Best Wool Blanket
Staying toasty and cozy when the temperatures drop is not always an easy feat – but with the right kind of blanket, you can warm up in no time. While there are plenty of options out there, it’s hard to beat a wool blanket when it comes to temperature regulation – as well as a few other factors. Wool is naturally antibacterial, water-resistant and moisture-wicking, and flame-resistant. Thanks to its unique insulating properties, wool is one of the warmest fabrics out there, but even so – it doesn’t tap heat and won’t cause sweating and discomfort as some synthetic materials would. The pleasant feeling of warmth is enhanced by the breathability of wool, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the heat.
Wool blankets have been the top choice for hundreds of years and their unique properties still make them the very best you can get for yourself if you want to have lasting, natural warmth when the weather starts getting chillier. Of course, there are still some things to consider- from the ease of maintenance to the feel- if you want to make sure that a wool blanket is really the choice for you.
To help you make the right decision and find a cozy wool blanket that will keep you warm for years to come, we’ve explained all the upsides and downsides of wool blankets so you could know if it’s worth investing into one. Also, we’ve selected the best wool blankets on the market today, with a fit for anyone’s budget and preferences. Just scroll on to learn more!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket
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| #2 |  Poyet Motte Aubisque Wool Blanket
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| #3 |  Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
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| #4 |  Biddy Murphy Irish Throw Blanket |
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| #5 |  Desert Breeze Distributing Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket
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| #6 |  Woolino Toddler Blanket
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Pros and Cons of Wool Blankets
Like it is the case with any material or fabric, wool also has its advantages and downsides. While some prize the superb warmth pure wool produces or the fact that it is a natural material, others might be put off by the fact that wool can’t be washed often and can sometimes be itchy. Before you splurge on a new wool blanket, be sure to consider all of the facts- and figure out if this is the right choice for your needs.
- Wool is great at temperature regulation
When it comes to keeping you warm, wool is hard to beat. A fantastic insulator, wool will trap heat underneath it and use your own body warmth to keep you snug as a bug and perfectly toasty even if it’s snowing outside. However, unlike polyester (that also traps heat), wool is naturally breathable and lets air circulate freely, so you won’t sweat or overheat when you’re snuggled in a wool blanket. This combination of naturally insulating properties and breathability is what makes wool such a coveted material for cold weather. If you are cold sensitive or live in an area with freezing temperatures in the winter, a nice woolen blanket is well worth your consideration.
- A wool blanket can be itchy
One of the biggest misconceptions about wool blankets- and wool in general- is that it is always itchy and rough against the skin. While yes, a lot of wool clothes or blankets can feel itchy, it’s due to the way wool has been processed or the type of animal it has been sourced from. If you feel that a woolen blanket is too itchy for comfort, all you have to do is go for a finer sort of wool: superfine merino is always a sure bet when it comes to softness. This type of wool is the farthest thing from itchy: it’s as soft and gentle as a cloud.
- Wool has antibacterial and flame-resistant properties
One of the key concerns with bedding is the different chemicals that can be used in the processing of the fabric, and one of the common reasons why toxic and harmful substances are used is to make fabrics flame-retardant. With wool, that’s not the case. A wool blanket will be naturally flame-resistant, which is why wool itself is often used as a flame-retardant layer in mattresses, for instance. This makes wool blankets great for people sensitive to various synthetics and chemicals, as wool is usually not drenched in toxic substances. Furthermore, due to the breathability of wool and the fact it doesn’t retain moisture, it is considered naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. A wool blanket can’t become a breeding ground for all sorts of nastiness: it inhibits the growth of mildew, mold, and prevents the buildup of bacteria and dust mites. Perfect if you suffer from dust and dust mite allergies or are worried about bacteria or mold.
- A wool blanket is difficult to care for
If you have a precious cashmere sweater or a merino scarf you love to wear, you already know that keeping them clean is a real hassle. The bane of wool fabrics is washing, as being wet and agitated is what can seriously damage the fibers and ruin the wool, most often by shrinking and felting it. Woolen blankets shouldn’t be washed, but rather aired out and spot clean if needed. As wool is antimicrobial and antibacterial, you won’t have to worry about nasty surprises, and for freshness and stain removal, letting a blanket hanging in the sun and wind, as well as brushing out or wiping out any dirty spots, is all it takes to keep your prized blanket clean. Alternatively, if the wool blanket is soiled and needs a more thorough cleanup, you can either try your luck and wash it on cold with a special detergent for wool, or take it to the dry cleaners.
Another thing to consider is that wool blankets are particularly appealing to moths. To make sure your blankets last you for years to come, store them clean in an airtight bag until it’s time to use them again. Additional layer of “security” against moths is storing cedar balls or other moth repellents inside the bag with the blanket – that way, you can be 100 percent sure that no pesky critter will be snacking on your prized blanket.
- Wool blankets are moisture-wicking and resistant
Unlike most fabrics, wool doesn’t absorb water: if you pour a bit of water on a wool blanket, it won’t soak it but rather it will stay on top of the blanket, unable to quickly penetrate the fibers. This is particularly true for untreated wool that’s still rich in lanolin. Of course, this doesn’t make wool blankets waterproof- they simply repel water, which makes them ideal for outdoor use, particularly camping. Similarly, if you are prone to night sweats, a wool blanket might be a perfect choice: it will wick away any moisture and the fact that it is breathable and natural might even help eliminate the issue altogether.
Best Wool Blankets
1. Editor’s Choice: Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket
Specs:
- Fibre content: 82% virgin wool, 18% cotton
- Available sizes: 54″ x 66″
- Available styles: 3
Founded in 1863, Pendleton has a long tradition of making wool clothing and blankets in the USA. For generations back, their textiles made from pure virgin wool have been providing warmth and comfort for whole families, and the same can be said today. Modeled after the blankets early Pacific Northwest shepherds used to keep chill at bay, this rugged-looking blanket is made from pure virgin wool and cotton fibers for natural warmth and breathability. The fabric was woven in the company/s American mills, with the highest standards of production in place.
Durable and versatile, these blankets come in three color combinations, all featuring neutral earth tones. Ideal to snuggle yourself in while you sit on the porch during chilly autumn evenings or as a throw blanket that will keep you cozy when you’re binge-watching TV shows. With 82 percent of wool in the fiber content, it is more than enough to make sure you are toasty even when the temperatures drop below zero.
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Who Should Buy This?
If you value quality, tradition, and timeless design inspired by Native Americans, you will love this wool and cotton blend blanket. Made to last and suited for outdoor and indoor use both, this earth-toned blanket will keep you warm for years to come.
2. Runner Up: Poyet Motte Aubisque Wool Blanket
Specs:
- Fiber Content: 100% virgin wool
- Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King
- Available styles: 8
A well-respected European brand, Poyet Motte was established in 1839 in France with handcrafted wool and cotton blankets being their only product at first. To this day, their blankets remain prized for their exceptional softness and warmth, all thanks to the patented weaving process and high-quality virgin wool they use to manufacture their blankets. This particular blanket is ideal for cold weather as it is made fully from virgin wool with a 500 GSM rating, making it a heavyweight, exceptionally warm blanket. For improved durability and a neat-looking finish, this blanket features a double-stitched satin hem.
Available in 8 elegant solid colors and 3 sizes, this wool blanket will become an irreplaceable part of your seasonal bedding and will ensure that those chilly, snowed in nights become as toasty and cozy as possible.
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Who Should Buy This?
When you want a wool blanket for cold weather, this heavyweight virgin wool blanket is just the thing. Snuggly and warm, it will make sure you are toasty and cozy in your bed no matter how low the temperatures are.
3. Best for Camping: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
Specs:
- Fiber Content: 80% wool, 20% hypoallergenic synthetic fibers
- Available sizes: 64″ x 88″
- Available styles: 3
Seasoned outdoorsmen know that camping without a trusty wool blanket is not a smart idea, especially in the colder seasons of the year. Founded in 2007 with a goal to create high-quality gear for hunters, militaries, and survivalists, Arcturus designs their products with heavy-duty use in mind: and their military wool blanket delivers. Loom-woven and hemmed on all sides, this blanket is made from a blend of wool (80 percent) and a mixture of hypoallergenic synthetic fibers (20 percent) to create a warm, durable, rugged, and water-repellent blanket suited for outdoor use.
To boot, this blanket is machine washable and easy to keep clean and hygienic, which is very important when you use it outdoors, whether it’s camping or tailgating, you’re bound to get it dirty at one point.
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Who Should Buy This?
Whether you want a reliable wool blanket for emergencies that fits in your trunk or a wool blanket for camping, this military-style design is the answer. Easy to care for and great for all seasons, it will keep you snug and warm no matter where you are.
4. Best for Living Rooms: Biddy Murphy Irish Throw Blanket
Specs:
- Fiber Content: 100% new lambswool
- Available sizes: 54″ x 72″
- Available styles: 7
No couch is complete without a throw blanket, and a woolen one will be both beautiful and warm to boot. Biddy Murphy specialties in authentic Irish products and this blanket is one of the country’s finest exports. Made by John Hanly & Co, manufacturer of wool garments and blankets founded in 1893, this throw is made from pure new lambswool, sourced and created in Ireland, by using techniques that have been handed down through generations. Durable and warm, this blanket is made to last- and become a family heirloom.
The classic fringed design and plaid pattern make it a timeless choice that won’t ever go out of style- and to boot, there are 7 color options to choose from for a perfect match with any interior decor.
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Who Should Buy This?
The style shouldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of comfort and warmth and vice versa- this classic fringed wool blanket throw perfectly illustrates this. Stylish and practical, this high-quality blanket will keep you toasty and make your living room more elegant.
5. Best for Cold Weather: Desert Breeze Distributing Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket
Specs:
- Fiber Content: 50% virgin Alpaca wool, 50% virgin merino wool
- Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King
- Available styles: 2
A USA-based company, Desert Breeze Distributing has over 30 years of experience in the world of wool fabric and their blankets perfectly showcase this. Exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials are what defines this warm wool blanket: it is made from a combination of fine Alpaca wool and soft merino wool, both virgin new and both making up 50 percent of the fiber content. Made in Peru, this remarkably soft blanket is also excellent when it comes to temperature regulation- it will definitely keep you cozy when the temperatures drop.
The luxurious softness and warmth of this blanket are not the only things that make it stand out: it is very well-made as well, with double-stitched, reinforced binding for improved durability. It comes in three standard sizes and two shades of brown.
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Who Should Buy This?
If you put a premium on comfort, you’ll love this luxuriously soft Alpaca and merino blanket. Not only that it is breathable and plush, but it will also make sure you are toasty and cozy regardless of the weather.
6. Best for Babies: Woolino Toddler Blanket
Specs:
- Fiber Content: 100% Australian merino wool (inner), 100% organic cotton (outer)
- Available sizes: 52.5” x 40”
- Available styles: 1
Woolino is a company that was born from a mother’s desire to keep her baby as comfy and as safe as possible- and she managed to do just that by utilizing natural materials and clever design. Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton on one side and pure Australian Merino wool on the other side, this toddler blanket is suited for year-round use. The merino wool is of the finest quality, soft and gentle for baby’s skin yet great at regulating temperature. Breathable and naturally fire-retardant, this blanket is just the thing to keep your kid warm (but not overheated) in the cold weather and pleasantly toasty when the temperatures are on the milder side.
This two-layer reversible blanket is the ideal size for toddlers that are moving out of sleep sacks and adjusting to regular bed covers, but it can also be used in the stroller. To make matters even better, this wool blanket for babies is machine washable, making care as simple as it gets- which is what all parents look for in their kid’s bedding, after all.
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Who Should Buy This?
Great as a baby shower gift to new parents, this wool blanket for babies uses the finest materials to keep the little one safe and cozy. With a combo of soft merino wool and organic cotton, this blanket will be suited for year-round use, as well.
Bottom Line
A carefully chosen, well-made wool blanket can last you for decades with the right care. Wool has been prized for centuries for its unique properties: it regulates temperature, wicks away and repels moisture, and it is considered to be naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. If you want a blanket that will keep you toasty in the cold weather or a warm blanket to keep chilliness and moisture and bay while you’re camping, you can’t go wrong with a good old wool blanket.
While caring for wool blankets might seem like a hassle, it’s an effort well worth it considering the many benefits this fiber offers. If you prefer natural materials, want a blanket that will keep you warm without trapping heat, and value quality and longevity, then a wool blanket is just the thing for you.