The word “flannel” may conjure images of lumberjacks or that grunge phase you went through, but it’s actually just a soft woven fabric—meaning it can come in any pattern, not just tartan. Old-timey flannel was wool, but these days it can be made of cotton or synthetic materials. The one thing you’re guaranteed with flannel is that it’s comfy and warm. And on a chilly night, who wouldn’t want to be wrapped up in that?
A typical bedding set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases, and you can often buy add-on pieces a la carte, like extra sheets, bed skirts and shams. Note that even pre-shrunk flannel can lose some size if you wash and dry it on hot, so don’t do that! Cold or warm water, the gentle cycle and air-drying are your friends when it comes to prolonging the life of your flannels.
Fun fact: Did you know that in Europe it’s common to use a duvet cover instead of a comforter because it’s easy to wash and eliminates the need for a flat sheet? Keep that in mind if you’re top-sheet averse (like this author).
Ever wondered about the difference between regular cotton and the organic variety? Organic cotton is pesticide-free, uses recycled (or grey) water to produce and relies on fair trade with small local farms. Products certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) contain a minimum of 70% organic materials, so look for that if it’s important to you.
