There's nothing quite like snuggling up in a soft, warm blanket on a cold winter night. Whether you're trying to get some rest or just relax in front of the TV, a good blanket is key. And with so many different types of blankets and materials out there, it can be tough to decide which fabric is right for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about soft fabrics for blankets, the different types of blankets available, and which type of soft blanket fabric is best for your needs. So whether you're looking for a soft cashmere or fleece blanket for winter or a lightweight cotton one for summer, we've got you covered!

What are the different types of soft fabric material for blankets?

Cashmere

• Our top pick is cashmere, of course! Made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, the fabric is renowned for its luxurious softness and incredible warmth. Since it is such a finite resource that undergoes a labor intensive process, it can also be be costly for the consumer, but it is well worth its price tag. Cashmere also tends to be lightweight, making it perfect for the colder winter months without adding too much bulk.

Fleece

• Fleece is soft, lightweight, and warm. The process to make this type of fleece fabric are synthetic fibers that are soft to the touch and provide excellent insulation against cold weather. Fleece is also a great option if you're looking for something affordable and easy to care for while keeping you warm at home. Advantages: soft, lightweight, and affordable. Disadvantages: not as soft or warm as cashmere or other natural fibers.

Cotton

• Cotton blankets are soft, lightweight, and breathable, making them perfect for the summer months. Cotton as a fabric is also easy to clean and maintain, so it won't require a lot of effort to keep your blanket looking good. Cotton also is one of the most common blankets you'll see in stores like Target and Walmart. Advantages: soft, lightweight, and easy to care for. Disadvantages: not as warm or soft as other fabrics.

Silk

• Silk blankets are soft, lightweight, and luxurious. They're also an incredibly strong and durable fabric, making them great for those who need something that will last a long time. Silk is also very easy to care for, though it can be quite expensive. Advantages: soft, strong, and luxurious. Disadvantages: expensive and not as warm or soft as other fabrics.

Wool

• Wool blankets are soft, warm, and naturally fire-resistant. Their fabric is made from soft sheep's wool that is specially treated to provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Wool is also one of the most durable fabrics out there and will last for many years if taken care of properly. Disadvantages: Wool can be quite expensive and can be heavy, making it not ideal for warm weather.

Velvet

• Velvet blankets are soft, cozy, and luxurious. Velvet fabric is made from soft fibers that are specially treated to provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Velvet is also naturally fire-resistant and will last for many years if taken care of properly. Disadvantages: Velvet can be quite expensive and may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Flannel

• Flannel blankets are soft, lightweight, and perfect for those chilly winter months. This ideal fabric is made from soft fibers that are treated to offer softness and warmth. Advantages: Flannel is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want something low-maintenance. Disadvantages: Flannel may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Chenille

• Chenille blankets are soft, plush, and luxurious. They're made from soft fibers that are specially treated to provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Chenille is extremely durable, making it a great choice for those who need something that will last a long time. Disadvantages: Chenille can be quite expensive and may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Down

• Down blankets are soft, lightweight, and perfect for those cold winter months. They're made from soft feathers that are specially treated to provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Down is naturally fire-resistant, making it a great choice for those who need something that won't burn easily if left unattended. Disadvantages: Down can be quite expensive and may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Minky Fabric

• Minky fabric is created from soft synthetic fibers that are soft to the touch and provide excellent insulation against cold weather. Advantages: Minky fabric is lightweight and easy to clean, making it a great option for those who need something low-maintenance. Disadvantages: Minky fabric may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics. Shop our mink accessories.

Rayon

• Rayon blankets are soft, lightweight, and perfect for those hot summer months. They're made from soft fibers that are specially treated to provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Rayon is very easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want something low-maintenance. Disadvantages: Rayon may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Faux Fur

• Faux fur blankets are soft, luxurious, and perfect for those cold winter months. They're made from soft fibers that provide softness and warmth. Advantages: Faux fur is naturally fire-resistant, making it a great choice for those who need something that won't burn easily if left unattended. Disadvantages: Faux fur can be quite expensive and may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Bamboo

• Bamboo blankets are soft, lightweight, and perfect for those hot summer months. Advantages: Bamboo is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want something low-maintenance. Disadvantages: Bamboo may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

What are the different types of blankets?

When it comes to blankets, there are a variety of different types that you can choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. These include:

Throw Blankets

• Throw blankets are usually lightweight and small in size and can be used for extra warmth during cooler weather or as a decorative item in the home. The advantages of throw blankets are that they are soft and lightweight, making them easy to move around or store away when not in use. The disadvantages of throw blankets are that they may not be as warm as other types of blankets.

Electric Blankets

• These blankets are equipped with an electric heating element that provides warmth during cooler weather. Advantages of electric blankets include the ability to control the temperature and provide a consistent level of warmth. Disadvantages of electric blankets include the cost, as well as potential safety issues due to malfunctioning cords or heating elements.

Duvet Blankets

• A duvet is a soft, lightweight blanket with a removable cover that can be used as an alternative to traditional quilts and comforters. The advantages of duvets are that they are soft, lightweight and easy to clean. The disadvantages of duvets are that they may not be as warm as other types of blankets.

Comforter

• A comforter is a soft, thick blanket that can be used as an alternative to traditional quilts. The advantages of comforters are that they are soft, warm and provide a great level of insulation. The disadvantages of comforters are that they can be quite heavy and difficult to move around or store away when not in use.

Sherpa Blankets

• A sherpa blanket is soft, warm, and perfect for those cold winter months. It is made from soft, luxurious fibers that provide softness and warmth. The advantages of sherpa blankets are that they are soft, warm and provide a great level of insulation. The disadvantages of sherpa blankets are that they can be quite expensive and may not be as soft or warm as other fabrics.

Quilt Blankets

• A quilt is a soft, lightweight blanket made from several layers of fabric. The advantages of quilts are that they are soft, lightweight and easy to clean. The disadvantages of quilts are that they may not be as warm as other types of blankets.

Coverlet

• A coverlet is a soft, lightweight blanket that can be used to add an extra layer of warmth and comfort to a bed. The advantages of coverlets are that they are soft, lightweight and easy to move around or store away when not in use. The disadvantages of coverlets are that they may not be as warm as other types of blankets.

Weighted blankets

• A weighted blanket is a soft, heavy blanket that is designed to help reduce anxiety and insomnia. The advantages of weighted blankets are that they provide a great level of comfort and can also help improve your sleep. The disadvantages of weighted blankets are that they may be too heavy or cumbersome for some people.

Which softest fabric material should you choose for your blanket?

The softest type of blanket depends on what you're looking for. For wintertime, cashmere and fleece are soft and warm options. In the summer, cotton and bamboo blended with silk or cotton are soft and lightweight. When it comes to choosing the best type of blanket, there are a few factors to consider: warmth, softness, durability, price point, sustainability, and ease of care. Each type of blanket will have its own pros and cons, so it's important to take the time to evaluate your options and find one that suits your needs.

Factors to consider when choosing a blanket

• Warmth: How warm do you need your blanket to be? Different fabrics have varying levels of insulation and warmth, so it's important to consider the climate where you live and activities that you will be doing while using the blanket.
• Softness: One of the main reasons why people choose soft blankets is because they're soft! Feathers, down and cotton are all soft options that provide comfort and coziness.
• Durability: Different fabrics have varying levels of durability, so it's important to consider how often you'll use the blanket and the conditions in which it will be used.
• Price point: Cost can be a factor when choosing a blanket, as some fabrics will be more expensive than others.
• Sustainability: It's important to consider the sustainability of a fabric when making your choice. Natural fibers such as cotton and hemp are more sustainable, while synthetic fibers such as polyester are less eco-friendly.
• Ease of care: Different fabrics require different levels of care, so it's important to consider how easy or difficult the blanket will be to maintain.

How expensive is it to make blankets?

When it comes to cost, different fabrics will have varying price points. Cashmere and wool blankets are more expensive than cotton or polyester but offer softness and warmth. If you're looking for something more affordable, bamboo blended with silk or cotton can provide softness at an affordable price point. For budget-friendly softness and warmth, fleece and sherpa blankets are a great option.

Why do blankets lose their softness?

Blankets can lose their softness for a variety of reasons.

• Over time, the fibers in a blanket can become compacted and matted down, which reduces its softness.
• Blankets made from natural fibers such as cotton and wool may shrink when washed or dried at too high of temperatures, resulting in a decrease in softness.
• Some types of fabrics may simply be less soft than others.

Taking the time to choose the right fabric for your blanket and taking proper care of it can help ensure that your blanket remains soft and comfortable for years to come.

How to keep your blankets soft

Caring for soft blankets properly is key to keeping them soft and cozy. Here are some tips on how to best care for soft fabrics:

• Wash in cold water with a mild detergent: Washing soft fabrics in warm or hot water can damage the fibers, so it's important to always use cold water when washing your soft blankets.
• Use a gentle cycle: High-speed agitation can cause soft fabrics to stretch and break down, so it's best to use the gentle cycle when washing soft blankets.
• Dry on low heat or air dry: Avoid using high heat when drying soft fabrics as this can make them stiff and uncomfortable. Air drying is always the best option for soft blankets.
• Store in a breathable bag: Storing soft fabrics in a tightly sealed container can cause them to become musty and lose their softness, so it's important to store soft blankets in a breathable bag or container.
• Fluff regularly: Fluffing soft fabrics on a regular basis can help keep them soft and prevent them from becoming flat and uncomfortable.

What is the softest and most comfortable blanket?

When it comes to finding the softest and most comfortable fabric for blankets, there are a few contenders. Cashmere is one of the softest fabrics available because it's made of fine wool fibers. Fleece is also soft and lightweight, but not as warm as cashmere. Bamboo blended with cotton or silk can be softer than pure cotton or silk, and it's more sustainable too. Down is soft and lightweight, but not as warm as cashmere or wool. Finally, synthetic fabrics such as microfiber can also be soft and lightweight, but they are not as breathable as natural fibers. Ultimately, the softest and most comfortable fabric for blankets will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

We believe the best type of blanket for a good night's sleep or lounging around is one that combines softness, warmth, durability, and sustainability. The softest material may not be the most practical for all seasons, so think about what you need from your blanket when making a purchase. For example, if you're looking for a soft blanket to keep you warm in the winter, cashmere is a great choice. For summer months, bamboo blended with silk or cotton can be soft and lightweight while still keeping you comfortable.

No matter what type of blanket you choose, you can be sure that it will keep you cozy and comfortable for many years to come. Whether you're looking for something lightweight and soft for the summer months, or something luxurious and soft for the winter months, finding the softest fabric for blankets is easy when you have all the facts. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you understand a bit more about the softest fabrics for blankets and helps you make a more informed decision when choosing the best type of blanket for your needs.

Contact Sofia Cashmere to learn more

If you're looking for more information on the advantages of cashmere, contact the experienced team at Sofia Cashmere. With decades of experience in the softest fabrics, Sofia Cashmere is sure to provide you with a high-quality throw blanket that will keep you comfortable and cozy for years to come.

Our cashmere throws, capes, wraps, ponchos, baby blankets and accessories, and travel sets are produced from the world's most exclusive cashmere yarns, and are exquisitely crafted to create a soft and comfortable feel.