When it comes to comfort, having the right bedding is essential. A soft and cozy blanket is an important component of any comfortable bed or sofa setup. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which blanket is the softest. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of a soft blanket and identify some of the softest blankets available today.
What makes a blanket soft?
Softness is a subjective quality, and what one person considers soft may not be the same for another. However, there are some characteristics that are commonly associated with a soft blanket. These include:
- Texture: A soft blanket typically has a plush or fluffy texture that feels comfortable against the skin.
- Material: The material of a blanket plays a significant role in its softness. Natural materials like cotton, wool, and silk are often soft and breathable, while synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber can also provide a soft feel.
- Weight: A soft blanket is usually lightweight and airy, making it easy to snuggle up with without feeling weighed down.
With these characteristics in mind, and without further ado, let’s explore some of the softest blankets available.
Cashmere Blankets
Cashmere is a luxurious and soft material that is known for its warmth and softness. It comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats and is prized for its softness and durability. Cashmere blankets are often more expensive than other types of blankets, but they are worth the investment if you’re looking for a soft and comfortable blanket. Cashmere blankets are lightweight and airy, making them perfect for snuggling up with on a chilly evening.
Fleece Blankets
Fleece is a synthetic material that is often used to make blankets. It is a soft and plush material that feels similar to wool. Fleece blankets are popular because they are affordable and easy to care for. They are also lightweight and warm, making them a great option for cold nights. Fleece blankets come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that matches your decor.
Microplush Blankets
Microplush is a type of polyester material that is incredibly soft and plush. It is often used to make blankets because of its softness and durability. Microplush blankets are lightweight and warm, making them perfect for snuggling up with on a cold night. They are also easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are a relatively new type of blanket that have gained popularity in recent years. They are filled with small, weighted beads that provide a gentle pressure on the body. This pressure can be calming and comforting, making weighted blankets a great option for people who have trouble sleeping. Weighted blankets are often made from soft materials like cotton or fleece, so they can provide a soft and cozy feel in addition to the calming pressure.
Silk Blankets
Silk is a natural material that is known for its softness and luxurious feel. Silk blankets are lightweight and soft, making them perfect for snuggling up with on a warm night. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Silk blankets are often more expensive than other types of blankets, but they are worth the investment if you’re looking for a soft and comfortable blanket that will last for years.
Cotton Blankets
Cotton is a natural material that is commonly used to make blankets. It is soft, breathable, and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for bedding. Cotton blankets come in a variety of weaves and textures, so you can find one that suits your personal preferences. They are also relatively affordable, making them a great option for people on a budget.
Wool Blankets
Wool is a natural material that has been used for thousands of years to make warm and cozy blankets. Wool blankets are known for their insulating properties and their ability to regulate body temperature, making them perfect for use in colder climates. They are also naturally soft and durable, making them a great investment for anyone looking for a long-lasting blanket.
Alpaca Blankets
Alpaca is a natural fiber that comes from the fleece of alpaca animals. Alpaca fiber is soft, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin. Alpaca blankets are also known for their durability and insulating properties, making them perfect for use in cold climates. They come in a variety of textures and colors, so you can find one that matches your personal style.
Bamboo Blankets
Bamboo is a natural material that is becoming increasingly popular in the bedding industry. Bamboo blankets are soft, lightweight, and breathable, making them perfect for use in warmer climates. They are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making them a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Bamboo blankets come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can find one that matches your personal style.
Real Fur Blankets
Real fur blankets are made from the hides of animals such as mink, rabbit, fox, and chinchilla. While these blankets may be very soft and warm, there are ethical concerns surrounding their production. The use of real animal fur has been the subject of controversy for many years, with animal welfare activists protesting against the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in the fur industry.
Animals that are used for their fur are often kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions, and subjected to inhumane practices such as electrocution, gassing, and drowning. The production of real fur blankets not only contributes to the suffering of animals but also has a negative impact on the environment. The chemicals used in the processing and dyeing of fur can be harmful to both humans and wildlife, and the production process can also lead to pollution and waste.
Despite the ethical concerns surrounding real fur blankets, some people still choose to purchase them for their softness and luxury. However, it’s important to consider the impact that this decision has on animals and the environment. There are many alternatives available, including faux fur blankets made from synthetic materials that offer the same softness and comfort without the ethical concerns.
Polyester Faux Fur Blankets
Polyester is another synthetic material that is often used to make faux fur blankets. These blankets are generally less expensive than those made from acrylic, but they still offer a soft and comfortable feel. Polyester faux fur blankets come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that matches your personal style.
While polyester faux fur blankets are soft and cozy, they are not as durable as their acrylic counterparts. They can be prone to matting and shedding over time, which can make them look worn and less appealing. Additionally, they may not hold up as well in the wash as acrylic faux fur blankets, so it’s important to follow the care instructions carefully.
In terms of softness, polyester faux fur blankets are not as good as acrylic faux fur blankets. The fibers are generally not as fluffy and plush, which can make them feel less comfortable to snuggle up with. However, they are still a good option for anyone looking for a soft and affordable faux fur blanket.
Acrylic Faux Fur Blankets
Another option for finding the softest blanket is to consider 100% acrylic faux fur blankets. These blankets are made from synthetic materials designed to mimic the look and feel of real fur, making them a great option for anyone who loves the look of fur but wants to avoid real animal products.
Acrylic faux fur blankets are incredibly soft and cozy, and they are often described as feeling like you are being wrapped in a cloud. The fibers are lightweight and fluffy, which creates a feeling of being surrounded by warmth and comfort. Additionally, acrylic faux fur blankets often come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect one to match your decor.
One of the biggest advantages of acrylic faux fur blankets is their durability. Unlike natural fur blankets that require special care to avoid damage, acrylic faux fur blankets can be machine washed and dried without fear of shrinking or matting. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
When it comes to softness, acrylic faux fur blankets are hard to beat. The fibers are designed to be as soft as possible, and the fluffy texture makes them incredibly comfortable to snuggle up with. They are often used in high-end hotels and resorts because of their luxurious feel, and many people consider them to be the softest blankets on the market.
Conclusion
In the end, finding the softest blanket comes down to personal preference. While cashmere, fleece, microplush, weighted, silk, cotton, wool, alpaca, and bamboo all have their own unique advantages, 100% acrylic faux fur blankets are hard to beat when it comes to softness and comfort. The synthetic fibers are designed to mimic the look and feel of real fur, and the fluffy texture creates a feeling of being wrapped in a cloud. Additionally, they are durable, hypoallergenic, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a great investment for anyone looking for a soft, comfortable, and stylish blanket.
At Fenrir, all of our faux fur throws are made of 100% acrylic fur with a super-soft fleece backing material.