It’s officially fall, which means it’s time to bring out the flannel comforters, put on flannel sheets, and get comfy for the cooler evenings. Breathable, yet still warm. Soft, but still fuzzy. Flannel is the perfect cold-weather fabric to bundle up in. Keep reading for an introduction to a favorite old-school fabric and how you can use it to brace yourself for the winter.

In this guide:
What Is Flannel?
Flannel vs. Plaid
Why Switch to Flannel in the Fall?
Maintaining Flannel
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Flannel?

Flannel is a soft, loosely woven fabric usually made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Because flannel is made from loosely woven yarn, it tends to have more air pockets, which makes it more insulating than most fabrics used for bedding and clothing. It also has a thicker weave than most fabrics – making it perfect for the cooler months. Flannel is often brushed to create a fuzzy texture that is super soft.

Flannel vs. Plaid

Flannel is often confused with plaid. The main difference is that flannel is a type of fabric that is created to provide softness and comfort, whereas plaid is simply a pattern that can be reproduced on any fabric like bed sheets or clothing. While it’s popular for plaid apparel to be made from flannel, not all plaid is flannel. However, it is common for plaid to be printed on blankets, shirts, quilts, and sheets made of flannel.

Why Switch to Flannel in the Fall?

There is nothing more comfortable and cozy than switching to flannel bed sheets as the weather cools down. Flannel sheets are the epitome of warmth, and adding a flannel comforter or duvet cover simply changes the game. Flannel sheets provide the ultimate level of softness and make snuggling in bed feel even more plush. Finally, flannel fabric is super convenient in terms of care and maintenance, which is always a plus!

Maintaining Flannel

Flannel gets softer as it gets older, which makes it low maintenance and a great value. While you don’t need to wash your flannel products too often, when you do, you can simply wash them in the washer with cold water and tumble-dry on low heat for the best and longest-lasting results.