The best fleece blankets for warming winter nights

12 Sep.,2023

 

We know the drill by now: heat the human, not the home in order to avoid a gut-wrenching gas bill. Having an occasional blanket or throw to hand can be the difference between reaching for the dreaded thermostat and wrapping yourself up, and so, a winter-ready blanket is absolutely worth the investment. That said, fleece blankets and throws are a pleasingly affordable alternative to their wool or linen counterparts, while also being no less cosy. With a wealth of designs on offer, from high street to high-end, a fleece blanket can act as an extra layer of bedding to pull over yourself on chilly nights, or a chic addition to your sofa set-up, positively designed for curling up in front of the TV. While largely functional, a fleece blanket can add warmth and texture to our bedroom or living space, not to mention a cheery colour pop if you choose a particularly vibrant shade.

What are the best fleece blankets?

Making the blanket-over-the-knees look actually seem stylish, this Boss blanket is luxuriously soft and finished with a neat blanket stitch. Simple in design and all about the finer details.

Given the choice of colours available, both in the main material and in the trim, not to mention the fact that this one can be monogrammed, Nordic Snug’s offering is practically bespoke. This is a high-quality fleece blanket that will be yours, and only yours.

Designed for cuddling up in, this super soft fleece blanket is deeply textured, bringing an organic wool-like aesthetic to the living room or bedroom. At 150cm x 200cm, it’s also big enough for two.

The best fleece blankets at a glance…

  • Best designer fleece blanket: Boss Home Ladak Throw, £102 at amara.com
  • Best customisable fleece blanket: The Original Snug, £70 at nordicsnug.com
  • Best value fleece throw: M&S Sherpa Fleece Throw, £17.50 at marksandspencer.com
  • Cosiest fleece blanket: Luft Teddy Fleece Throw, £189 at woodcockandcavendish.com
  • Best reversible fleece blanket: Dunelm reversible fleece throw, £40 at dunelm.com

Why choose a fleece blanket?

It may sound like it’s come off a sheep’s back but fleece is in fact, wholly synthetic. Made from a type of polyester – the same stuff that goes into making plastic bottles – it is soft, lightweight, warm, and insulating. Unlike woollen blankets or throws, a fleece number is also reliably easy to care for. It is largely stain-resistant, machine washes well, and it dries in a jiffy. Other benefits include breathability and moisture-wicking properties, as well as being less allergenic than wool. And thanks to its synthetic makeup, it’s also a wallet-friendly buy.

What size of fleece blanket is best?

Typical dimensions range from around 130cm up to 200cm for a fleece blanket or throw. The size you choose depends on how you plan to use this snuggly addition. Go large if you’re after a fleece blanket to act as an all-covering bedspread, or one that sits at the foot of the bed, ready to reach for when the temperature plummets. If you’re after an occasional throw to place on the arm of the sofa, however, a smaller, neater one will suffice to avoid the bulk.

How can I spot a good-quality fleece blanket?

While most fleece blankets are pretty standard when it comes to softness and warmth, the devil’s in the detail. Look for a high-quality finish in the stitching: some fleece blankets come with an attractive blanket stitch around the edges, often in a contrasting colour to give it a homely, craft-driven look, while others are double-sided with finely stitched seams holding the two sections together. If you’re looking for a textured fleece blanket with a deep pile, choose one that looks and feels densely and securely woven, rather than one that will shed its fibres.

Shop GQ's edit of the best fleece blankets to buy in 2023…

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