Preeti Gopinath, Director of the MFA Textiles Program and Associate Professor at the Parsons School of Fashion, says that when looking for the highest-quality flannel sheet, one important factor to consider is the weight of the flannel, measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. “The higher the GSM, the heavier and denser the fabric, as more yarns are packed into a square meter,” she adds. “This usually implies a better-quality fabric and a tighter weave.” After hours of research, we put 30 top-rated flannel sheets to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them by their quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. Named our best overall pick, the COYUCHI Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets are GOTS and Made Safe-certified and have a plush feel on both sides. Their weighty, yet breathable, construction makes them extremely comfortable and warm. Read ahead for the best flannel sheets, backed by our thorough testing. Despite their hefty construction, our tester found that the sheets were very warm but still comfortable enough that she didn’t overheat. “They were a nice weight for a flannel and didn’t become too hot,” she said. While the COYUCHI sheets definitely possessed a significant thickness and density, they still provided adequate airflow, allowing for tons of breathability. The sheets held up exceptionally in the wash, and we were impressed that they still maintained their quality and didn’t seem to have any pilling or snags. These sheets are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Made Safe-certified, so you can feel good about the sustainability practices that go into the manufacturing of the product. This sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and one to two pillowcases. (The twin set comes with one pillowcase, while the larger sets come with two.) If you’re looking to invest in flannel sheets, the quality and construction of the COYUCHI sheets can’t be beat, as their overall comfort and durability make these a bedding staple you’ll keep for years to come. Although we still consider these sheets to be a great option for their price point, they could have held up better in the wash. They aren’t as durable as some of the other options on this list, as we noticed there were light pilling and loose threads after washing. Despite some post-wash issues, we think their quality construction rivals that of more expensive flannel sheets, bringing a ton of value to the Bliss Casa sheet set. “They are stylish, comfortable, and mechanically sound to provide comfort at a lower price point,” our tester said. Other than a bit of shrinking, which is normal for cotton products, our tester noted very little pilling and no wear on the sheets post-wash. Although these sheets have a higher price point than our other options, we found them to be worth the investment, considering their luxurious texture and top-notch manufacturing process. “It’s easy to tell at first touch these sheets were very high quality and what you would want to have on your bed,” she said. “When you break down the cost per day and how long you spend in bed, [these sheets are] definitely worth it!” Made with 100 percent Portuguese cotton, we loved the amount of airflow this sheet set provided during our lab tests. The sheets are soft and thick, and while both sides are napped, the napping is subtle enough to ensure breathability. In addition to the impressive airflow these sheets provided, they warmed our tester up quickly and felt cozy during our lab tests. These sheets performed well in the wash, with no noticeable pilling or loose threads. Overall, our tester was seriously impressed with the quality and comfort of these sheets: “I’ve never slept in flannel sheets before, but after this test, I might have to get a set for myself,” she said. While not as luxurious as others we tested, the overall quality of these sheets is still high, considering their price. In addition, they held their own in the wash, as there were no fading, pilling, or loose strings visible afterwards. The UGG Flannel Sheet Set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and one pillowcase for twin size or two pillowcases for all larger sizes. Available in three plaid options and three solid colors, this sheet set is eligible for standard shipping, same-day delivery, and free in-store pickup at a Bed Bath & Beyond. The quality of the fabric used in these sheets is sturdy, with a very slight, understated napped texture. Although the material itself is thicker, our tester was pleasantly surprised by how buttery and velvety these sheets felt. “I was really wowed by how soft they felt in my hand,” she said. Our tester also noted how the sheets felt breathable, but not too drafty. After washing, we noticed slight pilling all over and a small snag on the pillowcase. This sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and one pillowcase for the twin size or two for the king and queen sizes. We found these sheets to be very well constructed, with a weight that was neither too heavy nor too light. This makes them a suitable option for those who are looking for flannel sheets that aren’t too far on either side of the spectrum. Unlike some other flannel sheet options, our tester didn’t find these too stiff or weighty, with just the right amount of warmth. They held up okay in the wash, with no major issues other than some slight pilling. We also love that these 5-ounce sheets are OEKO-TEX certified and woven in Portugal with 100 percent cotton. Our testers weren’t the only ones who were pleased with the L.L. Bean Flannel Sheet Set, as they’ve garnered thousands of 5-star reviews online, making them one of the most beloved options we assessed. There was some pilling post-wash, but otherwise, these sheets held up nicely. These sheets are OEKO-TEX certified and made with 100 percent cotton. Available in four sizes and six muted colors and patterns, this product is suitable for any type of bedroom. Note that this sheet set does not offer twin sizes. While flannel sheets may be notoriously heavy, the Beautyrest Flannel Sheet Set is a top pick for those who are looking for a more lightweight option. The napping on this product is more subtle, and our tester noted that the texture of these sheets was not as soft as that of some other flannel sheets. However, they did a great job at trapping in body heat and felt extremely warm while underneath them. These sheets aren’t super breathable, so while they might not be for everyone, they’ll definitely do the trick for colder sleepers. This sheet set held up well in the wash, as there were no fading, loose threads, or pilling. For those who have trouble situating their fitted sheets on their beds, the fitted sheets have deeper pockets than many of their competitors, fitting a mattress up to 17 inches deep. There’s also an option to add a monogram onto the sheet set for a personalized touch. We appreciated the quality craftsmanship on these sheets, and our tester said that they felt soft and comfortable. Compared to other heavier flannel sheets on this list, this sheet set has a medium weight, which may be more comfortable for those in the market for something less hefty. Our tester noted that while these sheets delivered on warmth, they were breathable enough that she didn’t feel she would overheat after a full night’s sleep. These sheets looked great after washing, as there was no pilling visible. Made in Portugal by master weavers, the Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set has hundreds of 5-star reviews and boasts a lot of the same qualities as more expensive, high-end sheet sets at a reasonable price. If you don’t want to commit to purchasing an entire sheet set, you can purchase pieces individually at your convenience.
What is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
What to Look for in Flannel Sheets
Napping
Napping is a finishing process that raises the fibers of a material through brushing, which is what gives flannel its signature fuzzy texture. Budget sheets are typically napped on one side, while most higher-quality options are napped on both sides for a cozy feel no matter how you make the bed.
Weight
When it comes to the quality of flannel sheets, a high GSM (grams per square meter) is a strong indicator that the product will be good quality. While traditional cotton sheets typically use thread count to measure quality, flannel sheets tend to use GSM. Anki Spets, Designer and Owner of AREA Home, explains that when looking for high-quality fabrics to produce flannel sheets for her company, she tends to look for heavier materials. “When I buy fabrics, I always look at the weight,” she said. “In this case, if it’s too light, it’s not going to be good. It’s going to have to be a little heavy.” The higher the GSM of the flannel sheet, the denser and heavier it will be. Warmer sheets tend to have a higher GSM since this correlates with having a tighter weave, which will trap in heat a lot better than flannel sheets with a looser weave.
Fiber
Many high quality flannel sheets are made with 100 percent cotton, but they can also be made using a blend of fabrics, including polyester. 100 percent cotton flannel sheets will be less prone to pilling and more breathable than those made with synthetic materials.
Sizes
This one’s a no-brainer: If you’re buying sheets for your bed, the sheets need to fit your bed. For most standard-sized beds, finding a set of suitable sheets won’t be a problem. But if your bed is extra-long, if your mattress is particularly deep, or if you want something special (like split king sheets, or a set of king sheets with standard pillowcases), you may have to do some digging.
Colors and Prints
Classic cotton sheets look great in crisp white. But if you’re shopping for snuggly flannel sheets, you may want a cozier color—like soft gray or deep navy. Thankfully, flannel sheets are often available in a range of different colors. And if you’re looking to turn your sheets into a decorative accent, you can even score a patterned or printed set.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bed, bath, and home decor at the Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted outside research about the topic. Each option in this list performed the best during our in-lab tests. If you run hot, Shaw and Moyer recommend avoiding cheap sheets with any percentage of polyester or acrylic in the makeup. “Those are plastics,” the designers say. “Besides being unnatural, they are super sticky for the night sweats.” Shrinkage is natural for cotton fabrics, but flannel sheets with a tighter weave will shrink less, while loosely woven fabrics will have significant shrinkage post-wash. The sheet’s GSM also plays a role in how much shrinkage will occur, as a higher GSM tends to correlate with a tighter, denser weave. In addition, Bianca also spoke to experts in the field in order to gather some guidance regarding the construction and manufacturing process of flannel sheets. Insight was provided by Preeti Gopinath, Director of the MFA Textiles Program and Associate Professor at the Parsons School of Fashion, and Anki Spets, Designer and Owner of AREA Home.
