There are plenty of ways to keep warm come winter. You can get the heater up and running to chase away the chill, layer yourself up in woolens, start the fire burning in the fireplace, or huddle in front of the bonfire if outdoors, but nothing can compare with the warmth and coziness that wrapping yourself up in a blanket brings. A good warm blanket is a key to chilly weather. You might have plenty of sweaters, jackets, quilts, or throws, but a blanket is a must-have essential on the winter to have shop list. No winter is complete without hot cocoa, warming your hands whilst snuggled in a blanket.
With plenty of different varieties of blankets in the market, right from heavyweight woolen ones to super lightweight microfiber ones, you are bound to find one that suits you perfectly. While heavy blankets are ideal for super chilly winter nights, a light fleece blanket works well for moderate to low chilly weather. It is also the ideal option for wrapping yourself up on the couch or sofa. This article will list the top 7 fleece blankets that are sure to chase the cold away and keep you nestled warm and snug this coming winter.
Things to Look Out for When Shopping for Fleece Blanket
It is easy to get carried away when you have so many different options in the market. You might end up getting the cutest looking or the plushiest fleece blanket you can find. However, though this might not be all that bad, it is best to keep some things in mind before splurging on a product. Some of the factors to take into consideration with fleece blankets are:
Type of Fleece
When you look towards buying a fleece blanket, you want a blanket that is both soft and lightweight, giving you the perfect warmth to ward off the chill in the air. You do not want to get home a lovely looking blanket only to find that it tends to spill and is prone to shedding. For this, you have to choose the type of fleece you are getting. There are two types of fleece blankets available, these are:
- Cotton Fleece: Cotton fleece is a natural form of fleece that is manufactured from cotton. The construction is similar to your cotton sweatshirts and jackets with the soft pile sown on both sides of the cotton. This is a great alternative for those that are allergic to fleece or don’t like the static energy created by synthetic fleece.
Cotton fleece is more expensive than your regular synthetic fleece, but they are also less prone to pillage and shedding. They are also heavier than the synthetic fleece option, but the heavyweight comes with added warmth as well. For the more environmentally conscious people, it is possible to buy an organic cotton fleece blanket though you might have to shed that much extra for the “organic” label.
- Synthetic Fleece: This is the more popular version of fleece that people generally buy. It is also known as “polar fleece” or “microfleece.” This is a great substitute for wool. Synthetic fleece is soft, plush, and incredibly warm. It is also lightweight and silky to feel. Synthetic fleece is also less expensive than its more natural counterpart, cotton fleece.
While there are lots of synthetic fleece choices in the market, with certain brands even patenting their synthetic fleece types, you want to look for the “pill-resistant” ones. These synthetic fleece blankets are designed not to spill out of their shape after a few washes. They are resistant to any pillage that might otherwise occur with continued use. You do not want to buy a fleece blanket only to have a mess of fleece on your hands after a few weeks. It is better to spend a little extra on high-quality fleece rather than buy a new one periodically.
Another factor you want to look out for in synthetic fleece is its tendency to become static. Synthetic fleece, unlike cotton fleece, tends to retain a lot of static. This can make using the fleece blanket very uncomfortable, especially since static attracts hair and dust.
Weight
One of the primary reasons to opt for a fleece blanket is the lightweight feature associated with it. However, the weight of the fleece blanket also defines the warmth quotient of the blanket. It is, therefore, best to consider the level of warmth you expect from the blanket before purchasing it.
- Lightweight: If you are looking for the thinnest or the lightest of all fleeces, then you should opt for microfleece. This is the lightest version of polar fleece. The ideal use of microfleece blankets is to lounge by the fireplace wrapped in it or watch TV snuggled in its fold or just go about your daily chores with the blanket around you for warmth. Because of its lightweight, microfleece blankets act like oversized shawls. These blankets do not provide too much warmth and hence need to be used with a warmer blanket for those extra chilly nights
- Heavy: When you say heavy, it does not necessarily mean a heavy weighted blanket. You might not be able to even tell the difference; it could be so less. You need to look for fleece blankets that are meant for very cold weather or that have tags like 100 or 200 GSM in their names. This means that these fleece blankets give you extra warmth and are thicker than the usual ones. One hundred fleece blankets are thicker than normal microfleece, and 200 ones are generally the thickest.
Size
Another important factor to keep in mind is the size of the blanket you are looking for. You might want to ask yourself where you want to use the blanket. If it is primarily for wrapping yourself up while going about the house, then a medium-sized to small-sized one is perfect. It will keep out of the way while snuggly staying around your body. But if the main purpose is to wear it on the bed or lounge on the sofa, then you had better go for a larger sized one that will cover your entire body. The sizing guide is as follows:
Size | Dimension (Inches) |
Throw blanket | 50x 60 |
Twin blanket | 90x 65 |
Full blanket | 90x 85 |
Queen blanket | 90x 90 |
King blanket | 90x 110 |
Color and Prints
With so many different blanket vendors out there, you will be spoilt for color and print options. Pick one that fits the décor of your home. That way, you can easily use it to jazz up your sleeping fashion.
Return and Exchange Policy
Make sure you read the fine print before buying the blanket. Most manufacturers offer return and exchange options for defects, and if you do not like the product for any reason. It is always best to know the policy beforehand.
Price
Blankets can be very pricey, depending on the brand and the quality you opt for. Even though it might be tempting to buy the most expensive one in the aisle, the fact remains that sometimes they are just not worth it, and also, there is no point in bursting your wallet just for a blanket. Look for value for money instead. The best way to go about it is to keep a figure in mind. This way, you will not bring home something that taxes your budget.
Which One Fits You Best?
Apart from the buying guide, you also need to make up your mind about the kind of fleece blanket you want. This will largely depend on your preference and individual inclination. The three popular types of fleece blankets are:
Pure Fleece
Pure fleece blankets are very light weighted blankets and hence make perfect travel companions. They are easily folded, stored, and are compact enough to be carried in your luggage bag. These blankets are moderately warm and feature high breathability making them ideal for all year round.
Weighted Fleece
These are normal fleece blankets that have additional synthetic microfiber beads attached to their lining for the added weight and the subsequent increase in warmth. This aids in giving you a better coziness and snug, but it also makes it unsuitable for traveling around.
Sherpa Fleece
These are the bulkiest of all fleece blankets. They have a mixed fiber substance, which lends it better warmth and more softness. These are the best option for those looking for the warmest of all fleece blanket options.
Top Fleece Blankets
LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Dual side design for greater flexibility | Can be too warm for moderate temperature |
Great aesthetic value | |
Highly durable |
This double-sided sherpa fleece blanket is the most luxurious blanket you can get home this winter. Ideal for those nippy nights, you are guaranteed to remain warm and snug within its fold through the winters. It features a simple and lovely plushness on one side with a nice ornate pattern on the other. With a high aesthetic value, you will want to flaunt this blanket in front of friends and relatives.
You get 12 attractive color and design options to choose from, and the blanket comes in 5 different sizes to suit everybody, small and big alike. It is also machine washable and not prone to shedding or pillage. All in all, this is a perfect choice for anyone looking to keep their tips and toes warm.
Key Features
- Sherpa fleece material
- High insulation feature
- Super soft to touch and feel
- Available in 12 colors and five sizes
- Resistant to shedding and pillage
- Machine washable
Bedsure Fleece Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Good price point | Prone to static |
Very soft and silky to touch | |
Plenty of color options |
If you want a blanket that is neither too warm nor too light, then this fleece blanket from Bedsure is the ideal one for you. Meant for the light winters, it is one fleece blanket that will keep you warm during those cold nights in the not too harsh wintery climate. It is a year-round winner and suitable for the summer nights when there is just a nip in the air to the cold nights when you want to wrap yourself up in a blanket while reading a book.
It ranks very high on the softness factor as well. You will want to just dig into this ball of soft warmth. If it is cocoon cuddliness you want, then this blanket will not disappoint on that front either. Available in 31 different colors, you are sure to find one or even two that suit your palette.
Key Features
- Made of 100% microfiber polyester
- Available in 31 colors and five different sizes
- Double-stitched at seams
- Anti pillage and shed resistant
- Machine washable
Kingole Flannel Fleece Microfiber Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Made of high-quality flannel fleece | Only available in color blocks. No pattern option. |
Super soft and high warmth | |
Colors don’t fade with the use |
The flannel fleece blanket from Kingole comes in 4 sizes of throw, twin, queen, and king. It also gives you 19 color options to choose from, making it one of the most varied blankets on the market. The flannel fleece is made of high-quality microfiber, which will keep you warm without compromising on the softness of the blanket.
The colors are all nice and vivid and do not fade with use or after a few washes. The blanket stays true to its original color even after repeated wash cycles. The material it is made of is also high on breathability factor s you can easily use this in all seasons whenever you need the extra warmth. You will love the packaging style that this blanket sports while delivered. It is wrapped up with a neat ribbon to represent a warm winter gift.
Key Features
- Made of 100% microfiber polyester
- 35 GSM microfiber
- High level of softness
- Low to moderate warmth
- Lightweight
- Dual-sided
- Anti-pilling and wrinkle-free
- Available in 19 colors and four sizes
- Machine washable
Nanpiper Reversible Sherpa Fleece Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Sherpa lining for added warmth | Can only be used in winters |
Reversible blanket for extra flexibility | |
Anti shedding and pillage |
Nanpiper gives you a perfect winter companion with the reversible Sherpa fleece blanket. You have the fleece cover on one side and the Sherpa cover on the other. The dual side gives you the flexibility to keep changing the look of your blanket. The fleece is well insulating, and the Sherpa is soft with excellent warmth, so both sides are adept at warming you up completely.
To make things even easier, the blanket is machine washable and doesn’t tend to shed. Even the Sherpa lining is made of high-quality Sherpa that is not prone to shedding or shrinkage. Further, the blanket gives you 12 different colors to suit your style perfectly. You will be hard-pressed to keep this blanket down with its velvety soft touch and smooth feel.
Key Features
- Made of fleece and Sherpa
- Reversible dual-sided use
- 220 GSM flannel fleece quality
- 260 GSM Sherpa quality
- Available in 12 colors and three sizes
- Shrink resistant
- Anti-pillage
- Machine washable
World’s Best Cozy Soft Micro Fleece Travel Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Highly compact | Not suitable for daily use |
Lightweight | Prone to shedding |
Low price point |
|
World’s Best has done a wonderful job of getting the best traveling blanket for all those jet hoppers out there. This one is small and compact enough to be rolled up and bundled in your hand luggage for a warm and cozy flight time. Apart from flight time, the blanket is also ideal for an office blanket to drape over your legs while working. Another quite ingenious use for the blanket is to use it to protect your furniture from pets. It sits just nicely on the furniture saving it from all that pet hair.
This blanket is made of 100% polyester fleece that gives it the lightweight quotient and makes it very easy to fold and carry along. It is machine washable in warm water and can be simply tossed in with other similar colors. The material is not as soft or smooth as the other pricier options, but then again, this one is meant for outside on the go move more so the focus is on compactness with warmth and ease of cleaning.
Key Features
- Made of synthetic fleece
- 50x 60-inch dimension
- Meant for traveling purpose
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- Available in 6 colors
- Machine washable
Catalonia Wearable Fleece Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Features arm and foot sleeves | Cannot be draped on the bed or sofa |
Versatile use | |
Very soft and luxurious to touch |
If you are looking for a blanket with a twist, then this wearable blanket from Catalonia will fit your bill perfectly. It takes draping a blanket to a more comfortable level by converting the blanket into a wearable blanket. It has arm and foot sleeves to neatly drape your body from head to toe. You can easily wear this blanket and go about your household chores without tripping on the blanket hem or feeling the chill on your exposed shoulders when the blanket slips a notch.
It comes in a one size fits all size that is oversized enough to accommodate the largest of adults. Made of micro plush fiber, you will find that the Catalonia wearable blanket is soft and velvety warm. It is also machine washable for that extra convenience, and you do not have to worry about faded colors with use.
Key Features
- Made of 100% micro plush fiber
- Only available in one size of 75x 50-inch dimension
- Features arm and leg sleeves
- Attached foot sleeves
- Back button style of securing
- Available in 14 different colors and patterns
- Unisex style
- Machine washable
Fairpeak Luxury Fleece Blanket
Pros | Cons |
Suitable for year-round use | No color or size option |
Insulated fleece for added warmth | |
Comes with a carry bag |
This luxury fleece blanket from Fairpeak’s collection of blankets comes in a single neutral shade of white that is perfect for blending in with any style and décor that your house might sport. The color gives it’s the perfect versatility. It is lightweight, making it ideal as a traveling blanket as well as a throw for your sofa at home. You can easily drape it over your shoulders for those cozy evenings or use it to cover your legs on the car or bus ride home.
It comes in a single compact size of 60x 80 inches and has a shrink resistant feature. The fleece is super soft and plush, making you want to sink into its folds. The fabric is also breathable enough to make it perfect for year-round use. The insulated fleece gives good warmth but is not hot enough to be discarded during the nippy summer or spring nights. It has high durability owing to the double-stitched seams on the sides and is machine washable for an easy-care routine.
Key Features
- Made of high-quality fleece
- Available in 60x 80-inch dimension
- Lightweight and compact
- High plush
- Insulated fleece for good warmth
- All season usage
- Machine washable
In Conclusion
Blankets are a necessity during winters. You need heavy ones for sleeping, but these are not comfortable for daytime use or for lounging purposes. For these activities, you require lightweight and moderately warm blankets. Fleece blankets are an ideal choice and a must-have for every individual. There are so many different types, right from dual-sided ones to all-season use ones available in the market, that you are sure to find one that suits your purpose. Pick one from this list and be amazed at how warm and snug it keeps you through the cold winter months.