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From Fleece to Faux Fur, Here Are the 11 Warmest Blankets to Stock Up on This Winter

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There’s a funny thing that happens in New York during wintertime: One day, everyone’s breezing through the parks wearing slim camel trenches, and the next, people are buttoned up in puffer coats; darting toward the subway like “The Great Appalachian Storm” is upon us. Nevertheless, colder temps are here—and whether you live in the Northeast or are rolling your (icicle-filled) eyelashes from somewhere in the Midwest—we share a mutual interest: a warm, cozy blanket. Picture thick, puffy duvets and electric/heated numbers to cult-classic throws like Jenni Kayne's Alpaca Basketweave and Barefoot Dreams’ CozyChic blanket.

Yet, before we get into our picks for the 11 warmest blankets (peep: the faux fur in number two, which doubles as eye candy for your sofa), you need to ask yourself: How warm do you need this thing (i.e, for extreme cold)? And what kind of feel do you prefer (like a thick, faux fur or breathable bamboo for sensitive skin)? So below, see a breakdown of the warmest blanket—including types and materials—according to experts from Nectar Sleep Mattresses.

THE WARMEST BLANKETS OF 2023 AT A GLANCE 

WHAT ARE THE WARMEST BLANKETS?

  • Throw Blankets: “Throw blankets are usually made from different materials but [the warmest] are mostly knit or woven,” they explain. So, in terms of warmth, you want to target three woven fabrics: Wool, fleece and microfiber. First, you have wool (aka the thickest), which can “keep you warm during winters and [has] moisture-wicking properties.” (Side note: Be sure to look for softer wool fibers—like merino, alpaca and cashmere—so the blanket doesn’t have an “itchy, [rough] surface.”) Then, you have fleece, which “is made from polyester fabric or cotton fabric.” Per the experts, “This material is lightweight [but can still] keep you warm during winters—[and it’s] considered a good alternative to wool [with] anti-allergic properties.” And finally, you have microfiber, which is “made up of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon.” Not only is microfiber “durable, wrinkle-resistant and extra soft on the skin,” but the blend is also “hypoallergenic and [ideal for those with] sensitive skin.”
  • Electric and Heated: Naturally, if you live in a location where wind chills can reach up to 9.9 miles per hour, you’ll want something ultra-warm. Electric/heated blankets are about as warm as you can get, where they plug into the wall and draw electricity from small, thin wires that run through the fabric. “Electric blankets work best when used sparingly, and lightly,” writes Nectar experts in a blog post. “[Your] body is a good natural source of heat, and [incremental], small steps are always best when using any sort of artificial heating device.” They also warn: “This is a biggie: Most electric blankets come equipped with a timer. It’s important to use it! [Leaving] an electric blanket on can create [serious injury, and you want to] utilize the timer function [to] make sure that you have a safe night’s sleep…You also may be surprised to know that you don’t need much time for an electric blanket to do its job. As little as ten minutes usually is enough to warm a bed.”
  • Weighted Blankets: Weighted blankets [aka gravity blankets] are stuffed with heavy materials such as plastic pellets or glass beads [to evoke a calming effect on the body],” the experts explain. “It [pulls from] the principles of [deep pressure stimulation] and [are] used by occupational therapists [to] elevate the problems of anxiety, depression, autism, and sensory processing disorder.” To that end, Dr. Roban says, “In order to create that effect, the general rule of thumb is that weighted blankets should equal approximately 10 percent of your body weight. So let’s say you’re 135 pounds of pure insomnia; in that case, a 15-pound model would be the closest of the standard 10, 15, and 20-pound iterations for you to sleep under.”
  • Down Comforters: “A comforter is [is] made from two large fabrics filled with warm materials like feathers, cotton, or polyfill,” says the experts. However, it’s worth mentioning that—in terms of warmth—down comforters are the way to go. These comforters are filled with a fluffy layer of feathers found on ducks and geese, providing natural insulation. The filling is incredibly plush, yet it’s also “lightweight and lofty, so you don’t feel weighed down by your comforter or overly hot,” McKenzie Hyde, a certified sleep coach at Amerisleep.com, tells us.
  • Quilts: “A quilt is made up of three layers: front, middle and back. The top and bottom layers are made of fabric. The middle layer is the filling and is made of materials such as cotton, wool or polyester,” Nectar experts explain. That said, it’s important to look at the materials when you’re shopping for a warm quilt. Often, “quilts are made from cotton which can also be used during spring or summer,” and you want to find something that has a plushy exterior material (like velvet, sherpa or fleece).

11 of the Best Cooling Blankets for Your Chillest Night's Sleep Ever


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Barefoot Dream
  • Why we love it: 100 percent microfiber material is soft yet lightweight; machine washable; shrink-, pill- and wrinkle-resistant

The one celebrity-approved blanket we’re seeing *everywhere* right now? The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic throw. It has A-listers like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson raving—and Teigen loves hers so much, she even had to clarify to her followers that she wasn't paid to tweet her love for it. (She really is that big of a fan.) So what’s all the hype about? Well, for starters, it's crafted with a ribbed, 100 percent polyester material that feels like butter on the skin. Yet, what makes it so special is its stretchy feel and oversized construction (which stretches to 6 feet long). "If you are struggling for a [gift] for someone, get them a Barefoot Dreams blanket. I use mine 365. It stretches and wraps over your shoulders and feet and nothing else compares," writes Teigen in a tweet. Not to mention that it’s also machine-washable and shrink-, pill- and wrinkle-free—so it will keep its softness whether it's brand new or 500 washes in.

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Apparis
  • Why we love it: In-house “Pluche” material feels like real fur; 8-pound weight; machine washable; stain-, spill- and fade-resistant; available in 11 trendy colors

If there’s one blanket this home editor has her eye on right now, it’s this one from NYC-based vegan fashion brand Apparis. For those who don’t know, the outerwear label—which received its investment capital from model/entrepreneur Karlie Kloss—has gone viral for its in-house “Pluche” material, which is an irresistibly silky, cruelty-free faux fur derived from 100 percent polyester. So, after expanding its collection to homewares during the pandemic, it makes sense why people are kvelling over its weighted, 8-pound Shiloh throw. Aside from the signature Pluche feel, people are obsessed with the blanket’s 60- x 80-inch construction (also available in 50x60 inches), which can bring some of the deep pressure stimulation and anxiety-reducing benefits mentioned above. “Literally the best (non-living) thing you will ever have on your bed,” one reviewer raves. “The [material] is amazingly soft and thick, [it] has a great weight to it and it’s super warm. Feels like a hug but isn't crushing. This size is perfect for two people in a queen-size bed.” The best part? (Other than it being machine-washable.) It’s available in a range of 11 ultra-trendy colorways, including camel, emerald green, ivory, latte, navy, smoke, stone blue, verdant green, blush, bubble pink and tobacco (our fave, shown above).

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H&M Home
  • Why we love it: Wool-blended materials look/feel luxurious; budget-friendly; 560-gram weight; machine-washable

This throw blanket—which features a cozy blend of wool, and acrylic polyester—is deceptively luxurious for its $35 price tag. Not only is it constructed with double layers of woven fabric and a substantial, 560-gram weight, but it also comes in two brushed finishes and large fringe edging that looks fabulous when displayed on a sofa. One reviewer writes, “[This is] the softest, creamiest [winter] blanket [I’ve tried]. Great size, and washable. I washed it on delicate in cool water and hung it over my shower curtain rod to dry—it’s still perfect.” That said, another reviewer mentions: “[It] definitely sheds little wooly balls but [we] love the texture and warmth! Looks amazing on our couch.” Bottom line? Be sure to machine-wash this guy on cold (and let it air dry) to help prevent the material from pilling or shedding down the line.

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Jenni Kayne
  • Why we love it: Luxurious materials include alpaca and merino wool; handwoven construction; comes in 5 earthy neutral colors that double as decor

Naturally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include our reader’s favorite Jenni Kayne blanket on this list. The 50- by 70-inch throw is made from a luxurious blend of alpaca and merino wool, and its handwoven, basketweave construction offers a Goldilocks level of warmth—not so thin that you’re still itching for a sweater, but not so thick that you start sweating immediately. Plus, aside from its super-soft feel, people are *obsessed* with this blanket’s earthy neutral color options (which are available in ivory, light grey, oatmeal, charcoal and cocoa). “I’m in total heaven when wrapped in this throw! It’s perfectly thick and substantial, more so than any other throw I’ve had. I find myself petting [the blanket] when I have it over my legs because it’s sooo soft. I didn’t realize just how warm these are as well—perfect for our impending Minnesota winter,” writes one reviewer. The only caveat, however, is that the blanket is dry clean only (so be careful when cozying up with a mug of hot coco or glass of red wine).

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Amazon
  • Why we love it: Reversible sherpa and microplush materials; five different power and heat settings; auto-shutoff after 4 hours, machine washable

With a 4.4-star rating and more than 8,200 reviews, it makes sense why people are raving over this electric blanket. First and foremost: It’s super easy to use with a controller that allows you to customize its temperature levels and it includes an auto-shutoff function that turns the heat off after four hours. On top of that, it both looks and feels good with a reversible, microplush design (available in eight colors) that can be flipped to reveal a plush sherpa lining on the other side. “Spill something on it while binge-watching TV? Used while sick? No worries! The electric throw is WASHABLE because the power cord detaches,” wrote one reviewer (a statement backed up by the brand in its product description). “This is easily the most surprising feature.” Not bad for a blanket that clocks in at just under $40.

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Bearaby
  • Why we love it: Made from breathable organic cotton; comes in 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-pound weights; doesn’t use glass/plastic bead filling; machine washable; 5 color options

Here, our favorite weighted blanket that scored 92 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review: “Ever since my Cotton Napper assumed its home at the foot of my bed back in December, I’ve found myself falling asleep more easily, and staying asleep through the night,” writes former editor Kara Cuzzone. “Unlike most weighted blankets, which have a cotton exterior and [pockets] filled with glass beads or plastic pellets to give them their heft, [this one] is made from nothing but knitted layers of organic cotton, and the fabric itself is what provides the weight.” What’s more, you have the option to choose between 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-pound weights, where the brand says your blanket should be roughly 10 percent of your body weight (so if you weigh 150 pounds, you should opt for the 15-pound Napper). “The most important thing is that your weighted blanket feels soft, cozy and comforting, right? Well, I’m happy to report that the Cotton Napper is all of the above. In fact, I’d argue that it’s more soothing and comfortable than other weighted blankets I’ve tried, since the knit construction ensures an even distribution of weight and pressure throughout,” Cuzzone summarizes. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also machine washable?

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Macys
  • Why we love it: Reversible fleece and sherpa design; machine-washable; oversized dimensions and 5.2-pound weight; 10 muted color options

For decades, we’ve clung to our UGG boots because they’re just that cozy—and as it turns out, the brand’s fleece throw blanket has the same comfort factor. Not only does it have a mushy, reversible design with velvet fleece on one side and nubby sherpa on the other, but we’d buy it for the 10 muted color options alone (which include everything from deep sage and firewood to denim blue). “[Some throw blankets] are just for decoration, [and] some are just for warmth during the chilly months. [This] UGG throw does both, [where it’s] beautiful yet the right amount of weight and warmth,” writes one reviewer. Plus, another adds, “This is the throw everyone fights over. Some prefer the silky side, some the fluffy side but everyone is vying for this blanket when the temps dip!” Oh, and unlike our boots, this blanket is completely machine-washable, so you can keep it looking (and smelling) fresh all season long.

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Anthropologie
  • Why we love it: Velvet texture is warm and luxurious; 100 percent cotton backing; machine washable; comes in 7 dramatic colors and 5 bedding sizes

Hailing from Anthropologies’s oh so luxurious collection is a velvet quilt that lives up to its namesake. It’s layered with a dreamy blend of cotton, viscose and polyfill that’ll keep you warm, while the top fabric—which features intricate stitching on high-sheen velvet—lends a textured (and royally dramatic) look. One reviewer writes, “[This quilt] fits my king-sized bed perfectly. I wasn't sure how the velvet would feel in person but it is super soft and very comfortable for me and my dogs. I live in MN and my furnace went out recently—when I woke up my home was 50 degrees—but I slept very comfortably and warm through the night with this [thing]!” However, it’s worth noting that another reviewer writes, “I purchased the peach color and it elevated the look of my bed dramatically…I did notice a spot where my dog lays on it, the shine sort of muted there, so I rotated it and put a throw under him.” Oh, and did we mention it’s available in five bedding sizes, including twin, full, queen, king and California king?

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UnHide
  • Why we love it: Made from vegan faux fur that feels like chinchilla; 9.5-pound weight; machine-washable and durable; available in 10 trendy colorways

Yet another faux-fur blanket that’s gone viral on Instagram? This number from UnHide, which is a sustainable lifestyle brand that uses almost entirely recycled materials to create buttery soft, vegan faux-fur throws (that feel just like chinchilla, according to the website). The Marshmallow 2.0 is its most popular blanket—and aside from its ultra-plush feel and 100 percent cruelty-free materials—people love it for its thick, 9.5-pound weight and oversized, 60- x 80-inch dimensions. One reviewer writes, “I’ve tried regular weighted blankets and they were too heavy. [The] Marshmallow [is] so soft—it feels like it is hugging you—and it has just the right heft [to be warm, without causing me to overheat]...Everyone who touches it says, ‘Oh wow. So soft.’” Another reviewer adds: “[This blanket] stays soft and fluffy after washing—and we wash it a lot. I’m not a fan of spending money on things my kids or pets could ruin [and the Marshmallow has] stood the test of time.”

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Riley

Best Down Comforter

10. Riley White Goose Down Comforter

  • Why we love it: Filled with RDS-certified down; 700-fill power is insulating; sateen cover shell makes it breathable; filling remains intact and distribute evenly at night

If you’re looking for something ultra-thick, insulating and fluffy enough to give that layered, Four Seasons Hotel look—this comforter is your guy. Take it from this editor, who can’t get enough of its 700-fill-power for unparalleled fluffiness. The 100 percent sateen cover shell creates an elegant, tailored look and the box-stitch construction ensures the filling doesn’t shift or distribute unevenly (even if you move a bunch in the night). Plus, this one also happens to be machine washable (which is rare for comforters that use RDS-certified down). That said, while I found this thing to be surprisingly breathable—given the lofty fill power—I wouldn’t recommend purchasing it if you run hot, like me. After an hour of tossing and turning, I resorted to sleeping on top of this one. But this article is about warm blankets—and if you’re looking for bedding that will keep you warm and snug for colder temperatures, I’d put this at the top of your list.

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QUINCE

Best Blanket for Sensitive Skin

11. Quince Organic Bamboo Viscose Quilt

  • Why we love it: Made from 100 percent viscose from organic bamboo; hypoallergenic; OEKO-TEX-certified and free from harmful chemicals; machine-washable; comes in 7 colors and 3 size options.

Finally, a hypoallergenic option that goes out to our allergy-prone friends (or those with sensitive skin). Not only is Quince’s mid-weight quilt made from natural bamboo materials (aka the best organic fabric for your skin), but it’s also OEKO-TEX-certified, which means it’s free from harmful chemicals or pesticides. On top of that, it features a luxurious sateen top layer with a smooth finish (that also happens to have temperature-regulating properties). “This [viscose quilt] is silky smooth to the touch; it’s perfect for people who like to sleep in a cool bed or are sensitive to [allergens and] high temperatures at night. The viscose material is very similar to mulberry satin silk, but is hypoallergenic, which is wonderful,” writes one reviewer. Not to mention that it’s also machine washable and comes in 7 chic color options.

The 11 Best Weighted Blankets of 2023


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Sydney Meister

Assistant Editor

Sydney Meister is PureWow's Assistant Editor, covering everything from dating trends and relationship advice (here's looking at you, 'soonicorns') to interior design, real estate...
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