- Flannel sheets are warm, soft, and cozy for cold nights during the fall and winter months.
- The Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets are our top pick to help you stay warm on even the coldest nights.
My bed is my favorite place in the entire world. In fact, I'm writing this from my bed as we speak, which I know I shouldn't be doing because it makes me want to nap instead of work, but hey — sometimes I can't resist.
I'd argue that bedding is just as important as the mattress when creating a comfy set-up, and nothing beats a nice warm set of flannel sheets, especially in the winter. On the other hand, flannel sheets can go so wrong, so quickly and, unfortunately, you never really know until you sleep on them whether they are soft as a cloud or just a scratchy, pilly mess.
These five picks are the best-reviewed flannel sheets on the market, chosen because they are beloved by both experts and everyday shoppers. All of them will give you a warm and cozy sleepytime experience — without the uncomfortable trial-and-error period.
Here are the best flannel sheets you can buy:
- Best overall: Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets
- Best year-round sheets: L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
- Best plaid sheets: Eddie Bauer Portuguese Flannel Sheet Set
- Best affordable sheets: Target Threshold Collection Solid Flannel Sheet Set
- Best luxury sheets: L. L. Bean Premium Supima Flannel Sheet Collection
- Best flannel bedding: West Elm Flannel Bedding Collection
Updated on 11/11/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added Target Threshold Collection Solid Flannel Sheet Set as our pick for best affordable sheets. Added related guides.
The best flannel sheets overall
Like sleeping on a velvety cloud, the Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets will keep you warm on the coldest nights.
You know when you sleep in a bed so comfortable you don't want to get out of it in the morning? That's what you can have every single day with the Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheets.
The sheets are made with 100% velvety soft cotton and, with a weight of 190 grams per square meter, have a pleasant heaviness that makes them the perfect choice for really cold nights, though they're probably too much for summer weather unless you sleep with the A/C blasting.
The sheets are available in eight solid neutral colors and three versions of the same floral pattern, and three sizes (Queen, King, California King). Pinzon also sells flannel sheets in plaid patterns.
We did come across some buyer reviews that mention the sheets' tendency to shed after the first few washes, which is a common issue with flannel sheets, but overall, customers seem to be pleased with the quality and how well the sheets hold up over time.
Pinzon flannel sheets have been raved about in countless publications — The Insider Picks team previously recommended them, as has The Strategist, ConsumerSearch, Best Products, and The Spruce.
Pros: Soft and velvety finish, affordable price tag, available in six colors/patterns
Cons: No twin size, sheds in the wash
The best year-round flannel sheets
Stay cozy all year long with the buttery L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheets.
If "heavyweight" sounds like a little too much for you, the L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set gives you a thinner, but still heavenly, alternative. Because they aren't quite as thick as the Pinzon sheets, you may be able to get away with them year-round — at least until the heat of summer strikes and you don't want anything resembling a sheet within 10 feet of you.
Made of 100% brushed cotton flannel with a weight of five ounces, these sheets actually improve over time, getting softer after every wash. They are resistant to fading, shrinking, and pilling.
The Wirecutter named these its top flannel sheet pick because they "offer the best combination of softness and durability at a really good price." The Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set has also earned great reviews from ConsumerSearch and Apartment Therapy.
Like the Pinzon sheets, these sheets may produce a lot of lint when washed, especially the first couple of times, but the brand description says this should stop over time. The L.L. Bean flannel sheets come in eight subdued solid color options, four check patterns, and four different sizes.
Pros: Soft and cozy sheets, lightweight enough to use most of the year
Cons: Might shed in the wash
The best plaid flannel sheets
Eddie Bauer's Portuguese Flannel Sheets are like wrapping yourself in a body-sized version of your favorite flannel button-down shirt — a.k.a. heaven.
When I think "flannel," I think "plaid." In the fall and winter I pretty much live in two flannel button down shirts that are, naturally, plaid. Why shouldn't it be the same for the ultimate cold-weather bedding?
According to countless reviews, the best plaid flannel sheets are the Eddie Bauer Portuguese Flannel Sheet Set. Made of ultra-soft 5.4 ounce Portuguese brushed cotton, they come in eight classic plaid patterns, including a red and black lumberjack print. The patterns are yarn-dyed to prevent the colors from fading over time.
Reviewers love how well these sheets retain their shape and vibrancy. Some noted that the patterns and colors may differ from what you see in the product images, but that's to be expected with online shopping.
"I can't believe how warm these sheets are; it is like having another blanket," writes one Eddie Bauer reviewer. "This may be the first Michigan winter in 15 years that I won't need an electric blanket to fight the chill." They've also been featured by Best Products and Apartment Therapy.
Pros: Cute plaid patterns, warm and soft, durable
Cons: Colors and patterns may differ from what's pictured online
The best affordable flannel sheets
For soft sheets at a price you can't beat, check out the Threshold Collection Solid Flannel Sheet Set at Target.
If you're not looking to spend a fortune on sheets you might not be able to use all year long, you'll love the Threshold Collection Solid Flannel Sheet Set at Target. The prices are unbeatable, and you won't have to sacrifice much on the quality front, either.
Made out of an 80% cotton, 20% polyester blend, these ultra-soft sheets are brushed on only one side — making them flannelette, technically. That being said, the material is incredibly plush, as evidenced by buyer comments that compare the sheets' texture to "a cloud" or "a bed of unicorns."
The four-piece sets are currently available in five sizes (twin, full, queen, king, and California king), three solid colors (gray, slate blue, and muted purple) and an array of patterns, including a black plaid and a fall floral. Since these sheets are ultra-popular, we suspect that more common shades like white or cream sell out almost as soon as they're restocked, so grab them when you see them.
Buyers note that the pockets on the fitted sheet are extra deep, which is great news if you have a thick mattress. And, on the sustainability front, the sheets are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they're tested and verified as free from over 300 harmful substances.
The folks at The Wirecutter originally named the Threshold Collection Solid Flannel Sheet Set as their top pick for the best budget-friendly flannel sheets (though they were the "clear winner," they were bumped from the list after selling out briefly last year).
As with most flannel sheets, some buyers complain of shedding and lint after the first few washes, so try not to throw them in with any dark clothing.
Pros: Soft and plush, wide range of sizes, will fit thicker mattresses, ultra-warm
Cons: Shedding and lint, not 100% cotton, limited colors
The best luxury flannel sheets
Step up your sheet game and drift off to sleep with the luxuriously soft and smooth L.L. Bean Premium Supima Flannel Sheets.
If you're ready to get your PhD in flannel, consider investing in a set from the L.L. Bean Premium Supima Flannel Sheet Collection. These sheets are pricey, but they are also next-level in terms of coziness and longevity. Consider this the cashmere sweater of your bedding wardrobe.
Made of 100% Supima cotton, which L.L. Bean claims is "is 50% stronger than other cotton varieties," with a weight of six ounces per square yard, this is going to be your heaviest and softest option. The Wirecutter called them "softer and plusher than our main pick" (the L.L. Bean Ultrasoft sheets that we also named ourtop choice), so the main drawback here is really going to be the price.
Pros: Super soft Supima cotton material, stronger and heavier than other flannel sheets
Cons: Very pricey, no twin sized option
The best flannel bedding
West Elm's flannel bedding and Herringbone Blanket are wonderfully warm and stylish on any bed.
West Elm's home goods are stylish and high quality, and its flannel bedding is equally wonderful. You can get sheet sets, duvet covers, and even blankets in a wonderful heavy-weight Portuguese flannel. We particularly love the Herringbone Blanket, but the sheets are equally warm and cozy.
The flannel sheets are made from 47% recycled cotton, 41% cotton, 10% polyester, and 2% viscose to give them a super soft brushed feel. You can get them in a cool dotted pattern on a deep charcoal gray or in a plain soft gray, both of which look sophisticated and stylish.
West Elm's flannel duvet covers come in several different patterns, including a cool red or white windowpane pattern on light or dark gray. You'll also find solid colors and stripes.
If you want to go whole hog and sleep on flannel sheets with a flannel duvet cover and a flannel blanket, West Elm has you covered there, too. The Herringbone Flannel blanket comes in full/queen and king sizes to fit any bed.
The blanket is heavy, soft, and super cozy with its Oeko-Tex certified 92% cotton and 8% polyester fabric blend. The gorgeous red color and subtle herringbone pattern give it a touch of luxury and flair. I've slept under this blanket every cold winter's night this December, and I couldn't be happier or warmer inside it. — Malarie Gokey
Pros: Super soft, warm, well made, fun colors and patterns
Cons: Pricey when not on sale
Check out our other great guides to bedding
The best mattresses
A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all. Here are our top picks fo the best mattress you can buy:
- Best mattress overall: Leesa Hybrid Mattress
- Best high-end mattress: Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze Mattress
- Best all-foam mattress: The Casper Mattress
- Best mattress for people with back pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Best natural mattress: Birch Mattress by Helix
- Best ultra-firm mattress: Plank Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding
The best mattress toppers
Although a mattress topper isn't a must-have for your bed, it's one of the easiest ways to up your sleep quality and comfort. We researched dozens of mattress toppers and determined that these are our favorites:
- Best mattress topper overall: DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best featherbed mattress topper: Super Snooze Baffled Featherbed Set
- Best wool mattress topper: Denali Home Collection Lambswool Mattress Pad
- Best luxury mattress topper: Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper Set
The best pillows
A good pillow means a good night's sleep. We reviewed dozens of pillows to narrow down the choices to the ones you'll love best. Here are our top picks:
- Best budget pillow: Le'vista Hotel Collection Pillow
- Best down pillow: Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow
- Best buckwheat hull pillow: Zen Chi Buckwheat Hull Pillow
- Best memory foam pillow: Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow
- Best bolster pillow: Half-Moon Bolster Pillow
- Best gel pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
- Best body pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow
The best bed frames
Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it's the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on. Here are the Insider Picks:
- Best overall: Zinus Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed Frame
- Best cheap frame: Zinus 14 Inch SmartBase Platform Bed Frame
- Best sturdy frame: Zinus Paul Metal & Wood Platform Bed
- Best high-tech frame: Reverie 9T Adjustable Bed Base
- Best simple frame: Casper foundation and frame
- Best faux leather frame: DHP Dakota Faux Leather Platform Bed
- Best canopy frame: DHP Rosedale Metal Canopy Bed Frame
- Best platform frame: Murray Platform Bed with Wooden Box Frame