We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Home Decor Ideas The 13 Best Blankets Of 2024, Tested And Reviewed We did the tough job of testing the coziest blankets—here's what we found. By Moriah Mason Moriah Mason Moriah is a commerce writer for Southern Living who specializes in reviewing cookware, kitchen gadgets, home decor, and more. Her work has appeared in Allrecipes, Alabama Political Reporter, and The Samford Crimson. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on January 18, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process Tips For Choosing More to Consider Questions and Answers Why Trust Southern Living Southern Living / Henry Wortock We reach for blankets for everything from watching movies to reading to going to sleep at night. Since we find ourselves using blankets for so many different reasons, it only makes sense to invest in one that will last a long time. But there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right blanket. “First, you should ask yourself, what do you want a blanket for?” advises textile designer Anki Spets. Consider whether you’re shopping for a lightweight blanket to use as a top layer during the summer or a heavyweight blanket for extra warmth during the winter. Looking for a throw blanket? Be sure to check out our favorite options. To find the best blankets, we spent several days testing 26 different options in our Lab and then slept with them on our beds for three months. We evaluated these blankets on quality, comfort, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. Spets also weighed in with expert recommendations on choosing the best blanket for your needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall Blanket: L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket at L.L.Bean ($119) Jump to Review Best Budget Blanket: Threshold Microplush Bed Blanket at Target ($25) Jump to Review Best Oversized Blanket: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket at Amazon ($179) Jump to Review Best Blanket for Cold Weather: ChappyWrap Harborview Herringbone Family-Size Blanket at Chappywrap.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Wool Blanket: Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket at Faribaultmill.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Garnet Hill Plush-Loft Blanket at Garnethill.com ($199) Jump to Review Best Cotton Blanket: Lands' End Charisma Deluxe Woven Cotton Blanket at Landsend.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Cooling Blanket: Luxome Lightweight Blanket at Amazon ($205) Jump to Review Best Linen Blanket: Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket at Nordstrom ($249) Jump to Review Best Lightweight Blanket: Quince Airy Gauze Blanket at Quince.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Blanket L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean $119 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It This luxe fleece blanket was the softest we tested, and it’s versatile enough for year-round use. What Could Be Better It doesn’t add a lot in terms of style. Out of all of the blankets on our list, we enjoyed using this one the most. The polyester fleece material is buttery soft and smooth—it really doesn’t get any better than this. Upon initial inspection, we found no evidence of loose threading or any other flaws. And while the blanket was warming, it was still lightweight enough that we never felt overheated underneath it, making it perfect for all-season use. Even if you’re a hot sleeper, you can easily pair this one with your bedding and remain comfortable throughout the night. When it came time for us to wash it, we didn’t run into any problems removing stains. After cleaning, the blanket looked and felt the same as it did pre-wash.While this was the softest blanket we tested, it’s nothing special appearance-wise—it looks like your standard fleece blanket. However, it is available in multiple colors and can be monogrammed for an added touch. Overall, this blanket feels softer and more luxurious than most fleece blankets, and it’s just the right weight to add an extra layer of warmth without causing you to overheat. Materials: Polyester fleece | Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king, XL king | Care: Machine wash, dry with no heat Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Budget Blanket Threshold Microplush Bed Blanket Target View On Target $25 Our Ratings Quality 4.7/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 4/5 What’s Great About It The velvety fleece blanket retained its softness and quality after repeated washings. What Could Be Better The seams weren’t straight, and it produced a lot of lint. For those chilly winter nights, this affordable blanket will be your go-to. Not only did it quickly warm us up, but the polyester material felt incredibly soft. Even if you toss and turn at night, you can tuck this blanket under your mattress and still have enough material left over to cover up with. And after multiple washes, the quality and texture remained the same. Just keep in mind that while it provides the right amount of warmth for colder environments, the blanket might be too much on those warm, summer days.We did notice that the side seams weren’t straight, and the blanket produced lots of lint that stuck to our clothes. Thus, we suggest washing and drying it by itself. But given just how similar it is to our best overall pick, the Threshold Microplush Bed Blanket is an excellent value. Materials: Polyester | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full/queen, king | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Oversized Blanket Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket Amazon View On Amazon $179 View On Bigblanket.com Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Ease of Cleaning 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It This blanket measures 10 by 10 feet, so multiple people can use it at the same time. What Could Be Better It takes a long time to tumble dry. This mammoth 10- by 10-foot blanket is just what you need for the next family movie night. The polyester and spandex construction provides extra comfort and flexibility. But despite its size, we never felt like this blanket was weighing us down. We also didn’t notice a huge change in our body temperature when using this blanket. And after careful inspection, it didn’t appear to have any loose threads.Since this is such a large blanket, you’ll need to make sure that your washer is large enough to accommodate it, and we found that tumble drying takes a while. But despite the extended washing and drying time, all the stains were completely removed, and the blanket still looked good as new post-wash. And when we spilled water on it, it took a few minutes for the blanket to fully absorb it, indicating it’s somewhat water-repellent. With over a dozen color options available, you’ll have no trouble finding one to suit your room’s color scheme. Materials: Polyester, spandex | Size: 10 feet x 10 feet | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Southern Living / Henry Wortock Best Blanket for Cold Weather ChappyWrap Harborview Herringbone Family-Size Blanket ChappyWrap View On Chappywrap.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It This well-made blanket provides a similar warmth to that of wool, but with a much softer hand. What Could Be Better It’s only available in two sizes. This supremely warm blanket from Chappywrap will see you through the coldest months of the year. It has a thick, dense construction that reminded us of wool, but with a much softer hand thanks to the cotton-blend material. Plus, it became even softer with each wash. It’s extremely well made, with no imperfections in the stitching. As soon as we wrapped ourselves up, we immediately felt warm and cozy. It even proved itself impervious to stains and scratches. From comfort to texture to durability, this blanket made a lasting impression on us. Plus, the classic herringbone design adds a timeless look to any space. Materials: Cotton, acrylic, and polyester | Sizes: 40 x 60 inches or 60 x 80 inches | Care: Wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low Southern Living / Henry Wortock Best Wool Blanket Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket Faribault View On Faribaultmill.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 4/5 What’s Great About It This 100% wool blanket is warming and repels liquids. What Could Be Better You will have to line-dry this blanket. Made from 100% virgin wool, this blanket does have the stiffness that’s signature to wool, but we found it to be softer than other wool blankets we’ve tested. And while the blanket kept us sufficiently warm, we never felt overheated by it. This is not the kind of blanket that you would snuggle with on the couch—we suggest using it as a top layer with a bedsheet underneath. It also proved extremely hydrophobic—when we spilled coffee on it, it did not absorb into the fabric. It came out of the wash somewhat softer than it was pre-wash, although it did appear to have stretched out a bit. Keep in mind that this blanket is line-dry only. Similar to our best overall pick, you can personalize it with your name or initials. Materials: Virgin wool | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Care: Machine wash, line dry Southern Living / Dera Burreson Most Versatile Garnet Hill Plush-Loft Blanket Garnet Hill View On Garnethill.com $199 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It It has a different texture on each side. What Could Be Better It may be too heavy for summertime use. With the Plush-Loft Blanket and Throw from Garnet Hill, you’ll get the best of both worlds. It features a silky-smooth cotton sateen on one side and a plush faux fur on the other, both of which have a diamond quilting pattern. It was deceptively heavy and warm—it is definitely more of a winter blanket than a summer one. We also found that the smooth textures of the blanket prevented it from bunching up or catching on the bedding. And we found it comfortable for lounging on the couch while watching TV or working on a laptop. Per our tests, this is a durable blanket that can withstand stains and frequent washings. It even held up to being brushed repeatedly with a pet brush. Choose from nine different color options. Materials: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: Throw, twin, double, queen, king | Care: Machine wash Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Cotton Blanket Lands' End Charisma Deluxe Woven Cotton Blanket Land's End View On Landsend.com View On Bloomingdales $96 Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Ease of Cleaning 3/5 Durability 4.5/5 What’s Great About It This mid-weight cotton blanket is a great layering piece that transitions well from season to season. What Could Be Better It’s not as resistant to stains as others we tested. The Charisma Deluxe Woven Cotton Blanket is the perfect summer bedspread. Not only is it made from comfortable cotton, but it also feels very lightweight. All of this being said, this would make for a comfortable top layer to sleep with during any season. In our inspection, we didn’t find any discoloration, uneven seams, or loose threads.Post-wash, this blanket remained soft, but unfortunately the stains didn’t come out as well as others we tested. However, it didn't snag when we brushed it with a pet brush. It’s available in six neutral colors that will pair nicely with any color of bedding, although it might be wise to go with a darker color to hide any stains. Materials: Cotton | Sizes: Queen, king | Care: Machine wash Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Cooling Blanket Luxome Lightweight Blanket Luxome View On Amazon $205 View On Luxome.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 What’s Great About It The thermo-regulating bamboo makes it great for hot sleepers. What Could Be Better It picked up a lot of lint from other items in the washer and dryer. Hot sleepers will love the cooling properties of this bamboo blanket. We didn't notice any loose threads or snags, and it features piping along the edges as well as a quilted design. It fit perfectly around all four corners of the bed and draped nicely—you could easily use it as a bedspread. It has a soft, satin-like finish and a substantial weight, although it’s not overly heavy. After laying under it for five minutes, we still felt cool. This is the ideal blanket for those who prefer lightweight blankets but still want the comfort that a weighted blanket provides. The coffee stain lifted with ease, however we did find that the blanket picked up a lot of lint from other clothes. It also came out of the dryer more wrinkled. But overall, this is a luxurious blanket that provides the right amount of warmth and weight for year-round use. Materials: Bamboo viscose | Sizes: Full/queen, king/ California king | Care: Machine wash on delicate cycle, tumble dry low Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Linen Blanket Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket Parachute View On Nordstrom $249 View On Pottery Barn $179 View On Parachute $229 Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 3/5 What’s Great About It It feels like a well-worn T-shirt and makes a great layering piece. What Could Be Better We doubt that it would hold up to pet scratches and other heavy wear and tear. You’ll want to pair the Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket with your comforter for added warmth any time of year. It’s made from a blend of garment-washed linen and cotton, so you’ll find that it has a substantial amount of stretch to it. Similar to the feel of a well-worn T-shirt, this blanket is very soft and thin. While it did take a few minutes for us to warm up under this blanket, it never made us feel too hot thanks to its breathable materials. This is a great blanket to use during the summer or winter.After repeated washings, the blanket’s appearance didn’t change. However, it didn’t hold up well when we brushed it with a pet brush, which makes us doubt its ability to hold up to pet scratches and other heavy wear and tear. It has a somewhat wrinkled, lived-in look that works well folded at the end of the bed or when used as a bedspread. Materials: Linen, cotton | Sizes: Full/queen, king/California king | Care: Machine wash Southern Living / Henry Wortock Best Lightweight Blanket Quince Airy Gauze Blanket Quince View On Quince.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 4/5 What’s Great About It The lightweight cotton is extremely breathable, and we love the lived-in look of the blanket. What Could Be Better It’s not the most durable option we tested. Overall, the Organic Airy Gauze Blanket is very comfortable. Made out of cotton, this is the perfect blanket to use in addition to your comforter. It feels soft, lightweight yet substantial, and breathes extremely well. It could easily be used in the summer months without causing you to overheat, or as an additional layer during the winter months. We didn’t notice any discoloration, loose threads, or snags. This blanket is so versatile that you can use it for both sleeping and lounging on a summer’s day.After washing the blanket, the stain was completely removed, but we did notice that it felt less soft. We also found that with extended use, there were some loose threads from pet claws. It also shrank a bit in the wash, which is to be expected with cotton. Overall, we loved the delicate texture of this blanket, but would caution that it might not be as durable as some of the heavier options on our list. Materials: Cotton | Sizes: Full/queen, king/California king | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Coverlet Riley Home Textured Cotton Coverlet Riley Home View On Rileyhome.com $160 Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It The textured cotton provides an extra layer of comfort without being too warm or sticking to your skin. What Could Be Better It’s not the softest option. Finding the right summer bedding can be tricky. Fortunately, this Textured Cotton Coverlet from Riley is extremely lightweight and won’t stick to your skin in the Southern humidity. It also has a nice drape and covered the sides of our bed well. While it’s not the coziest blanket we tested, it does soften up in the wash. This blanket also has a thick outer edge, which helps it to keep its shape despite its relaxed texture. It also proved to be somewhat hydrophobic, as the coffee didn’t absorb into the fabric very easily. After washing, there were a couple of loose threads, but no snags, tears, or discoloration. And despite its thin construction, it held up well when we brushed over the fabric with a pet brush. It’s easy to keep this stylish blanket folded at the foot of your bed for whenever you need an added layer of warmth, or you can use it as a year-round coverlet. Materials: Cotton | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Blanket for Bed Bare Home Microplush Fleece Blanket Macy's View On Amazon $20 View On Wayfair $22 View On Walmart $20 Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 5/5 What’s Great About It This cozy fleece blanket is durable enough to stand up to nightly use. What Could Be Better In the winter, you will likely have to pair this blanket with heavier bedding. This blanket is so comfy and soft, that you’ll want to snuggle with it every night. It instantly warmed us up without making us feel uncomfortably hot. Plus, it was the perfect fit for a queen-size bed, with plenty of material leftover to tuck it under the mattress. After washing and brushing the blanket, its appearance didn’t change, and there was no sign of the coffee stain. However, when we washed this blanket with our other clothes, we did find that it released a fair amount of lint that stuck to our clothes, although this is getting better with each wash. It also held up beautifully to the brush test, so we’re confident it could survive nightly use, even in homes with children or pets. Just keep in mind that during the winter months, this blanket will likely need to be paired with a heavy comforter or another blanket to provide enough warmth. Materials: Microfiber | Sizes: Throw/travel, twin/twin XL, full/queen, king, giant | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Southern Living / Dera Burreson Best Fleece Blanket Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $20 View On Bedsurehome.com $22 Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Durability 3.9/5 What’s Great About It It is designed with a velvety fleece on one side and a faux shearling on the other. What Could Be Better We wish there was more material to drape over the sides of the bed. If you’re looking for a fleece blanket to keep you cozy through the coldest months of the year, this one features a velvety fleece on one side and a faux shearling on the other. It came with no visible flaws or snags and was very soft to the touch. Although the blanket covered our queen-size bed, we did feel that there should have been more material for it to be considered a bed blanket. Fortunately, this blanket was large enough to cover our entire body. And keep in mind that the polyester material does not breathe, so this blanket is best reserved for the winter. This blanket washed beautifully, and there was no sign of the coffee stain post-wash. Plus, we were happy to find that the colored side didn’t bleed into the white. Some of the threads did catch on the pet brush, so keep this in mind if you have furry friends in your home. There are nearly two dozen color options available, and we think this would make a great gift for the homebody in your life. Materials: Polyester | Size: Throw, twin, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash Southern Living / Dera Burreson The Bottom Line Our best overall pick was none other than the L.L. Wicked Cozy Blanket, while our best budget pick was the Threshold Microplush Bed Blanket. Both are ultra-soft fleece blankets with a similar look and feel. While the Threshold blanket costs just a fraction of the L.L. Bean, it did produce a lot of lint and had some uneven seams, but it’s still an excellent value. Our Testing Process To help you pick out the perfect blanket, we tested 26 of them in our Lab and in our homes to evaluate the quality, comfort, ease of cleaning, durability, and value of each blanket. Firstly, we carefully inspected the blanket for any loose threads, discoloration, tears, snags, uneven edges, or areas where the fabric was puckering. We measured the length and width of each blanket and noted how the fabric felt on our skin. Next, we placed the blanket on a queen-size bed to see how much it draped over the edges. To see how much of an effect the blanket would have on our body temperature, we covered up with it for five minutes. During this test, we observed if the blanket made us feel warm, cool, or overheated.After testing the quality and comfort, we poured 1 tsp. of coffee on each blanket. We then sprayed a stain remover on the blanket and let it sit for five minutes. Once five minutes was up, we washed and dried the blanket per the manufacturer’s instructions. After we finished the cleaning process, we examined the blanket for any defects and performed the same tests as we did the first time. We also checked the area where the stain was applied to see how well it came out in the wash. To test for durability, we took a pet brush and brushed 2 feet of the blanket five times. If the blanket became snagged by the brush, we stopped brushing. Once we were done brushing it, we inspected the blanket for any tears, snags, and other imperfections.Once our Lab testing was complete, we brought the blankets home and tested them on our own beds for three months, noting how they affected our sleeping experience and how well they held up to regular use and washing. Southern Living / Dera Burreson Tips For Choosing The Right Blanket Material One of the deciding factors when choosing a blanket is the type of material. From linen to wool, cotton to polyester, blankets are made out of all kinds of materials. And, the type of material determines the longevity of your blanket. Spets says, “A worsted wool blanket lasts a long time, though it can be a bit too warm and not as soft. Overall cotton is a great option though I would avoid the knitted versions as far as durability goes. Alpaca is a very strong fiber and can be very soft depending on its quality and thickness.” Synthetic materials like polyester, or fleece, can offer you comfort for many years at an affordable price. If you like extra comfy blankets or just prefer blankets to use during the cooler weather, then fleece is a great choice. Weight “The weight of the blanket is mostly based on the type of weave or knit the blanket is made in,” says Spets. You can have blankets made of the same material with varying weights—it all depends on the construction. Just keep in mind that if you tend to sleep hot, a blanket with a looser weave and lighter weight will be more breathable, while a blanket with a denser weave will tend to trap heat. Size Be sure to consider the size of your bed before purchasing a blanket. Most blankets on this list are available in traditional bedding sizes like twin, queen, king, and more. Even still, it’s a good idea to compare the exact blanket measurements to those of your mattress—you want to make sure that whichever size you choose will comfortably cover your mattress and then some so it drapes over the sides. Smaller than standard blankets or throws, travel blankets can keep you cozy even on chilly airplanes. Care To make your blanket last a long time, you will need to take the proper cleaning measures. We recommend referring to the manufacturer’s instructions so that you won’t damage the blanket. Most of the blankets within this roundup can be washed in the washing machine and tumble-dried. But, some of them can’t be bleached, need to be on a gentler cycle, or need to be line-dried. Spets adds, “As a rule, anything that looks and feels thin or sensitive probably should be taken to a professional. Again, always beware of the dryer and hang dry whenever possible!” More Blankets to Consider Coyuchi Pebbled Handstitched Organic Quilt: This gorgeous quilt makes a great layering piece, whether it’s in addition to a comforter in the winter or just over a top sheet in the summer. It just missed our shortlist because some of the threads were pulled in the wash, causing it to pucker in some areas. Sleep Number True Temp Blanket: This temperature-regulating blanket could easily adapt to different seasons. It has a cool-to-the-touch sensation, but still warmed us to a comfortable temperature. However, we did notice some loose threads and snagging after washing. While we did like this blanket, the overall construction and quality need improvement. Southern Living / Henry Wortock Questions and Answers What type of blanket is best for all seasons? If you’re the type of person who uses a blanket throughout the year, Spets recommends that you purchase a medium-weight cotton blanket because it will provide some added weight without adding extra heat during the summer months. What are the warmest blankets? Spets says, “Wool is the warmest material, and there are many different types of wool, such as sheep, lambswool, alpaca, cashmere, and so forth.” Our favorite wool blanket is the Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket because it provides the warmth of wool but is softer than any other wool blanket we’ve tested up until this point. How often should you wash a blanket? How often you wash your blanket depends on how you use it. For blankets that don’t come in direct contact with your body, such as coverlets with a sheet underneath, we recommend washing about once a month. Spets also mentions, “Wash and care is based on the material and quality of the blanket so it is important to read the wash instructions on the tag. As an example, most wools and alpacas can be washed at home if you have a hand or wool setting on your machine. Never use the dryer as it's best to dry flat to retain the shape such as hanging over several lines on a fold-out line dryer.” Why Trust Southern Living This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living. To come up with this list, we tested 26 different blankets in our Lab and then again at home over a three-month period. Moriah also consulted Anki Spets, textile designer and owner of Area Home, for tips on choosing the best blanket for every need. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit