5 Warmest Blankets For Your Bed [By Material]

When the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall off the trees, it's common for consumers to start their searches for warm blankets for the winter. Whether you're looking for an additional blanket for those especially frigid winter nights or a lightweight but warm blanket to snuggle up in while reading a good book, a warm blanket can bring great comfort. We searched for the warmest blanket materials to consider.

The types of blanket materials known to provide the most warmth include:

Cotton
Wool
Fleece
Cashmere
Down

Each blanket material has unique properties, and we'll discuss them in more detail below. We'll also cover how blankets keep you warm, how many blankets you should have on your bed, whether or not weighted blankets keep you warm, and more. So be sure to keep reading.

The Warmest Blanket Materials

Blankets can come in a variety of materials, some being lighter, and others being made with heavier fabrics. The purpose of your blanket and your personal comfort level should be taken into consideration when choosing your blanket. Unsurprisingly, thinner blankets (unless they're heated or weighted blankets) will typically offer less warmth than heavier blankets. This is especially true if they are made from lighter materials such as cotton or polyester blends.

Cotton Blankets

Cotton will always be a great choice for blanket material. One of its best benefits is the fact that it's typically an inexpensive option. It offers a breathable material that can come in a variety of weights, depending on the type of cotton used for the blanket (Percale, Egyptian, Pima, etc.) and how densely packed it is within the shell.

Have no doubt that cotton blankets are absolutely capable of keeping you warm. Cotton is a light-weight, natural fiber which means it's typically hypoallergenic and it's also very absorbent. Maintenance is fairly simple with cotton blankets, as they can typically be thrown in the washer and dryer.

If you are looking for a reliable cotton blanket that can get the job done, this cotton thermal blanket by Bedsure may be right up your alley. The blank has a springy waffle weave texture and is made from 100% natural cotton. The blanket is available in an array of colors including white, dark gray, dusty, pink, and purple.

Check out this blanket on Amazon.

Wool

Wool is one of the heaviest and warmest blanket materials that you can purchase. It's heavier and provides more warmth than cotton. It's also more water-resistant. Wool naturally wicks away wetness with ease and has amazing heat-retaining capabilities. This is due to wool's ability to trap warm air within its fibers. So not only does it insulate you from cold air, but it helps you retain the heat from your body.

It also works great for allergy sufferers, as it doesn't create as many dust particles as other materials. Wool absorbs harmful VOCs by trapping and locking them within its fibers. Another great benefit of a wool blanket is that if it happens to get wet, it will continue to keep you warm.

This premium imported wool blanket is guaranteed to provide you with the warmth that you're looking for. This blanket has an impressive GSM of 500 and is made from 100% virgin wool, making it a serious contender as a quality wool blanket option.

The blanket is also double-stitched and bound with sharp edges to ensure that it holds up well to daily use. It's machine-washable and it includes a manufacturer guarantee.

Check out this Poyet wool blanket on Amazon.

Fleece

Fleece is a synthetic material made from polyester blends (or polyester alone). Like wool, it is also heavier than cotton (though lighter than wool), providing more warmth in cold environments. Fleece is a thick but medium-weight fabric that is water-resistant, moisture-wicking, and very durable.

It's very breathable and can make for an effective layer of insulation, either as a single blanket or when combined with layered blankets. Note: the latter option may make you a bit too warm. You can buy thin and thick fleece-filled blankets for quality insulation and you don't have to worry about it's scratching your skin, as its manufacturing process makes it a fairly soft and smooth material.

The sherpa fleece blanket by Bedsure is an ultra-durable blanket option that you can purchase at an affordable price. The material is also stain and fade-resistant, which means that you won't have to worry about it looking worn after a few washes.

It is machine-washable and can be tossed in the dryer on a tumble setting. The outer shell is made of microfiber, making it a lightweight but effective warming blanket.

Check out this fleece blanket on Amazon.

Cashmere

Cashmere comes from the undercoats of cashmere goats in China and Mongolia. It's common for Cashmere to be associated with luxury and high-end products, as it's a material that has several excellent qualities. Cashmere blankets are extremely durable, soft, and can last for years without losing shape.

They're also naturally fire-retardant and offer great breathability. Cashmere does not wrinkle and though it is considered a light-weight fabric, its insulation capacity is about three times that of wool. As a hypoallergenic material, it also provides a great option for allergy sufferers. Its soft texture won't be as likely to scratch your skin like rougher fabrics such as wool or fleece could.

This luxurious cashmere blanket is sure to offer you superior warmth and remarkable durability. Made from premium cashmere (with a bit of merino wool), it is sure to last many years. The blanket features whip-stitching and weighs about one pound. It also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a full refund if you are dissatisfied for any reason.

Check out this blanket on Amazon.

Down

Down blankets offer a warm and lightweight insulation option. This material comes from the under feathers of geese and ducks, and works well at helping you retain your body heat in cold temperatures. It's about as light as cotton and extremely soft, which is something worth noting if you have sensitive skin. If you are looking for a puffy blanket that can keep you warm without all the added weight, down is a good option.

It holds heat well, is typically machine washable, and it's breathable. What makes down an effective insulator is its ability to trap heat within its cluster of feathers. It's also a really versatile material, as it can be used in all four seasons. Its higher fill-levels are best suited for colder months of the year while the lower fill-levels are better suited for the warmer months of the year.

If you have been looking for a luxury, hotel quality down comforter, look no further. This premium down blanket boasts an impressive fill-power of 750, is hypoallergenic, and is as soft as it gets. The blanket contains no dyes, bleaches, or other harmful chemicals. This premium goose down blanket is also odorless and machine-washable. It's made from 100% all-natural goose down.

Check out this down blanket on Amazon.

How Many Blankets Should You Have On Your Bed?

Depending on the material and density of the blanket, one to two blankets should typically suffice for your bedding. While one blanket may usually suffice, it's fairly common for people to use a duvet and a top blanket during the winter months, especially if it is challenging to maintain warm temperatures indoors. The additional layer of warmth can help to maintain your body heat and shield you from the cold temperatures in your room or environment.

On a related note, check out How Many Bed Pillows Is Too Many?

Is It Bad To Sleep With An Electric Blanket On?

Even though modern technology has greatly reduced the safety hazards associated with electric blankets, it's still not recommended to sleep with one turned on. It's best not to leave it running for an extended period of time. For the best results, turn the electric blanket on before bed, then turn it off when you climb under the covers.

How Do Blankets Keep You Warm?

Blankets keep you warm by creating an insulating barrier between your body and cold air, be it inside of a building or in outside temperatures. The more body heat you can retain, the warmer you will feel.

Also, the thicker and denser the blanket is, the more insulation it will provide. Typically, high-quality insulation materials will provide more warmth in cold environments than lower quality insulation materials. A blanket's main job is to slow down the transfer of your body heat to your environment.

Do Weighted Blankets Keep You Warm?

Yes, weighted blankets can keep you warm. The amount of warmth that they provide, however, will depend on the material that they are weighted with as well as the material used for their lining and outer shell cover. Most weighted blankets are filled with poly pellets, plastic beads, glass, or other dense materials.

While these materials are not meant to insulate, they do help to keep out cold drafts. Weighted blankets typically come with warming or cooling options (such as removable covers) to suit various temperatures and purposes.

Is A Sherpa Blanket Warm?

Yes, blankets made from Sherpa fleece can provide a significant amount of warmth, as it's a pretty good insulator. Sherpa fleece is very similar to sheep's wool, except it doesn't feel scratchy to the touch. It's a soft material and is used to make blankets of a variety of densities. It's also a common lining for pet beds and winter sports jackets.

Are Microfiber Blankets Warm?

Yes, they're an excellent blanket choice if you're looking for something to help keep you a bit warmer on chilly nights. Microfiber is a very thin material. So, while effective, it may not provide the level of warmth as heavier materials would, such as cotton, wool, or cashmere. Microfiber blankets are best for providing "light" warmth.

In Closing

So there you have it. These are the best blankets to help keep you warm come next winter! Let us know in the comment section below which type of blanket you add to your collection.