What is the Best Material for Blankets?

Looking for your next blanket’s warmest, coziest material? Learn the best types of blankets to keep you warm all winter long.

 Blankets come in all different shapes, sizes, and designs. Some are thick and woolly, protecting you from the cold during harsh winter months. Others offer a more attractive appearance and are used to improve a room’s décor rather than for comfort.

Blankets: Why Are They So Loved?

The beginning of a human’s love of blankets starts in infancy when children usually receive their first ever ‘blanky.’ Children often cling to these blankies for dear life, finding comfort in their soft, warm material.

While most adults don’t have the same attachment to blankets as children, many still find lots of comfort in them. After all, blankets keep you feeling safe and warm, especially in the winter months when you’re battling a cold night! Wrap a blanket around your shoulders, and you’ll instantly feel cozier.

Blankets are also loved because of their ability to improve home décor. Throw down a blanket, and you can change how a room looks. That’s particularly true if you opt for a unique blanket; for example, one with an interesting geometric design or even a bespoke one like a blanket made of your old t-shirts!

The 5 Contenders for Best Blanket Material

So, it’s clear that blankets are an enjoyable part of everyday life. The question is – what is the best material for blankets? With so many options, we have selected five of the most popular blanket materials and dissected the properties of each to decide which one takes the crown.

1: Wool

Wool is a naturally soft and warm material that comes from sheep. Its natural fibers make it so that wool is naturally fire resistant, insulating, and even features moisture-wicking properties to help regulate your temperature. So, while it’s an excellent material for keeping warm in the winter, it may offer benefits during the warmer months.

A potential downside of wool blankets is that some people are allergic to wool, making this a bad option for them. However, wool offers an excellent, comforting choice if you’re not allergic.

2: Cotton

A 100% cotton blanket will feel endlessly comfortable. Its softness and breathability will make you happy to stay under it, whether it’s summer or winter, as they can even keep you cool. Plus, cotton blankets are hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for sensitive skin.

Cotton blankets are easily maintained, soft to the touch, and natural, and you’ll find them in a wide range of designs. If you want to make the most of two types of material, you can even find cotton wool blankets to experience the best of both.

3: Fleece

As an alternative to natural materials, you have the option of choosing synthetic materials for your blanket, such as fleece. Fleece blankets offer the comfort and warmth of a wool blanket without using wool itself (perhaps due to an allergy). It has moisture-wicking capabilities, is relatively lightweight, and is used in various designs. Plus, it’s so easy to clean fleece, as you can throw it in your washer at home.

4: Polyester

For a cheaper blanket material made of synthetic fibers, consider polyester. This affordable option is sturdy and offers a range of designs. Plus, polyester blankets are resistant to spills, making them an excellent choice for a kid’s bedroom! You can also find a mix of polyester and other materials – like cotton – to get the most out of both types of material.

5: Cashmere

Cashmere, made from Kashmir goats, is a luxury fabric. It works excellently as a blanket material, as it’s incredibly insulating, soft, and durable. In a harsh winter, you’ll be glad of a cashmere blanket! However, remember that cashmere blankets will run more expensive than other materials listed here. 

The Consensus

For an all-rounder, fleece stands out as the best material for blankets. Fleece is warmer than cotton, cheaper than wool and cashmere, is breathable, and has moisture-wicking properties.

Of course, it is entirely subjective – while overall fleece makes an incredible material for a blanket, the other materials also work well!

Other Things to Consider When Buying a Blanket

Size

Blankets come in a variety of sizes. Some are very small and will only cover a small child (or perhaps an adult’s legs!). Others run large, allowing multiple people to snuggle under. When shopping for a blanket – especially online, where you can’t see the actual size of the product – it’s important to look closely at the measurements. That way, you can pick a blanket that suits your needs. You won’t need an enormous blanket for your newborn, after all!

Style

Blankets come in a range of styles. Of course, the design of the blanket will play a massive role in whether you buy it or not! You might even be on the lookout for an exciting blanket that represents your unique character. If so, the t-shirt blanket is the best option. This blanket combines your old t-shirts to create something brand-new. It sews them onto a fleece blanket, creating a design that you’ll find nowhere else.

T-shirt blankets are particularly good for capturing memories. For example, if your little one is growing out of their children’s clothes, you can keep those early memories alive by adding them to a t-shirt blanket.

Type of Blanket

There are many types of blankets – weighted blankets, throw blankets, quilts, and more! It’s not just about the material; it’s about what you use the blanket for, so consider that when shopping for your next blanket. For example, a throw blanket works well for décor purposes. However, a weighted blanket filled with pellets or glass beads is known for helping people calm their anxieties and get a better night of sleep. Particularly, weighted blankets work well for restless leg syndrome thanks to the sensation of pressure.

In Summary

The five materials – wool, cotton, fleece, polyester, and cashmere – all have excellent qualities that work well for different kinds of blankets. The one that’s best depends on your needs! Of course, don’t forget to also factor in size, style, and type of blanket when shopping for your next cozy piece of fabric.