The Best Flannel Sheets of 2023

• Available sizes: Queen
• Material: 100% organic cotton
• Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep

The West Elm Organic Flannel Solid Sheet Set is made with organic cotton and is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified—meaning the material is organic from the farming process all the way through manufacturing. These sheets also meet Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which means they're free from more than 400 harmful substances.

West Elm does not list a weight for these sheets on its website, but they weighed in at 5.5 ounces per square yard in our lab. Anecdotally, they seemed more like a 5-ounce flannel sheet than a 6-ounce because they felt slightly thinner. They’re brushed on both sides for added warmth and a smooth feel.

They are a good choice for someone looking for a brushed organic flannel sheet set, though they are one of the most expensive sets we tested.

• Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Material: 100% cotton
• Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep

I’ve tested many L.L Bean products, and the brand almost always delivers top quality items, so I was surprised when I didn’t love its Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set.

Fresh out of the package, they felt smooth to touch, but they were somewhat itchy when I slept on them. After a few nights, they seemed to get better, so it’s possible over time they may improve. In fact, L.L. Bean’s website says the sheets get softer with every wash.

At more than $100 for a queen set, they were disappointing, though. I also didn’t love that they felt stiffer than other higher-end sheets, plus they were much more prone to wrinkling.

• Available sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
• Material: 100% cotton
• Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep

Even though these Mellanni sheets have rave reviews on Amazon, it was the worst set we tested. Straight out of the packaging these were shedding a lot of lint. It was so bad that I changed out of my black T-shirt so I wouldn’t be covered in white fuzz by the time I was done opening them.

After a few washes, they shed less lint, but the shedding never completely stopped. The dryer vent was also full of lint after one wash, a nuisance that wasn’t a problem with any of the other sets.

Even though these weighed 5.4 ounces per square yard in our lab test, they felt thinner and stiffer than comparable sets, and the material didn't feel as fuzzy. They were also slightly see-through, a potential pro if you sleep hot, but a con if you want really warm sheets. After one wash it looked like they were starting to pill, and they indeed fared the worst in our lab tests with the orbital sander.

How We Test Flannel Sheets

The Tester

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

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 and let the stain sit overnight before washing it and evaluating how well the stain came out.

Afterward, the sheet sets were sent to our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Reviewed’s team of scientists wrapped up testing. They measured the weight of the sheets and compared their evaluation to the advertised weight. Then they placed a fabric swatch under an orbital sander with a felt pad for 10 minutes to observe pilling.

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 out the linen closet to pile blankets onto your bed. Here are some things to consider when shopping for flannel sheets.

Weight

When shopping for sateen sheets, people often make a big deal about thread count. 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. As a general rule, the higher the number, the heavier it is 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 will keep you cozy without making you overheat. 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 that are brushed on both sides tend to be warmer than those brushed on one side.

Material

Flannel typically is made with 100% cotton, but some sheets use a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, such as rayon. Cotton is absorbent, 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 important to take note of pocket depth. Some of the sets we tested fit mattresses that were 14 inches thick, while others could accommodate beds that were 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 prevent 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, both of 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