We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 12 Best Flannel Sheets, Tested and Reviewed Up your sleep routine with these cozy picks. By Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Rachel Center Rachel Center Rachel covers all aspects of the home space and tests products to find the best for consumers. When she's not writing, you can find her streaming, hiking, and decorating. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 12, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Grant Webster Flannel sheets offer an irresistible coziness that makes getting through the winter months a lot easier. The best flannel sheets are super soft and provide a comfortable level of warmth, but they don’t cause you to overheat and wake up covered in sweat. To help you find the best flannel sheets for your home, we tested 45 of the most popular sets, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We also sought the advice of textile experts, including Ruthie Osswald, designer at Brooklinen, and Kristin Rhodes, manager of Woven Product Development at Cotton Incorporated. Read on to learn more about our top picks and how to choose the best flannel sheets for your home. Our Top Picks Best Overall Flannel Sheets: SALE Lands’ End Flannel Sheet Set at Landsend.com $78 $55 Jump to Review Best Budget Flannel Sheets: Great Bay Home Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet Set at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Best Splurge Flannel Sheets: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets at Amazon $198 Jump to Review Best Lightweight Flannel Sheets: Crate & Barrel Stripe Flannel Sheet Set at Crate & Barrel $140 Jump to Review Best Heavy Flannel Sheets: L.L.Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets at L.L.Bean $169 Jump to Review Best Solid Flannel Sheets: L.L.Bean Organic Flannel Sheet at L.L.Bean $139 Jump to Review Best Patterned Flannel Sheets: Laura Ashley Premium Ultra Soft Cotton Flannel Sheets at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Durable Flannel Sheets: SALE Lands' End Luxe Supima Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set at Landsend.com $250 $175 Jump to Review Best Breathable Flannel Sheets: Pottery Barn Flannel Sheet Set at Pottery Barn $74 Jump to Review Warmest Flannel Sheets: True North by Sleep Philosophy Flannel Sheet Set at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best Overall Flannel Sheets Lands’ End Flannel Sheet Set PHOTO: Lands' End $55 at Landsend.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Breathability 4/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out The larger fitted sheet accommodates potential shrinking. What Could Be Improved There may be a few loose threads upon arrival. This sheet set earned perfect scores in our testing for its quality, texture, and warmth, securing the title of Best Overall Flannel Sheets. Crafted from 100% cotton, the sheets proved to be soft and cozy, becoming even softer with each wash. While flannel sheets are commonly associated with warmth, we were impressed by the set’s breathability; we never felt too warm and didn’t need to kick them off throughout the night. The flannel’s weight struck a perfect balance, feeling light yet warm enough to keep us toasty in colder months. We appreciated that the material was comfortably heavy without being too restrictive or cumbersome to fold. The sheets didn’t bunch or shift on the mattress, either. Following the initial wash, we observed that these sheets didn’t pill, but there was a slight width-wise shrinking. That said, Land’s End has a proactive approach to shrinking: The brand makes its flat sheets longer and its fitted sheets deeper to account for flannel’s tendency to shrink. We noticed a few loose threads upon arrival, though the sheets endured no wear or tear after use. Available in six sizes and 11 solid colors, we think this set would be a versatile addition to any bedroom. Sizes: Twin, extra long twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% Cotton | Weight: 5 ounces per square yard (about 142 grams per square meter) Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Best Budget Flannel Sheets Great Bay Home Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet Set PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon View on Greatbayhome.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out They provide warmth without causing you to overheat. What Could Be Improved The color may slightly fade when you wash them. If you’re searching for a flannel sheet set that won’t break the bank, this one from Great Bay Home has got you covered. We were impressed by the sheets’ effective temperature-regulating properties, as they made us feel cozy on cool nights and cool in warmer environments. Even those of us who are hot sleepers found the sheets to be breathable, offering comfortable coziness without causing us to overheat. The sheets showed no wear and tear after washing them in our Lab test, and they stayed secure on our mattress throughout the night. However, we are disappointed by their long-term performance. After four months of use, we observed that the sheets became notably rougher, the color faded significantly, and they also shrunk a bit, making it difficult to cover all four corners of the mattress. Available in 34 vibrant colors and patterns, ranging from delicate toile designs to more rustic plaid ones, this sheet set can meet anyone’s style. Overall, we think the impressive combination of warmth and breathability makes this pick an affordable, all-season choice. Just be wary of their longevity. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Brit Haines Real Simple / Brit Haines Real Simple / Brit Haines Real Simple / Brit Haines Best Splurge Flannel Sheets Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets PHOTO: Coyuchi $198 at Amazon $198 at Nordstrom $228 at Wayfair Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out They are breathable, medium-weight, and made of high-quality materials. What Could Be Improved They don’t come in any patterns. If you’re in a position to splurge on bedding, we have nothing but good things to say about the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets. We found the sheets to be well-crafted, boasting a beautiful flannel fabric that was not too heavy or thin. Seeing their high-quality construction, we are confident that these sheets will hold up well over time, becoming an autumn or winter favorite. The durability of the fabric can be attributed to its weight, which measures 6 ounces per square yard of fabric. In the world of flannel, the higher the ounces, the heavier—and warmer—the fabric is likely to be. The sweet spot is often considered 5 ounces per square yard, so this sheet set being 6 ounces ensures breathability without sacrificing warmth. This proved true in our testing, and we appreciated how the sheets had a plush feel on both sides. Even after washing, they were still very soft and didn’t pill one bit. They also didn’t shrink, which couldn’t be said for other flannel sheets we tested. The material used for this flannel is organic cotton that has been certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Made Safe. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton | Weight: 6 ounces per square yard (about 203 grams per square meter) Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Best Lightweight Flannel Sheets Crate & Barrel Stripe Flannel Sheet Set PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $140 at Crate & Barrel Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out They are soft without the heaviness of typical flannel sheets. What Could Be Improved They only come in two designs. For those in search of cozy flannel sheets without the heaviness, this sheet set from Crate & Barrel offers the best of both worlds. The 100% cotton texture was pleasingly soft to the touch, offering an impressive coziness. And after four months of use, the sheets have become even softer, further enhancing their comfy appeal. They felt much lighter than other flannel sheets we tested, not restricting us at all as we moved beneath. Considering their light weight, we think this pick is suitable for those who toss and turn throughout the night. While many lightweight sheets lack the cozy warmth of heavier alternatives, these cocooned us instantly. They did trap some heat as we slept, but we found the warmth to be snuggly rather than uncomfortable. The fitted sheet remained securely in place on the mattress and didn’t bunch up at all during our movements, thanks in part to the generous pocket depth. After washing, we observed no significant wear or color fading. It’s worth noting that this sheet set is available in only two variations, gray and gray stripes, so those seeking a more vibrant choice may want to explore other alternatives. Nevertheless, we think this lightweight set will offer a snug yet thin layer, perfect for warmer nights. Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king | Material: 100% cotton flannel | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Ruby Grais Real Simple / Ruby Grais Real Simple / Ruby Grais Real Simple / Ruby Grais Best Heavy Flannel Sheets L.L.Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets PHOTO: L.L. Bean $169 at L.L.Bean View on Dillards.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out The sheets are brushed on both sides for extra softness. What Could Be Improved The thick material may require a time-consuming drying process. If you like your winter sheets to have more weight, consider adding this set from L.L.Bean to your repertoire. The chamois-esque material is thicker than standard flannel and is brushed on both sides, achieving the coveted softness we know and love. These are hands-down the thickest flannel sheets we tested, and we believe the heaviness contributes to their luxurious feel. In terms of breathability, they strike a nice balance—we felt comfortably cozy in cooler environments but didn’t overheat in warmer ones. While the thickness provides an extra layer between our body and the mattress, we surprisingly found no sweaty spots after laying on it. We appreciated that these sheets didn’t stretch out over time, maintaining a snug fit on the mattress without any drooping. They became even softer throughout four months of use, and we noticed no changes in heaviness. There was no pilling or shrinking throughout the testing period, and the vibrancy of the color faded only slightly, a testament to their well-made construction. Due to their density, the sheets may require a rather time-consuming drying process. However, given their high quality, we think these sheets are worth the extra care. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: 100% cotton flannel | Weight: 6.2 ounces per square yard (about 210 grams per square meter) Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Best Solid Flannel Sheets L.L.Bean Organic Flannel Sheet PHOTO: L.L. Bean $139 at L.L.Bean Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out They get softer with each wash. What Could Be Improved A substantial amount of lint comes off in the drier. If patterns aren’t part of your home decor style, L.L.Bean’s organic flannel sheets provide a simple yet chic option. Available in four neutral colors—foggy blue, gray heather, sea salt, and shell khaki—these solid sheets will add a cozy touch to your room. Crafted from organic, double-brushed cotton, we found the sheets to be soft and comforting, boasting a modern, almost luxurious look and feel. With a medium heaviness, we found these sheets to be the perfect weight. They didn’t feel too thick or too thin, and they kept us cozy while nestled beneath them. While we didn’t notice any moisture-wicking properties, we never felt overly hot or cold throughout the night. The sheets felt super soft on our skin, almost as if we were sleeping in our favorite flannel shirt. Even after sharing the bed with a restless dog, we detected no signs of wear or tear on the sheets. Due to the brushed flannel, the sheets did accumulate a substantial amount of lint buildup in the drier. After four months of weekly washes, there was no significant change in texture, and they felt just as soft as they had when we first opened them. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: 100% certified organic cotton flannel | Weight: 5 ounces per square yard (about 142 grams per square meter) Real Simple / Rachel Thalhuber Real Simple / Rachel Thalhuber Best Patterned Flannel Sheets Laura Ashley Premium Ultra Soft Cotton Flannel Sheets PHOTO: Amazon $70 at Amazon $35 at Wayfair $32 at Target Our Ratings Quality 3.8/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out With the varied pattern selection and low price, you can change the sheets seasonally. What Could Be Improved Since the corners don’t have elastics, they may fall off your mattress. In addition to their cozy warmth, another great benefit of flannel sheets is the fun patterns available. Because flannel is seasonal, people often swap out their sheets to match the mood of winter or the spirit of the holidays. These sheets from Laura Ashley are available in 20 patterns and designs, from floral pastels to traditional plaid, to add a decorative touch to your bedding. We found these sheets to be incredibly soft and warm while still being lightweight and breathable. Though they did get a touch less soft after the initial wash, they remained exceptionally cozy. In terms of temperature, the sheets weren’t too hot or too cooling, and we found them cozy on both warmer and cooler nights. We observed no significant wear or color fading throughout the testing, and an accidental coffee stain came out with ease. After four months of use, the fabric has remained comfortably soft. If you’re in search of a practical sheet set to keep all year long, you may opt for a solid choice. Still, we think this patterned set is festive, and its affordability makes it easy to change seasonally. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: 100% cotton | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Riddley Schirm Real Simple / Riddley Schirm Real Simple / Riddley Schirm Best Durable Flannel Sheets Lands' End Luxe Supima Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set PHOTO: Lands' End $175 at Landsend.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Warmth 4.5/5 What Stands Out The thick, high-quality sheets are substantial enough to withstand frequent washes. What Could Be Improved The texture of the cotton is a bit grabby. Durable sheets are designed to withstand years of use, and based on the impressive performance of this Lands’ End set in our testing, we expect them to last a while. Even after weekly washes, the sheets maintained their high quality, showing no changes in shape, texture, or softness. We appreciate the thickness of these sheets, as they feel substantial enough to withstand frequent use. While lying beneath them, we noticed that the sheets weren’t as cooling as expected, though they didn’t cause overheating either. Thanks to their comforting heaviness, these sheets are particularly well suited for the winter months. The texture reminds us of jersey material—soft but not overly smooth—and we found the cotton to be a bit grabby. Still, we think this is a great choice for those seeking a long-lasting sheet set that won’t require frequent replacements. Sizes: Twin, extra long twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Supima cotton | Weight: 6 ounces per square yard (about 203 grams per square meter) Best Breathable Flannel Sheets Pottery Barn Flannel Sheet Set PHOTO: Pottery Barn $74 at Pottery Barn Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 4.5/5 What Stands Out They become fluffier as you wash them. What Could Be Improved The sheets may get a bit wrinkly after washing, exhibiting a less refined appearance. When it comes to breathable sheets, most people don’t automatically think of flannel, as the fabric’s primary purpose is to trap heat to make you warmer. However, flannel can be breathable—you just have to know what you’re looking for while shopping. This cozy set from Pottery Barn proved surprisingly airy, providing warmth without causing overheating. The brushed cotton felt soft to the touch, delivering the cozy flannel feel we know and love. After laundering the sheets, we didn’t notice any changes in quality or color, and they actually seemed to become even softer and fluffier after the first wash. We were impressed to find that they maintained the same soft, cozy texture throughout four months of use. They did get a bit wrinkly, though, so keep that in mind if you plan to display them in a guest room. Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% cotton | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Jamie Weissman Real Simple / Jamie Weissman Warmest Flannel Sheets True North by Sleep Philosophy Flannel Sheet Set PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $40 at Kohls.com View on Jcpenney.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Breathability 3.5/5 Warmth 4.5/5 What Stands Out They are available in several fun patterns and designs. What Could Be Improved They may be too warm for hot sleepers. There’s nothing quite like bundling up in a cozy bed during the winter, and these sheets will keep you nice and toasty all night long. The sheets felt super soft and cozy when we were nestled beneath them, providing a comfortable heat. They were so insulating that we felt warm even when lying beneath just the flat sheet with no comforter. They aren’t overly breathable, so hot sleepers seeking an option with airflow may find them a bit too warm. We instead recommend this set for individuals who run cooler or desire extra warmth in the colder months. In terms of durability, the sheets held up well in our testing, showing no signs of quality changes or loose threads after six months of use. We were impressed by the set’s affordability—the price is so low, you could purchase three sets for the price of a standard one. This pick also stands out for its vibrant patterns, adding an exciting touch compared to the typical white sheet sets. With a whopping selection of 33 designs to choose from, this choice allows you to add a fun flair to any space. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% cotton flannel | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Best Cotton-Blend Flannel Sheets Sheets & Giggles Flannel Sheet Sets PHOTO: Amazon $110 at Amazon View on Sheetsgiggles.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Warmth 4.5/5 What Stands Out They maintain their thickness and coziness through frequent washing. What Could Be Improved They aren’t very breathable, and they don’t come in queen size. Crafted from a blend of eucalyptus lyocell and organic cotton, this flannel sheet set stood out due to its cozy texture and durability in our testing. Aside from a slight decrease in softness after the initial wash, the sheets maintained a consistent thickness and coziness with no visible signs of wear or tear. They were easy to get onto the mattress and stayed secure throughout the night when we tossed and turned. After four months of weekly washing, the sheets remained comfortable and soft to the touch. The sheets felt notably warm, and they didn’t feel very breathable. We occasionally woke up sweaty, so we wouldn’t recommend these to people who sleep hot. For those who are often cold throughout the night, this sheet set’s thick, soft-to-the-touch material will provide ample comfort. While this set is one of the pricier options we tested, we anticipate that they would hold up well after frequent use, making them a worthy investment. This sheet set doesn't come in a twin or queen size, so keep that in mind before you purchase. Sizes: Full, king, California king | Material: 60% eucalyptus lyocell, 40% organic cotton | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Heather Adams Real Simple / Heather Adams Real Simple / Heather Adams Real Simple / Heather Adams Real Simple / Heather Adams Softest Flannel Sheets The Vermont Country Store Cotton Flannel Sheets PHOTO: The Vermont Country Store View on Vermontcountrystore.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Breathability 5/5 Warmth 5/5 What Stands Out They are surprisingly breathable considering they’re triple-brushed. What Could Be Improved They may shrink after washing. Cozy sheets can make or break your sleep experience, and these sheets from The Vermont Country Store were some of the softest we tested. They proved to be not only soft but also thick, quickly warming us up when we nestled beneath them. Despite being crafted from high-quality Portuguese cotton with a heavier weight, we found the sheets to be extremely breathable. This is especially surprising considering that this flannel is triple-brushed (as a rule of thumb, the more the flannel is brushed, the warmer it becomes). Even after an extended period beneath the sheets, we experienced no overheating. After the first wash, these flannel sheets exhibited no pilling, snagging, or fading in color; however, they did shrink significantly, so keep that in mind before you buy. And unlike other flannel sheets, you can’t buy them as a set, offering the flexibility to buy exactly the sheets you need. Still, we think their high-quality design and affordable price tag make them a real steal. Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: 100% cotton flannel | Weight: Not listed Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Final Verdict Overall, we recommend the Lands' End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set for its exceptional breathability and buttery texture that gets even softer with each wash. The lightweight material kept us cozy without restricting our movement, and the sheets stayed secure on our mattress. If you’re shopping on a budget, the Great Bay Home 100% Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheets Set is very comfortable and great for both warm and cold nights. Our Testing Process We tested 45 flannel sheets and assessed them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We first examined the sheets for imperfections and took notes on the feel of the fabric, evaluating if it felt rough and scratchy instead of soft and plush. We then put the sheets on our bed to make sure they fit and noted if the flat sheet was too long or the pillowcases didn’t cover the entire pillow. We slept on the sheets for seven consecutive nights before washing them. We washed the sheets following the manufacturer’s instructions and noted if any damage or shrinkage occurred in the wash. If we stained the sheets throughout testing, we observed how well the stain came out. While using the sheets, we noted any signs of wear, fading, pilling, crocking, or changes in texture, fit, or appearance. In terms of breathability, we observed whether the sheets kept us cool on warmer nights and if there were any noticeable moisture-wicking qualities. Seeing the price of the sheets, we considered whether they were a good value purchase. Finally, we compared how the sheets felt to other ones we’ve used in the past. We took all this into account to come up with the best flannel sheets. After testing the sheets in our Lab, we brought some home to evaluate their real-world performance over four months of use. Real Simple / Grant Webster How to Shop for Flannel Sheets Like a Pro Material Some may be surprised to know that flannel isn’t a material but a fabric that is made from one or more materials, with common ones including cotton, wool, or polyester. All of our top picks, as well as the vast majority of flannel sheets we tested, are cotton, which has a lot of benefits in addition to softness. “Cotton sheets are naturally breathable, durable, easy to care for, and hypoallergenic,” says Rhodes. This inherent breathability is important because it’ll prevent you from overheating under the covers. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that does have a softness to it but is not breathable. Not just polyester, but all synthetic fabrics, will heat you up in a way that natural fabrics just won’t. That said, polyester is a better option for people who run cold while sleeping. Wool is a nice in-between of cotton and polyester because wool is a natural fabric, so there is some breathability, and it is warmer than cotton. It’s also moisture-wicking, so if you do overheat and sweat, the fabric will absorb that moisture from your body so you’re not as sweaty when you wake up. Weight Another thing that affects the warmth of flannel sheets is the weight of the fabric. The weight of flannel sheets is measured by ounces per square yard or grams per square meter. The higher the ounces per square yard, the heftier the fabric will be. Rhodes told us that most flannel sheets weigh 5 ounces per square yard or higher. During testing, we found that sheets that had this weight had a medium heft that made the sheets warm but also breathable. The lower the ounces per square yard, the more lightweight the sheets will be. Depending on the fabric, a lightweight flannel may not make you as warm. Napping What gives flannel that distinct fuzziness is a technique called napping, which helps trap heat that gives flannel its signature warmth. Rhodes explains: “The fibers are raised by rapidly passing over the fabric with revolving cylinders covered with fine wire bristles. Fibers from the loosely twisted filling yarns are lifted from the fabric by the teeth wires to form the nap. This nap may be further brushed and/or sheared to make a more even surface.” If you can, get a sheet set that is napped on both sides, or at least make sure the flat sheet is. Retailers often don’t specify if flannel is brushed on one or all sides of the sheet set, so it’s best to give it a feel for yourself before you commit to the purchase. More Flannel Sheets to Consider Bliss Casa 4 Piece 100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Set: We were impressed by this sheet set’s well-made construction and loved that the material was hefty enough to snuggle up with without causing us to overheat. We did notice a bit of shrinking and a few loose threads after washing them, so this sheet set may not last as long as alternative options. Lane Linen 100% Cotton Flannel Sheets Set: This affordable sheet set kept us warm and cozy throughout the night, making it a perfect pick for winter months. It also stayed secure on our mattress, so we never had to reposition it. We do wish the material felt a bit softer, though. Real Simple / Grant Webster Questions You Might Ask Do flannel sheets shrink? Yes. Many of the flannel sheets we tested shrank, either by a little or by a lot. Cotton has a much higher tendency to shrink than polyester or similar synthetic fabrics. To prevent shrinkage in your cotton flannel sheets, Osswald recommends always washing them on cold and drying them on a low heat setting. This also helps prevent wear and tear on the sheets over time. How do you prevent pilling in your sheets? Unfortunately, you don’t have a whole lot of control over pilling and there isn’t really a single hack or two that will prevent it from happening entirely. In fact, according to Rhodes, flannel may produce more pilling than other materials. However, she says that pilling on cotton flannel breaks off easier than its blended counterparts that include synthetic fabrics such as polyester. So if pilling is something that just bugs you, stick with cotton and be sure to launder your sheet sets separately from other garments, according to Osswald. Friction from other garments, especially when the machines are filled to the brim, can aid in the production of pilling. Can flannel sheets be used year-round? Many people think that because of the warmth that flannel sheets produce, they should only be reserved during the colder months, but you can use flannel sheets year-round. And if you run cold or have air conditioning that makes your home chilly, this may not be a bad idea. Flannel sheets made of cotton, like the L.L.Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheet Set, are best for year-round use thanks to their natural breathability. You should also consider getting flannel sheets with a lighter heft, which is anything that is less than 5 ounces per square yard. Usually, flannel sheets with a greater heft are more likely to make you warmer. Real Simple / Heather Adams Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple, and Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. We researched the best flannel sheets and tested 45 of the most popular, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, value, and warmth. We also sought the advice of Ruthie Osswald, Designer at Brooklinen, and Kristin Rhodes, Manager of Woven Product Development at Cotton Incorporated. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if Purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.