Best Cotton Blanket
When the weather gets warm but you still don’t want to give up on a blanket to snuggle with, a cotton blanket is a perfect mid-way solution. Ideal for hot sleepers, these blankets are lightweight, breathable, and cool to touch. The distinct comfort of a cotton blanket lies precisely in its temperature-regulating properties. It will make sure that you’re perfectly toasty but not too hot, which is great for warmer nights. When the temperatures drop, a cotton blanket will be a welcome addition to thicker blankets or a comforter.
Available in a range of designs, cotton blankets can be textured, printed, or even weighted: there’s a tailored choice for everyone’s needs. There’s plenty to choose from, and narrowing down your choices can be difficult unless you know what to look for. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top 5 picks, as well as a buyer’s guide so you know what features in a cotton blanket will be perfect for your needs.
1. Cotton Woven Blanket by Vellux – Editor's Choice
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Available colors: 6
2. Bedsure 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
- Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King
- Available colors: 10
3. EMME 100% Cotton Muslin Blanket
- Available sizes: 4-layer, 4-layer plus yarn, 6-layer
- Available colors: 3
4. Cable Knit Cotton Light Grey Throw Blanket
- Available sizes: 50″ x 60″, 60″ x 80″
- Available colors: 15
5. Burt’s Bees Set of 2 Baby Cotton Blankets
- Available sizes: 29″ x 29″
- Available colors: 1
Table Of Contents
- Our Review Process
- Best Cotton Blankets
- 1. Cotton Woven Blanket by Vellux
- 2. Runner Up – Bedsure 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
- 3. Best for Hot Sleepers – EMME 100% Cotton Muslin Blanket for Adults
- 4. Best Cotton Blanket Throw – Cable Knit Cotton Light Grey Throw Blanket for Couch
- 5. Best for Babies – Burt’s Bees Set of 2 Baby Cotton Blankets
- Advantages of Cotton Blankets
- — Ideal for warm weather
- — Hypoallergenic
- — Can be used year-round
- — Hardwearing
- What to Look for in a Cotton Blanket
- Conclusion
- Additional Resources
Best Cotton Blankets
1. Cotton Woven Blanket by Vellux – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Available colors: 6
Pros
- Low-linting fabric
- Doesn’t pile or snag
- Loom woven for durability
- Pet-friendly and kid-friendly
- Easy care
- Year-round use
- Versatile
Cons
- Can shrink somewhat after the first washing
Great as a blanket for warmer weather, an additional layer when the temperatures drop, or as a pretty throw to adorn your living room sofa, this beautiful and versatile cotton blanket from Vellux can be used all throughout the year. Made from ring-spun cotton, this blanket has a decorative chevron texture that’s achieved by using compact spun yarn in loom weaving. This also makes the blanket more durable, less prone to snagging and much less likely to shed lint (as the tightly spun threads prevent the lint from reaching the surface).
Machine washable and easy to care for, this cotton blanket is both pet-friendly and kid-friendly. You can clean it with ease whenever a mess happens, and the texture of the cotton will make pet hair stick to it less. Available in a range of soft, neutral shades, this cotton blanket will seamlessly fit in any interior decor.
Who Should Buy This?
High-quality, soft to touch, and easy to care for, this chevron textured cotton blanket is great for people that want hotel-quality blankets at an affordable price. Cozy and toasty, this blanket can be used during warmer months or layered with thicker coverings when it’s snowing outside.
2. Runner Up – Bedsure 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
Highlights
- Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King
- Available colors: 10
Pros
- Decorative waffle weave
- Ring-spun cotton for durability
- Doesn’t pill or shed
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Self-finished selvage edge
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all seasons
- Good selection of colors
Cons
- Colors not the same as in pictures
Who says a cotton blanket isn’t made for snuggling and keeping toasty when the evenings get chilly? Woven from all-natural cotton, this thermal blanket is ideal as a lightweight but warm blanket for milder climates or hot sleepers. It’s made with ring-spun cotton prized for its compactness and resilience, so this classic waffle weave blanket will be both durable and less prone to shedding. Both machine washable and dryable, this blanket won’t pill or wrinkle and will be effortless to care for.
Available in a wide variety of colors to complement various bedroom or living room themes, this versatile cotton blanket can be thrown over a couch, layered for additional warmth, or used as a cover during hotter days of the year. It feels luxurious to snuggle in as it’s also breathable and exceptionally soft.
Who Should Buy This?
If you prefer the timeless appeal of waffle weave cotton blankets, you’ll love this elegant design. With distinct texture and exquisite selvage detailing on the edges, this blanket is above all highly decorative but still comfy and low maintenance.
3. Best for Hot Sleepers – EMME 100% Cotton Muslin Blanket for Adults
Highlights
- Available sizes: 4-layer, 4-layer plus yarn, 6-layer
- Available colors: 3
Pros
- Breathable and light
- Luxuriously soft
- Easy to care for
- Available in two thicknesses
- Good for travel or hot sleepers
Cons
- Limited color options
When the temperatures start rising, it’s likely that your frustration does too. No matter how much you try, you spend your nights tossing and turning trying to fall asleep despite the overwhelming heat. Sleeping without a blanket might not be an option for you, so it’s important to find a compromise – a covering so light and breathable that even people with night sweats or those that live in hot climates can enjoy it without overheating. In these cases, nothing beats the superbly light cotton muslin. Often used for manufacturing baby items, this Muslin Blanket by EMME is prized for its remarkable softness and airiness. Cotton muslin is best compared with gauze, although it’s much softer of course.
This adult-sized muslin blanket is ideal for hot sleepers or hot weather, as it will envelop you in its softness but is delicate enough so you don’t feel too toasty. It’s available in three different densities – 4 layers, 4 layers plus yarn, as well as 6 layers – and each should be light enough for you, although the 6 layer option might be more durable.
Who Should Buy This?
If hot weather makes getting a good night’s rest all but impossible, a cotton muslin blanket could help you get some much-needed shut-eye. Exceptionally light and breathable, it feels like the softest hug yet doesn’t make you too warm.
4. Best Cotton Blanket Throw – Cable Knit Cotton Light Grey Throw Blanket for Couch
Highlights
- Available sizes: 50″ x 60″, 60″ x 80″
- Available colors: 15
Pros
- Regular throw size or oversized
- Keeps you toasty but not too warm
- Can be used for travel
- Lightweight
- Two textures available
- An impressive choice of colors
- Machine washable and dryable
Cons
- Sheds somewhat
When you want something light but warm to keep you snug as a bug when you’re cozied up on the couch in front of the TV, a knitted blanket may be just the thing. Measuring 50 x 60 inches, it’s more than big enough to snuggle in and to look great as a throw on any size couch or sofa. There’s also an oversized option you can choose – 60 x 80 inches – in case you need something bigger to suit your large furniture. The beautiful diamond pattern paired with an elegant ribbed edge makes this cotton blanket highly decorative and will make a great addition to any decor. With a selection of 15 color options to match any room, you can opt for a different texture as well, since this blanket also comes in a thick striped pattern.
Machine washable and tumble dryable, this low maintenance blanket will be easy to keep clean, which is particularly important for people with kids or pets in the house. It even comes with a washing bag included to eliminate the possibility of the blanket snagging in the wash and to prolong its lifespan.
Who Should Buy This?
No sofa is complete without some decorative pillows and a beautiful throw blanket, and this cotton throw blanket is both highly decorative and practical. Available in two different textures and a selection of colors to meet anyone’s preferences and style, it will seamlessly fit into any living room and keep you toasty while you enjoy a Netflix marathon.
5. Best for Babies – Burt’s Bees Set of 2 Baby Cotton Blankets
Highlights
- Available sizes: 29″ x 29″
- Available colors: 1
Pros
- Available in cotton jersey, cotton knits, and ribbed cotton options
- Neutral color suitable for any gender
- Easy to care for
- GOTS certified organic cotton
- Safe for babies
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- Only one size and color available
When it comes to our tiny humans, only the best will do. These heavenly soft, organic cotton baby blankets from Burt’s Bees are pretty much the top of the line. Certified by GOTS, these are made from gentle and soft cotton that’s free of harmful chemicals and completely safe for a baby’s sensitive skin. They’ll get softer and softer with each wash and can last your baby throughout their infancy.
Great for swaddling, as a stroller blanket, or bedding for your little one’s crib, this set includes two cotton jersey blankets in neutral grey shades with a discreet but cute bee print. Alternatively, you can opt for a baby blanket knit from cotton yarn, or a thicker ribbed cotton blanket more suited for the chilly weather. Each of the options is easily machine washable and will keep your baby cozy.
Who Should Buy This?
Whether you’re furnishing your baby’s nursery or looking for a perfect baby shower gift, this set of cotton baby blankets will be a great choice. Easy to care for, super adorable and exceptionally soft for sensitive baby skin, they’ll make your little one feel snug as a bug in their crib or stroller.
Advantages of Cotton Blankets
When it comes to bedding – or more specifically, bed coverings – there’s so much variety to choose from. Comforters, duvets, quilts, coverlets and blankets are made from all kinds of materials, so there really is a match for anyone’s needs and preferences. What type of bed covering should you choose? As expected, there are pros and cons to each, and the choice will depend on a few factors such as price, comfort and seasonal compatibility. For instance, if you need something to keep you warm during freezing cold nights, a thick comforter will surely be a better choice than a cotton blanket. However, if you want something for warm weather, comforters and quilts will be far from the top of the list. Once you know what to look for and consider, it will be easy to make the right bedding choice and ensure absolute comfort year-round. What properties are cotton blankets prized for?
— Ideal for warm weather
There’s no doubt about it: a lightweight cotton blanket is the best type of covering for hot nights as it will keep the temperature in bed optimal throughout the night. Breathable and cool to touch, a cotton blanket will adapt to your body’s temperature and dissipate heat, making you feel cozy and comfortable: not too hot but not too cold either. This is particularly great if you sleep with the AC on, as a light cotton blanket will make sure you don’t get cold, either, while maintaining a cool, pleasant temperature in the bed.
Similarly, cotton is known for its softness that increases with each wash. It’s one of the best materials to come in contact with your bare skin, so it’s great for people that like to sleep naked when the nights become too hot to bear.
— Hypoallergenic
Wool or down might sound like lovely natural fabric options for bedding, but a lot of people are allergic to these bedding components, which is where synthetic materials come into play as a suitable alternative, since not as many people are allergic to polyester. However, you don’t have to go for the lower-quality man-made materials when there’s a perfectly good natural material that’s wallet-friendly and hypoallergenic: cotton. Cotton is not just great for sensitive skin and allergy-prone people, but it can also be washed frequently, and at higher temperatures, both properties essential for people that are allergic to dust and dust mite. This way, the allergens are removed from the bed- and you’ll get your sneeze-free rest in no time. As another benefit, the frequent washings won’t degrade the fabric, either: cotton only gets softer with each wash!
— Can be used year-round
Despite their coolness and lightness, cotton blankets can be used for all seasons. There’s nothing better than the crisp feel of clean cotton against your skin and that doesn’t change with the temperature. In the colder months of the year, a cotton blanket can be used layered with other blankets or a comforter, depending on the severity of the weather. The crisp feel of the cotton will always be against your skin, so you can layer other bedding however you like, even going for man-made materials if your budget is tight, as your sensitive skin won’t be in contact with them thanks to the cotton blanket layer. That’s some great bang for your buck- you get to use the same blanket throughout the year and it will always feel equally great.
— Hardwearing
As we already mentioned, one of the greatest things about cotton fabrics is that it only gets softer with each wash, but it’s not only the feel of the fabric that’s impressive after more than a few uses – it’s its durability, too. Cotton blankets are strong as the fibers themselves are resilient, particularly in closely knit weaves. You don’t have to worry about replacing your bedding every year or two when you opt for cotton, as these blankets can easily last you for years without changing their color or texture. Plus, they are super easy to care for as cotton isn’t an overly sensitive fabric that requires special handling and cleaning: most can be washed at 40 degrees without fading or shrinking.
What to Look for in a Cotton Blanket
The one defining feature of cotton blankets is the fabric they’re made of, but that’s where the similarities end. There are different types of cotton weaves that impact the texture and feel of the fabric, different thread counts and weights which can affect their softness and durability, and the clear variety of styles and colors. To make sure you’ll be getting the right kind of cotton blanket for your needs, you should take into account each of the following factors.
Cotton is very versatile and can have different textures and weights depending on the way it’s manufactured. When it comes to a cotton blanket, it’s usually textured fabric that mimics knits, and this is mostly for decorative purposes and aesthetic appeal. Waffle weave, dobby weave, herringbone, chevron, or open weave are some of the more common options of the cotton weaves out there. Additionally, a cotton blanket can be knitted from 100% cotton yarn for even better breathability. For hot sleepers and children, the more lightweight and breathable cotton muslin might be the best choice.
You should also make sure that the blanket won’t be a hassle to keep clean. Cotton is machine washable but has a tendency to shrink, so it’s best to go for pre-washed or preshrunk cotton to minimize the potential of shrinking. Similarly, you should look out for cotton that’s certified by OEKO-TEX (or GOTS, if you want organic cotton) to eliminate the possibility of harmful chemicals being used to process the cotton fibers. This is particularly important if you have allergies and/or sensitive skin, or if you’re looking for a cotton blanket for your baby.
Conclusion
A cotton blanket is heaven-sent for hot sleepers as its coolness and breathability ensures you’re getting a good night’s rest no matter how warm it is outside. This natural fabric is ideal for the summer months as it’ll help regulate the temperature inside your bed, making sure you’re not overheated but not chilly either (especially if you sleep with an AC on).
As cotton is a very versatile fabric, so is the choice of cotton blankets: from thin muslin to thicker basket weave, there are plenty of different types of cotton blankets to choose from. Suited for year-round use, a cotton blanket will be a great choice for anyone that values natural materials over man-made alternatives. Our editor’s pick for the best cotton blanket on the market is without a doubt the Cotton Woven Blanket by Vellux. This high-quality, breathable blanket can be used all throughout the year and has a long list of pro’s that you just can’t look past. If you’re looking for a hotel-quality cotton blanket that’s also at an affordable price, this cotton woven option should tick off all of your needs and personal preferences.