The Best Wool Blankets

Wool is an all-purpose material that has been around for thousands of years and withstood the test of time. Wool blankets can help you stay warm and cozy in your bed, beneath the stars, on the couch, around a campfire, or even in the car. There are many wool blankets to choose from, and if you’re having trouble deciding, we’ve compiled some of our favorites.

Buying Guide for Wool Blankets

Why buy a wool blanket?

Whether you like to sleep all warm and cozy or have plans to spend some time gazing at stars under the night sky, there are many benefits to having a wool blanket, whether it’s an at-home throw blanket or a travel blanket. The material is made to have crimps in the fibers to create “air pockets,” which allow you to breathe easily underneath the blanket, regulate your temperature, and not get sweaty or overheated. It’s also fire-resistant and hypoallergenic. It sometimes has a stereotype for being an “itchy” blend, but if it’s made of high-quality fibers, it should feel soft and comfortable on your skin.

What should you look for in a wool blanket?

Before you make your purchase, here are a few things to consider:

• Material: There are various types of wool available, but the most common include alpaca, sheep, and merino. Despite being lighter than sheep wool, alpaca wool is the warmest of the three. It’s also soft, hypoallergenic, and noticeably stronger. Sheep wool (also known as shetland, lamb, and virgin wool) is sheared from the sheep at seven months of age so it is softer, finer, and also has hypoallergenic properties. Merino wool comes from the merino breed of sheep which is known for its soft, fine fibers. It’s the thinnest of all the three types of wool.
• Size: Different wool blankets come in variable sizes, so consider what size of bed you want to use it on or how many people you want to be able to snuggle up with it.
• Weight: Wool does have some heft to it, so the blankets can weigh a few pounds. Higher-quality wool blankets will typically weigh more.

How do you care for a wool blanket?

Let’s face it: being able to throw a blanket into the washer is the easiest way to clean it. Keep in mind that wool actually has anti-bacterial properties, which is why wool blankets can be washed less than average ones. Some wool blankets will require spot cleaning or dry cleaning to more gently care for them and help them last a long time. Just remember to check the care instructions for each blanket before buying. If you plan to take the blanket outside, you might want one that can be thrown in the washer to get the dirt and campfire smoke smell out. The ones you use in your home should be easier to just spot treat or dry clean occasionally.

Our Picks for the Best Wool Blankets

Pros: This merino wool blanket is made with a twill weave for enhanced durability and breathability. It’s water-resistant, which makes it less susceptible to mold and mildew. The large blanket is 66 by 90 inches and weighs about 4 pounds, making it great for camping, hiking, emergency use, and much more. The blanket has a milled finish with inter-fiber felting and double stitching to make a denser blanket.

Cons: This blanket isn’t meant to be washed in a machine, as merino wool is self-cleaning, and machines can damage the wool. It’s best to spot clean, which may be inconvenient if you prefer to throw it in the wash.

Bottom Line: This blanket is ideal for use outdoors and during colder weather. It comes in seven lovely colors, and it’s a great value.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a large, machine-washable wool blanket, this is a great choice. It’s loom-woven, hemmed on all sides, and was triple-washed during production. It’s not treated with additional flame-retardant chemicals because wool is naturally fire-retardant. Its large size is great for a family, whether at home or out camping, and it will keep you warm even when wet.

Cons: While this blanket is made with wool, it’s also made of 20% hypoallergenic synthetic fibers, so it’s not the right choice if you’re looking for a blanket made of 100% wool. The fabric might shed a little bit.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a reasonably sized wool blanket that you can pop in the trunk and take with you, this is a great choice. It’s very affordable and is ideal for emergencies and camping.

 

Pros: This queen-sized wool blanket is made from 50% alpaca and 50% sheep wool (100% virgin wool) that’s exceptionally soft to the touch. The blanket has beautiful stripes in earth tones, and the edges are reinforced with polyester binding and double-stitched for exceptional durability. The blanket is made in Peru from wool sourced from animals raised high in the Andes mountains. It’s spun, woven, and finished at a family-owned mill in Huancayo, Peru. The blanket is machine washable, or it can be dry cleaned. It weighs 5.5 pounds and is of amazing quality.

Cons: The colors of these blankets may vary slightly from the photos due to the manufacturing of natural fibers. It requires specific care: this blanket should only be washed on a delicate or hand wash cycle in cold water. It’s not dryer-safe and should be laid flat to dry.

Bottom Line: The wool combination in this blanket is exceptionally soft and might make it hard to get up from the couch or bed when you’re enveloped in it. The warmth and comfort are top-notch, but it’s a bit of an investment.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting wool blanket, look no further. It’s loom-woven and finished on all sides to be soft and non-scratchy. Whether you want to keep it indoors or take it on the go for a wilderness adventure, this wool blanket will keep you warm while maintaining airflow and temperature and wicking away moisture. It’s made of a sustainable and renewable source (sheep wool), and it’s static-, fire-, and soil-resistant. It’s less susceptible to shedding and shrinking. Plus, it’s machine washable in cold water and on a delicate cycle. It can go in the dryer but with no heat.

Cons: While the blankets are already washed for your use to be as odor-free as possible, they’re still made from wool and may have a slight smell. The manufacturer recommends using wool-safe detergent to wash the product, which is another purchase to make. It’s normal for there to be shedding and shrinkage in the first few washes.

Bottom Line: This blanket is the ideal choice for those who need something that can stand up to the test of time and go almost anywhere. It’s nice and heavy and a great value.

 

Pros: This soft and cozy wool blanket comes in richly woven colors, stripes, and plaids. It’s made from 100% pure, naturally renewable wool and dyed with neutral colors. The edges are finished with whipstitched edges, meant for long-lasting use. It can be machine washed in a cold and gentle cycle. It comes in a variety of sizes for different beds.

Cons: While this blanket is soft, some people recommend sleeping with a sheet underneath it to avoid direct contact with your skin because it can be just a bit scratchy. It’s a little lighter than the average wool blanket.

Bottom Line: Pendleton is one of the well-known wool blanket brands for good reason, and this blanket exudes that high-quality make and feel. If you want a beautiful patterned wool blanket, look no further.

Final Thoughts

Wool is a super cozy material that provides a more luxurious experience than a regular blanket can provide. If you want to buy a reliable wool blanket, check out our picks.