Are Flannel Sheets Comfortable? Is Cotton Good for Winter? Is Cotton Good for Summer? And More Questions Answered

Flannel sheets are a tad warmer than your regular sheets, but they can be an excellent addition for the winter months. Flannel is synonymous with comfort, warmth, and coziness. They’re made of brushed woven fabrics that are ultra-soft to the touch and have a bit of nap to them, making them feel all fuzzy and comfy.

But, we know that you still have questions and doubts about flannel sheets, how do they compare to cotton sheets, and more, we decided to write this quick guide on all things flannel.

Are Flannel Sheets Comfortable?

In short: yes.

For those of you who want a more scientific explanation, we got you. Flannel sheets have an ultra-soft texture and are pretty sturdy. Think about your favorite holiday fleece pajamas but in bedsheet form.

Flannel is a loosely knit fabric made of natural materials like wool and cotton and sometimes woven with synthetic fibers. Flannel bedding provides that extra warmth you need during the winter months. But, despite popular belief, flannel is very breathable. The fabric is woven and knitted together to create tiny air pathways that help you stay warm enough but still fresh and comfortable all night long.

While it’s kind of challenging to place a number to rate a flannel sheet’s comfort level, we could argue it’s a solid 9 out of 10, and we’ll explain why soon.

Can You Use Flannel Sheets Year-Round?

Flannel sheets are synonymous with colder nights and winter months. But it genuinely depends. You might be surprised to realize that not all flannel sheets are made the same way.

For example, at Lands’ End, we have two types of flannel sheets. They vary in weight so that you can find them in 5oz. Or 6oz. Presentations. An ounce difference might not mean much to you, but it makes a massive difference in the bedding world.

The 5oz. flannel bed sheet is perfect for the spring and summer months, and it’s great for year-round use in not-too-hot climates. This means you can count on your flannel sheets to keep you cozy and snuggled up without overheating you.

On the other hand, our 6oz. flannel bed sheet is our warmest and heaviest sheet. It’s perfectly designed to keep you warm and toasty on those cold winter nights. Still, bedding is a very personal choice. So, if you like to sleep in a cozy and toasty bed, our heaviest flannel sheet will help you keep your bed warm enough.

How Comfortable Are Cotton Sheets?

Now, let’s talk about cotton sheets. Most people are familiar with these, and we bet the sheets on your bed right now is cotton. They have a smooth and soft texture we all love and adore. Plus, they won’t get fuzz balls like some flannel sheets can get.

But, not all cotton sheets offer the same level of comfort. It all goes down to their thread count. The higher the thread count, the softer and sturdier they will be. Conversely, Budget-friendly and low-thread cotton sheets can be more on the stiff side. In comparison, Egyptian cotton and 400 count bed sheets can be incredibly soft and sturdy. Or our luxurious Supima cotton sheets, for example.

To compare the two, let’s say 200 thread count was the bedsheets from your dorm room. Now, Egyptian cotton 400 thread count feels like the bedsheets from that luxurious hotel bed you still remember. For this reason, if we had to put a number on the comfort level of cotton sheets, we would give them a 7.⅝ if they’re on the high-quality end.

Are Cotton Sheets Good for Winter or Summer?

Here’s where cotton sheets take the advantage. Because they are so lightweight, cotton sheets have one of the highest air circulation rates. They’re incredibly breathable, which means the sheets will allow air to go through, and it will help you stay dry and cool all night long. An added bonus for cotton sheets is that they won’t let any dust mites or parasites stick around. Because it’s highly breathable, it won’t give them the chance to settle in your bed and crawl to your skin. This is why cotton is such a favorite for people with skin allergies and sensitivities.

Truthfully, cotton sheets are better for summer than winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t mix and match. At Lands’ End, we have a collection of beautiful fleece blankets or a flannel duvet cover that can help you stay warm and toasty on those winter months, while your go-to cotton sheets keep you cool and fresh underneath.

Choosing The Right Bed Sheets

Ultimately, choosing the right bed sheets depends on your preference. In our humble opinion, one can never have too many bedding sets. We love to play with different materials and change our bedding selection by the season.

Once you choose, don’t forget to explore our selection of monogrammed bedding options to take your bedroom’s decor a notch. If you end up with flannel sheets, don’t forget to throw on some Lands’ End flannel pajamas to sleep in flannel heaven.