We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Perfect for matching holiday cards or cozying up around the fireplace during colder months, flannel pajamas are a cozy winter must have. Flannel refers to a woven fabric made from cotton, wool or polyester that's brushed for a soft-to-the-touch feel. Although flannel pajamas come in a variety of colors and styles, many flannel PJs are available in popular plaid or checkered patterns. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab puts all types of pajamas to the test, evaluating comfort, fit, fabric strength, washability and more. Our textiles pros are constantly researching the top sleepwear and loungewear brands to find the best styles for you based on in Lab testing, tester feedback and online reviews. Shop below for the best winter flannel pajamas to buy now:
Pros
- Excellent Lab performance
- High softness rating from testers
- Option to add a monogram
Cons
- Some reviewers noticed shedding
Ideal for cold weather, this brushed cotton pajama set from L.L. impressed our fiber scientists by outperforming other flannels. It held up well in Lab evaluations and our testers rated these PJs softer than average. Available in regular, petite, tall and plus sizing, this size inclusive style has the option to add a monogram for just $8 extra.
Pros
- Available in classic patterns as well as more unique options
- 100% cotton material
- Thousands of rave Amazon reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers note there was slight shrinkage after washing
For around $30 for a set, this high quality 100% cotton flannel PJ set has a classic look, available in over 25 colors and patterns. Loving the "comfortable and cozy" material, this pajama set has over 4,000 rave Amazon reviews.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable material, according to reviewers
- Amazingly affordable price
- Six color options
Cons
- Not designed for super cold weather
For a pair of ultra-soft flannel pants, this pair of Amazon Essentials is just $15 — a total steal! With over 2,200 rave reviews on Amazon, reviewers love these pajama bottoms with many saying they ordered multiple colors. These PJ bottoms are made with 100% cotton and a simple drawstring for your ultimate no-frills lounge pants.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- GOTS certified organic cotton
- Shorts and a short sleeve top
- Fair Trade Certified factory
Cons
- Only available in plaid
If you want to embrace the winter spirit, but live in a warmer area, these short flannel PJs from Pact are ideal. Available in three plaid colors, the organic cotton fabric has a soft feel that's still lightweight. Our pros love that this brand uses a Fair Trade Certified factory, meaning the factory employees have safe working conditions, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protections and there's no tolerance for child labor or harassment of any kind.
Pros
- 13 style options with picks for infants, kids, dolls and pets
- Purchase each item separately for ultimate customization
- Reviewers love the cozy, soft material
Cons
- Only available in two colors
- Some styles are made with cotton and some are made with polyester
SleepytimePJs has a ton of options to build a matching pajama set for the whole family, a great option if you're looking for matching family PJs for Christmas. Each piece is sold separately, so everyone has a style they love that's sure to fit. Plus, this pick even has matching styles for children's dolls and the family dog too.
6
Best Flannel Shorts and T-Shirt Set
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Flannel Short and Cotton T-Shirt Sleep Set
Pros
- Best of both worlds with flannel bottoms and jersey cotton top
- Affordable price
- Reviewers love the loose fit that's not constricting
Cons
- Some reviewers found the bottoms to run large
If you want to wear soft flannel all year long, this Amazon Essentials sleep set is ideal: it includes a jersey T-shirt and 100% cotton flannel shorts. Reviewers love the "loose and lightweight" fit with many saying they're the "perfect pajamas!" Plus, at such an affordable price, you'll want a set in every pattern.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Over 4,000 rave Amazon reviews
- Great color and pattern options
- Cozy brushed cotton material
Cons
- Reviewers note some shrinkage after laundering
Available in nearly 40 different color and pattern options including holiday and animal prints, this pick from PajamaMania has a style for everyone. Reviewers love the soft brushed 100% cotton fabric. Some reviewers note shrinkage if the care instructions aren't followed exactly.
Pros
- Size options up to a 4X with petite options
- 100% brushed cotton fabric
- Eight patterns available
Cons
- Much softer after the first wash
Up to a 4X with petite options, these flannel pajamas are available in chic floral patterns if you want a more unique look. The cozy brushed cotton fabric feels "comfortable and warm," according to reviewers.
Pros
- Uses organic materials
- Chic print options
- Thick and warm fabric
Cons
- Reviewers say they run a bit tight in the waist and bust areas
Made with 100% organic cotton, these luxe flannel pajamas from Garnet Hill are sure to impress. Reviewers especially love how thick and warm this pair is, perfect for ski trips or colder nights. With elegant features like a notched collar and front patch pocket, this high quality pair is worth the investment.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- One-piece jumpsuit
- Lightweight cotton/polyester material
- Reviewers rave about its appearance
Cons
- Thinner fabric
Extra coziness! This one-piece flannel jumpsuit keeps you warm without feeling stuffy, thanks to the cotton/polyester material. Available in a variety of plaid colors, reviewers loved the look, saying it's "Instagram worthy," but note that the fabric is on the thinner side.
11
Best Flannel Pajamas with Socks
#followme Printed Microfleece Button Front PJ Pant Set with Socks
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Extra fuzzy microfleece material
- Very warm design
- Thick material
Cons
- Many reviewers recommend going up a size
This microfleece set from #followme comes with a pair of fuzzy socks for the ultimate lounging experience. Currently only available in red and black buffalo plaid, these PJ's have a fuzzy feel that reviewers love, saying they're "thick, soft and warm."
Pros
- Full coverage nightgown
- Reviewers love that this pick stays vibrant wash after wash
- Soft cotton fabric
Cons
- Brand notes that this nightgown is designed to run a bit larger
Stay completely covered while enjoying the comfy feel of a nightgown with this nearly floor length and long sleeve flannel pick from PajamaGram. With over 2,600 Amazon reviews, reviewers love the roomy fit and that it stays in great condition after laundering with one saying "the colors are still bright like brand new!"
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Petite and plus sizing options
- Cotton flannel with super soft polyester lining
- Reviewers rave that it offers impressive warmth
Cons
- Only available in two colors
As the temperature drops, a sherpa lined robe is the ultimate cozy investment. With a cotton outer and soft polyester fleece interior, this robe is best suited to wear as an added layer over pajamas when you're cold, instead of right out of the shower.
Pros
- Regular, petite and tall size options
- Roomy fit
- 10 color options
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the sleeves were looser
A nightshirt is a great option if you prefer a nightgown without all the bulk. This crisp nightshirt from Lands' End is made with brushed cotton flannel for a cozy feel. Available in regular, petite and tall sizing up to a 3X, reviewers love this pick's loose fit.
Pros
- Chic look
- Heathered cotton yarns for soft feel
- Reviewers love the huge pockets
Cons
- Pricey
If you love the feel of flannel pajamas, but don't love the classic plaid look, these flannel pajama pants from Coyuchi are ideal. Made with ultra soft organic cotton, this pick has a chic look that you could even wear out the door.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Cozy cotton material
- Unisex
- Velcro butt flap
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the foot pads were more durable
Pajamas with built-in feet are the ultimate warm option. This unisex style from Big Feet Pajama Co is made with double-brushed cotton for a fuzzier feel. Because of the loose fit, reviewers rave that they didn't have any issues finding the right size for them.
Pros
- Impressively smooth rayon/polyester fabric
- Great for all season wear
- Reviewers love that the bottoms have pockets
Cons
- Not as warm as other picks
- Limited sizing available
If you're looking for flannel pajamas that are soft but not overly warm, this set from Eddie Bauer is made with super smooth rayon/polyester blend fabric. Most flannel pajamas are made with brushed cotton, which is warmer, but sometimes has a scratchy feel. This set is currently available in only two color options.
Pros
- Pockets
- Cotton/modal materials
- Menswear look designed to fit women
Cons
- Currently final sale
Boxer shorts are perfect for at home lounging as they're cozy without being too hot or constricting. This set from J.Crew includes a corresponding tank top for a complete look. Did we mention these shorts have pockets too?!
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Convenient kangaroo pocket
- Size inclusive
Cons
- Follow care instructions closely to prevent shrinkage
This pajama set has a hoodie on top instead of a typical flannel top. Easy to pair with other layers, this hoodie helps make this one of the warmest picks in the round-up. Available up to a 3X with tall and petitie sizing, reviewers rave that they have a "perfect fit." Make sure to follow the care instructions closely for best results.
Pros
- Chic houndstooth pattern
- Brushed twill for soft feel
- Cotton/viscose blend feels smooth
Cons
- Pricey
Ralph Lauren's brushed twill sleep set is popular for combining the cozy feel of flannel PJ's with a classier look. This pair is made with a cotton/viscose blend fabric for a soft, lightweight and smooth feel. The subtle houndstooth pattern really sets this style apart!
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.