Flannel sheets have up to quite recently had a rather drab reputation. While a bad reputation is certainly not a good thing, when it comes to just about everything, elegance and style wins over dull and conventional. Elegant prints, rich plaids and sophisticated colors now offer an alternative to the cutsie patterns of the recent flannel sheet past. Jolly snowmen and penguins toting candy are okay, but there are other dazzling alternatives bursting to fit around your bed!
Do you know what flannel actually is? According to Cotton Incorporated, an American trade group, flannel is defined as:
“A soft, medium weight, plain or twill weave fabric, usually made of cotton with a napped finish on one or both sides. The raised surface provides a fluffy appearance and super soft, cozy feel.”
Author, Cheryl Mendleson, in her book, Home Comforts: the Art & Science of Keeping House has her own theory as to why cotton flannel sheets are so desirable. She says:
“Cotton flannel sheets feel warmer than regular sheets because they have a fuzzy surface that traps air. They also don’t have that initial icy feeling that is so unpleasant in a cold bedroom.”
Flannel sheets are popular but they are not for everyone. Consider the words of Janet Wetter, a Buffalo resident and development manager for Western New York Heritage Press:
“l hate them. They are too sticky for me; your nightgown sticks to them. There are definitely two distinct camps. I think most of my family is non-flannel.”
It is also not uncommon for sleeping partners to disagree about flannel. One may find flannel sheets warm and cozy while the other is as uncomfortable as if he or she were sleeping in a sauna. This prevalent occurrence precipitated the invention of the Split Sheet invented by David Haggerty of Tacoma, Washington. Featured for sale on QVC, these sheets and accompanying pillow cases are split down the center with cotton on one half; polar fleece (rather than flannel) on the other.
Flannel may not be for everyone but if it is for you, there are now many more options available than there ever were before.
Nighty cozy night!
This article was published on Saturday 20 December, 2008.
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