What would curling up on the couch with your favorite snack and movies be without fluffy blankets? Or those cool fall mornings with the bright autumn-colored trees sat by the window with tea and a book with your favorite blanket across your legs. And, of course, a bed wouldn't be half as comfortable without a blanket. Our kids may have a favorite for sensory fun, for security, regardless—a blanket is a beautiful thing to have!
But what material makes a blanket go from just a blanket to an amazing blanket? Is there a better fabric for a blanket than others? What are the best fabrics for blankets?
If you've ever wondered what fabrics can turn an everyday blanket into a fantastic one, we're here to help!
Best Summer Fabrics For Blankets
Winter or colder temperatures, you want to stay warm. But during a heatwave, the height of summer, or if you've got limited to no access to central air conditioning or an AC unit, nobody wants to be extra warm. The best fabrics for summer blankets to beat the heat are linen and cotton.
Linen and cotton are ideal as they are woven from natural fibers. Cotton is made from cotton, of course, and linen is created from the flax plant. Both of these natural materials are excellent breathable fabrics, which is key when staying cool.
What does it mean when a fabric is breathable? Breathability is the degree to which a fabric allows air and moisture to pass through it. Heat and dampness can accumulate in certain synthetics and materials, which causes a higher level of heat. When a fabric allows air and moisture to flow through it, heat can escape while cooler air can circulate. This also means that if you sweat, water is evaporated, which causes a further cooling sensation that's ideal during hotter months.
Linen also features natural cooling properties, as it's also breathable, is moisture-wicking, and more absorbent than cotton—and it happens to be naturally antimicrobial. It's known as a temperature regulator and insulator, which means it's both excellent to use in summer to keep you cool and perfect for winter to keep you warm. If you sleep with a partner, and one of you runs hotter than the other, this is also a fantastic choice for both!
Best Fall and Winter Fabrics For Blankets
Once those temperatures drop, lightweight blankets made of cotton won't be as effective in keeping you toasty and comfortable. For winter, you want a fabric that can still let your skin breathe but also trap heat and keep it for a cozier feel to keep any chill at bay. What's the best fabrics for blankets in winter?
- Wool. Wool is at the top of our list for fall and winter blanket material for good reasons. It's an insulator that helps keep you warm. Sheep's wool fibers are composed of protein molecules that are called keratins. These keratins are incredibly effective in trapping air, which as your body heats the air, it will remain warm. It's also another excellent moisture absorber to keep you feeling toasty and dry. Additionally, wool is lightweight yet highly durable, making it a long-lasting blanket to resist wear, tear, and washing. For those with sensitive skins and allergies, wool is resistant to bacteria, mold, and dust mites, making this a hypoallergenic blanket
- Flannel. Some flannel is made from sheep's wool, but synthetic flannels have the same properties as natural flannel, with similar insulating and moisture-wicking properties as natural fibers.
- Cashmere. Now, cashmere is a much more expensive and luxurious option—but for very good reasons. It is one of the softest fabrics in the world; it's also lighter than wool and up to 8 times warmer than wool! A cashmere blanket is created from the soft undercoat of goats, but it is a pretty pricey fabric, so keep that in mind.
- Fleece. Fleece is a synthetic fabric similar in look and feels to the coat on a sheep. It is a soft and cozy material that can keep you comfortable and warm in winter, but it is usually not water-resistant. It does share being lightweight and breathable with many of its natural counterparts.
Best Overall Soft Fabrics for Blankets
Suppose you've been searching for a blanket material that is irresistible to the touch and feels like a cloud, or perhaps seeking the softest blankets for your little ones. In that case, there are several wonderfully soft fabrics to choose from that you or they will adore cuddling with or into.
- Minky Fabric. Minky fabric is created from 100% polyester, a synthetic material that can create yarn, clothing, and baby blankets, for example. This is a luxuriously soft, plush, thick fabric that is high-quality, durable, and, when cared for properly, keeps its color and quality while being easily machine washed and dried. It's also available in a wide range of pile heights and weights, which gives you the ability to choose what sort of material of blanket you want.
- Silk. Created from the fibers made by silkworms, and is surprisingly one of the strongest natural fibers known. Silk has a lower density compared to other materials, and it is highly moisture absorbent as well as being versatile. Silk is also another great material for those with sensitive skin. However, when it comes to genuine silk, it is a rather expensive material.
- Rayon. Rayon is another incredibly soft material that is made from natural resources. Rayon is created from cellulose fibers, but cellulose is sourced from wood. If you love the softness of silk, Rayon mimics many of the same properties silk fabric has and is a lightweight material.
Which is your favorite? Whether you're looking for cooling summer blankets, warming winter blankets, or sensationally soft blankets, you've got many fantastic options to choose from to pick your best fabrics for blankets you will love to wrap yourself in or fall asleep under. We hope we've helped you decide on the best blanket material for you!
