As you search for the perfect throw blanket to add the finishing touch to your living room or bedroom, you may be wondering "What's the best material to choose?" Since there's so many different options, we've explained a few of the best in this post. Continue reading to learn about your options for choosing the perfect throw blanket!
The best material for a throw blanket depends on your preferences. Perhaps you live in a cold climate, in which case you'd probably prefer a warm material like wool or fleece. On the other hand, if you live somewhere warm, your best bet is a cool, breathable material such as cotton. You also may have concerns about allergies or prefer to use all-natural fibers. However, it's always important to find a throw blanket from material that's comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, no matter the climate in which you live.
Since there are so many variables, we've broken everything down in detail to simplify things as much as possible. By the end of this post, you'll learn exactly what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about your throw blanket purchase. So, let's get started!
What Materials Are Throws Made Of?
Throw blankets can be made from many different materials, both natural and synthetic. What they all have in common is that they make a soft, strong, and comfortable blanket. They're also usually easy to clean and stand up well to being washed repeatedly since they're used so often.
Some of the most popular materials for a throw blanket include:
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that makes a lightweight, breathable throw blanket. Since it's so well-ventilated and even helps keep you cool by wicking away sweat, it's a good choice for warm climates. Some popular fabric options include woven, waffle weave, or knit. Plus, cotton is super easy to care for - just toss it in the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned and machine dry or let it drip dry, depending on the maker's instructions.
This is a great example of a woven cotton throw blanket.
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Wool
Wool is another natural fiber, but one that's very warm and good for cold climates. It's made from the hair of sheep, which means that some people might be allergic to it or find it itchy. However, merino wool is hypoallergenic and can eliminate some of the irritation. Wool keeps you warm by trapping warm air within the spaces in the fibers, but those spaces also make it breathable. That means that even though it will keep you warm, it won't make you sweat.
With its colorful stripes, this is a beautiful merino wool blanket.
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Fleece
Fleece is a synthetic fiber that's a popular choice for its warmth, durableness, and affordability. It lasts a long time and is easy to clean in the washing machine. Some styles have a luxuriously soft and plush-like texture. However, since it's made from polyester, it's not very breathable (meaning it might make you sweat), and it can also contain a lot of static electricity in the colder months. It's still a great option for an inexpensive, versatile throw blanket.
Fleece throw blankets can also be richly textured, like this one.
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Knit
If you'd like to add extra texture to your room, knit throw blankets are a great option. They can be made from any material, although cotton, acrylic, and wool are a few of the most popular choices. Knit throw blankets can be made from fluffy, chunky yarn paired with big stitches, or they can be made from finer yarn and have a delicate appearance.
Here's an example of a finely-knit throw blanket.
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Alternatively, here's a chunky knit throw blanket.
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What Material Makes the Warmest Blanket?
In general, warm blankets have two things in common - they're thick, and they're made from a material that traps warm air close to your body. Those two qualities can be found in a few different materials, both man-made and natural. Here are a few of your best options:
Wool
With its heat-retaining and moisture-wicking properties, wool is one of the ultimate choices for a warm natural fiber.
Fleece
If you'd rather use synthetic materials, fleece is your best option. It will keep you toasty warm, and a lot of fleece blankets are made from a double layer of fabric to increase the heat.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a soft, luxurious type of wool found on cashmere goats. It's even warmer than wool and is soft and hypoallergenic.
Sherpa
Meant to imitate sheepskin, Sherpa throw blankets are faux sheepskin on one side and fleece on the other. Since these blankets made from a double layer of material, they're particularly warm.
This Sherpa blanket is available in a variety of colors.
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What is the Softest Material For a Blanket?
The softest throw blankets are usually made from synthetic materials like acrylic, nylon, or polyester. This includes fleece and sherpa blankets. High-quality fleece blankets can be made to feel as soft as plush or faux fur, making them incredibly comfortable against the skin.
Even though they tend to be a little less soft than their synthetic counterparts, you can also find extremely soft throw blankets made from natural materials. Cashmere is a very soft alternative to wool, and so is alpaca. However, cotton tends to be the softest natural fiber, particularly brushed cotton. Brushed cotton is a woven cotton fabric that was brushed during production to create a soft surface. The finished product has a slightly fuzzy finish and feels similar to flannel or fleece.
This brushed cotton throw blanket has a subtle woven pattern.
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What is the Best Material For A Summer Throw Blanket?
During the hot summer months, you might want to reach for a throw blanket that keeps the drafts or air-conditioned chill away but also doesn't make you overheat. You'll also want to find a blanket made from a material that's moisture-wicking, which prevents sweaty bodies from becoming damp and sticky. Natural materials tend to be best, as they offer the highest level of breathability and many naturally absorb sweat with minimal odor. Even though this narrows down your choices, you still have quite a few options!
Cotton
The breathability of cotton helps regulate your temperature and cools you down if you start getting too warm.
Linen
Made from fibers of the flax plant, linen cools down your skin by absorbing sweat away from it. Its loose weave ensures that your body receives plenty of air and also adds makes the material thermo-regulating. This means that it keeps you cool when it's warm outside and vice-versa in cold weather.
A simple design and soft neutral color make this linen throw blanket perfect for summer.
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Bamboo
If you're looking for a throw blanket with super absorbent abilities, you should check out bamboo. It's 40% more absorbent than cotton! It's also stronger than cotton, which is good for a throw blanket because it means that it stands up well to heavy use and frequent washing. The breathability and silky soft texture of bamboo will keep you cool and comfortable, especially in combination with its moisture-wicking abilities. Plus, it's odor resistant and antibacterial, so you don't have to worry about it developing any funky odors.
This bamboo throw blanket is made from richly textured knit fabric and is available in two colors.
Click here to find it on Amazon.
What is The best Luxury Throw Blanket?
When you think about "luxury", soft, thick, warm, and enjoyable to the senses generally come to mind. This makes throw blankets an ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your home! There are a few criteria that you can look for when selecting a luxury throw blanket:
Softness
Since luxury delights all the senses, softness is an important consideration. Fleece blankets are generally the softest, especially when they have a plush finish. However, if you'd prefer a natural fiber, cashmere is a great, high-end option. It's short, incredibly fine fibers make it silky-smooth to the touch.
Thickness
Thick throw blankets are the best and most luxurious option for cuddling up on the couch, so what are your best choices? Anything made from two pieces of fabric sewn together will be thick and warm. One of the most popular types of blankets in this style is Sherpa blankets, with their layers of fleece sewn to layers of imitation sheepskin. Other double-layer throw blankets can be found in a diverse variety of fibers such as brushed cotton, wool, or cashmere.
Quality
Luxury also implies that you've selected the highest quality your money can buy. Look for high-end fibers like cashmere and bamboo, rare materials like genuine shearling or sheepskin, or blankets finished in a high-quality way. Faux fur, plush fleece, and brushed cotton all fall in the last category.