How to Choose the Warmest Winter Sheets
The best sheets for winter warmth are crafted from breathable materials that keep you cozy but comfortable, even when the season’s chill sets in. Velvety flannel, stretchy jersey knit, or silky sateen—our high-quality sheets set the best foundation for a sumptuous winter bed. Whether you’re a hot sleeper craving light but cozy comfort or are looking for the best way to chase away bedtime shivers, this guide to choosing winter sheets will help you find the best linens for seasonal layering.
What Are the Warmest Sheets for Winter?
When choosing winter sheets, consider factors such as how they’ll feel against your skin, the level of insulation they provide, and how breathable the materials are. When in doubt, look for high-quality sheets made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, which are more likely than synthetic alternatives to keep you warm without overheating.
Ready to snuggle up? Here are our picks for the top three softest, warmest winter sheets.
1. Flannel Sheets
Flannel is practically synonymous with warm, cozy style—and for good reason. When it comes to winter sleep, the benefits of flannel sheets mean this material can’t be beat.
- Flannel sheets feel great. Woven cotton fabric is brushed for snuggle-up softness, creating that fuzzy texture we all love.
- Flannel sheets keep you warm. The raised yarns (nap) created by brushing help flannel sheets trap heat close to your body, so you can stay warm and cozy all night long.
- Finish options make flannel sheets even better. Velvet flannel sheets are made from combed cotton that’s been extra brushed and garment washed for an indulgent, irresistible hand.
2. Jersey Knit Sheets
Not just for kids’ rooms and college dorms: Jersey knit sheets are soft, stretchy, and super snuggly, earning them second place in our list of warm options for winter nights.
- Close-knit jersey keeps you warm. Jersey knit’s tightly knit structure traps warm air close to your body so you stay cozy all night long. To prevent overheating, steer clear of synthetic options and look for breathable cotton jersey sheets instead.
- Jersey sheets exemplify coziness. A knit—not woven—construction makes jersey sheets stretchy and soft like your favorite t-shirt, offering lived-in comfort perfect for cuddling up on cold nights.
3. Sateen Sheets
While not as warm as flannel or jersey knit, sateen sheets can be suitable for winter, especially when layered with other warm and cozy bedding. Look for sateen sheets made from a blend of cotton and bamboo rayon or TENCEL™ Lyocell to capitalize on those materials’ thermal-regulating abilities.
- High-thread count sateen offers just-right weight. Cotton sateen sheets with a thread count between 300 and 600 keep you cozy on cold nights; the higher the thread count, the warmer the sheets.
- Sateen sheets are smooth like butter. Silky soft and oh-so-luxurious, cotton sateen is made with a four-over-one-under weave that makes it feel incredibly, indulgently smooth.
- Sateen is great for layering. Because it’s not as warm as other winter sheet fabrics, cotton sateen is an ideal base for layering a cozy bed, especially for hot or moderate sleepers. Add other bedding in a range of weights to customize your comfort, no matter the temperature.
Things to Consider When Choosing Winter Sheets
Beyond fabric type, consider these other factors when choosing warm bed sheets:
- Breathability: Even the coldest sleepers can wake up sweaty if their sheets don’t allow ample airflow. Breathable fabrics, like those woven or knit from cotton and other natural fibers, should help keep you comfortable all night long.
- Thread Count: It’s true that higher thread count sheets (like sateen) are warmer than lower thread count options, but loosely woven fabrics are also more breathable. For this reason, percale sheets may be perfect for hot sleepers, even in winter months.
- Sleep Temperature: If you sleep hot, look for winter sheets that help regulate your body temperature. Loosely woven linen sheets are a popular choice for hot sleepers in cold weather because natural thermal-regulating properties wick away moisture and help perspiration evaporate into the air.
Beyond the Sheets: Tips for Making a Cozy Winter Bed
Sheets are only one element of a well-made bed—but luckily, this is our area of expertise. Follow these tips to make sure you have a cozy, comfortable space to sleep all winter long:
Create a Warming Foundation
Naturally insulating and oh-so-soft, a down featherbed or wool mattress pad instantly ups the cozy factor of your bed. Still not warm enough? A heated layer allows you to personalize your comfort by setting the perfect temperature; our Queen- and King-size heating mattress pads have dual controls, so you and your partner can both remain comfortable, all night long.
Layer, Layer, Layer
The secret to cozy winter sleep is a perfectly layered bed. Top your sheets with a blanket, comforter or duvet, and quilt made in favorite winter fabrics. Velvet, flannel, wool, and fleece are all popular options for keeping you warm on cold nights. The more layers, the warmer the bed—and the easier it’ll be to adjust your comfort overnight, without having to crawl out of your cozy cocoon.
Don't Overlook Your Environment
Many non-bedding factors can influence overnight comfort just as much as your sheets. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, choose warm and cozy sleepwear made from breathable materials, or place a heating pad or hot water bottle in your bed a bit before you go to sleep. When it comes to your environment, a little extra attention can go a long way in making sure you’re plenty warm through winter’s chill.
Don’t focus solely on comfort when choosing winter sheets: Opt for exclusive prints that add festive style, or switch things up with solid-color sheets that echo the season’s shorter, darker days. When you intentionally layer your bed with high-quality sheets and other warm, cozy bedding, you can snuggle up and stay comfortable all winter long. For more tips on choosing bedding, explore our other Guides.