What material should you choose for your blanket?
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How to choose the material for your blanket?
Are you a blanket lover looking for the ideal material to make your blanket?
In addition to snuggling up comfortably in a fleece blanket and creating a cozy atmosphere, you should also choose a textile that is perfectly suited to the use you will make of it.
Yes, whether you are going to the beach, the mountains or the park for a picnic or whether you are going to spend the evening watching a good series on your sofa or your cozy bed, you are not going to choose the same type of blanket.
Well, we still haven't given you much progress on which choice to make. For that, you would need a guide that would explain a little more about the different materials available for the future blanket of your dreams.
Well, you've come to the right place! With many years of experience in plaid, we will be able to guide you efficiently and simply throughout this article.
To begin, we will present to you the key materials constituting plaid blankets such as synthetic, natural fiber or even plant fiber, and this, according to objective and rigorous criteria.
This way you can objectively select the optimal material according to your preference and use.
There are four main categories of textiles that we will explore together. Ready? Let’s go.
Blankets made of synthetic materials
Classic plaids par excellence, these are the ones most available on the market and which offer the most possibilities regarding colors.
You will mainly find warm polar fleece blankets , in faux fur , in acrylic wool or even in polyester.
They will be suitable for the most sensitive among you because they do not present any risks in terms of allergies due to their hypoallergenic properties.
These have multiple advantages that should be examined carefully:
- Soft and pleasant touch
- Optimal conservation of body heat
- Suitable for small budgets
- Easy machine cleaning
- Wide choice of colors and patterns
- Robust for many years of use
- Lightweight enough to take with you on any occasion
- Quick drying, ideal for winter
- Do not wrinkle
- Ideal for train, plane and car travel
- Double polar and faux fur look on some sofa throws
However, they have certain drawbacks to take into account when making your choice:
- May have static electricity
- Low washing temperature (30 degrees), best being hand washing to preserve them even more over time
- Require frequent washing as their odor retention is relatively high
In our opinion, these are the blankets that offer the best features in terms of value for money.
Blankets made from natural fibers
This is what could commonly be called the Rolls Royce of plaid. This will be felt in their quality...as well as in their price. However, the game is well worth the candle as you will discover.
They can be made of animal fibers such as sheep, alpaca, goat, or other fur-bearing animals.
When it comes to wool, there are different types. Whether it's merino , mohair or cashmere. You'll feel like you're on a soft and silky cloud.
These blankets have an undeniable charm but can also be a source of allergies and will require more maintenance than synthetic materials.
Some materials are also fire resistant and are therefore ideal for barbecues or evenings by the fire.
Maintenance will be specific and may be more regular and costly than for a classic bedspread.
Finally, heat will be retained even better than with other synthetic materials.
Blankets made from plant fibers
There are also plant fibers like bamboo that will have an ecological dimension and will therefore be more sustainable for our planet.
- The choice of colors will necessarily be more limited than for fibers of synthetic origin but the colors will have a more natural rendering.
- Moisture absorption will be very fast and efficient.
- Fibers made from plants will also be hypoallergenic for your greatest pleasure.
Among the disadvantages, we can note:
- Relatively slow drying
- Loss of color with washing
- Relatively quick creasing
Mixed material blankets
Given the various advantages and disadvantages of textiles seen above, which solution would be the most practical?
Mixed plaids have appeared and will combine various materials that complement each other effectively. Whether in terms of softness, warmth or a more affordable price.
For example, we can highlight the mixture of wool and cotton.
Indeed, wool provides warmth while cotton will provide a softer and more supple texture.
This will also allow for a greater choice of colors that will last over time and washes.
The patterns can also be more diverse and offer more choice depending on the style of your interior for a subtle decorative touch.
To conclude, depending on the price you have in mind, the texture and the properties you are looking for in a blanket, it will now be easier for you to select the material.
If you need further advice, check out our article on the warmest types of blankets and if you are still in doubt, you can contact us.
A member of the team will be happy to answer you.
