Best Blankets (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

There’s nothing better than cuddling into a comfy blanket. Blankets have a large diversity in their uses, material, fabric weaves, and features they bring to a sleeper’s comfort.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to eachnight’s recommended ten best blankets and then discuss how to choose a blanket for yourself. We’ll go over the types of blanket available, materials used and their properties, and other important considerations such as weave, shedding, and allergy protection.

11 Best Blankets

1. Best Blanket Overall: Amerisleep Allseasons Blanket

The Amerisleep Allseasons Blanket can be used year-round and anywhere in your home. Since it’s a throw blanket, you can place it on your bed or take with you when you sprawl on your couch. The blanket also comes with a tote bag for easy portability, making it easy to bring it with you on a road trip, train ride, or flight.

The throw measures 60 inches by 80 inches and weighs about 7 pounds. One side keeps you warm while the other side is designed to wick away heat for a cool feeling. The warm side is made with soft polar fleece, while the cool side is specially designed Chill fabric.

Chill fabric is made to attract ambient heat and eliminate it. Basically, it sucks up unneeded heat away from your body, ensuring you sleep cool and undisturbed on a warm night.

The Allseasons Blanket is $199. You can also save 10 percent by bundling the Allseasons Blanket with Amerisleep’s cotton sheets and mattress protector, or by purchasing the Allseasons bundle with the AS5 mattress.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for a Lightweight Person

2. Best Weighted Blanket: Aricove Weighted Blanket

For some sleepers, a weighted blanket is the best way to relax at night. The Aricove Weighted Blanket is one of our favorites, providing a pleasant amount of pressure as you drift off to sleep. It comes in five potential weights to suit a range of body types.

The blanket is made with natural bamboo fibers, hypoallergenic microfibers, and fine glass beads. For improved contouring the blanket relies on a double-diamond stitched design.

Shoppers can choose a blanket as light as 10 pounds or as heavy as 20 pounds, and the weighted blanket itself has a silky soft feel. It’s designed for one person, so there’s no need to worry about sharing it with someone else.

Aricove recommends washing the blanket separately from other clothing, with mild detergent on a delicate cycle. The Aricove Weighted Blanket comes with a 30-day guarantee and a 3-year warranty.

3. Best Bamboo Blanket: Cozy Earth Bamboo Throw Blanket

Bamboo bedding has become increasingly popular, and this bamboo blanket from Cozy Earth can offer sleepers natural comfort. The blanket is made with 100 percent bamboo viscose and is deliberately oversized to better fit every kind of sleeper.

The weave of the blanket resists pilling, while its overall fuzzy feel is quite soft to the touch. Wrapping yourself can feel like a light hug, with the fibers pulling away moisture and unwanted heat for cool, dry sleep.

Cozy Earth backs their bamboo blanket with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

4. Best Alpaca Blanket: AlpacaThreadz Camp Throw

Alpaca is a product of the Peruvian highlands, which is also where the Alpaca camp throw blanket is produced. Artisans make the blanket with recycled alpaca, recycled wool, Pima, and synthetic materials. The final blanket feel plush and quite luxurious, giving sleepers a cozy material to curl up under when relaxing during the day or drifting off to sleep at night.

The blanket is available in four different patterns—black with grey, brown with black, tan with red, and tan with cream. All of these options feature a whipstitch trim, and every purchase of a blanket has a portion of the sales go back to supporting the artisans.

One potential downside is that the blanket is dry-clean only, so shoppers who want to easily wash their blanket may want to consider another. The Alpaca camp throw comes with a 30-day return policy.

5. Best Cotton Blanket: L.L. Bean Cotton Twill Blanket

The L.L. Bean Cotton Twill Blanket is best for winter-use due to its tight weave. It comes in twin (66 inches by 90 inches), full/queen (90 inches by 90 inches), and king sizes (108 inches by 90 inches) and six color options. All color options come in cotton aside from the color heather grey, which is 90% cotton and 10% polyester.

The cotton weave does allow air to pass through the material and provides moisture-wicking properties, although these qualities are limited due to fabric weave, which restricts breathability.

The cotton twill has a soft appearance and drapes beautifully over an armchair or couch. It’s lightweight and keeps its shape; yet, the throw blanket does shrink and pill. It doesn’t fair well around animals either.

Handwashing this blanket is preferred, as cleaning it in the washing machine might decrease its durability.

6. Boll & Branch Waffle Blanket

Boll & Branch Waffle Blanket is a four-season, plush blanket with four color options and comes in twin (74 inches by 91 inches), queen (96 inches by 96 inches), and king (112 inches by 96 inches) sizes. This 100% ethically sourced organic cotton is generously sized to accommodate those who share the bed with cover-stealers.

The blanket uses a waffle weave to create a dimensional texture and snag-resistant material. The weave allows moderate warmth, which cultivating moisture and heat-wicking properties. The edges are hand-bound to add a seamless finish to each blanket.

Wash the blanket in cold water on a gentle cycle and then tumble dry on medium heat. After a wash, the blanket should become springier.

7. Pendleton Eco-wise Wool Solid Blanket

The Pendleton Eco-wise Wool Solid Blanket comes in twin (66 inches by 96 inches), queen (90 inches by 96 inches), and king (108 inches by 96 inches) sizes and ten color choices.

This is a great, durable blanket to have to lay around the house year-round. A well-made wool blanket can last a lifetime if cared for properly. The Pendleton wool blanket is moisture-absorbing and heat-wicking. It’s great to layer with a comforter or use alone.

While purchasing the blanket, you can request Pendleton to monogram, embroider, or add hanging tabs to your blanket for a customized appearance.

Wash this blanket in cold water by hand or machine; Make sure to line drying the blanket, as advised as any heat will significantly shrink the fabric.

8. YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket

The  YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket helps you overcome sensory issues with evenly dispersed weight while keeping you cool for year-round comfort.

The cover is made of 100% natural bamboo viscose fabric with a 300 thread count. The fabric is stitched into a grid-like pattern to keep the poly-fill and premium glass beads evenly spread. The bamboo fabric wards allergens and kills bacteria upon contact. It is very breathable and moisture-wicking, making the fabric cold to the touch.

Durable cotton fabric is sewn between the bamboo material and glass fill to decrease the risk of ripping and bead spillage.

The glass beads have high specific heat capacity, which means they absorb more heat than gel, keeping the sleeper cooler longer.

This weighted blanket is machine washable, although you should spot clean if possible. The use of a duvet cover will increase the longevity of the blanket.

9. Handicraft Mart Himalayan Cashmere Throw

Imported from the Himalayas, the Handicraft Mart Himalayan Cashmere Throw is convenient to travel with and ethically sourced from the NHZ factory outlet in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The cashmere blanket is handmade and becomes softer after each wash. This blanket is made with a four-ply weave pattern to extend the material’s durability. It comes in two different designs and color patterns and comes in 54 inches by 108 inches dimensions. Since each blanket is handmade, the design and coloring of each blanket are unique.

The cashmere throw is another blanket that should be hand washed. Tumble-drying and heat can make the material shrink.

10. Buffy The Breeze

Buffy The Breeze comforter is earth-friendly with a 300 single-ply,100% eucalyptus fabric and fill. The comforter only comes in one color, although Buffy does sale duvet covers in 4 different colors. The comforter comes in twin/twin XL (90 inches by 70 inches), full/queen (94 inches by 90 inches), king/ cal king (94 inches by 104 inches) sizes.

Eucalyptus is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. As a result, the OEKO-TEX® certified comforter is temperature regulating and cool to the touch. All materials used in Buffy products are ethically sourced and use ten times less water to manufacture than cotton.

You are encouraged to try The Breeze for seven days for a free trial. You’re charged on the seventh day but have 30 days to return the product.

To properly maintain the comforter, use a cover to keep the surface clean.

11. Sunbeam® LoftTec Heated Blanket

The LoftTec Heated Blanket is made by Sunbeam®— a trusted company with a business history of 100 years.

LoftTec heated blanket is made of a plush polyester material built with ThermoFine technology for constant distributed warmth.

You have multiple temperature choices on the digital thermostat and several safety features built into the wiring. A 10-hour auto-shutoff cuts power to the inner wiring to reduce the chances of a potential fire hazard.

This electric blanket is machine washable and dryer safe. You’ll need to set the cycles to use cold water and low heat.

How to Buy a Blanket

Before you decide on a blanket, you should first understand all your choices. There’s more to blankets than color, texture, visual appearance. You should think about where you live and the blanket’s purpose. Then, learn what type of blanket, material, and weave would best suit your needs.

Blanket Type

There are several different blanket types— each one with different qualities. There are summer blankets, meant to offer minimal warmth, so the sleeper doesn’t overheat. And, there are winter blankets used to keep an individual warm on a cold night.

Standard Blanket

When you think of a typical blanket, the image of a comforter or duvet probably comes to mind. Comforters and duvets come in twin, full, queen, and king sizes and are designed to layer with other bedding.

They’re usually constructed with an outer-shell of cotton or polyester with a fluffy fill. Duvets and Comforters are very similar, except for the grid quilted pattern comforters use to keep the filling evenly dispersed.

Throw

Other than for occasional use, throw blankets are mainly for home decor. They are often used to bring color and texture to a room. Sherpa fleece, linen, wool, microfleece, cotton, cashmere are all common materials used to create throw blankets. Even though some materials may be warmer than others, these blankets do not possess needed for consistent use.

Throw blankets are around 70 by 50 inches; however, they can come in many different sizes. They are lightweight and need handwashing as they cannot withstand the washing machine.

Afghan

Afghan blankets are crocheted with large holes that don’t keep in heat. The blanket is known for its decorative texture rather than a usable blanket. However, Afghan blankets with smaller knit holes or are made with heavy materials such as wool may be able to retain heat.

Wool blankets

Wool blankets are great for year-round use. Much like thermal weaves, wool creates a temperature-regulated environment. They come in twin, queen, king, or throw sizes. They also come in a variety of solid colors, although most colors are neutral, and they often come with tribal or plaid designs.

Electric Blanket

Electric blankets are great for those looking to save on their electric bill or live in colder climates. Wires run through the material and connect to a thermostat for easy temperature change.

Modern electric blankets are more durable and have better safety features, including the auto turn off, which cuts power from the blanket in case of broken wiring or prolonged use.

An electric blanket is often used as a bed blanket, although they often come in a throw size that can be used around the house. These blankets are made with synthetic material such as polyester, microfiber, and micro plush.

These blankets need to be connected to the outlet to generate warmth. While some electric blankets are washing machine safe, others can retain damage and can only be hand washed or spot cleaned.

If an electric blanket isn’t quite for you but you still want to stay warm, there are also heated mattress pads. We strongly suggest you use only an electric blanket or only a heated mattress pad, as pairing the two together can create too much heat.

SEE ALSO: How to Safely Wash an Electric Blanket

Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are often used to help cope with sensory disorders. They aid in falling asleep faster and maintaining good sleep by producing hormones. The weight products a hug-like feeling, which improves mental well-being.

Weighted blankets can range between 5 to 30 pounds and are made or either sand or glass bead filling. The filling is kept in place by grid-like stitching and then reinforced with a durable outer fabric. Depending on your weight and age, the blanket’s weight will change. A 15-pound blanket is a good weight for those between 90 and 150 pounds.

Many companies suggest spot cleaning over machine wash. However, there are washing machine-safe models.

Quilt

Quilts are normally decorative with simple or elaborate patchwork designs and exterior stitching. Depending on the effort and time put into the blanket, the quilt’s price could range anywhere between $50 to $400.

They come in twin, queen, and king sizes and usually have a warranty attached.

For these types of blankets, dry cleaning is mandatory. Tossing the blanket in the washing machine is an expensive mistake, decreasing the blanket’s longevity.

Waffle Blanket

Waffle Blankets are typically made of 100% cotton. Their weave technique produces a textured grid pattern, which insulates heat while maintaining the cotton’s breathable properties. It’s a great all-season blanket.

Coverlets

A coverlet is a thin bedspread. It covers the mattress surface but doesn’t drape over the side too much. The woven face is used mainly for decoration or to keep debris from falling onto the mattress surface, although they are fairly cool to sleep with.

Summer Blankets

Summer blankets are thin and breathable— great for hotter months and those who need a layer or two to sleep well. They’re often made of cotton, linen, rayon to provide moisture-wicking and maintain a soft texture.

Material

Everyone wants a blanket with the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. You want a comfortable blanket warm enough to keep you comfy without making you sweat. Taking into account your allergies will also help you make your decision.

Wool

Depending on the weave’s tightness, wool is good for winter and summer use. A tight-knit weave produces thick material, which insulates for the winter months. And lightweight wool blankets amplify the material’s breathable and moisture-wicking properties.

Next to linen, wool is the most breathable natural fiber. It draws moisture from the user and allows airflow to create a comfortable temperature-neutral environment.

Down

Down is a soft and airy fiber harvested from the underbelly or chest of geese and ducks. The fiber is very insulating but still allows air to circulate through the material.

Down is spread evenly between two layers of fabric to create a light and thin blanket.

Cashmere

Cashmere is known as one of the softest fibers in the world, although it’s also very expensive. The material is sourced from the underbellies of cashmere goats and only makes up 5% of the world’s wool production.

Cashmere fibers need delicate treatment. Chemicals and over-processing can ruin the material. Once cashmere yarn has been produced, they are graded based on fineness and length.

For its softness and breathability, Cashmere is used to create baby swaddle blankets as they won’t irritate the skin.

Cotton

Cotton is lightweight and breathable and has been used in our fabrics for the last 7000 years.

The cellulose fiber produces moderate warmth— perfect for the summer and winter. It’s also hypoallergenic.

Fleece

Fleece is a thick covering produced by animals such as sheep. It’s a plush, bulky fabric used mainly for warmth. Fleece is a type of wool, meaning its breathable and moisture-absorbent.

Synthetic

Synthetic materials are made to mimic the properties of acrylic and polyester fabrics. Sherpa, faux fleece, faux fur, and polar fleece have been replicated to give customers cheaper options for the natural fiber look.

Synthetic materials are warm, making it great for colder nights; however, man-made materials don’t breathe well, which decreases the material’s moisture-wicking abilities.

Weave

Weave directly influences a blanket’s breathability. Loose weaves produce an airy, light fabric with little warmth; meanwhile, tight weaves result in heavy, more durable blankets with insulative qualities.

Breathability

Moisture absorption and fostered air circulation are characterized as a blanket’s breathability. Some materials cultivate more breathability than others. Linen and wool are some of the most breathable material options.

The weave’s tightness can also impact the blanket’s breathability. Thick and heavy blankets aren’t as breathable and often retain heat. Loose weaved fiber allows air to pass through the holes, while tighter weaves create smaller holes and more airflow resistance.

Durability

A blanket’s durability is determined by its ability to withstand regular wear and tear. Durable blankets have little shrinkage and snag issues and will hold up for more than five years.

Loose weave blankets with are translucent in the light and will snag easily. There are some blankets with low durability meant specifically for decoration, in which case the blanket’s value lies in its appearance. Materials such as linen are durable, yet loose weaves can pill and snag with ease.

If you have kids and animals, getting cotton and wool blankets with tighter weaves will extend the blanket’s durability.

Size

Blankets without enough length or too much of it are uncomfortable. Short blankets won’t cover the feet and, therefore, won’t keep you warm; meanwhile, blankets dangling too far off the bed aren’t as visually pleasing.

Knowing the size of your bed will give you a good estimate of the blanket’s needed size. Blanket sizes are not the same as mattress sizes, though. Below, we offer a breakdown of common blanket sizes:

• Crib: 45 inches by 60 inches
• Twin: 66 inches by 90 inches
• Double: 80 inches by 90 inches
• Queen: 90 inches by 90 inches (can range to 100 inches)
• King: 108 inches by 90 inches (can range to to 100 inches)

The size of a throw blanket for decoration or snuggling could vary. Throws meant for snuggling should envelop you completely. Meanwhile, decorative throws only need enough material to look nice while draped.

Always double-check the dimensions before purchasing and take into account possible fabric shrinkage.

Cost

A durable, high-quality blanket will require a budget between $100-$200. Most well-made cotton and synthetic fabric blankets are brought for over $100. A hypoallergenic and breathable blanket can cost a bit more.

Color and Pattern

A large part of choosing a blanket is deciding on a color, pattern, and design. Depending on your individual style and existing decor, you’ll want a blanket that blends into the background or becomes the centerpiece of your room.

Shopping around town in small corner stores is a sure way to get you something unique; however, online stores allow you to sort by color, material, and designer, ensuring you get exactly what you want with convenience.

Pilling or Shedding

Pilling and shedding are the result of normal wear and tear. Even though it’s a normal occurrence, you don’t want a product to wither away quickly. Finding a pill-resistant product can ensure you a longer-lasting blanket.

Now, pilling and shedding are not the same things. Pilling is characterized as little balls pilling from the yarn from overuse or after a rough washing. Some fabrics, such as fleece, are more prone to pilling than others. Meanwhile, shedding is when the blanket thins from fiber loss. This is the result of normal circumstances, as well. Hand washing a blanket can extend the product’s longevity.

Moisture-Wicking

Whether you’re looking for a warm, insulative blanket, moisture-wicking is a must-have quality. Moisture-wicking allows liquids to absorbed into the material fibers and keeps the user from overheating.

Cotton, silk, and wool absorb moisture better than most. Synthetic materials are more insulative, and, therefore, keep moisture and heat right next to the skin, which may make them uncomfortable.

Allergy Protection

It’s not uncommon for allergy sufferers to wake in the morning with stuffy noses. To prevent early-morning allergy symptoms, find the best mattress and pillows to combat dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Choosing a blanket with hypoallergenic materials and smooth designs can protect you from nose irritation, too.

One way to protect yourself is by understanding the difference between blankets and throws. Blankets are simple and have straight forward features, whereas throws have tassels, patterns or complicated weaves, and other decorative components, which gather allergens easily.

If you are unsure of your prospective blanket’s allergy resistance, try purchasing a blanket capable of withstanding 130 degrees Fahrenheit water. The hot water will effectively remove allergens.

Other Considerations

There are some things you’ll want to consider, no matter what product you’re purchasing. Reading through the return policy can save you from having to pay a restocking fee, and a warranty will protect against material and workmanship defects. Another thing you’ll want to consider is how proper bedding upkeep.

Return Policy

Usually, a return policy allows a customer to return a product within numbered days of purchase. Read the return policy before you buy it. The policy could include hidden fees or even state the product is unreturnable.

You don’t want to buy from a company with a high return rate. Focusing on companies with long histories of popular and well-made products will decrease the likelihood of a return. Take a look at the customer reviews. They will inform you of the product’s expected lifespan and the customer service response during a return or warranty claim.

Maintenance and Cleaning

After you’ve spent $50 or more on a blanket, the last thing you want to do is ruin it by incorrect washing. For those with busy schedules, focusing on machine washable blankets is the best route. For those who like finer quality blankets or have the extra time can drop the blanket off for dry cleaning.

Depending on the material, a blanket will need different washing. Cotton can withstand hot water and are therefore more washable in comparison to wool, which is more temperamental and needs hand washing in cold water. Synthetics require lower temperatures but are machine washable.

It’s important to read the care instructions as they can give the best guide to washing your blanket. Some blankets are dry clean only. Washing these blanket normally can ruin them.

Spot cleaning your blanket is another way you can increase its lifespan.

Washing isn’t the only way to care for your blanket. Keeping delicate blankets out of the vicinity of sharp jewelry, buttons, rough skin, and long nails will increase its longevity as well.

FAQs

What is the best blanket for winter?

Choosing a warm, yet breathable fabric will help you sleep and wick away moisture to increase your comfort.

What is the best blanket brand?

While we suggest L.L. Bean and Boll & Branch as great blanket brands since they sell a variety of high-quality blankets to fit all preferences. That said, everyone’s bedding needs are different. Finding the best blanket will take research and understanding of your personal preferences.

What is the softest blanket material?

Fleece blankets are super cozy and are often a go-to for sleepers in colder climates. These blankets are fluffy and soft, and while they are great at keeping you warm, they are breathable enough to prevent you from overheating. Fleece can be tricky to wash though, as some fleece blankets look matted and lose their softness after being thrown in the wash. Before tossing your fleece blanket in the washing machine, check the care label to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.

What is the best blanket material?

We recommend cotton blankets because they’re soft-to-the-touch but very breathable, meaning they can be used year-round. Cotton blankets are also usually very easy to wash and maintain—in fact, many cotton blankets get softer with each wash.

What is the best blanket size?

Blankets come in a number of sizes, some follow standard blanket sizing and others come in specialty sizes. That said, many sleepers prefer double or queen blankets because they’re big enough to keep one or two sleepers covered and cozy but they’re not overly large or burdensome to maintain.

Conclusion

Blankets have a broad diversity. Depending on your needs, you might find it simple to select a type of blanket, the material, and weave; yet, those who are more decor savvy will struggle in their choices. If it’s a blanket used for something other than display, look into the blanket’s durability to get the most out of your money.