Brushed Cotton vs Flannel: What Is the Difference?

Brushed Cotton, Flannel, Flannelette, Winceyette: What's the Difference?

If you've shopped for cosy fabric you'll have seen all of these names, often used for what looks like the same thing. That's because, in the UK, they mostly are. This guide clears up the confusion and helps you pick the right soft fabric for pyjamas, bedding and winter makes.

What Is Brushed Cotton?

Brushed cotton is a cotton fabric that has been passed over fine wire brushes after weaving. The brushing lifts tiny fibres from the surface, creating a soft, slightly fuzzy "nap". That raised surface traps warm air, so brushed cotton feels warmer and cosier than a standard smooth cotton of the same weight.

It's still cotton underneath, so it stays breathable and easy to wash, which makes it ideal for anything worn next to the skin.

So What Is Flannel?

Traditionally, flannel was a soft woven fabric made from wool. Today, in everyday UK shopping, "flannel" usually means a brushed cotton, and so do these names:

• Flannelette: a lightweight brushed cotton, historically a cotton alternative to wool flannel.
• Winceyette: the classic British name for brushed cotton, especially for nightwear.
• Brushed cotton: the modern, descriptive name.

In other words, if a fabric is sold as brushed flannel, flannelette or winceyette and the composition says 100% cotton, it's a brushed cotton. Always check the composition in the product description: some "flannel" suiting fabrics are wool or wool blends, which behave very differently.

At a Glance

Brushed cotton / winceyetteWool flannel FibreCottonWool or wool blend FeelSoft, lightly fuzzySoft, denser, warmer WashingUsually machine washableOften needs gentle care or dry cleaning Best forPyjamas, children's clothes, bedding, shirtsTailoring, trousers, coats What We Stock

Our brushed cottons are sold as brushed flannel and winceyette, and they're 100% cotton:

• Printed brushed cotton: hundreds of prints at around 111cm (43") wide, washable at 30°C. See our printed brushed cotton.
• Plain winceyette: core colours at around 110–112cm wide, with some plains at 149cm (58") wide. One of our plain ranges is 140gsm. See our plain brushed cotton.
• Yarn-dyed checks: tartans and checks where the pattern is woven in rather than printed, at around 148–150cm wide. See our yarn-dyed fabric.

We also stock a brushed polycotton tartan (60% polyester, 40% cotton, 125gsm, 60" wide). It has the same soft brushed feel with the easy care of polycotton. Find it in our tartan fabrics.

What to Make With Brushed Cotton

• Pyjamas and nightdresses
• Children's clothing and baby wear
• Lumberjack-style shirts
• Bed sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases
• Light blankets, quilt backs and baby wraps

Sewing Tips

• Pre-wash it. Cotton can shrink, so wash your fabric at the temperature you'll use for the finished item before cutting.
• Watch the nap. Brushed fabrics can look slightly different depending on the direction you view them. Cut all pieces facing the same way to be safe.
• Use a universal needle and a standard straight stitch. Brushed cotton is stable and very beginner-friendly.
• Press gently. A medium iron with light pressure keeps the soft surface from flattening.

Which Should You Choose?

For washable, cosy everyday makes, choose brushed cotton. It's soft, breathable and easy to sew. For tailored winter garments, look for a wool flannel. Browse our full brushed cotton collection to find prints, plains and checks.