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Best Flannel Pajamas
Flannel pajamas are a cozy addition to your sleep wardrobe. The best flannel pajamas insulate heat on chilly nights, breathe well during warmer times of the year, and retain softness over time. Most flannel pajama sellers offer a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types.
Few materials are better suited for cold, wintry weather than flannel. Many people rely on flannel sheets to stay warm and properly insulated on chilly nights. Wearing flannel pajamas to bed enhances coziness, which may be essential when temperatures drop to extreme levels.
Flannel is a woven fabric commonly made from polyester, cotton, or wool. The material is usually produced with a plain or twill weave, and has a characteristically fuzzy feel that comes from brushing the fibers.
The Best Flannel Pajamas
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Best Overall
L.L.Bean Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas
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Best Value
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set with Shorts
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Best for Men
L.L.Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas
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Best for Kids
The Company Store Family Flannel Kids’ Classic Pajama Set
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
L.L.Bean Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas
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Available in many different sizes and patterns, the L.L.Bean Women’s Scotch Plaid Pajamas have a design to suit most body types and personal tastes. All two-piece sets are composed of brushed Portuguese cotton flannel, resulting in a balance of softness, coziness, and breathability.
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Who it’s best for
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People who frequently feel too cold in bed
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Those who prefer two-piece pajama sets
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Shoppers seeking an extensive size and pattern selection
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Highlights
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Portuguese cotton flannel is brushed for an exceptionally soft and cozy feel
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Wide range of size options to fit different body types
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Returns accepted within one year of purchase
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Price
$79
The Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas from L.L.Bean are, in many ways, the quintessential flannel pajama set. The top and bottom are composed of flannel from Portuguese cotton, a material renowned for natural softness, and the fibers are brushed multiple times to enhance this quality. You can also choose from seven classic tartan patterns. The fabric is yarn-dyed, so the colors should remain bold and resist fading over time.
The two-piece set consists of a button-front top constructed for a loose fit, and slip-on bottoms with an elastic waist and drawstring closure. This pajama set offers a selection of five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, as well as regular, petite, plus, and tall styles. A full size chart on L.L.Bean allows you to pinpoint which size will fit best. Optional monogramming is available for an extra fee.
You can wash and dry the pajamas in household machines for quick, easy care. The fabric may shrink a bit after the first laundry cycle, so you may want to consider a slightly oversized set. L.L.Bean allows customers to try out the Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas for up to one year before deciding whether to keep, return, or exchange them. This trial period is considerably long compared to other online pajama sellers.
Best Value
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set with Shorts
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The Women’s Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set with Shorts from Amazon Essentials is a great option for sleepers who want soft pajamas that won’t cause overheating. A wide range of sizes ensures most shoppers can find a comfortable fit.
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Who it’s best for
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People who prefer a button-down pajama top
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Hot sleepers
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Shoppers with tight budgets
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Highlights
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Both the shirt and shorts are composed of soft natural cotton
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Comfortable on warm nights when you need minimal insulation
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Available in six different sizes and multiple color schemes
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While many equate flannel pajamas with being warm and cozy, this two-piece set from Amazon Essentials is well-suited to warm weather. These affordable pajamas, consisting of a button-down top and drawstring shorts, allow you to sleep fairly cool while still enjoying the softness of cotton flannel.
The set is available in six sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, and extra-extra large. The shirt and shorts are fully machine-washable. Since both pieces may shrink in the dryer, we recommend that you consider one size up from what you normally wear to promote a looser and cooler fit. You can choose from a handful of classic flannel patterns and colors.
Prices vary slightly by size and design, but all of these pajama sets have approachable price-points and come with free expedited shipping for Prime members. You may return the Women’s Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set with Shorts within 30 days of delivery.
Best For Men
L.L.Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas
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Handsomely crafted and supremely cozy, the L.L.Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas offer a comfortably loose fit for sleeping and excellent insulation on chilly nights. A generous size range means most shoppers can find a comfortable set regardless of their height or weight.
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Who it’s best for
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Those who need extra insulation for sleep
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People who prefer ultra-soft sleep clothes
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Shoppers seeking pajamas with a long trial period
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Highlights
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Long-staple cotton flannel is exceptionally soft, cozy, and durable
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Available in nine patterns and a wide range of sizes
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All orders include a 365-night trial perio
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Price
$79
L.L.Bean’s Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas are a nice counterpart to the women’s collection of the same name. This two-piece set features a button-front shirt and drawstring pants, both sized for a relaxed fit to make them comfortable for sleep. Both items are composed of flannel from long-staple cotton with a soft, cozy feel that delivers excellent insulation and exceptional durability. Yarn-dyed construction helps ensure the plaid patterns resist fading over time.
These pajamas are also practical thanks to chest and side pockets, a functional fly, and a cinchable drawstring. Nine handsome plaid designs are available. You can also choose from six sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-extra large, as well as regular, short, and tall styles based on your height. For a personal touch, you can add monogramming for an extra fee. Both of the set’s components may be machine washed and tumble dried.
The Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas are competitively priced and standard shipping is free of charge for all orders. L.L.Bean’s 365-night trial ensures ample time for sleeping in the pajamas and deciding if they’re right for you. Returns are accepted at any point during the trial period, even if you’ve opted for a monogrammed set.
Best for Kids
The Company Store Family Flannel Kids’ Classic Pajama Set
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The Company Store’s Family Flannel Kids’ Classic Pajama Set is comfy, easy to clean, and affordably priced. Kids will love the assortment of fun designs, and you can choose from nine different toddler’s and children’s sizes.
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Who it’s best for
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Toddlers and small children
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Parents with limited budgets
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Those who want to invest in personalized PJs for their kids
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Highlights
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Comfy set consists of a long-sleeve top and drawstring pants
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Brushed polyester flannel has an exceptionally soft hand-feel
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Available in a wide range of sizes and styles
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Price
$59
Kid-friendly pajamas are widely available, but few offer more bang for your buck than the Family Flannel Kids’ Classic Pajama Set from The Company Store. This two-piece combo features a long-sleeve, button-front shirt and drawstring pants composed of polyester flannel. The fabric is brushed to create an exceptionally soft and cozy feel, and a relaxed fit makes both components very comfortable for sleep.
If your child is a toddler, you can choose from 2T, 3T, and 4T sizes. The set is also available in six sizes for young children ranging between 5 and 16. Two plaid styles give the PJs a classic look, and you may also select one of three fun, kid-friendly prints. The set can be personalized for an additional fee. Both components are fully machine-washable for quick, easy care.
The Family Flannel Kids’ Classic Pajama Set is reasonably priced and The Company Store offers low shipping rates for customers in the contiguous U.S. Returns are accepted for non-personalized pajamas within 30 days of the original purchase.
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What to Look for in Flannel Pajamas
Flannel pajamas are great for people seeking pajamas that feel warmer and cozier than traditional cotton or polyester sleepwear without trapping too much heat. If you’re in the market for new pajamas and considering a flannel set, there are a few qualities to look out for during your search.
Warmth
Flannel pajamas that keep you warm may help you sleep more soundly if you tend to wake up shivering and hugging your body during the night. High-quality flannel is warmer than other pajama materials, resulting in exceptional coziness and insulation. Most flannels insulate heat well, though heavyweight flannel pajamas generally provide the most warmth.
The more a flannel weighs, the warmer it feels. You may want to consider heavyweight flannel pajamas for winter months when temperatures are at their lowest — especially if your local climate can be extreme during this time — while a lightweight or midweight pajama set may be more comfortable for year-round use.
Breathability
Natural wool typically produces the most breathable flannel pajamas. You may also benefit from wool flannel if you’re prone to night sweats, as this material has natural moisture-wicking properties. Cotton flannel is also fairly breathable, but does not provide as much moisture control.
Flannels made from polyester offer minimal airflow. As a result, they may trap heat and cause you to sweat in your sleep. Silk is a great alternative for people who sleep hot and is often chosen for its breathability in warmer weather.
Comfort
Anyone who enjoys soft, cozy sleepwear should find flannel pajamas comfortable. Flannel gets its softness from the brushing process after the fabric is woven.
Wool flannels tend to feel “fuzzier” than other flannels. If you dislike this texture, we recommend cotton flannels, as they usually feel smoother than their wool counterparts.
Patterns & Dyes
Traditional flannels feature tartan plaid or check patterns. Pajamas with these designs carry a classic heritage look complete like notch collars and bias-cut detailing. There are also plenty of flannel pajamas available in other prints and solid colors.
If the flannel is yarn-dyed, the colors won’t fade as quickly in the wash. However, all flannel patterns eventually fade over time. You can preserve bold colors by laundering your pajamas on a semi-frequent basis and using cold water and gentle detergent.
Inclusive Sizing
Most flannel pajamas are available in multiple sizes. These include options for different body types, usually ranging from extra small to extra large, as well as regular, petite, and tall sizes. Many pajama sellers also offer designs specifically designed for men and women, with the latter sized slightly smaller.
Be sure to consult size charts when available. These charts can help you narrow down which sizes will fit best. Also keep in mind that flannel pajamas are likely to shrink a bit, so you may want to consider a larger-than-normal size, especially if you prefer a looser fit.
What Is Flannel?
Flannel is a fabric that is woven and brushed to create a soft, cozy feel that provides excellent warmth and insulation. Traditional flannel from the British Isles, which dates back centuries, is produced using sheep’s wool. Some modern flannels are still made from wool, but other materials such as polyester and cotton are more frequently used nowadays.
Brushing is what sets flannel apart from other textiles. This process relaxes the fibers, resulting in the signature “fuzzy” texture many associate with flannel. Many manufacturers brush their flannel multiple times to achieve as soft a feel as possible. Flannels are usually produced with plain or twill weaves.
Who Are Flannel Pajamas Good For?
Flannel pajamas are best suited to people who prefer feeling warm and cozy in bed. Many need extra insulation to sleep comfortably when nighttime temperatures are low, but some people prefer the added warmth throughout the year.
Traditional flannel pajamas consist of long-sleeve, button-front shirts and pants with drawstring or button closures. These garments are often designed for a loose fit. If this sounds too bulky, flannel sleep shorts are also widely available.
If you prefer sleeping with minimal clothing or no clothing at all, flannel pajamas may feel too warm, but you could consider flannel sheets to get the benefit of the warmth without the constricting feeling of clothing.
How Much Do Flannel Pajamas Cost?
Most flannel pajama sets cost $40 to $100. High-end flannel pajamas may cost more, but you can also find many budget-friendly pajama sets below $40.
Expect to pay more for flannel pajamas made from high-end materials such as organic or long-staple cotton, merino wool, or cashmere. At the other end of the spectrum, polyester flannel sleep clothes tend to be the most affordable options. Prices also vary by seller, and established brands may charge higher prices than lesser-known competitors.
Flannel vs. Fleece Pajamas
Flannel is a woven fabric usually made from natural fibers such as wool or cotton. Fleece, on the other hand, is knit using synthetic materials like polyester. Fleece also has a thicker pile, so it feels plusher to the touch. Generally speaking, fleece sleeps warmer than flannel but traps more heat, making it less suited to sleeping on warm nights. Flannel is a better choice if you’re looking for pajamas you can use throughout the year.
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Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for more than five years.