The Best Fleece Blankets

Buying Guide

If you want something warmer than the typical sheet, a fleece blanket is made from a soft polyester material that can help insulate you well on those chilly days. This type of blanket offers a plush, luxurious feel that keeps you cozy while you sleep or enjoy activities such as watching TV or reading. Fleece blankets can be easier to carry around the house compared with thick comforters or duvets.

MORE: The Best Plush Blanket Throw

One popular type of fleece blanket is the throw. A fleece throw comes in handy for wrapping yourself in during the day or when taking a quick nap. You can also use the throw to decorate a chair or other piece of furniture. While sizing may vary by manufacturer, you’ll often find that fleece throws measure around 50 inches by 60 inches, which makes them smaller and more convenient than other blankets while still offering plenty of coverage for most people. These throws tend to come in more styles and colors than regular blankets, too. For example, you’ll find simple solids and plaids alongside character and holiday themes.

You may instead opt for fleece bed blankets, which are usually larger than throws so they can cover whole mattresses. These can provide an extra layer of warmth with other bedding, or you can use the blanket on its own. Fleece bed blankets come in standard sizes that align with bed sizes such as twin, full, queen or king.

Whether you go with a fleece throw or bed blanket, keep in mind that the fleece can come in different weights measured in grams per square meter. As a guideline, 100 GSM blankets are the lightest, 200 GSM blankets are mid-weight, and 300 GSM and above blankets are the heaviest and most durable. Lightweight microfleece is popular for bed blankets, while medium- and heavyweight fleece suits thicker throws. The fleece weight affects how warm the blanket will keep you, so you’ll want to consider the environment and your comfort.

• Pay attention to the quality of the fleece, since it can vary by manufacturer. You’ll want to find a blanket that’s not prone to pilling or shedding and which resist fading and the buildup of static electricity.
• If you want a fleece blanket that offers durability, you’ll likely get the best results with one that has a heavier weight — which may not be as comfortable in warmer months.
• When shopping for a fleece bed blanket, know that you may have trouble fitting them to less common mattress sizes like the California king. Check the sheet’s measurements, too, since some fleece sheets may have lengths that differ slightly from typical bed sheets.
• Most fleece blankets can be machine-washed. Choose a gentle setting and opt for cold water and no bleach. Use a low heat setting in the dryer. In addition, follow any special instructions the manufacturer provides.
• Prevent pilling by following the proper washing and drying instructions and trying to avoid friction in general. If your fleece blanket starts to pill, you can try wetting it, then brushing it vigorously with a stiff brush.
• Fleece is known for not absorbing water, so a fleece blanket may be suitable for outdoor activities even in light rain. However, it is not waterproof and can get soggy and gross when soaked.
• Because fleece doesn’t absorb water, it also keeps your sweat from escaping your body. Lightweight fleece is more breathable than heavyweight, but be aware of this if you plan to sleep all night under a fleece blanket.