Why are flannelette sheets so much warmer than regular cotton?
28th Feb 2025
There’s nothing quite like curling up in bed on a chilly winter night—unless your sheets feel like they’ve been stored in the freezer. That’s where flannelette comes in. With its soft, velvety texture and incredible warmth, it turns your bed into the cosiest spot in the house.
But what makes flannelette so much warmer than standard cotton sheets? And why do cold sleepers swear by it? Let’s break it down.
What exactly is flannelette?
Flannelette is a brushed cotton fabric that’s soft, warm, and velvety to the touch. Unlike crisp cotton percale or smooth sateen, flannelette is gently brushed during the manufacturing process to lift its fibres, creating a fluffy surface that feels extra cosy.
Why does this matter? The brushed texture traps warm air close to your body, acting like an insulating layer. Think of it as the bedding equivalent of your favourite fluffy jumper - soft, comforting, and perfect for cold sleepers.
At Canningvale, we’ve perfected this winter essential with our CoziCotton Flannelette, a fan-favourite for over 10 years. With its 100% cotton composition, 180gsm weight, and double-brushed finish, it delivers maximum warmth without feeling heavy or suffocating.
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Are flannelette and brushed cotton the same thing?
Not quite. While flannelette is usually made from cotton and brushed for softness, brushed cotton refers to any cotton fabric that has undergone a light brushing, typically on one side only, to give it a soft hand feel. Flannelette, on the other hand, is denser, brushed on both sides, and undergoes a more thorough napping process, making it softer, thicker, and far better at retaining heat.
What is double-brushing and why is it better?
Not all flannelette sheets are created equal! The secret to exceptional warmth and softness lies in a double-brushed finish.
Brushed on both sides: This process lifts the cotton fibres on both the top and bottom of the fabric, making the sheets feel plush and velvety all over. It also helps trap warmth, keeping you toasty throughout the night
Retains body heat without overheating: The airy, brushed texture creates pockets of warmth while still allowing airflow, meaning you won’t wake up feeling too hot or stuffy
Feels soft from the first use: Unlike some cotton sheets that soften over time, flannelette starts out luxuriously smooth and only gets better with every wash
With Canningvale’s CoziCotton Flannelette™, you get all these benefits in a beautifully crafted 180gsm weave, meaning it’s substantial enough to keep you warm, but breathable enough to prevent overheating.
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The Pros & Cons of Flannelette Sheets
Like any bedding material, flannelette comes with its own set of perks (and a couple of small trade-offs). But let’s be honest - the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to winter comfort!
Pros:
● Ultra-warm and insulating – Perfect for chilly nights and cold sleepers
● Super soft and cosy – The brushed texture feels plush and inviting
● Breathable despite the warmth – Keeps you warm without feeling suffocating
● Made from 100% cotton – Unlike synthetic fleece, flannelette is natural and breathably
● Durability – They can withstand frequent washing and wear and maintain their quality over time
● Low-Maintenance – Flannel sheets are easy to care for. They can be machine-washed and tend to become even softer with every wash!
Cons (if you can even call them that!):
● Best suited for colder months – If you’re a hot sleeper, you might prefer percale or sateen cotton in summer
● Wrinkling – Flannelette sheets can wrinkle easily, but, as always, we have the solution!
The verdict: are flannelette sheets warmer than cotton?
Absolutely. Flannelette’s unique brushed texture locks in warmth while staying breathable, making it the ultimate choice for cold nights. If you want a winter bedding upgrade, there’s no better option than CoziCotton Flannelette, because everyone deserves to sleep snug as a bug.
Ready to ditch the chill? Explore our range here.