Adding a fleece bedding set to your sleep setup is the secret to drifting off feeling cozier than ever, pros say, especially as bitter temperatures continue to bite across large swathes of the US.
Between indoor drafts and high energy costs, it can be tricky to keep warm while you sleep, but what you can always make better use of is your body's heat. You already trap it under a duvet or comforter, but at night, the other half of your body's warmth is wasted, disappearing down into your mattress.
That's why an Amazon Basics Micromink Bedding Set, available at Amazon, is an affordable, ultra-soft, and heat-trapping pick that will only set you back $50, but keep you feeling cozier than ever.
Trapping Heat Under You at Night Means Extra Comfort and Warmth
In winter, my secret to staying cozy and warm at night is simple: My bed is never without a fleecy, cozy bedding set, perfectly placed to help me avoid any cold-weather sleeping mistakes.
HVAC experts told us recently that much of your body's natural heat is lost at night through the mattress, which is why adding fleece bedding can be a way to stay warm if your boiler breaks or your furnace is out.
Instead of your body heat sinking straight into your mattress and dissipating, it is largely trapped between the little fleecy fibers of the sheet underneath you. This creates a you-shaped insulator with next-to-no effort.
And while you can make existing bedding feel warmer, as Sleep editor, I'd argue that it's usually best to invest in one super warm set that you can use throughout the colder months, and swap it out come spring.
I always recommend going for a brushed cotton finish, something like the Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set, counted among the best bed sheets we've tested for winter warmth, but these more luxurious picks certainly don't come cheap.
That's why, if you're on a budget, the Amazon Basics Bedding Set, available at Amazon, is perfect.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This soft and cozy bedding set includes two pillow shams and a reversible, fluffy comforter. It's available in seven colors and patterns, but the green plaid, which costs only $6.99 more, is my personal favorite, and taps into the popular Ralph Lauren aesthetic. It is produced in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 facility, which means that all the materials have been tested and verified harmless, free of chemicals, and safe for human health.
Filled with a plush down-alternative, it provides warmth and comfort all season long, and will make your bed look as cozy as it feels, too. The benefits of down-alternative bedding are that it's suitable for allergy sufferers and those looking to shop cruelty-free. It's also easier to wash and care for, and far more budget-friendly than traditional down options.
It is also easy to wash, dry, and care for this comforter, as it's both machine washable and dryer friendly, with reinforced box stitching to prevent the filling from shifting. This is particularly important as turning up the radiator might leave you cold as you fall asleep, but sweating when you wake. You can also air out your bedding to combat this in between washes.
Why Shoppers Love This Fleecy Set
The easy-to-wash feature is something that verified shopper Luis picks up on in their five-star review, titled 'Soft Warmth for Cold Nights.'
'This bedding set with faux mink fleece and sherpa backing is perfect for cold weather or low-heated rooms,' they write. 'It’s ultra-soft on both sides, and the down-alternative fill keeps warmth in without feeling heavy. The reversible design lets you switch up the look, and the stitching holds up well.
'Even after several washes, it keeps its texture and shape. No clumping or loss of loft. A practical choice for anyone who wants comfort, warmth, and simple style.'
Another reviewer, Rickybobby, notes, 'It's not velvet, but it's a million times better than that! This was such a great purchase, especially for the winter months. If I could make money sleeping in these sheets all day, I'd do it. But life is not so.
This shopper also notes that at this price point, it's a 'steal' and they're grateful they took the plunge, adding, 'As soon as I put it on my bed and used it the first night, I slept so well. It keeps the temperature comfortable and steady throughout the night, not to mention how soft it is...Highly recommend.'
The only thing that a few reviews mention is that it may not be suitable if you live with pets, as the fleece can cling to fur and dander, But if you're able to keep any furry friends off the bed, you'll stay comfortable all winter long.
Shop My Edit of Winter Bedding Essentials
This highly-rated fleecy, furry bedding set boasts over 48,000 five-star reviews, washes well, and will keep you warm all winter long. I swear by my fleece bedding, and this is an affordable option if you're on a tighter budget.
I don't know how I'd get through the winter without my hot water bottle. This one is durable, so you won't need to worry about any leaks, and it can be used cold in the summer. I love the classic knitted cover, which is available in six colors.
This clever heated mattress pad features fast and consistent heating, with 10 heating levels and 12 time settings for customizable coziness. It's also energy-saving, and the default eight-hour auto shut-off prevents it from overheating.
This fluffy bedspread is soft, stylish, and available in three colors. When dressing a bed for winter, layering a blanket like this is an easy way to add warmth without any heavier bedding options.
You might still need a little extra boost of warmth to keep your bedroom warm. This compact heater is adjustable between 41-95° Fahrenheit, and is perfect for bedrooms with a quiet operation of just 34 decibels.
I tested this comforter late last year, and I still have it on my bed now, as I was so impressed by how warm it kept me. Its 2-in-1 clever design means you can adapt it for use in spring and summer, too.
And, if you're still cold, adding a heated mattress pad is a brilliant way to bolster your bedding.
