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Nothing says “cozy” quite like a set of flannel sheets. For Elizabeth and Lindsay Fair of Salem, Massachusetts–based interior design firm Dwell October, the style evokes a particular sense of feeling snug on cold nights. “Our mom put flannel sheets on our beds every winter growing up, so [they] have such a nostalgic, comforting association for us,” the sisters say. A great transitional fabric, flannel is heavier than virtually every other popular bedding material, so it is sure to keep you warm as fall and winter approach. For Boston interior designer Annsley McAleer, flannel sheets also do more than just function well in cold weather; they can play up a ski-house vibe. She pairs them with vintage quilts and hand-knit blankets. 

If you’re on the hunt for a set of the best flannel sheets to turn your bedroom into a comfy retreat, look no further. Here are our favorites, in a variety of colors and price points. Trust us—even the chilliest nights are no match for these. 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Material: In 16th-century Wales, where it’s believed to have originated, flannel was made from wool. Now you can find flannel made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. Most flannel today gets its texture from a process called brushing, in which a metal brush rubs the fabric to raise fibers from the surface. 

Weave: Unlike cotton sheets, where quality is often associated with a high-thread count, flannel sheets are measured according to weight per ounces. Look for a set with a per-weight heft of about 5 ounces for maximum warmth and durability. 

Care: Flannel sheets can often pill, which is why it’s important to follow the laundering instructions carefully—most manufacturers recommend washing in lukewarm water and then line drying. If you’re placing them in the dryer, set it on very low heat. 

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Garnet Hill Signature Flannel Bedding

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Signature Flannel Bedding, Garnet Hill ($14)
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In 1973, the founders of Garnet Hill traveled to Europe and fell in love with a set of English flannel sheets. Unable to find flannels of comparable quality at home in the U.S., they set out to make their own, and decades later Garnet Hill is a go-to for flannel sheets and the maker of our favorite set. Manufactured in a family-operated German mill, these sheets come in 13 colors, including chic pastels and earth tones. They’re 100 percent cotton, and we also love that you can get a matching duvet for a cohesive look. 

Best Value: Mellani Flannel Sheet Set

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Flannel Sheet Set, Mellani ($40)
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More than 8,000 people have reviewed this well-priced set, with 65 percent of buyers rating it a 5-star purchase. They sheets are available in eight colors—ranging from pale pink to inky navy blue—and two patterns, including a classic plaid and a holiday-ready snowflake print. We also love that they come in the rarer Twin XL size, making them a great option for anyone outfitting a dorm room. Made from 100 percent cotton, more than one reviewer crowned these the best sheets ever.

Best Organic: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets

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Cloud Brushed Organic Cotton Sheets, Coyuchi ($48)
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These sheets, which come in four neutral shades, deliver on every front. In addition to weighing in at 6 ounces, so they’ll keep you extra-toasty, they’re Made Safe certified. What does that mean for you? You’ll drift off to sleep knowing the sheets you’re tucked into are free of carcinogens, heavy metals, and toxic solvents. It also means the cotton they’re made from—grown in Turkey and woven in Portugal—is free of dangerous pesticides. The brushed finish helps keep pilling to a minimum, which will make you reach for them year after year. 

Best Supima Cotton: L.L. Bean Premium Supima Flannel Sheets

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Premium Supima Flannel Sheets, L.L. Bean ($40)
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L.L. Bean is headquartered in Maine, a state that takes winter seriously. Is it any wonder, then, that the company would be a go-to option for high-quality flannel sheets? These are made from Supima cotton, which is both stronger and softer than regular cotton and less likely to pill. Shoppers can’t get enough of these sheets, with 94 percent of buyers saying they’d recommend them. The six hues take their inspiration from wintry beach scenes, with shades like Sandbar (a goes-with-everything neutral) and Bluegrass (the perfect muted aqua). 

Best Heavyweight: Pinzon Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set

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Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set, Pinzon ($71)
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When temperatures inch lower and lower, it can be tempting to reach for more blankets to banish the chill. Better to go with these ultrawarm flannel sheets, which clock in at a weight of nearly 7 ounces. In addition to a bright white and a rich espresso, there are floral options in deep purple and vibrant blue. They’re napped on both sides, giving them a velvety texture that lasts even with regular washing and drying. 

Best Stripes: Garnet Hill Cozy Ticking Flannel Bedding

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Cozy Ticking Flannel Bedding, Garnet Hill ($39)
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“I think colors such as moss green, ochre, brown, and even gray-blue make for an unusual but unmistakably wintry palate,” says McAleer. These striped sheets, which marry the classic pattern with colors like sage and amber, are a perfect starting point for giving any bedroom a winter makeover. Made in Portugal, they’re brushed multiple times for guaranteed softness, and with a lighter weight of 5.8 ounces, they would work in fall or spring just as well as winter. 

Best Check: L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Flannel Sheet Set

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Ultrasoft Flannel Sheet Set, L.L. Bean ($119)
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Leave it to L.L. Bean to take a timeless pattern like check and update it with muted blue and green colorways, making these sheets the kind you might spot in a cool Berkshires boutique hotel. They’re 100 percent cotton, and at a weight of 5 ounces, they’ll stay soft but also work year-round. Like a lot of the best flannels, they’re made in Portugal and tested for chemicals to the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification, one of the most widely recognized methods of making sure linens are free of substances that can be irritating to skin and harmful to health.  

Best Plaid: Pinzon Plaid Flannel Bed Sheet Set

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Plaid Flannel Bed Sheet Set, Pinzon ($46)
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You didn’t think we’d give you a flannel sheet roundup without including an iconic plaid, did you? These come in seven options, ranging from a Blackwatch tartan and cheerful holiday red to our favorite, a warm brown and blue pattern that feels a little bit retro and a little bit modern. Eighty-one percent of buyers give these five stars, with one reviewer comparing slipping into them to sipping a mug of hot cocoa on a snowy night.  We also love that in addition to looking great, they’re made in an Oeko-Tex Standard factory. 

Ask Domino

What’s the best way to prevent pilling?

The first time you wash flannel, add a little bit of white vinegar—a half cup to be precise. This will help the fibers from pilling and keep the color vibrant. If your flannel sheets are only in use a few months of the year, make sure to shake them out and refold during the spring and summer, which will also help loosen any clingy dust or fibers contributing to pilling. 

How long should quality sheets last?

A perk of good flannel sheets is that they’ll get softer (and warmer!) the more they’re washed, though you might see more vibrant colors start to fade. Most experts suggest replacing them after around three years, though that depends on how often you’re using them—a quality set of flannel sheets cared for properly can last four or five years. 

How We Vetted These Products

Every product in a Domino guide meets these criteria: 

  1. They blend form and function. We believe the best-designed products reflect your personal style and are a joy to use. 
  2. They’re expert approved. In addition to our team of editors, we tap a range of designers, makers, renovators, and all-around knowledgeable people to share their intel. 
  3. They’re endorsed by people who actually own them. We pay close attention to real reviews to know that they pass the test IRL.