Are Flannel Sheets Warm Enough for Canadian Winters?

Flannel is a mood, a mantra, and a way of life up here in the Great White North. And no, we’re not just talking about our favourite checkered shirts (that’s technically plaid, though they’re made with extra-soft flannel fabric). We’re also talking about bedding!

The warmest, coziest, softest bedding around. But is it really warm enough for winters up here in Canada? Let’s tuck in.

What is Flannel?

Let’s start with the basics: Flannel is a woven fabric made of cotton or other fibres that gets its extra-soft texture from the unique brushing technique used to make it. 

At QE Home, our flannel sheets are crafted from triple-brushed organic cotton, so they're extra cozy on your skin and easy on the environment.

Why is Flannel so Warm?

The brushing process used to make flannel sheets gives the fabric extra heat retention. Essentially, the brushing ‘naps’ the surface, giving it a soft and fuzzy texture with millions of tiny air pockets.

These air pockets retain body heat, providing more insulation than smoother, tightly woven fabrics like traditional cotton. This makes it super popular for winter clothes, pajamas, and bedding in cooler climates.

Where Does Flannel Come From?

Our favourite winter fabric originated in 16th century Wales, then took a tour of the chillier parts of Europe before landing in North America in the 18th century.

Flannel shirts eventually became a hallmark of the working class, grunge fashion, and a Canadian favourite. Thanks to its excellent warmth, flannel bedding became popular for winter (and for some cold sleepers year-round).

How Warm Are Flannel Sheets Compared to Other Fabrics?

Flannel sheets are some of the warmest bedding you can buy. They are most definitely toastier than other common sheeting fabrics such as Cotton, Bamboo, TENCEL™, Linen, Hemp, and Silk, because of the extra-cozy brushing technique we mentioned earlier.

Another common winter sheeting option is fleece, a synthetic fabric known for its blanket-like coziness. While fleece bedding is certainly warm, we prefer flannel for its natural fibers and superior breathability.

Are Flannel Sheets Too Warm?

Flannel sheeting may not be for everyone, even in northern climates like Canada! If you’re a hot sleeper and overheating is a concern, build your cozy winter bed with adjustable layers in natural materials that wick away moisture and let your body breathe as you sleep.

We suggest a duvet cover crafted from temp-regulating TENCEL™ Lyocell or Bamboo Cotton, and an extra blanket or two that you can easily throw on or off to balance your temperature during the night.

How do I Care for Flannel Sheets?

Before laundering your QE Home Flannel Sheets, wash them in 1 cup of diluted white vinegar, or add 1 cup of vinegar into the rinse cycle instead of laundry detergent. This can help reduce and prevent future pilling. Then you can go ahead and machine wash them separately in cool water on a gentle (delicate) cycle. 

To dry your sheets, hang them up or tumble dry them on a low heat setting. Add QE Home Wool Dryer Balls to reduce wrinkles and increase drying efficiency. Do not bleach, dry clean, or iron your flannel sheets.

What Should I Look Out For When Buying Flannel Bedding?

When buying flannel bedding in Canada, there are a couple key things to keep an eye on to make sure you’re getting the warmest, coziest, highest-quality sheets. First, look for a higher GSM (grams per square metre) in the 150–200 range for better warmth and durability. 

Next, choose 100% cotton for the most breathable, high quality sheeting option. And for the most softness and warmth, look for double or even triple-brushed flannel fabric. 

Lastly, to accommodate for possible shrinkage, we recommend buying either pre-shrunk fabrics or sheets designed to be slightly oversized, and making sure the fitted sheet pocket depth matches your mattress. 

On that note, happy wintertime, Canada! Stay warm, stay cozy, and get some good sleep this season. For all your comfy coziest bedding needs, visit QE Home online or at one of our 70+ locations across the country. Sleep tight!