The short answer is: it depends. 100% polyester blankets can provide some warmth, but they may not be as effective as other materials, such as wool or down. Here’s a closer look at the factors that affect how warm a polyester blanket will be:
Factors Affecting Warmth:
- Weave: The way the polyester fibers are woven together can impact the blanket’s warmth. Tightly woven blankets will trap more heat than loosely woven ones.
- Thickness: Thicker blankets will generally be warmer than thinner ones.
- Fill: Some polyester blankets have a fill made of synthetic fibers or down. These blankets can be warmer than blankets without a fill.
- Personal preference: Some people find polyester blankets to be warm and comfortable, while others find them to be too hot or stuffy.
Pros and Cons of Polyester Blankets:
Pros:
- Durable: Polyester is a very durable fabric that can withstand repeated washing and drying.
- Wrinkle-resistant: Polyester blankets are less likely to wrinkle than blankets made from natural fibers.
- Hypoallergenic: Polyester is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with allergies.
- Affordable: Polyester blankets are typically less expensive than blankets made from natural fibers.
Cons:
- May not be as warm as other materials: While polyester can provide some warmth, it may not be as effective as wool or down.
- Can be uncomfortable in hot weather: Polyester is not very breathable, so it can feel hot and stuffy in warm weather.
- Can be staticky: Polyester can build up static electricity, which can be uncomfortable.
Alternatives to Polyester Blankets:
If you’re looking for a blanket that is warmer than a 100% polyester blanket, consider these alternatives:
- Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is very warm and breathable. However, wool blankets can be expensive and may be itchy for some people.
- Down: Down is another natural fiber that is very warm and lightweight. Down blankets can be very expensive, but they are also very durable.
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and comfortable. However, cotton blankets are not as warm as wool or down blankets.
- Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is soft, warm, and affordable. However, fleece blankets can be bulky and may not be as durable as other options.
Ultimately, the best type of blanket for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a warm and affordable blanket, a 100% polyester blanket may be a good option. However, if you need a blanket that is very warm or breathable, you may want to consider an alternative material, such as wool or down.
When it’s time to cozy up with a new blanket…
You want the best. Your new blanket has many qualities you might not even consider, aside from being soft, fresh, and cuddly. For most people, the cozy blanket is tucked in between the two layers and creates a special, extra pocket of comfort. Your sheets provide softness against your skin, and your comforter offers warmth and décor appeal. But what about a cozy blanket?
Who would’ve thought choosing a blanket is more than just picking a color and size? We decided to say goodbye to our old blankets and trade it in for a new, cozy one. But we had a few questions that needed answering first.
Does sleep temperature matter for you and your blanket? When it comes to sleep temperature, experts recommend following the Goldilocks principle: not too cold, not too hot, but just right. “People seem to sleep best at temperatures between 62 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Alice Hoagland, PhD, director of Insomnia Services at the Unity Sleep Disorders Center in Rochester, N.Y. When your bedroom temperature falls too low, your sleep will be disrupted.
If you’re buying a new blanket for your bed, you’ll need one big enough to cover your mattress plus a few extra inches to tuck in around the sides and bottom. Here’s how to choose the right size blanket for your bed. Remember that different manufacturers use different measurements, so measure your mattress before purchasing. Below are typical blanket sizes:
- Twin: 90’’ x 65”
- Full: 90’’ x 85’’
- Queen: 90’’ x 90’’
- King: 90’’ x 110’’
Let’s talk about the best fabric for your blanket
Selecting the right fabric for your new blanket is more difficult than you may imagine. There is a blanket to fit your particular needs, so the fabric should be chosen based on your personal preferences, including how you sleep and any allergy concerns. While some people like their blankets fuzzy, others might prefer them smooth. We analyzed the advantages of the six most popular blanket fabrics.
- Cotton. Cotton blankets withstand washings well, which helps to prevent allergens from building up in the bed’s microclimate. Cotton can be made to be either heavy enough for winter use or light enough to sleep in during the summer. Cotton’s softness and breathability are its best features, which increase comfort.
- Wool. Wool is a common insulator and warmth material that can be either heavy or light, especially when one is shivering in the winter. Wool is lightweight and useful for keeping cool in the summer because it helps release moisture over the course of the night. While some wool can be scratchy, the majority of contemporary wool blankets are smooth, light, and a good choice for comfort throughout the year.
- Down. A down blanket is a lighter, thinner version of a down comforter. Feathers are layered between layers of fabric (usually cotton) in down blankets. Down blankets come in a variety of forms, including summer, winter, and warmth levels. Be advised that down can get extremely warm and isn’t a good moisture conductor, which can lead to sweating at night.
- Synthetics. Blankets can be made of a variety of synthetic materials, the most popular being acrylic and polyester. Although synthetic blankets are warm, they don’t breathe well and let moisture escape, and they also tend to attract static electricity. On the plus side, synthetic blankets are typically less expensive than wool or down. However, these blankets do retain hair, dust, and loose threads.
- Fleece. If staying warm is your top priority, fleece might be the ideal choice for you because it is cozy, warm, and not overly heavy. Children particularly like fleece, and there are a wide variety of varieties available.
- Vellux. Vellux blankets, also known as hotel blankets, are made of soft nylon encircling a thin layer of foam. These blankets are incredibly warm, hypoallergenic, and durable through numerous washings. Vellux is ideal for anyone with allergies.
In addition to materials, blankets come in a variety of weaves that offer varied degrees of weight and warmth. Let’s find the weave that right for you:
- Thermal. A loose thermal weave, commonly found in cotton blankets, permits unrestricted air circulation.
- Knit. Warm, thick, and cozy are characteristics of knit blankets. You’ll usually find these made from wool or synthetic materials.
- Quilted. Down comforters are quilted to prevent the fillings from moving.
Types of Blankets Material | Comparison of Fabric Materials | Cotton, Wool, Cashmere & Satin |
Are polyester blankets a good choice?
Synthetic materials are not always the right choice for a blanket, but polyester blankets, particularly those featuring a cotton and polyester blend, can offer comfort and warmth for years at an affordable price.
Is cotton a good blanket?
Blankets made from cotton are considered some of the best on the market, as only cotton can offer strength, breathability, moisture-wicking, eco-friendliness, and comfort at an affordable price point. While cotton alone is not as warm as other fabrics, those with an insulating fill can combine comfort and warmth for the ideal blanket.
What is a polyester blanket?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight, soft, and easy to care for. It is often used for blankets that are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, such as travel blankets. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from polymerized esters.
What fabrics can be used for blankets?
Many different fabrics can be used for blankets, each with unique properties and benefits. Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It is often used for summer blankets, as well as for baby blankets. Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant’s seeds.