With cold weather here to stay, chances are you’ve been on the hunt for the best sheets for winter. Just like your favorite winter blanket or winter comforter, finding the coziest sheets around can mean the difference between a great night’s sleep and a chilly evening spent tossing and turning. But with all the different fabrics and thread counts available, how do you know which ones you’ll like best? Let’s break it down.
How to choose the best sheets for winter
There are two things people immediately look for when shopping for sheets: thread count and fabric.
Let’s start with thread counts. A sheet’s thread count is “a sum of the number of threads per inch both lengthwise and widthwise,” according to Sleep.org. That means if your sheets have 200 threads across their length and 200 threads across their width, the thread count would be 400. Many of us have been raised on the belief that the higher the thread count, the better the sheets, but in general, a quality sheet will have a thread count that’s between 200 and 800, with some going as high as 1,000.
The other important component of a quality sheet is fabric. Just like clothing, finding the right material for your bedding is vital to your comfort. Here are four of the most popular fabrics for sheets for winter that you should consider picking up this season.
- Cotton: It’s pretty common to load up on layers in the winter, but if you’re someone who runs hot when you sleep, cotton just may be your best bet. As a natural fabric, cotton, like linen and bamboo, is known for its moisture-wicking abilities, making it a great pick for regulating your body temperature as you doze.
- Flannel: There’s a reason flannel is a cold-weather fashion staple, and that’s due to its warmth. So it would only make sense that sheets made from the same material would be just as toasty! A wonderful semi-cross between cotton and fleece, flannel sheets are also soft, airy, and breathable, making them perfect for anyone who likes their bed warm, but not too warm.
- Silk: Silk might seem like a surprising choice for winter, but it shouldn’t be. Though commonly thought of as a luxurious-yet-thin fabric, it actually retains heats, making it an ideal material for snuggling up with on a cold winter’s eve.
- Fleece: As the warmest sheets out of the bunch, fleece is a no-brainer. This cross between a blanket and flannel offers extreme comfort and total warmth — even in sub-zero temperatures.
How often should you change your bedsheets?
Now that you’ve figured out which sheet fabric is right for you, let’s talk about maintenance. One of the top bedding questions people have is how often their sheets should be changed. According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should give your sheets a good wash at least once a week. As you sleep, things like dirt, sweat, and allergens can get caught up in bedding fibers, leading to a build up of bacteria.
If you’re a bi-weekly washer, however, you’re not alone: A study by National Sleep Foundation found that just 62 percent of people reported changing their bed sheets on a consistent basis every week, while 91 percent reported changing their sheets once every other week.
How long do bedsheets last?
Another question that’s frequently posed about sheets is how long they will last. Much like blankets and duvet covers, the longevity of your bedding depends on how you wash and care for it. Wash sheets too often with water that’s too hot, and the fibers will become weak, eventually breaking down. To keep them in tip-top shape, wash them in warm water without chemical-laden fabric softeners.
How do you warm up a bed quickly?
Put a blanket between the mattress and the fitted sheet. The extra layer helps retain body heat. If you need yet another layer of warmth, set a blow-dryer on high and run it a few inches above the sheets. The heat will make the sheets toasty.
The best sheets for winter
Ready to upgrade your sleeping situation for the best sleep all winter long? Whether you’re looking for fleece or cotton sheets or a set that fits the budget, there’s an option out there for you. Keep scrolling for FIRST for Women’s picks for sheets for winter that will actually make you look forward to bedtime.
Softest Sheets for Winter
Urban Outfitters T-Shirt Jersey Set
It can be difficult to judge the “softest” winter bed sheets, since everyone’s idea of “soft” is different. But this is a set that an assortment of friends and family — myself included! — can attest are some of the softest and warmest linens we’ve ever tried. Made from 100 percent cotton jersey, these sheets mimic the feel of your favorite lived in T-shirts for a comforting feel that’s hard to match. Available in a chic selection of neutral colors, these sheets will be hard to part with — even if it’s just to throw them in the wash! (Read our more in-depth review of the matching duvet cover here.)
Promising review: “I’ve been searching for the perfect sheets, I am very picky when it comes to them. Since I was redoing my bedding I figured I’d get these. These are the best sheets I have ever owned and will be forever. They never slide off. They’re just so comfortable, they make sleeping so much better.“
- Cotton jersey for a t-shirt feel
- Four neutral colors
- Machine wash
Best Sheets for Winter Hot Flashes
Brooklinen Classic Core Set
Buy at Brooklinen, $111
For those of us who experience hot flashes or are simply sweaty sleepers, finding a sheet set that can help regulate your body temperature is integral to a good night’s sleep. This is where powerhouse bedding brand Brooklinen comes in. Designed with hot sleepers in mind, its classic core sheets are made from 100 percent cotton that’s lightweight, crisp, and cool for the most comfortable sleep possible. Reviewers call it “outstanding,” saying these are “the best sheets I’ve slept on in a long time.” No wonder Brooklinen is becoming one of the biggest bedding companies around!
Promising review: “I am notorious for wanting to be cozy all the time, no matter the season. Let me tell you, I’ve never been cozier with this new bedding. It is particularly wonderful to have this level of cozy in our drafty old house this winter!“
- Cool and crisp, perfect for hot sleepers
- 270 thread count cotton percale weave
- OEKO-TEX® certified free of harmful chemicals
Best Fleece Sheets for Winter
Bare Home Fleece Sheet
Buy at Amazon, $50
If you’re looking for the warmest sheets around for winter, this fleece set won’t let you down. Made from a breathable and hypoallergenic fleece, it’s lightweight, yet every bit as plush as your favorite fluffy blanket. Complete with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, this set is the closest you’ll come to sleeping on a cloud.
Promising review: “OMGOSH! I LOVED THE RED SHEETS SOOOO MUCH I BOUGHT ANOTHER SET OF WHITE SHEETS! They are the SOFTEST sheets in the world! They are totally ample for people with thick mattresses. They are sewn with quality, as I am a seamstress, so I can tell. When I get in my bed at night i am immediately in heaven! YOU WILL LOVE THEM especially if you live up north in the winter like we do! I only wish they made a green set….I would place another order!“
- Breathable and hypoallergenic
- Extra plush and lightweight
- Machine wash
Best Budget Sheets for Winter
Sweet Home Collection 1500 Sheets
Buy at Amazon, $30
Who said great sheets had to cost a fortune? For the best affordable winter sheet set, look no further than this 1500 supreme collection from Sweet Home Collection. This extra-soft microfiber set is a cozy option that comes in an array of vibrant colors that will easily blend into any décor. Embroidered and double-brushed for premium comfort, this beloved four-piece set makes for an easy way to stay warm without breaking the bank.
Promising review: “Bought these sheets back in November, after we got a new, king-sized bed. They were sooooo inexpensive that I almost didn’t buy them. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is, right? But there were enough positive reviews that I took a chance. And, wow, am I glad I did!! My husband and I love these sheets. They are soft and cool, exactly like we like them. They feel like my grandma’s 100% cotton sheets that are 30 years old, lol. They’re THAT soft. I waited to write this review until we’d had them for a few months, just to see how they wear after a few washings and they’re still as soft and smooth as they were the first time.“
- 100% double brushed bed sheets for premium comfort
- Fits mattresses up to 16″ deep
- Machine wash
Best Winter Sheets for Pet Hair
Threadmill Home Linen
Buy at Amazon, $92
We love cuddling up with our pets at night, but there’s one major downside to sharing your bed with your four-legged friend — pet hair. If your pooch or feline’s fur is getting in the way of a good night’s sleep, pick up a set of 100 percent natural linen sheets, like this one from Threadmill Home Linen. Imported and made from tightly-woven organic cotton, this 800 thread count set is perfect for animal lovers, since it will be difficult for fur to stick to. It’s also machine-washable in the case of an accident.
Promising review: “These sheets are excellent! I’m weird about my sheets. I will spend all of my money on the right sheet set, and I have before. After reading the reviews I thought I should give these a try. I can say these are the best sheets I’ve ever owned and the cheapest I’ve ever purchased! These will forever be my sheets! Love them! Soft. Thick. Cool. Crisp. Great quality!“
- 100% Extra-long staple cotton
- Breathable with satiny feel and finish
- Safe for sensitive skin
Best Cotton Winter Sheets
The Green Farmer Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Buy at Amazon, $80
A staple in most people’s homes, it’s hard not to love cotton sheets, and this 300 thread count set from The Green Farmer is a shining example of why they’re essential. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, this set is soft, durable, and perfect for couples, as it will never be too warm or too cold for either sleeper thanks to its natural temperature-regulating abilities. To top it all off, this set is expertly tailored and ethically sourced, making it a purchase you can be proud of.
Promising review: “I am thrilled with these sheets — they are everything the product description says and more. They are extremely soft and silky and were a great buy! Over the years I’ve become picky about sheets and when I found these I was quite happy. They are very well made. SO glad they are organic, high quality and not expensive. The green color is pleasant. My new favorite sheets!“
- 100% Global Organic Textile Standard
- 300 Thread Count
- Machine wash
Best Sheets for Winter
Mellanni Bed Sheet Set
Buy at Amazon, $32
Finding the best sheets for winter was no easy feat, but this microfiber sheet set from Mellanni ticked all of our boxes. Warm, yet breathable? Check. Wrinkle- and stain- resistant? Check. Available in a variety of sizes and colors? Check. Did we mention it also rings in at less than $30? Clearly, this silky-soft, imported four-piece set is a must-have during the colder months, and its nearly 50,000 five-star reviews show customers feel the same way.
Promising review: “I was afraid they’d be too cold for winter, but they’re softer and warmer than any high-end flannel sheets I’ve ever had. And they keep my feet warm, too, something flannel sheets just couldn’t do.”
- Made of the highest quality microfiber
- Fade, stain, shrink and wrinkle resistant
- Machine wash
Best Sheets for Winter for Sensitive Skin
Cariloha Classic Bamboo Sheets
Buy at Amazon, $239
One of the biggest challenges for those with sensitive skin is shopping for bedding. Between allergies and skin irritations from certain chemicals found in commercial linens, options can be limited. This classic sheet set from Cariloha is made from 100 percent viscose bamboo, however, making it a hypoallergenic, green-clean option that will keep your skin calm as you sleep. Breathable and twice as soft as cotton, this four-piece moisture-wicking pick is a non-irritating way to stay comfy and cozy.
Promising review: “Just purchased our third set of Cariloha sheets, and we love them! They are incredibly soft and stay cool throughout the night. We will never go back to cotton!“
- Twill Weave construction
- Thermal regulating
- 100% Viscose from Bamboo
Bed Silk Winter Bed Sheets
Orose Charmeuse Mulberry Silk Sheet Set
Buy at Amazon, $569
Much ado has been made about the anti-aging benefits of silk pillowcases, but did you know that silk is also a fantastic fabric for warmth during winter? While many think of silk as a thin material, its heating powers shouldn’t be underestimated. As we stated above, much like heaver fabrics, silk has the ability to trap and retain heat, making it remarkably well-suited for winter. Pick up this four-piece Orose set made from 100 percent hypoallergenic mulberry silk — the highest quality available — for an incredibly cozy and luxe slumber.
Promising review: “Absolutely SPLENDID sheets! I can’t believe I waited so long to purchase a set! Soft, smooth, lightweight, and yet they retain your body heat-but they’re not hot. Move your leg and it’s like ‘the cool side of the pillow’. I love them. I did not want to get out of bed. It may be a splurge, but I rationalized it like this-I’ll pay a dollar a night to sleep on these sheets (full size set).“
- Handmade silk is pure and smooth
- Naturally hypoallergenic long-fiber silk
- Machine washable
