Your search for the most comfortable blankets ends here. These silky soft, plush blankets are great for winding down on the couch and snuggling in bed. There’s something in here for everyone, whatever your definition of comfort may be. I’ve narrowed down the options to bring you a blanket so comfy and soft you’ll never want to share it with anyone.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Most Comfortable Blanket
I don’t know about you but when it comes to sleep, I’m picky about pillows, blankets, and mattresses. All of these can affect sleep quality. Blankets spell the difference between a cozy night or restless sleep.
What’s comfortable to one person may be the opposite to someone else, so before you buy a plush throw or fuzzy blanket, consider your preferences. What fabrics do you typically gravitate to? Do you sleep hot or cool? How much are you willing to spend for a soft and cozy blanket? These are just some of the questions that can send you on your way to nocturnal happiness.
How to choose a comfortable blanket
Here are the particular things you need to think about before buying the warm, plush blanket of your dreams.
Material
Fabric can play a major role in comfort. For sleepwear, light and breathable threads are recommended. Polyester is often seen as a big don’t when it comes to sleeping while cotton is favored for its airiness. However, fabric construction has taken big leaps in comfort and quality and polyester is now a viable option for a super soft blanket.
Some fabrics to keep in mind are the following:
Cotton
Cotton is derived from the cotton plant and its fibers allow air to circulate to your skin. It’s lightweight and breathable. Cotton is low-maintenance and durable. There are several varieties of cotton such as Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, and American upland cotton. Pure cotton is a poor insulator. It’s not a good option for extra warmth and it doesn’t wick away moisture from the body, which can be an issue if you perspire through the night.
Wool
A fiber sheared from sheep, goats, alpacas, and other animals, wool is amazing for insulation. The weight and weave of the wool determine how much warmth it gives so check that carefully so you don’t get overheated. Merino wool is a favorite in fashion and sleepwear because it’s soft, absorbent, moisture-wicking, and warm. A bonus is it’s not itchy like some types of wool.
Silk
You’ll often see silk in pajamas and beddings. Despite its fragile look, it’s strong and soft with exceptional temperature-regulating abilities. However, this fabric can be hard to clean because they absorb moisture and stain easily. Dry cleaning is the best way to maintain silk, therefore it’s not a practical option for a blanket. It’s also not plush like faux fur or other warm fabrics.
Synthetics
Microfiber, polyester, acrylic, and microplush are some examples of synthetic fibers. These are super soft and warm blanket materials that can be used alone or in combination with other fabrics. They tend to get staticky and are magnets for loose hair, dust, and other debris. However, they’re very strong and durable. New types of polyester are now moisture-wicking and breathable. Synthetics’ main strength is its cost-effectiveness and warmth.
Down
Down blankets feel plush because they’re filled with feathers from geese or ducks. It’s lightweight but an excellent insulator. Down is also breathable because it’s derived from natural sources. However, it’s sought after for its high quality and is more expensive than other materials.
Down alternatives are substitutes for down blankets. What’s good is they’re hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. These are made of synthetic fibers and cost less than down. On the downside, they weigh more and are not as insulating as the real stuff.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a luxurious type of wool derived from certain types of goats found in Tibet, India, and Pakistan. Unlike sheep’s wool, it’s super soft, lightweight, and durable. Cashmere is good for insulating you in cold months. However, this type of fabric is expensive.
Fleece
Fleece is a super soft fabric that’s warm and comfy. Derived from acrylic fibers, it’s lightweight and thin. Fleece is easy to maintain because you can just throw it in the washing machine. It’s an affordable fabric that will keep you warm.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of yarns per square inch of material. It’s a buzzword used to market blankets and other woven fabrics. It is said that the higher the thread count, the softer the material. The range varies, from below 200 to 1000 threads per 1 square inch.
However, thread count is not the end all be all of quality. The quality of the fiber is of equal or superior importance. A thread count between 200 to 500 will suit most sleepers.
Weave
The weave is also a criterion to consider because affects softness, warmth, and crispness.
Hot sleepers and people in humid climates will appreciate a Percale weave for its cooling and crisp texture.
A softer fabric is sateen, which is smooth like satin and more wrinkle-resistant than Percale.
Jersey is a soft and stretchy knit which are easy to wash and the definition of casual.
Flannel is heavy, soft, and warm, perfect for keeping you company during cold nights.
Microfiber is derived from synthetic or rayon threads and has a close weave, making it not as breathable as natural fabrics. However, it’s soft, hypoallergenic, and wrinkle-resistant.
Size and Thickness
When it comes to size, a blanket with a bit of allowance to hang over the ends of your bed is ideal so you can tuck the extra inches under the mattress. Different brands have different sizes. Here are the most common ones (length by width).
Twin: 90” x 65”
Full/Queen: 90” x 85”
Queen: 90” x 90”
King: 90” x 110”
The thickness of the blanket is a good indicator of how warm it will be but you can find good insulation in thin blankets with the right fabric. Thickness also determines the weight of the blanket. Weighted blankets can relax the body and alleviate stress and tension.
What’s the best way to use and care for your blanket?
Before washing your blanket, please check the manufacturer’s care instructions to be safe. Generally, most blankets under twenty pounds can fit in a washing machine. Set it to a gentle cycle and use cold water with a mild detergent. Some blankets are handwash only while more finicky fabrics require spot cleaning or dry cleaning.
The 5 Softest and Comfiest Blankets to Try
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket
This bestselling blanket by Bedsure is a faux Sherpa fleece blanket made from 100 percent microfiber polyester. This material makes it soft and cozy yet durable. It’s a reversible fleece blanket so you can choose which side you prefer. One side is smooth which is ideal for lounging on the couch or using it as a throw blanket. The other side is fluffy which retains warmth as you sleep.
The blanket has 220 GSM (grams per square meter) fleece top and 260 GSM Sherpa which means it’s a midweight fleece blanket that’s warmer and more comfortable than lightweight fleece. Sherpa is a less bulky alternative to real fleece and it dries faster too so it’s easy to clean.
This type of fleece will keep you dry because it wicks moisture away from the body. Microfiber polyester resists stains and fades less compared to cotton. It’s also elastic so it will retain its plush quality, shape, and size over time. This soft blanket is machine washable so there are no hassles when spills or stains occur.
There are multiple size options to choose from. The 60 inches by 80 inches is perfect as a throw blanket. The largest blanket measures 108 inches by 90 inches. This will fit even full/queen beds.
This plush blanket is great for chilly weather and will keep you warm both indoors and outdoors. It’s around half an inch thick. It probably won’t be enough to get you through harsh winters but for an everyday blanket, this is a great option.
Pros
- A faux fur blanket made of soft and durable polyester
- Reversible and versatile with one side that’s smooth and another that’s fluffy
- Midweight fleece blanket that’s warm and comfortable
- Less bulky than fleece and dries fast
- Moisture-wicking and stain-resistant
- More elastic than cotton
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- Not thick enough for very cold weather
Chanasya Fuzzy Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Snuggle up to this plush and soft blanket from Chanasya for extra warmth. It’s made of 100 percent microfiber polyester which is comfy and pill-resistant. The fibers of microfiber are extremely fine so it will feel good on the skin.
The throw blanket is hypoallergenic, perfect for those prone to allergies. It also won’t shed. It’s resistant to static and easy to maintain. Just put it in the wash and tumble dry.
This is a medium warm throw blanket that comes in different colors and sizes. It will add pizzazz to the living room or bedroom. You can choose a style that will fit your interiors and serve as an accent to your existing color palette.
The blanket can also be used as a bed blanket because of its faux fur fluffiness. It’s versatile because it fulfills both aesthetic and functional use. You can use this throw blanket outdoors for picnics and camping. It’s also good for traveling and is guaranteed to be softer than the plane blanket.
This blanket weighs two pounds but is a bit thin. It’s not as breathable as cotton blankets so it retains heat fairly well, but for freezing conditions, you’ll need a thicker blanket.
Pros
- A faux fur blanket made of plush microfiber polyester that resists pilling
- Fine fibers are super soft and hypoallergenic
- Anti-static and washable
- Has medium warmth
- Comes in beautiful colors and multiple sizes
- A great throw blanket to accent a chair or couch
- Is a multipurpose blanket
Cons
- Because it’s thin, it’s not the warmest blanket and not suited for very cold winters
RELAX EDEN Adult Weighted Blanket
Sink into a deep sleep with this soft blanket from Relax Eden. It’s built exquisitely and is extremely breathable thanks to the 100% cotton fabric that comprises its outer layer.
This is a weighted blanket padded with polyester and high quality glass micro-beads. The heaviness will soothe stress and alleviate anxiety. This evenly distributed weight wards off restless nights when you have too much on your mind.
The neat stitches and strong buckles speak of the fine workmanship that went into making this cotton blanket. It has seven breathable layers that promote air circulation as it keeps you toasty through cold nights. Cotton blankets are known for breathability.
It also comes with a removable duvet cover in a plush dotted mink fabric to keep you extra warm. When summer comes, you can remove the cover for a lighter feel. For further customization, you can choose your blanket’s weight and size. Weight choices range from 5 to 30 pounds. The recommended heaviness is 10% to 12% of your body weight.
This soft blanket is machine washable so it’s convenient to clean. Just unhook the cover from the secure loop ties and wash separately. This blanket is a splurge and its weight is not ideal for a throw blanket. As a bed blanket, it’s worth the investment for good sleep.
Pros
- Superior build quality
- The 100% cotton outer cover is breathable
- A weighted blanket with various weight and size options
- Warm but breathable layers
- Has a removable duvet cover
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive for a blanket
- Not good for using as a throw blanket
Dr. Hart’s Weighted Blanket Deluxe Set
Dr. Hart’s Weighted Blanket Deluxe SetThis blanket is not like other weighted blankets because it has a patented design made by Dr. Hart, a neurologist. It’s scientifically created to promote restful sleep, informed by the experience of an industry practitioner.
It has a wavy quilt design that contours to the body and distributes weight evenly. The fabric is made of a breathable microplush that’s soft and luxurious. It’s easy to care for, too, because it’s removable and machine washable. If you sweat through the night, it will wick away the moisture into the air.
Padding the weighted blanket is patented DreamBeads. These are quartz microspheres which are an eco-friendly alternative to glass beads and poly pellets. They’re odorless so it won’t disturb your sleep. The beads are nontoxic and hypoallergenic to protect you from sneezing and wheezing. They are completely silent and won’t rustle in your slumber.
The beads are thermo-regulating because they cool you down in summer and bring breathable warmth in winter. There are three weights to choose from, namely, 15, 20, and 25 lbs.
The blanket dimensions are 60 inches by 80 inches. The inner blanket is 100% cotton. There’s only one color available but it’s a neutral gray, so it will match most bedrooms.
Because of the weight and density of the blanket, it’s excellent for snuggling up in bed, especially in cold months. However, it tends to be too warm for summer so I think that it’s not a year round blanket if you sleep hot.
Pros
- Is designed by a neurologist for deep slumber
- Molds to the body and distributes weight evenly
- Has a breathable microplush cover
- Machine washable cover
- Padded with eco-friendly, odorless, and silent DreamBeads
- Has a thermo-regulating effect
- Comes in 3 weights
Cons
- Has only one size (60 inches by 80 inches)
- Not a year round blanket as it’s too thick for warm months and hot sleepers
LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket
This soft and cozy fleece blanket by LOMAO is eye-catching and versatile, perfect for using as a plush throw blanket.
It has a fleece jacquard face while the other side is made of Sherpa fleece. These bring warmth as you read in bed or watch television in the living room. Each side feels different so you can pick one that suits your needs.
The high grade microfiber polyester retains shape well and won’t shrink. It’s also a low-maintenance fabric that’s easy to clean.
The fibers underwent a ring-spun yarn technology so not only are they soft, they’re dense and sturdy. It’s lightweight, too, so you can easily take it with you on trips.
The lily pattern adds a touch of whimsy to a bare chair. There are six colors available so you can choose a size that will your sofa or bed perfectly. This faux fleece blanket comes in several sizes so it will cover most mattresses comfortably.
If you’re craving a dose of luxury as you lounge and sleep, this is one of the most lightweight and warmest blankets around. It’s pillowy soft and toasty and comes at an affordable price.
A potential disadvantage with this fleece blanket is its initial smell. It has a chemical scent that goes away with a thorough wash.
Pros
- A fleece jacquard and Sherpa fleece reversible blanket
- Soft and cozy
- Made of microfiber polyester that’s durable and elastic
- Lightweight
- Has a lily pattern that’s suitable as an accent throw blanket
- Comes in six beautiful colors
- Many sizes available so it’s great as a bed blanket or as a plush throw blanket
- Affordable
Cons
- Has a chemical smell when new
Conclusion
These are the best plush and soft blankets, perfect for a self care night in with movies and a glass of wine or for using as a throw blanket, draped over your couch. You deserve the softest blanket to lull you into a good night’s sleep and these blankets will have you covered.
The best and softest blanket that will suit nearly everyone is the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket. They are highly rated with topnotch construction. They will feel pillowy and soft as you curl up against them. It has unparalleled levels of coziness. You can choose which side you prefer and the color and size that fits your home. It weighs just right and it’s not too thick or thin. It’s definitely one of the most comfy blankets money can buy.
