Whether you’re looking for a blanket for bed, or one for the couch, a pure cotton blanket should be high on your shopping list. Cotton is a tried and tested, natural fabric that is soft and breathable. Cotton blankets are popular because they provide warmth in winter while remaining cool in summer. They are also very light and thin relatively to the warmth. All of this adds up to why cotton blankets are especially recommended for the elderly or those who are unwell.
Obviously, you don’t have to be old or sick to enjoy the comfort of a cotton blanket! Keeping you cozy and warm, cotton blankets are also perfect for snuggling up in front of the TV, and a nice blanket will certainly help your guests feel more at home. Lots of people also like to take one outdoors as a picnic blanket.
Cotton blankets come in dozens of options. Even when you’re looking at 100% cotton, there are different thicknesses, weaves and quality. Then cotton blankets have different prints and patterns to fit different home décor styles.
There are tons of choices for cotton blankets. There are some very cheap ones but sometimes you get what you pay for and you might find them shedding excessively or snagging when washed. There are also luxurious ones made from premium cotton with the finest craftsmanship that can be more expensive. Of course, there are also many excellent choices that are also budget friendly too.
We’ll walk you through the all the different kinds of cotton blankets you can buy online, with tips as to what to avoid and what to look for. We’ll also give you our top picks for the best cotton blankets so you can pick one right away.
Top 5 Best Cotton Blankets – At a Glance
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Our Top 5 Cotton Blankets Reviewed
PHF Waffle Weave Blanket
This is a lightweight cotton blanket with a waffle pattern. It is 100% cotton, making it breathable and soft. Put it under a quilt when it gets cold or drape it over your couch for a dash of color. This blanket looks both good in the bedroom and in the living room, and it’s also great for outdoor picnics too! It is easy to care for as it can be put into the washing machine and then tumble dry on low, but do note that the blanket may shrink, which is why it is sized a bit larger than usual.
The PHF Waffle Weave Blanket comes in 3 different sizes and colors. From calmer neutral tones, cooler grays and blues, to warmer, earthier tones, the entire spectrum is covered. The blanket was made in an OEKO TEX standard factory, so you be be sure that there is minimal environmental impact and that there are no harmful materials used.
Pros:
- Timeless waffle pattern
- Available in many colors
- Environmentally conscious production
Cons:
- Can snag with pets
- Some users find it thinl
Crover Collection Thermal Waffle Cotton Blanket
View On AmazonThis cotton blanket from the Crover Collection comes in a rich, plum color and in twin, queen, and king sizes. It looks simply royal as a bedspread. Thanks to the waffle pattern weave, it’ll keep you warm in winter without overheating you in summer. The blanket is also very lightweight so it’s also easy to travel with.
Care is easy. Just put it in the machine and then tumble dry on low. Do note that this blanket is made a bit larger because it will shrink with the first wash.
Pros:
- Good thermal regulation
- Beautiful plum color
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Smells when first opened, wash before use
- Will bleed on first wash
Superior 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
View On AmazonFeaturing a herringbone weave, this 100% cotton blanket is stylish with a quietly classic distinction. It just screams luxury while being surprisingly affordable. This is an oversized blanket that is available in Twin, Queen or Full, as well as in King. You’ll find it adds an extra layer of warmth in winter, while lightweight enough for a summer night. This blanket is soft, warm and easy to care for. Just throw it into the washing machine and tumble dry on low. It doesn’t shrink, lose its shape, and it is also fade resistant so it will always look as sharp as the first day.
Pros:
- Classic herringbone weave
- Easy care
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Can snag
- Sheds lint in the dryer
Utopia bedding Cotton Blanket
View On AmazonThis is a very soft and warm cotton blanket by Utopia Bedding. It has a dobby waffle weave in a checkered pattern so that you won’t get too warm in summer. This particular blanket has a unique fabric—a dobby weave with waffle square patterns. It’s available in off beige, grey and plum, and comes in three sizes—full or queen, king, and twin. As with most cotton blankets, this blanket from Utopia will look a bit big when you first open and it will shrink with the first wash.
Pros:
- Tightly weaved waffle square pattern
- Durable
- Warm in winter, cool in summer
Cons:
- Some find blanket is not soft enough
- Can snag
Hillfair Premium Combed Cotton Thermal Blanket
View On AmazonThis is a light but warm blanket by Hillfair. The combed cotton is great for warmth in winter while staying cool in summer making it ideal for all seasons. The weave also makes it softer and thicker compared to the average cotton blanket, although it’s still thin and far from fluffy. It’s available in 4 sizes and several colors.
It does have a smell when you first unpack it. As with all clothes and bedding, you should wash the blanket before use and this will get rid of the smell. Simply machine wash cold and tumble dry on low. It will shrink in the wash but it was designed oversized with that in mind.
Pros:
- Good for hot sleepers
- Slightly softer than most cotton blankets
- Very breathable
Cons:
- Sheds lint and pilling in dryer
- Can snag
Additional Cotton Blankets We Reviewed
1.Nautica Home Baird Navy Cotton Blanket
The Nautica Home Baird Navy Cotton Blanket is designed with 100% cotton and features a signature diamond weave design. This design goes a long way to beautify your room and enhance comfort when you sleep. There is also a two-sided border and has a heavyweight. It weighs 350 pounds.
The best part is even though it weighs a lot, it is machine washable. The cotton makes it quite easy to wash and dry. This blanket is one of the best housewarming gifts you can get someone.
Key features:
- 100% cotton
- Signature diamond weaves design
- Two-sided border
- Weighs 350 pounds
- Machine washable
2. Elivo 100% Cotton Hospital Thermal Blanket
This blanket is soft and is designed to keep patients warm without overheating. It’s made with exceptionally high quality yarn and is hypoallergenic. Comes only in twin size and in white.
Key features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Very soft
3. Bed Bath Home 100% Cotton Blanket
A soft, warm cotton blanket that will keep you warm. Comes in 3 sizes and 9 colors making it a great option if you want to add a welcoming dash of color to the room.
Key features:
- Soft and warm
- Available in many colors
- Great value for money
4. Whisper Organic Cotton Throw Blanket
A blanket with a beautiful diamond weave, made from 100% organic cotton and decorated with tassels. The blanket is unbleached so there are no toxins or harmful chemicals involved.
Key Features:
- 100% organic cotton
- Unbleached
- Beautiful pattern with tassels
5. 100% Cotton Throw Blanket by Lushrobe
A gorgeous decorative blanket with a fine, beautiful print. Breathable fabric and sized larger than average blankets. Comes in a luxurious gift box.
Key Features
- Beautiful print for decorative touch
- Sized larger than average
- Perfect as a gift
6. 100% Organic Muslin Cotton Throw Blanket by KyraHome
This organic cotton blanket has a touch of shabby chic. It is breathable, and so soft and light that you can even use it as a stroller cover. It comes in several earthy tones, all of which are plant-dyed so no toxic chemicals come into contact with your skin.
Key Features
- Rustic style
- 100% organic muslin cotton
- Available in several plant dyed colors.
7. Treely Cotton Knitted Throw Blanket
A very soft cotton blanket with a thick cable knit that will remind you of your favorite sweater. It’s warm, cozy and light. Great color options and looks good on the couch as well as a blanket.
Key Features:
- Classic thick cable knit
- Very soft
- Available in various colors
8. Pumpkin Town Cotton Throw Blanket
This cable knit blanket is very soft and great for snuggling up on the couch or as an extra layer in bed. It’s available in several colors and measures 50” by 60”. It ships folded in a neat bundle that’s tied up with with a pretty ribbon.
Key Features
- Soft
- Great both on the couch and in bed
- Beautiful cable knit
9. 100% Cotton Knit Throw by KyraHome
Available in different weights, sizes and colors, this is a soft weighted blanket made out of cotton. The price is also affordable.
Key Features
- Soft with a natural look
- Plant-dyed cotton
- Warm without overheating
Somewhat pricey, but this is a luxurious cotton blanket from Portugal that looks as good as it feels. A subtle herringbone weave with a fringe. Comes in a range of colors and will definitely impress.
Key Features
- Herringbone weave with luxurious details
- Made in Portugal
- Excellent as a gift
11. eLuxury Supply Basket Weave Cotton Blanket
A soft cotton blanket with a classic basket weave pattern and excellent thermal regulation. eLuxury is an American veteran owned and family run company.
Key Features:
- Soft and warm
- Basket weave pattern
- From a US veteran owned company
12. Bedsure 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
This blanket is softer than the average cotton blanket. It has a waffle weave and is both warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s very well made and it’s an excellent choice especially if you’re a hot sleeper.
Key features:
- Very soft
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Very breathable
13. Cotton Craft 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket
This cotton blanket is perfect as a bedspread. It’s a medium weight blanket that feels light while still providing warmth. The weave allows air circulation so you don’t overheat.
Key features:
- Premium quality
- Available in many colors
- Very breathable
14. Americanflat Herringbone Cotton Blanket
A cotton throw with a sage and beige herringbone weave. Looks beautiful on the sofa and could also work great for picnics. It looks much more expensive than it actually is, although be warned that it does tend to shed in the wash. Available in different color combinations.
Key Features:
- Stylish looking
- Available in many colors
- Budget friendly
15. Stone Beam Locklar Lightweight Blanket
A very light 100% cotton blanket with pick stitching so that it’s airy and perfect for snuggling in the summer. Very soft and natural rustic look.
Key Features:
- Very Light
- Great in summer
- Very soft
16. Motini 100% Cotton Decorative Blanket
These cotton blankets have thick stripes and a fringe for a cute beach look. Will add a touch of summer to your room. You can also rest comfortably knowing it’s made from 100% ecologically grown cotton in India.
Key Features:
- 100% Ecologically grown cotton
- Tangle free tassels
- Summer look
What are the key considerations when buying a cotton blanket?
Size: The size of your ideal blanket will depend if you want to use it as a throw on the couch or as an extra layer in bed. If you plan to use the blanket in bed, then you’ll be glad to hear the cotton blankets we list here come in twin, full or queen and king size so you can quickly pick out what works for you. You will also want to consider how much over hang you want. Most of the cotton blankets listed here are not pre-shrunk and will shrink after the first wash. The good news is that the manufacturers have kept the shrinking in mind, so most of them are oversized to begin with.
Color: Many of the cotton blankets are intended to be decorative as well as functional, and therefore its color can make or break a decorating scheme. You’ll find that the blankets come in neutral colors, with many earthy tones and calm blues, along with bright color options if you want to add a sharp accent to your room! When choosing a blanket with a bright or sharp color, it is important to remember that you should always wash it in cold water so the color doesn’t bleed off!
Weave: Cotton blankets tend to be relatively thin. However, the weave that is used in the blanket will give it a slightly different weight. The blanket’s weave will also have an effect on its temperature regulation. For example, the waffle pattern is known to be an excellent choice for hot sleepers. The tiny ridges from the waffle creates little pockets of air, which keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Cotton could also be weaved into muslin, which is a much thinner and lighter material. Because these blankets tend to be much softer but not as warm, they tend to be used as summer blankets.
Of course, the weave also gives the blanket a decorative pattern which is also part of the style you may be looking for!
Durability: Depending on its weave, the cotton blanket may snag easily. This is especially true if you have children or pets. A thicker border around the edge can help reduce this problem a bit, but essentially it’s all about choosing a tightly woven blanket made with premium materials and good craftsmanship. You should also avoid washing the blanket with clothes or items that have zippers or clasps.
What features do cotton blankets have?
Breathability: People love 100% cotton blankets because they’re thin with a high degree of breathability. This textile from Mother Nature is known for its warmth without overheating. For hot sleepers, this is a big plus.
Crisp Softness: Cotton is famous for being soft, and cotton blankets are no exception. However, compared to all the new synthetic materials out there, cotton may not feel as soft. Some people may even find cotton blankets a bit hard, but this crispness is part of how natural cotton is supposed to feel. If you look at the highly prized, premium 100% Egyptian cotton bathrobes in luxury hotels, you will notice they are not fluffy. They feel soft but crispy clean at the same time, and a quality cotton blanket can have a very similar feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 100% cotton blankets warm even though they are so thin?
Yes! This natural fiber is great at retaining heat and can even be warmer than fleece blankets. This can be further enhanced by the blanket’s weave.
Are cotton blankets breathable?
Yes, cotton blankets are known for their breathability so they are a great choice for hot sleepers.
Can cotton blankets be used year round?
Yes. In winter, they can provide extra warmth under a comforter, and in summer they can be perfect as is. Muslin cotton blankets however tend to be much thinner and lighter and are generally more of a summer blanket.
What are the most popular weaves used in cotton blankets?
The waffle weave is known for best temperature regulation because the ridges create pockets that trap heat while also being raised from your body to keep you cool. Other popular and stylish weaves include cable knit and herringbone.
Can cotton blankets be machine washed?
Yes. Generally speaking, you can machine wash your cotton blanket and then tumble dry on low but to check the instructions that come with your blanket to be sure.
How can I prevent my cotton blanket from shrinking?
Cotton blankets usually will shrink on the first wash. That’s why most of them are over-sized to begin with. However, if you use cold water and tumble dry on low, this will make it shrink less.
What sizes do cotton blankets come in?
Most of the cotton blankets we’ve listed here are available in standard bed sizes: twin, full or queen, as well as king. Some may even have other king sizes such as Californian King. If you’re just looking for a throw for the couch, then usually a twin is enough for one person.
Best Cotton Blanket – Final Thoughts
Cotton blankets can be a fantastic addition to your bedding. Naturally breathable, a cotton blanket can both provide an extra layer of warmth without overheating. In the summer, you might even be fine with just a cotton blanket alone. You can also use them as a throw on the couch for a cozy snuggle while adding a touch of style to the room. There are different weaves, patterns and colors to choose from when you buy a cotton blanket online and we hope all the tips and suggestions we’ve provided here are helpful!