There are a variety of fabrics to choose from when shopping for sheets. Each material has different pros and cons, so it's important to understand what you want from your bedding before you purchase.

Flannel is a soft, medium-weight fabric that's woven from cotton or wool. It's usually brushed after it's woven, which gives it a fuzzy, cozy feel.

Soft & Cozy
A good flannel sheet will feel like a warm, fuzzy blanket that wraps you in a cozy hug. This feeling helps people with cold weather-related conditions, such as bronchitis and sinus infections, to stay more comfortable at night.

Flannel sheets can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton and synthetic fibers like polyester. These materials can shrink less than purely cotton options and are often less prone to pilling.

Breathable
Winter blankets made of breathable fabrics like cotton, lofty down or insulating wool trap heat close to the body and help regulate your temperature. They also wick away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.

When it comes to warmer blankets, synthetic materials like fleece and microfiber are ideal options for many shoppers. They offer the same softness, warmth and insulating qualities as natural fibers but with a more eco-friendly and cost-effective design.

However, there are some downsides to these fabrics, which include increased amounts of static electricity and shedding in the wash. Plus, they can be less durable than other materials like wool or cotton.

For consumers who want a warm blanket but don’t like the shedding issue, we recommend choosing a cotton-poly blend or a polyester sheet set with an insulating blanket as a fill. These fabric options are both easy to care for, a plus for those who struggle with allergies or sensitive skin.

Durable
High-quality sheets can hold up well to frequent washing, and can still retain their softness. However, a low-quality sheet set is likely to wear thin, develop holes and fade in color.

Buying durable sheets is easier than you might think. Look for Egyptian or Supima cotton, both long to extra-long staple varieties that are known for their longevity and quality.

You'll also want to check the thread count of your new set. This number, which refers to the amount of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch, is usually a good indicator of quality.

The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet set will be. But the real test of a good sheet is how it feels.

Easy Care
Flannel sheets are easier to care for than many other types of bedding. They are brushed to relax the fibers and give the fabric a soft, fuzzy feel, which is why flannel is often called "fuzzy cotton."

The material is also wrinkle-resistant, so you can keep your bed linens tidy. However, flannel sheets are also susceptible to pilling, so they may need more careful washing and drying than other sheet sets.

The best flannel sheets are made from a mix of natural and man-made fibers, such as cotton and polyester. This gives flannel sheets a longer lifespan and keeps them from fading and pilling over time.