Best Wool Blankets

The best and coziest way to keep warm, be it at home or on an outdoor trip, is to have a blanket with you. The best and most well-liked blankets you can find will be made of wool – and for good reason. When you use fabric material from animals made for surviving the cold winters, you’re going to get a warm blanket.

For this reason, there are plenty of wool blankets on the market, varying in price and quality. How would you know which wool blanket is the best one for you? This buying guide will help you better find your next favorite blanket and suggest some of the best on the market to get you started.

A Guide to Wool Blankets

So, what exactly makes wool blankets so great? This buying guide will go more in depth explaining why you should get a wool blanket and how they vary so you can better understand investing in a worthwhile purchase.

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Benefits of Wool Blankets

Warm and Cozy

Wool is so warm to us because it’s sourced from animals that handle harsh cold climates way better than us.  Sheep, llamas, alpacas, yaks, even certain breeds of camel yield the wool that goes into the best blankets for providing warmth.

People who live or are staying in climates where it gets very cold at night benefit most from wool blankets. If it’s cold all day, you want to stay cozy at home or you find yourself in a chilly emergency, the warmth of wool blankets has many applications.

Gets Rid of Moisture

The wool in these blankets has a very useful moisture wicking property for added comfort. The natural fibers in wool are breathable so potential sweat from the wearer’s body doesn’t become an uncomfortable issue through the night.

If you live in a damp environment, a quality wool blanket will come in handy and prevent the excessive development of bacteria which would otherwise be problematic for people with allergies.

Fire Resistant

Wool blankets can help when it comes to staying safe against fires. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, so there’s no need for adding any flame retardants to wool blankets. The result is a chemical-free blanket that meets safety standards without extra effort.

Versatile Usage

The diverse properties of wool can come in handy in multiple scenarios. Its insulating ability helps keep your body heat close to you when it’s cold, while the natural breathability and moisture wicking property make the blanket a good cooler for the summer.

This versatility can make a quality wool blanket a good value purpose thanks to its year-round applications.

What to Look for in Wool Blankets

Materials

The deciding factor for most other features in a blanket including the feel, look, weight, and performance is the amount and the type of wool being used. Though they share the same common benefits listed above, each type of wool blanket has its own unique pros and cons.

• Merino Wool is a very common wool known for its breathable and soft nature. This makes it very comfortable, and as it tends to be thinner than your average wool blanket. It’s also more lightweight and comfortable for wearing. This also makes these blankets easy to use for decorating and throwing over furniture.
• Thanks to the almost cloudlike down coats of Angora rabbits, we have an extra warm woolen fabric that doesn’t usually go in blankets but can make for an extra warm one compared to other wool fibers. Some might find this type of wool a bit too hot, however, and might prefer Angora wool on accessories.
• Alpaca wool is soft, silky, and the perfect in between light and heavyweight wool. You’d likely find this type of wool in a blend with other materials. Alpaca wool in blankets is not too common, but they can be extra comfortable and luxurious to the touch.
• Cashmere is found in higher-end products and is probably the most luxurious fabric to the touch. Cashmere blankets are thinner and more stylish, but they’re not exactly budget-friendly compared to others.

You’ll find that many wool blankets include a blend of other materials because though wool offers softness and warmth, other fabrics such as synthetic fabrics offer extra durability. This also determines the price range of your blanket: the lower the percentage of wool in your blanket, the lower the price.

Virgin Wool Versus Recycled Wool

You’ll find some brands claim that their blankets use virgin wool, meaning their blankets are made using freshly sourced and previously unused materials. This compares to recycled wool which may not be as durable but is repurposed and environmentally friendly.

Weight

The style of blanket and material determine the blanket’s weight. If you’re looking for something thinner and more lightweight, look towards thinner types like cashmere or merino. Heavier blankets are made in military or traditional styles and use alpaca or pure virgin wool.

Size

Dimensions are important so make sure to check so you don’t get a blanket too big or too small for you or your furniture.

Comfort

Consider factors such as softness and breathability based on where you plan on using the blanket, so as to avoid discomfort when in use. You don’t want a blanket that’s too scratchy or not breathable enough to use the whole year round.

If you have allergies, don’t fear- wool is naturally hypoallergenic. However, you should be cautious about lower quality wool which may cause irritation or include chemicals that prove to be irritants later on.

Conclusion

Wool blankets are useful for many situations, so it’s important to find the one that’s best for your specific needs. Whether you need one for home or for outdoor use, this guide will highlight what to look for to meet those needs. It’s important as a shopper to know what you want beforehand to make the buying process easier and less confusing.