Brushed cotton is ordinary woven cotton that has been passed over fine brushes to lift the surface fibres. This gives it a soft, slightly fuzzy feel that traps a layer of warm air next to your skin. In UK bedding, brushed cotton and flannelette are the same fabric: "flannelette" is the traditional name, and "brushed cotton" is the one most shops use today.

We cut and sew our brushed cotton bedding in our Lancashire factory from 100% cotton, at around 175gsm, in white or cream. Shop all brushed cotton bedding.

What is brushed cotton?

Brushed cotton starts as a normal woven cotton cloth. During finishing, the fabric runs over rollers covered in fine wire brushes. These tease out the ends of the cotton fibres and raise a soft "nap" on the surface.

That raised surface does two things:

  • It feels warm the moment you get into bed. Smooth cotton feels cool to the touch, but brushed cotton feels soft and cosy straight away.
  • It holds warm air. The tiny fibres create small air pockets, so the sheet keeps the heat your body gives off instead of letting it escape.

Because it is still 100% cotton, it stays breathable. That's the big difference from fleece or polyester "teddy" bedding, which can leave you hot and clammy.

Is brushed cotton the same as flannelette?

Yes. In UK bedding, flannelette is brushed cotton. Shoppers tend to search for "flannelette sheets" and "brushed cotton duvet covers", but it's the same cloth. You can read more about the name in our guide: What is flannelette?

"Flannel" is a little different. Traditionally, flannel was woven from wool. In the US, "flannel sheets" usually means brushed cotton, but in the UK flannel can also mean wool or a synthetic blend.

Brushed cottonFlanneletteFlannel
Made fromCottonCottonTraditionally wool; sometimes cotton or synthetic
FinishBrushed for a soft, raised surfaceBrushed for a soft, raised surfaceBrushed or napped
Name mostly used forDuvet covers, bedding setsSheetsShirts, blankets, US bedding
Breathable?YesYesDepends on the fibre

Is brushed cotton warm?

Yes, noticeably warmer than standard cotton sheets. Most people notice it the first night, especially in a cold bedroom. A brushed cotton fitted sheet underneath you makes a big difference, because the bottom sheet is where most warmth is lost into a cold mattress.

For the warmest bed, pair brushed cotton sheets with a higher-tog duvet. See our UK-made duvets, available in every tog from 2.5 to 15.

Is brushed cotton breathable? Does it make you sweat?

Brushed cotton is breathable because it's pure cotton. It absorbs moisture and lets air through. Most people find it doesn't make them sweat the way polyester fleece does. If you're a very hot sleeper, though, a crisp percale or cool cotton sheet may suit you better in the warmer months.

Brushed cotton vs regular cotton

Brushed cottonRegular (unbrushed) cotton
FeelSoft, slightly fuzzy, warm to the touchSmooth and crisp (percale) or silky (sateen)
WarmthWarmer: traps airCooler
Best forAutumn and winter, cold bedrooms, people who feel the coldAll year, warm sleepers
BreathableYesYes

Many customers keep one set of each: brushed cotton from October to March, and a smooth cotton set for spring and summer.

Is brushed cotton good for summer?

It can be too warm on hot summer nights for most people. That said, because it breathes, it's far more comfortable than synthetic winter bedding. Some people who always feel the cold use it all year. If you share a bed with a warm sleeper, a brushed cotton fitted sheet with a lighter duvet is a good compromise.

Does brushed cotton bobble?

Brushed cotton can shed a little fluff and form a few small bobbles in the first washes, because the raised fibres are loose at the surface. You can keep it soft and smooth by:

  • washing at 40°C with a gentle detergent;
  • not overloading the machine, and using a lower spin speed;
  • tumble drying on low, or line drying (high heat roughens the fibres and can cause shrinkage);
  • avoiding washing it with towels or anything with zips or Velcro.

Looked after this way, brushed cotton gets softer with every wash.

Our brushed cotton bedding

All our plain brushed cotton is 100% cotton, around 175gsm, in white or cream, and cut and sewn in our Lancashire factory.

Not sure which depth to choose? Measure your mattress from the top seam to the bottom seam, including any topper, and pick that depth. We add extra fabric for the tuck. Our fitted sheet depth guide explains more.

Frequently asked questions

Is brushed cotton the same as flannelette?

Yes. In the UK, flannelette and brushed cotton are two names for the same fabric: cotton brushed to raise a soft, warm surface.

Is brushed cotton bedding good?

For colder months, yes. It's soft, warm and breathable, and as it's pure cotton it washes well and softens over time.

Is brushed cotton 100% cotton?

Ours is. Some cheaper brushed bedding is a polycotton blend, so check the label. Pure cotton breathes better and feels softer.

Is brushed cotton warmer than cotton?

Yes. The brushed surface traps warm air, so it feels warmer to the touch and keeps more heat in than smooth cotton.

Does brushed cotton shrink?

All cotton can shrink a little if washed or dried too hot. Wash at 40°C and tumble dry on low to keep shrinkage to a minimum.

Can I use brushed cotton all year?

Many people who feel the cold do. Most switch to a smooth cotton set in summer.

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