Best Wool Blankets for Indoors and Outdoors

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Many people find that wool blankets are the best choice for winter. They provide both warmth and comfort, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. It's also a great choice for camping and outdoor use thanks to its fantastic insulating properties. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we present the best wool blankets and throws that can be used indoors and outdoors and we'll tell you what are the pros and cons of using a wool blanket. But first of all, ttake a look at our list of the best wool throws and blankets:

Ektos Virgin Wool Blanket

Ektos Virgin Wool Blanket is one of the best wool blankets on our list. It's loom woven, ruggedly designed and finished on all sides. It gets the job done equally well in the wilderness, your adventure van or the master bedroom. The blankets are made with a non-scratchy wool material that is soft to the touch as well as being odor-free.

This camping blanket contains no chemical flame retardants and will not burn when exposed to fire thanks to wool's natural flame retardant characteristics. Being made out of natural fibers, it will contain some specs of organic plant debris (most of which can be easily removed by washing the blanket).

This unique type of blanket is the best wool blanket for cold outdoor events such as picnics, hikes or even camping trips. For your bed at home you can also sandwich this blanket between cotton sheets and your blankets for additional thermal insulation. 

Ektos blankets are handcrafted by a small family business in India using wool grown on Indian sheep and spun into yarn on traditional spinning wheels.


Alpaca Warehouse Blanket

Thick Alpaca Wool Blanket by Alpaca Warehouse
$174.99

Sizes: King (110" x 92"), Queen (95 x 92”), Twin (82 x 62”)

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Alpaca Warehouse Blanket is incredibly warm and lightweight enough to carry with you anywhere. This soft wool blanket is available in a variety of different sizes to suit your needs whether you're camping, having a picnic or using it in your bedroom.

This blanket is made from 52% alpaca, 33% wool, 15% cotton, this heavy wool blanket will last for years to come.The luxurious feel and texture, and comfortable weight are added bonuses to the warmth and insulation these Peruvian wool blankets offer.

This blanket was designed to be itch-less and cozy making it a great warm blanket to use indoors and outdoors. Some customers complain that their blanket started shedding pretty fast, should that be the case, the manufacturer offers a hassle-free refund.


La Brisa Alpaca Throw

La Brisa Alpaca Throw
$175

Sizes: Throw: 70" L x 50" W (+ 5" Hand-knotted fringe), Bed Blanket: 80” W x 96” L (+ 5" Hand-knotted fringe)

The La Brisa Alpaca Throw is a hand-loomed baby alpaca throw (also available as a bed blanket) featuring an intricate diamond pattern with accent stripes. Super soft, remarkably lightweight and hypoallergenic, this material is very luxurious and was once reserved for Inca royalty.

Made from 100% baby alpaca wool, in a fair trade environment by master weavers from the quiet mountain village in Peru, it takes about a week to weave each one of these throws.

Baby alpaca yarns are very fine and have a soft hand that makes this blanket warmer than merino wool throws. The weave in this thin yet warm blanket is tight and the material has enough heft to keep cold air out yet it’s not bulky or heavy.


Pendleton Wool Blanket

Pendleton Throw Blankets are a classic housewarming or wedding gift that won't disappoint the receiver. These throws come from Pendleton's Eco-Wise Collection and are woven of machine-washable colorfast wool for maximum versatility and durability.

Imagine how cozy it will be watching Netflix all night in a warm, soft blanket made with 100% natural materials. This hypoallergenic blanket measures 54" x 60" plus the fringe and is made in America.

This blanket is a little stiff when brand new, but nice and soft after you break it in. The color options are muted enough to blend in with many color schemes while adding a little pop.


Del Ruiz Brushed Wool Throw

Dense and heavy, Del Ruiz Brushed Wool Throw would be great for colder nights. Touching it feels like heaven because of how soft the wool is and even though its heavier than alpaca throws, the ombré effect provides a beautiful contrast to any surrounding decor.

This hypoallergenic blanket is made from 100% sheep's wool that was hand-hewn by expert weavers in Bogota, Colombia.

You'll love the subtle powder color gradient across the fabric as well as all the detail work done on this piece with stitching that makes it perfect for laying back on your sofa or blankets while reading a good book.


Prince of Scots Pure New Wool Throw 

Prince of Scots Pure New Wool Throw
$149.50

Size: 59" Wide x 72" Long

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The Prince of Scots Pure New Throw is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The throw measures 59 inches by 72 inches which includes an additional 3 inches on each end in the form of fringe.

The wool used to manufacture this hypoallergenic throw has a very coarse texture which makes it durable and heavy and it will definitely keep you warm in cold weather.

It also has an overall rustic feel, so people with sensitive skin should be aware that pure new wool can scratch due to its rawness.

Water-resistant, fire retardant, easy to clean (able to run through the washing machine without shrinking), moth resistant and made from 100% natural material, this blanket is great for home decoration, camping trips, picnics or anywhere you want to bundle up.


Avocado Alpaca Wool Throws

Alpaca Wool Throws by Avocado
$174

Size: 180 cm x 130 cm, 1.2 lbs


The Avocado Alpaca Wool Throws is the best wool blanket for your chemical-free home. The strands in Avocado Blankets are naturally washed and dyed, without the use of harsh chemicals. In fact, because this kind of wool has low grease content, there are fewer resources needed to clean the fiber, which makes for an environmentally friendly product.

The plaid and ombre versions of this wool blanket use baby alpaca yarn (typically found on chest) which makes them more sustainable than merino or cashmere.

Avocado source their throws from Pacomarca - a sustainable alpaca network in Peru that ensures traceability while farmers closely monitor their effect on water and land to mitigate impact to the land. About 80% of the world's alpaca live in the Peruvian Andes. This is where the wool is sourced for a soft and cozy blanket to keep you warm in any season.

Avocado is committed to restoring and regenerating Peru’s lands, water, animals, plants and people through an active environmental agenda and they are committed to maintaining 100% traceability across their entire product line.


Pure and Simple Wool Blanket by Burke Decor

Pure & Simple Wool Blanket
$200

Sizes: Twin 66" x 90", Queen "90 x 90", King "108 x 90"


Soft and cozy, this 100% Virgin Wool blanket feels great against your skin. Thanks to its twice-napped quality, Pure and Simple Wool Blanket by Burke Decor is breathable and warm for those cold winter months but also includes a Tuck Stitch pattern so it still provides that extra weight and loft as well as durability needed in other seasons.

You can enjoy the simplicity of the color options that include eight muted colors. This wool blanket is machine washable with cool water on a delicate cycle or it can be dry cleaned if you prefer.


Biddy Murphy Merino Wool Blanket

Biddy Murphy Merino Wool Blanket
$167.99

Size: 75 x 58 x 0.01 inches

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Warm and plush, this throw blanket is crafted with the highest level of care. From its luxurious design to smooth texture, Biddy Murphy Merino Wool Blanket feels like you're wrapped in luxury.

Crafted with only high-quality natural materials that feel warm on cold nights and soft against your skin, this gorgeous throw can be used for many occasions. It's the best wool blanket for camping, to take out on a picnic as well as wrap up in while reading books indoors.

With an equal balance of weightlessness and warmth, it offers different features than similar blankets on the market because it has more natural qualities than any other Merino wool blanket available. With an innovative knitting pattern, these Irish wool blankets are both warm and cozy without being too heavy.


Desert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket

Desert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket
$154.99

Size: 72 x 88 x 0.01 inches

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The Dessert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket is a luxury blanket made from both alpacas fine, soft wool and sheep’s natural crimp. The raw wool is brought into the mill located in Huancayo, Peru where it is sorted, cleaned, spun, woven, and finished by hand.

These breathable blankets have polyester binding holds together edges that secure this unique fiber combination. This year round blanket can be machine washed on gentle cycle or dry-cleaned for longevity.

This blanket is designed to be thick and luxurious like the original alpaca wool used in Peru. It can be slightly bulky and does not really fit in a closet for long-term storage. 


Are Wool Blankets Itchy?


Yes, wool has a reputation for causing discomfort. Wool can be itchy due to the make-up of its individual yarn fibers. One factor that may contribute to this is if it has been dyed or processed chemically. Another cause of itchiness in wool can be excess materials left over from minimal processing, such as hay bits and twigs.

However, the most important contributing factor is the diamater of the strand, the finer the fiber, the softer and less itchy your blanket will feel. The best types of wool that won't irritate your sensitive skin are Merino or baby alpaca wool.

best wool blankets


Types of Wool Blankets


Merino Wool


Some of the best wool blankets are made from this type of wool known for its softness, shine and breathability. Merino wool is one of the most common types of wool in the world.

This thinner type of wool is great to have on hand when you need a little warmth but don't want something too heavy or itchy against your skin.


Alpaca Wool


These wool blankets are soft to the touch with a silk-like texture. Alpacas' wooly coats create a natural, insulating material that is perfect for cold winter nights or hot summer days in any climate and can be mixed with sheep's wool for an extra layer of luxury.


Angora Wool


For those looking for a more luxurious touch, Angora wool blankets can be an excellent option. These types of blanket are made from the downy coat of angoras rabbits, which results in fibers that feel much warmer than many other kinds due to their hollow center and floating quality.

However they may not suit some people who find them too hot - this is why you'll usually see these being used as accents or accessories rather than lying across beds at night time!


Read More: Wool Blanket vs Comforter. What's the Difference?


Boiled Wool


This fabric is produced by shrinking woven wool to create a heavy, textured material. It's warm and waterproof with many popular uses- cardigans, jackets, coats. This type of wool can also be found in military blankets!


Cashmere


Cashmere is a luxurious fabric that feels soft to the touch and has an elegant look. It's used in sweaters, scarves, and blankets for its comfort factor; but because of its high quality it tends to be one of the more expensive wool products.


Virgin Wool vs. Recycled Wool Blankets


Virgin wool has never been used before, while with recycled wool all of its fibers have already been used in another product which means that while they´re a more eco'friendly option, they might not be as soft and strong as their new counterparts due to wear-and-tear from previous uses.


Read More: Wool vs Fleece Blankets


How Do I Protect Wool Blankets from Moths?


One of the best ways to keep bugs away from blankets is by keeping them stored properly. Cedar chests are recommended thanks to the natural oils that are a healthy natural repellent that will prevent any moth from accessing your wool throws.

Some other methods for protecting wool blankets from moths include: keeping closets and drawers as clean as possible, using your blankets often, and storing them in airtight containers.


Can Wool Blankets be Washed and Dried?


Wool blankets should always be washed in cold water and gently wrung or rolled. A hand wash cycle, delicate washer spin on modern appliances with specially formulated gentle detergents will keep the wool fibers looking great for years to come!

But beware of heat, it can shrink your woolen blankets and ruin their appearance by changing size or drape.


Read More: Best Organic Wool Pillows


How Do You Brush a Wool Blanket?


To brush a wool blanket, lay the blanket flat on the floor and brush it with a soft-bristle garment brush along the grain using long strokes. The garment brush will remove any surface soil or stain from the blanket as well as smooth out the wool fibers of the blanket.

best wool blankets


How Do I Pick the Best Wool Blanket?


There a few things you should take into consideratin when buying a wool blanket:


Choose the Right Type of Blanket


It's important to know what you're looking for in a blanket before shopping. A throw is the most common type of blanket and can be used on couches, beds or anywhere else around your house. Coverlets are thinner bedspreads that cover mattresses or serve as an accent piece at the end of your bed.


Decide How Much You Want to Spend


From a cost perspective, there’s an obvious trade-off between pure wool blankets and more affordable options. If you're are looking for durability, warmth and breathability but don't want to break the bank with cashmere or merino styles available at upwards of $200+, you can opt for less expensive wools like lambswool that typically retail under $100, although you may sacrifice some softness as these fibers tend to be coarser than other types.


Read More: How to Wash a Wool Comforter?


Check the Washing Instructions


Some wool blankets may be complex, expensive and time-consuming to maintain using dry cleaning, hand washing or spot cleaning methods. There are also low maintenance options available that can be washed in a machine without any hassle. The care instructions should always be checked before purchasing.


Decide If You Prefer a Lighweight or Heavy Blanket


For a lightweight feel that isn’t too flimsy, look to cashmere and merino-type wool. For a heavier, thicker feel consider alpaca or pure virgin wool.


Choose the Right Type of Wool


To get the most out of your wool blanket, it's important to know what you're getting. Aim for 100% wool products free from synthetic fibers. Organic, virgin or recycled wool should always be priority to make eco-friendly choices for your home and reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals.


Are Wool Blankets Fire Resistant?


Wool blankets are fire resistant because wool has high nitrogen and water content. The melting of polymers, or dripping from synthetic fibers is a major contributor to the toxic smoke.

The wool fiber is self-extinguishing when exposed to direct flame, it won't emit fumes, melt or drip, whereas synthetic materials will continue burning and emit dangerous fumes that can be potentially lethal.

best wool blankets


What Are the Advantages of Wool Blankets?

  • Wool is naturally flame-resistant
  • Wool also wicks moisture which makes it ideal for bedding items
  • Wool help regulate heat which helps people sleep better
  • Wool is a sustainable and biodegradable material, perfect for your eco-friendly home
  • Thanks to its antibacterial properties, your wool blanket doesn't need to be washed often

What Are the Disadvantages of Wool Blankets?

  • Wool blankets are more expensive than synthetic blankets
  • Some varieties of wool can be very itchy to sensitive skin, it's best to opt for Merino of baby alpaca wool
  • Lower quality woolen blankets are composed of shorter, coarser strands with many more ends to stick out and cause irritation
  • To safely maintain your wool blanket, it is best to give it the gentle treatment in a machine wash, hand wash or take it to the dry cleaner. This means spending more money and time as compared to other fabrics
  • Wool blankets may shrink when washed and dried by machine if you happen to use a too high temperature

Read More: Best Organic Wool Comforters for Winter


Conclusion


We hope that our review of the best wool blankets has helped you find the best option for your needs. Wool blankets are a natural, sustainable and eco-friendly material that can be an excellent choice for your home.

However, if you have sensitive skin or want to protect your wool blanket from moths without spending more money on dry cleaning services, virgin Merino wool is the best type of wool for you. Baby alpaca also has many benefits such as not being itchy like other types of wool and wicking moisture away so you sleep better at night.

Merino wool is also the most recommended type of blanket for people with skin sensitivities since it is less irritating and it has an excellent soft finish that feels just like silk when you stroke it.

To maximize the comfort, longevity and overall wellbeing of your wool blanket, make sure to keep in stored properly in airtight containers or a cedar chest where moths can't access it.


Read More: Wool Blanket Pros and Cons

About the Author Kamila Flieger

My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.

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