A blanket can chase the chill on a spring morning or keep you extra warm on a frosty winter night. Choosing which blanket is the right one for you depends on the warmth, weight and texture you prefer.
Thicker blankets, such as wool blankets, cotton fleece blankets, and cashmere blankets, are the warmest. The spaces between the fibers in a fuzzy or napped blanket trap warm air, keeping you warmer. This same principle explains why down is such an excellent insulator.
How a fabric holds moisture is as important as the thickness of the fibers:
If allergies are a concern, be sure to choose a blanket that can be washed in hot water. Cotton is an excellent choice for this reason. A down-filled blanket is also a good choice for those with allergies to wool — and for those with allergies to down who still want the warmth of down, a synthetic down-filled blanket will work well.
Down:Lightweight A down blanket or down throw is thinner and lighter than a down comforter. The spaces between the down clusters in a blanket trap warm air, keeping you warm without added weight.
Synthetic:Lightweight – Midweight Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to be ultra-soft. Electric blankets are usually made with synthetic materials.
Bamboo:Lightweight Luxuriously soft and lightweight, bamboo fabric is similar to modal, with its smooth hand and flowing drape. Called rayon from bamboo, these fabrics are known for their soft, comfortable, and highly absorbent properties.
Linen:Midweight Linen is hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and adjusts to your body temperature to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Linen becomes softer with every wash.
Silk:Midweight Known for its strength, softness and warmth, silk blankets offer the ultimate in luxury. Silk also has natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Silk blankets should be dry cleaned.
Wool & Cashmere:Midweight – Heavyweight Wool blankets tend to be heavier and warmer than other fabrics. Wool fibers come from the fleece of lambs, sheep, goats, camels, llamas, alpacas and vicunas. Wool from sheep is the most common. Softer, more luxurious wool comes from Cashmere goats, Angora goats and Merino sheep. The spaces between the fibers in a fuzzy or napped blanket trap warm air, keeping you warmer.
Cotton:Lightweight – Midweight Cotton blankets can vary in weight and texture, making them a year-round bedding staple. Unlike synthetic fibers, cotton fibers breathe naturally and are absorbent. Cotton will wick moisture away from the skin and leave a layer of warm, dry air. If allergies are a concern, cotton is an excellent choice since it can be washed in hot water.
*These are standard blanket sizes. Please note that sizes do vary by blanket. View the Size Chart on the product page to confirm specific dimensions.
