My favorite pastime on cold nights is tucking in early, relaxing, and warming up finally in the cozy sheets on my bed. Those cozy bed sheets are, of course, flannel sheets: the warmest version of cotton sheets and perfect for chilly nights, whether you’re in the midst of a mild winter or live somewhere perpetually cold (or perhaps you are perpetually cold, no matter the season). You might think of ski lodges, tacky prints, and maybe even hot, itchy sheets when you think of flannel, but flannel comes in gorgeous colors and extra-soft threads these days.
After months of research and testing, I can say these are the best flannel sheets to buy, whether you’re looking for something extra soft or something on a budget. You can even find our favorite brushed cotton sheets, too, which I describe as flannel light. My favorite flannel sheets by far are Lands’ End Comfy Super Soft Flannel Sheet Set ($135)—yes, that’s the whole name, and I can’t fault it after finding I agree that it is super soft and comfy. Boll & Branch also makes a fantastically soft, not-too-hot organic flannel sheet set ($299) if you’re willing to upgrade. All prices shown are for queen-size sets.
If you’re looking for more bedding, don’t miss our guides to the Best Pillows, Best Down Comforters, Best Mattress Toppers, and Best Mattresses. We’ve also got more guides to sheets, including the Best Bamboo Sheets, Best Linen Sheets, and the Best Sheets overall.
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Understanding Flannel and Brushed Cotton
Flannel sheets are a type of cotton sheet, though you’ll occasionally see some blends. Flannel takes the cotton fibers and brushes them out to create that fluffy, cozy texture. Flannel sheets have brushed cotton on both sides of the sheet, and those brushed fibers not only make the sheet nice and soft, but they also capture more heat and keep you warmer all night long.
There’s also brushed cotton sheets, which sounds like it’s the same thing, but it’s not. Sheets called brushed cotton are only brushed on one side, so they’re not as thick or as warm as true flannel sheets. It’s a good choice if you’re a hot sleeper who’s looking for something soft without getting too hot at night, as there are fewer brushed fibers to capture heat than in true flannel.
