side.

Material

Flannel is typically made with 100% cotton, but some sheets use a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, such as rayon. Cotton is cool, and breathable, making it ideal for sleeping.

Sizes

Like other types of sheets, such as percale, sateen and linen, flannel sheets are available in a variety of sizes, fitting everything from a twin bed to a king-size mattress.

When shopping for sheet sets, it’s essential to take note of pocket depth. Some sets we tested fit mattresses 14 inches thick, while others could accommodate beds up to 18 inches thick.

Care

It’s next to impossible to completely prevent pilling, but a higher-quality set will not pill as much or as quickly as a lower-quality one. To help avoid premature pilling, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s laundering instructions and wash sheets separately from other items. This reduces friction between the materials and prevents other items from shedding lint, which can add to pilling.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

• The Best Slippers for Women
• The Best Winter Boots for Men
• How to store bedding when it's off-season
• Everything you need to know about choosing bed sheets