When you think of summer, you probably envision yourself lounging on the beach, enjoying the nice weather while you listen to the waves crashing.
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Yet, not every summer day is filled with clear blue skies, and visits to the beach. Some are filled with rain or heavy storms that turn into impromptu movie days.
Others may reach lower temperatures, towards you get to the end of summer. Not to mention, the days may be hot, but depending where you live, the nights can still get pretty chilly. And what can make your dreary summer days better? A comfy summer blanket.
We all tend to have quite the collection of winter blankets because with all the comfy fabrics and patterns, they’re hard to resist! But a search for a summer blanket?
Those are much harder to find. Plus, when you’re planning for summer, a beach blanket sounds more fun.
Yet, summer blankets can be extremely useful if you’re in a climate with weather that fluctuates, or you tend to spend a lot of summer nights outside when the temperature has dropped.
The best summer blankets have a couple of qualities to look for.
Regular Blanket vs Summer Blanket
First, you may be wondering how is a summer blanket any different from a regular blanket? Depending on the purpose of your blanket, there may not be a difference, but most likely your wool winter blanket wouldn’t help you in the summer heat.
A blanket for the summer is more equivalent to a throw blanket you’d keep on your couch. Their purpose is to add a layer of warmth, just like wearing a light sweater.
Usually they tend to be more loose knits, giving breathability, and they’re more lightweight to adhere to the warmer climate. Let’s get a little more in depth.
Qualities of a Summer Blanket
- Lightweight: Even if it gets chilly during a summer day, you don’t want an extremely thick fabric. Look for fabrics that can be made into a thin blanket like cotton, polyester, or bamboo. A thinner blanket will be better suited for the season, and can always be layered with other blankets to provide more warmth.
- Breathable: Finding a blanket that is made out of a breathable fabric will prevent trapping unnecessarily heat in the blanket with you, and overheating you. The goal of a great summer blanket is not to create a barrier between you and outside, but rather to add a layer of warmth. A breathable fabric give you the perfect balance. Look for cotton and bamboo fabrics!
- Cool: This may seem obvious, but looking for blankets with cooling properties is great for those that are looking to use their summer blankets inside. If you are looking for a blanket to replace your thick comforter or quilt, or are a hot sleeper, blankets made of bamboo or specifically engineered fabrics to feel cooler will help combat heat.
- Available in different sizes: A blanket for the summer could mean anything! Whether you’re using it on your bed, on the couch, outdoors, or in the car, there are many different purposes a summer blanket can provide. Make sure that when you’re searching for a blanket, you’re looking for the correct size, or you’re looking at blankets that are available in many different sizes!
Product Reviews
Bedsure Flannel Fleece Luxury Blanket
This light blanket is perfect for a cool summer night by a fire pit. Made out of 100% polyester, it’s soft to the touch while also staying durable and fade resistant.
Due to its microfiber composition, this blanket is also resistant to wrinkles, leaving it with a plush texture. This fleece blanket can be used for many different seasons, whether it’s a lightweight summer blanket or used as a layer for colder seasons.
It’s available in a throw, twin, queen, and king sizes. Available in 14 different colors, you can find a color that will compliment your summer décor.
It’s recommended to machine wash on a gentle cold cycle, and tumble dry on low heat.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Extremely soft & plush!
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Available in many different colors & sizes
Cons:
- Colors may not be exactly accurate to pictures
- Some experienced pilling
Utopia Bedding Woven Cotton Blanket
Nothing sounds better than a breathable cotton for the best summer blanket during rainy days. This Utopia blanket is 100% weaved cotton, giving it unique texture and cute square pattern!
The design is made of dobby weave with waffle square patterns to give a modern styled blanket. Being a 100% cotton blanket, this blanket is not a plush or fluffy blanket, which makes it great as a lightweight layer during the warmer months.
Measuring 90 by 90 inches, it will fit a queen or full bed, accounting for any shrinkage after wash. To wash, it’s recommended to machine wash and dry on delicate. Available in neutral colors, you have the option to buy it in white or grey.
Pros:
- Made out of 100% breathable cotton
- Stylish waffle square pattern
- Very lightweight
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Great summer blanket
- Keeps you cool
Cons:
- Some describe it being too stiff
Exclusivo Mezcla Flannel Fleece Velvet Soft Blanket
This product is a comfortable throw blanket available in several bright and vibrant colors. Available for purchase in throw, twin, queen, and king sizes, it is the perfect size for use in beds and for relaxing on the sofa or outside during the cooler evenings in summer. Despite the price, this throw blanket is very soft, there is no pilling, and it does not look or feel cheap. It has a very luxurious quality while being simple, lightweight, thin, and warm. The material is machine-washable and dryable; therefore, it does not require extensive care.
Made of microfiber polyester while weighing 280 grams per square meter (GSM), the blanket is wrinkle-free and does not shed, shrink, nor fade. With its unique and pleasing designs, this will make a great useful addition to your home décor.
Pros:
- Made of brushed microfiber material that is super softt
- Great price point
- Durable
- Free of shrinkage, wrinkles and color fading
- Available in several colors and sizes
Cons:
- Color may not appear as it looks in pictures
- May be thinner than expected
YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket
Suffer from anxiety or insomnia? Weighted blankets are great way to treat many conditions and improve your sleep, however because they are weighted they aren’t the most ideal summer blanket.
However, this weighted blanket has SMART fabric that brings breathability and moisture wicking properties. Made with a bamboo cover, this blanket is cool to touch and has glass beads that keep you cool during the night.
This weighted blanket with the bamboo cover is available in 3 different sizes, allowing you to choose the best sized blanket for your purpose and the correct weight for you.
It can be machine washed, but due to its heaviness, it’s best to spot clean or buy a removable cover.
Pros:
- Available in different weight & buying options
- Great for hot sleepers or as a summer weighted blanket
- Helps anxiety & insomnia
- Great customer service
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some say seams can break easily
GOHD Bamboo Fiber Blanket
Like the feeling of a heavy blanket, but looking for a lightweight and cool blanket for the summer? This bamboo blanket gives the weight of comfort, but has a silky feeling to it, making it great as a summer blanket.
It’s made out of 100% bamboo viscose, which makes it anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
This is a great quality for the summer when it can get extremely hot and humid because this fabric resists mold and fungus buildup. Due to this, you could even store it outside!
It’s available in a throw, tin, or queen size, and can be bought in 4 different colors. It’s also machine washable!
Pros:
- Heavy weight with silky feeling
- Cool blanket for the summer
- 100% bamboo viscose
- Breathable
Cons:
- Snags easily
- Some experience odd smell at first
- Not many color choices
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an extra blanket for your bed, a car blanket, or a campfire blanket, there’s always a need for a summer blanket.
Summers days are usually feeling with a lot of sunburns and extreme heat, but at night the temperature can significantly drop, making a light blanket the perfect summer accessory.
And there’s always the building that blast freezing cold air conditioning during the summertime.
If you’re someone that’s always cold, you know the struggle of having to bring a sweater wherever you go even when it may be extremely hot outside.
If you keep a light summer blanket in your car, you can just bring it inside with you!
There are few things to keep in mind. Know what you’re going to use your blanket for.
A summer blanket is different for everyone, and the type of blanket you chose should be specific for your needs!
If you’re looking for a blanket for your bed, make sure it comes in large enough sizes.
If you’re looking for a blanket to use while you sit outside, look for a breathable cotton.
If you’re looking for an outdoor blanket, you may want to look for other blankets that have waterproof surfaces and are made of durable fabric.
All and all, it’s just a blanket! As long as the company has a good return policy, feel free to order a blanket and see if you like it in person, as you always have the option to return it!