Who doesn’t like to snuggle on the couch or stay warm on cold winter nights – and a fleece blanket with sleeves is a perfect way to make sure that the cold doesn’t bother you! However, there is an art to buying these blankets as the right one will keep you protected from the cold, but the wrong one can shed all over the place and turn into a hard mess after the first wash. But don’t worry!
Finding the Right Fleece Material
There’s a wide range of materials and thicknesses that fall under the category of ‘fleece’. Some manufacturers have trademarked their fleece type, whereas others use numbers like 100, 200, etc., to refer to their blankets. Instead of getting bogged down by the complicated terminology, it’s best if you understand the distinction between these two types:
Synthetic fleece
Also known as microfleece or polar fleece, this type of material was created as a wool alternate. It is feather-light, soft, incredibly warm, and comparatively less expensive than the original fleece. One thing you should look out for is the pill-resistant ability of the fleece because low-quality fleece tends to pill. High-quality material, on the other hand, has the ability to retain the texture even after several washes. Another downside of synthetic fleece is that it is prone to shedding and creates a lot of static friction, attracting dust and hair. To make sure that your blanket with sleeves retains its quality, follow the care instructions as outlined by the manufacturer
Cotton fleece
This material is identical to the one used in making cotton sweatpants and sweatshirts. The difference is that the soft pile is visible on both sides. This material is comparatively more expensive and heavier than synthetic fleece, but it is equally warm. People who prefer getting taken over by their blankets are a fan of this material. Cotton fleece is also ideal for people who are allergic to polyester because this material is made of natural fibers. On the flip side, the material shrinks after being washed, so look for manufacturers that take into consideration this factor when sizing their blankets.
Ease of Maintenance
If you have ever cleaned a normal blanket, you would know how much effort it requires. Therefore, to make certain that you don’t have to run through hoops to clean your wearable blanket, purchase one that can be cleaned through a machine wash. Microfleece and microfiber polyester are those materials that can be washed repeatedly without pilling or fraying.
The Right Size and Fit
Wearable blankets come in a variety of sizes; therefore, your ideal fit is the one that completely covers you from head to the toe in thick folds, and adds to the warmth and cozy feeling. Some blankets come with pockets so you can keep your phone or remote in them and spread them on the couch while reading a book or watching TV.
Weight of the Blanket
The right weight of the blanket with sleeves will depend on the climate you’re buying for because the weight of the fleece can impact its warmth. If you’re going for lightweight material, then microfleece is ideal as you can wear it sitting by the fireplace with your partner while drinking coffee. However, it may not be warm enough for you to enjoy a comfortable sleep. For a heavy wearable blanket, synthetic fleece is considered ideal because its thickness adds to the warmth of the blanket. However, go through the manufacturer’s instructions as well to figure out whether it’s light or heavy.
A normal fleece blanket is great for a comfortable indoor evening by the fireplace but a blanket with sleeves is even better! It would envelop you entirely and won’t slip off your body. Therefore, if you are thinking of investing in one, you won’t regret it!
