Wool vs fleece blankets? (2023)

Is fleece or wool blanket better?

Both are great insulators, but wool wins out on overall warmth. The moisture wicking ability also makes it win for a variety of temperatures.

Choosing which blanket is the right one for you depends on the warmth, weight and texture you prefer. Thicker blankets, such as wool blankets, cotton fleece blankets, and cashmere blankets, are the warmest. The spaces between the fibers in a fuzzy or napped blanket trap warm air, keeping you warmer.

As you shop for the best winter blanket, you'll want to consider thick, insulating materials that can help keep you warm without making you overheat. Look for fabrics like fleece, flannel, or quilted cotton options, as well as materials that feel soft to the touch.

Fleece Vs Wool

Generally, fleece is preferred over wool because it is softer and much lighter in weight. Some people also find themselves itchy when they wear wool, but this reaction is unlikely to happen with synthetic polyester.

Wool fibers not only repel water droplets but can absorb substantial amounts of water and still keep you warm. Plus, these benefits will stick around: wool fibers can bend far more than synthetics before breaking, meaning the best wool blankets will keep you cozy for years.

Comforters, duvets and wool blankets are best suited for cold weather as they provide the best heat insulation. For duvets, you can choose thicker duvet covers to add more warmth. Lighter blankets and quilts might need to be layered in colder climates but are perfect for moderate winters.

Wool repels moisture from the outside and absorbs it from the inside, which is the sweat and humidity from your body that is allowed to evaporate into the air. Wool is instantly warm in winter and cools in summer, making a wool blanket a year-round sleep accessory.

#1 Cotton blankets

We found that cotton is the best material for blankets because it stays soft with lots of use and washing, keeps you cozy and warm on a cold day, and is perfectly breathable for use in the summer.

In wool blankets, keratin acts as insulation for your body. Wool also continues to keep you warm even if it gets wet. Wool can sock up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. This means that wool can keep you warm even in the harshest climates.

What are the pros and cons of fleece?

Fleece and synthetic insulation will lose loft over time, thereby decreasing their insulating qualities. Feathers retain their loft for a lifetime if cared for correctly, providing reliable warmth throughout the years.

Wool blankets have been used by the military for centuries all over the world. No other natural fabric keeps you warm, even when wet, or lasts as long as heavy wool. The wool blanket is great for camping, extra bedding or use as an emergency blanket.

Conclusion. Wool blankets have served native peoples, fur trappers, pioneers, soldiers and homesteaders for thousands of years. Today, they tend to be a luxury good, and have been replaced by synthetics.

Wash the wool item in cold water using shampoo to make it less itchy. Press a little to remove excess water, and apply the hair conditioner uniformly on both sides. Leave it on for 5 minutes, rinse out the conditioner and let the wool item dry.

Microfiber: This material is made up of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon blend. They are durable, wrinkle-resistant, and extra soft on the skin. These blankets also are hypoallergenic and won't irritate sensitive skin.

Our research found that the warmest material is wool, with thicker Icelandic wool being even better, and a wool-acrylic blend being somewhere in the middle. The warmest clothing for you will be dictated by the number of layers you can use, and the thickness of the materials you are wearing.

Breathable cotton, lofty down, insulating wool, or soft and fuzzy fleece are the warmest blankets for winter. They trap heat close to the body without causing you to overheat. If you're a warmer sleeper, you may choose an extra-cozy blanket and skip the comforter.

Two thin woollen blankets are warmer than a thick woollen blanket because there is an extra layer of air trapped between thin blankets which act as an insulator and does not allow the body heat to flow out.

What is the warmest wool blanket for winter?

Alpaca wool is hollow, which makes the wool lightweight but even warmer than other wools. It's also hypoallergenic. Cashmere wool, made from the undercoat of cashmere goats, is as soft as merino wool but significantly higher in price.

Warm: Many regard sherpa fleece as the warmest of all the fleece options, which is not only attributed to the material, but also the double-sided fabric. Breathable: Another wool-like property you find with sherpa fleece is its breathability.

Wool fiber has a distinct scent, due in part to natural wax and oils. Lanolin oil is found naturally in sheep wool and may be noticeable by those with an acute sense of smell. Although rare to pick up on, this scent is a testament to the wool's purity and quality.

The R-value of mineral wool insulation is R- 3.7 per inch. Like fiberglass, it can irritate the lungs and skin, so protective gear is necessary if you plan on being around during its installation.

FLEECE : Fleece blankets are super soft, lightweight yet extra warm, and made out of acrylic fibers. Fleece is comfortable and cozy, making it a perfect fabric for the entire year. Many people favor fleece blankets because they are one of the softest fabrics while still being affordable.

DISADVANTAGES: It can be scratchy and uncomfortable to wear, and heat and moisture can cause it to felt. Soak wool in cold water, and then gently rub out anywhere that needs extra cleaning. You can wash it in the washing machine, but use cold water, and air dry it.

Wool blankets can provide warmth and comfort for decades if you take proper care of them.

They're soft and warm, and are very difficult to stain or damage. Wool blankets are also very easy to care for and you don't need to wash them often, in fact, it's best to wash them sparingly and some guidelines recommend washing wool blankets once every three months.

Most hotels use blankets that are made from a polyester/cotton blend. This type of fabric is durable and easy to care for, which is ideal for high-use items like blankets. The fabric is also relatively lightweight, so it won't add too much bulk to the blankets.

Three of the most common materials in blankets best for night sweats are cotton, polyester and bamboo. Cotton is popular because it naturally wicks away sweat while you sleep and feels comfortable against your skin.

What type of blankets do Germans use for sleeping?

A German Size Duvet, or Daunendecke, is a down comforter that is sized for one person to use. This style of duvet is frequently used in Europe (and Germany) by couples that sleep in the same bed, but have different requirements for warmth.

The secret to having a blanket that won't shed or pill is simply to buy a fleece blanket that won't shed or pill.

One of the best properties of wool is its warmth. It's naturally insulating and yet breathable. These blankets are some of our favourite picks for staying cosy in winter, whether it's around your shoulders, over your knee, or over your bed. This natural material is perfect for winter.

Wool is a much warmer alternative to cotton, and good quality wool makes a great coat for use in cold climates. Learn even more about why wool coats are ideal for winter.

Generally speaking, fleece is made from non-renewable resources and needs an extra chemical coating to make it windproof or water resistant, which is not great for the environment.

Lower quality fleece blankets are prone to shedding. Another potential downside to synthetic fleeces is that is that it generates a lot of static, which can attract hair and dust. Although polar fleece is generally made from petroleum products, it is possible to buy high-quality recycled fleece.

Prone to pilling: The fabric eventually pills after a while. But how quickly your fleece fabric starts to pill depends on the production quality and how you clean it.

If you're wondering how to keep fleece soft, the key is to never expose it to direct heat. So, whenever you're laundering your fleece blanket, be sure that you never put it in the dryer with a heated setting, as it can melt the blanket fibers and cause it to shrink.

The main difference between fleece and wool is the materials that the fabrics are made of. Fleece is a synthetic fabric while wool is a natural fabric. Fleece is basically a synthetic version of wool.

If worn over other layers, the fleece should have enough room underneath, so not to restrict movement. A fleece used as a mid-layer, should be relatively snug fitted to maximise heat and breathability.

Why does merino wool feel itchy to me?

The “itchiness” people associate with wool is determined by the diameter of the fibers used. Larger, broader fibers are less flexible and have less ability to bend, which results in a prick when pressed against the skin, causing the sensation of itch.

Fleece is considered more comfortable. It is lighter, and doesn't cause any itchiness when some wearers experience some itchiness from wool products. Merino wool tends to be particularly comfortable however but often costs a little more.

They don't irritate or itch, and they naturally resist odors and wick away sweat. Whether you're after a base layer for winter warmth, underwear for home or travel or socks for everyday wear or hitting the trail, merino feels soft and works in harmony with your skin.

Cotton. Cotton blankets hold up well when repeatedly washed, reducing the build-up of allergens in the bed's microclimate. Cotton can be lightweight enough to use for summer sleep or heavy enough for winter use. The best qualities of cotton are its breathability and softness, enhancing comfort.

We found that cotton is the best material for blankets because it stays soft with lots of use and washing, keeps you cozy and warm on a cold day, and is perfectly breathable for use in the summer.

Fleece absorbs much less moisture in the first place and dries lightning-fast; it can even fully dry on your body while out in the cold. Wool takes a bit more coaxing. Try as we might, we can't call a winner here. Both fleece and wool are great options for outdoor insulation, and you can't go wrong either way.

Wool is a more breathable material than fleece. It is one of the most breathable types of fabric used for making clothing.