How to Choose a Blanket Based on the Seasons
Perfectly comfortable, year round.
Who said snuggle weather is only for winter? If you know what to look for, the right blanket keeps you perfectly cozy year-round. From breathable summer linens to plush winter downs, different blanket materials are better suited to specific climates. Read on to learn how to choose a blanket based on the season.
Seasonal Blanket Quick Guide
- Spring: Fleece blankets are ideal for unpredictable spring temperatures because they are warm, cozy, and moisture-wicking. We recommend hypoallergenic blankets for spring to help combat seasonal allergies.
- Summer: Cotton and linen blankets are best for the warm summer months. Both of these materials are made from lightweight and breathable natural fibers. Linen also features moisture-wicking properties to help keep you cool and dry in the summer heat.
- Fall: Fleece and microfiber are best for the transition into cooler autumn temperatures. This material is warm, soft, and cozy for a chilly night in or sitting around a campfire.
- Winter: Wool and down-filled blankets are the top choices for winter because they are warm yet breathable. Heated electric blankets are also a game-changer when trying to stay warm on a frigid winter night.
In this guide:
How to Choose a Blanket for the Summer
How to Choose a Blanket for the winter
How to Choose Blankets for All Seasons
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose a Blanket for the Summer
Sometimes sleeping under the top sheet just doesn’t cut it – even when it’s hot. Enjoy the comforting embrace of a blanket with these lightweight options made specifically for warmer weather.
- Cotton: Blankets made from cotton are breathable and perfect for a chill summer morning or evening spent outdoors.
- Linen: Linen is another breathable fabric. It also has moisture-wicking properties that will keep sweat off your skin.
Tip!
If you swap out your blankets and still feel too warm when you sleep, consider switching your usual pillows for options with cooling properties.
When you can’t bring yourself to bump the heat up any higher, invest instead in warm, plush types of blankets for frigid winter nights.
- Cashmere: Made out of the most luxurious wool, cashmere is an ultra-soft fabric that will keep you warm from head to toe.
- Fleece: Fleece and microfiber blankets are warm and cozy. They are also great at wicking away moisture.
- Heated/Electric: For instant, all-over warmth, consider heated and electric blankets. These feature internal heaters that deliver cozy, corner-to-corner heat. Plus, many models include an automatic shut-off for safe and comfortable sleeping.
Depending on where you call home, temperatures can fluctuate frequently throughout the year, especially in transitional seasons like spring and fall. These blankets can be used year-round and in different climates.
- Down-Filled: Made from the undercoat of goose or duck, down is often lightweight and breathable. Down is also versatile as its warmth is dependent on its fill power. Fill power is the measure of the amount of space one ounce of down takes up. The higher the fill power, the better the insulating ability and loft (fluffiness) a down comforter will have. Fill power is a good indicator of warmth and quality. Best of all, down-filled comforters come in a variety of fill powers to suit the season – from lightweight to extra-warm.
- Wool: Wool can be made either very thick or very thin, altering the temperature greatly. Whether you get a light wool blanket or a heavy one, their efficiency for insulating heat while also wicking away moisture makes them some of the best blankets available for any season or climate.
- Cotton: The super soft and breathable nature of cotton makes it perfect for days when the temperature is up and down. It’s cozy and warm on a brisk morning while maintaining an airiness and lightness as the day warms up.
- Weighted: The comfort of a weighted blanket is just what you need throughout the year. Despite their heaviness, they circulate heat well, preventing any stuffiness. Learn more in our guide on How to Choose a Weighted Blanket.
- Hypoallergenic: If you or your loved ones are constantly sniffling and itching from allergies, a hypoallergenic blanket is just what you need. These options come in all different levels of warmth as well.
Tip!
Looking to swap your bedding for the seasons too? Read our guide How to Choose Seasonal Bedding for simple tips.
What Does GSM Mean for Blankets?
Along with materials, you’ll want to consider a blanket’s GSM. The acronym stands for "grams per square meter," and refers to the thickness of the blanket. The higher the GSM, the thicker it is. A blanket with a high GSM (300–500+) is perfect for wintertime. However, GSM is only one factor, and material also impacts how warm a blanket is. Other factors like the material's density or ability to insulate heat may also affect a blanket's warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blanket is best for summer?
With warm temperatures, cotton and linen are the best blanket materials for summer.
What blanket is best for winter?
Wool or down-filled blankets are best for winter because they provide plenty of warmth without overheating.
Are fleece blankets warm?
Yes, fleece blankets are very warm, making them ideal for fall, winter, and spring.
Are cotton blankets breathable?
Cotton is a breathable natural fiber, making it a good option for summer months or warm sleepers.
