Around the holidays, many people switch from light and bright summer bedding to the warmth and coziness of flannel sheets. Cold autumn nights require cushy and comfortable sleep environments, and flannel is a fabric that practically stays warm even when you’re out of the bed.  An interesting side note is that flannel sheets are not just for winter.  Most people do not realize it, but flannel sheets act as a great insulator during warm winter months as well.  Just be sure to purchase a lightweight flannel and you can experience the comfort of flannels all year round.

Flannel is a woven fabric made out of wool or cotton and it is easier to snuggle with on chilly nights than silk or sateen. Depending on the weight of the fabric, flannel sheets are relatively inexpensive when budget shopping for great winter bedding. The weight also determines if the sheets will “pill” after years of wear.  If pilling occurs, wash your sheets in white vinegar and the pilling should be removed.

Don’t think of flannel as the same material mountain foresters or grunge rock stars wear and figure it is too scratchy for slumber. Always check to see if the material is really flannel, or if its flannelette. Flannelette is used to make those bulky shirts in the funky patterns and actual flannel sheets come in an array of colors and hues to match any boudoir and reflect any style.

Depending on the retailer where the fabric is purchased may determine if you get pilling. Splurge a little on softer brushed flannel sheets for a more comforting night sleep.  Be sure to search Internet retailers or auction sites for the best prices on discounted flannel sheets.  Local retailers offer the best prices during off seasons, but around the holiday shopping season you can also find great prices on flannels.

Know the size of your bed

You may think that this is a trivial matter but often people do forget such minor details. It will be so silly if we go shopping for bed sheets without even knowing the size of our bed. Measure every single dimension of your bed and that include the width, length and height. This will ensure that the bed sheets you bought could cover the entire bed properly. If you happen to buy a bed sheet that is slightly smaller than your bed, you will realize that the side of the bed is revealed and it is very ugly if you are a perfectionist like me. So, remember to check on the size of your bed and write it on a piece of paper.

Know the type of comfort you want

If you are buying the bed sheets for yourself, you should know what type of material suits you. For example, if you like to have a smooth and slippery feeling when you lie down on your bed, then the silk or satin bed sheets are most suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a simple and easy to maintain bed sheets, then the typical cotton sheets will do. At the same time, do factor in the thread count into your buying consideration. In fact, I do recommend getting one that is above 300 thread count for comfort. However, if you are staying in a location whereby it is usually cold throughout the years, then getting flannel sheets are the best option.

Know the type of laundering

There are several ways in which you could clean your bed sheets and it includes machine and dry wash. If you happen to throw the dry-washed bed sheets into your washing machine, you will realize that it will shrink in size and most probably couldn’t fit into your bed anymore. Be careful on this and always make sure that you read the washing instructions.

I hope these few tips here could help you when purchasing your new set of bedding. At the end of the day, choose one that you really like and yet is suitable for use. But a gentle reminder for those who stayed in the cold region, your best choice would be to get a set of comfortable flannel sheets to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night.