If you ever wonder what is the warmest blanket, it would be wool followed by fleece. In this article, we’ll talk about the four warmest blankets that you can stock up before the winter months. And no, this list doesn’t include an electric blanket.
An electric blanket would be the clear winner because it uses coils to produce heat. However, some materials are better at retaining heat, and they make great choices for people who don’t like electric blankets. While electric blankets have low electric consumption, why not warm yourself without the need for an outlet?
What Is The Warmest Blanket? (The Answer If You Don’t Like Electric Ones)
The warmest blanket is wool, followed by fleece, down, and cotton. The overall construction of the blanket contributes to its effectiveness in insulation, but fuzzy materials top the list because their fibers trap warmth more efficiently. Comfort is also variable for every user, so this is how you can choose the warmest blanket among the warmest materials:
1. Wool
Blankets made of merino or alpaca wool are guaranteed to keep you warm. Remember that these are natural fibers sourced from animals that can withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, wool draws moisture from the body, making wool blankets even more effective for temperature regulation.
But why are natural fibers more effective than synthetic fibers in polyester, acrylic, and nylon blankets? Synthetic blankets have flat fibers, while natural fibers like those in wool are curly. Therefore, warm air gets trapped easily in the resulting air pockets of the fibers and clumps.
2. Fleece
Even though fleece blankets are synthetic, they are designed to mimic natural wool, and you can quickly soften them if yours have been around for a long time. Fleece is fuzzy and effective for insulation because of how it’s woven and how fast it dries down when wet. Heat is trapped in air pockets, similar to how a wool’s curly fibers work for keeping you warm.
Do note that there are also different types of fleece fabrics. You can get something made of polyester fleece if you want the warmest blanket because it is double-sided. The surface is even extra fluffy because of napping that some quality fabrics are warmer than wool.
3. Down
Down blankets are considered among the warmest blankets because they insulate the same way as a fuzzy blanket. The spaces between the clumps allow warm air to nest in and return all over your body. However, you want a larger cluster of down from mature birds if you want the warmest blanket because a low fill-power count means it won’t be as insulating.
What is the fill power in down blankets? The fill power is the volume of a single ounce of down. If you get a high fill power, the blanket will be lightweight but still very effective in keeping you warm.
4. Cotton
The warmest blanket made of wool and natural fibers is not the lightest material. However, cotton blankets are still excellent for insulation while being lightweight and soft. Some people prefer cotton blankets because they come in different colors and patterns, and they are relatively low maintenance in terms of washing.
Furthermore, cotton blankets are versatile to use throughout the year. You can use one on a summer evening or add it as a layer for warmth during the cold winter months. Cotton is also an easy material to carry around for travel.
Which Type Of Blanket Is Best For Winter?
Fuzzy and plush blankets like wool, fleece and Sherpa would be the best for winter and heavy winter months. They have great insulator properties where warm air will recirculate against your body. Furthermore, some fibers are moisture-wicking to further help in temperature regulation.
Besides plush materials, you can also use a weighted blanket for the winter season. You can opt for flannel, fleece, cotton, bamboo, or even polyester weighted blankets that effectively create and trap heat. And if you want, you can learn how to make a weighted blanket with removable weights for adjustment throughout the year.
What Is The Warmest Blanket For Camping?
For camping, you can bring a wool army blanket if you want the warmest blanket. For one, it’s made of wool, which has curly fibers that trap heat effectively. And second, it’s military-grade, meaning it can withstand challenging conditions, and you can even wash a wool army blanket relatively easily.
What Fabric Is The Warmest?
The warmest fabric that you can consider when selecting a blanket for the cold season is wool. It’s even popular for winter coats. Additionally, some other warm materials worth mentioning include flannel, cashmere, corduroy, cotton, mohair, hemp, nylon, and faux fur.
Why Are Sherpa Blankets So Warm?
Another synthetic material worth calling as the warmest blanket is the Sherpa blanket. What makes a Sherpa blanket warm is because the fabric has a fuzzy lining and a smooth side. Together, the sides create effective insulation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re preparing for winter or packing your bag for camping, you must ensure that you have the best blanket for providing heat. But what is the warmest blanket? The clear winner is wool because of the air pockets within the fibers that trap heat, but you can also get a Sherpa blanket or a product that uses fleece, down, or cotton.