The 10 Best Hooded Blankets
Special Honors
Lion Brand Hooded If you're the crafty type, you can make your own comfy blanket for kids with the Lion Brand Hooded. The pattern is offered in both knit and crochet versions, both with a skill level appropriate for beginners, so everyone can get in on the fun. You'll need plenty of yarn, though. lionbrand.com
Lunafide Fire & Ice Phoenix One word to sum up the Lunafide Fire & Ice Phoenix might be "dramatic," thanks to a dual-tone design inspired by the mythological creature of the same name. It's offered in both sherpa and microfleece versions that are perfect for everything from freezing cold to slightly chilly conditions, whether you choose to wear it indoors or outside. lunafide.com
Personalization Mall Unicorn The Personalization Mall Unicorn can be embroidered with an initial, full monogram, or name, which makes it an excellent choice for thoughtful, customized gift giving. There's an ample mane and tale as well as an attractive horn and ears; a foil feather design completes the whimsical, detailed look. personalizationmall.com
Editor's Notes
April 17, 2020:
Hooded blankets are a snuggly wearable for adults and kids alike, but you'll want to be careful using them with infants. There's a suffocation risk when very little ones sleep prone with a large or tight covering, especially if it's near the head. You'll probably want to supervise your toddlers, too.
With that said, for kids, it remains tough to beat the Comfy Critters Huggable and the Hudson Baby Unisex. Between the two of them, there are plenty of animal versions to select from, and they're fluffy and large enough to be warm. Note that neither will function as a baby towel, even though the Hudson Baby model does look a bit like one. For adults who want to get in on the whimsical fun, we've kept the Born To Unicorn and the Kinomoto Cloak. The former comes in a child-size version, too, so parents and kids can match. Or, if you really want to stand out, consider the Electro Threads Galaxy 2.0. It's colorful and fun, but if you don't like the space-themed design, there are plenty of others to select from, including Vintage Flowers and Deep Sea designs.
If you'd rather cuddle up without animal shapes and bright patterns, take a look at The Comfy Original or the Chic Home Snuggle. These are fluffy and warm, just the ticket for lounging around the house on a lazy day. The former has arms, whereas the latter does not; neither design is necessarily better than the other, but if you plan on being active, The Comfy might give you an easier range of motion. Or, if you'll be outside in the elements, there's the admittedly expensive Mambe Extreme. On the inside, you'll find warm fleece, while the exterior is made of a tough waterproof material. It's a fine choice for stadium use, and even arrives with a stuff sack for transport.
Choosing The Right Hooded Blanket For Your Needs
Based on their style and material, some hooded blankets may be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
When picking out your hooded blanket, it's important to ask yourself if your model will be primarily for indoor or outdoor use. If it's meant to keep out the coldest of temperatures on a multi-day mountainous hike or camping trip, or destined to be an addition to your survival kit, then you may want a thermal model like a space blanket. These trap warmth inside while keeping the cold out, and can make a good impromptu tent or shelter in an emergency situation. Some are even highly reflective to help search and rescue teams find you. They tend to also be moisture-resistant. If your blanket will be accompanying you on plenty of outdoor adventures, you may also want one that is lightweight and that comes with a stuff sack so you can quickly tuck it away when you don't need it.
If your blanket will be mostly for indoor use, like lounging or taking naps in your living room, then you may prefer a thicker, softer model made from sherpa fur-like material or fleece. Since you may wear your indoor hooded blanket over simple shorts and a t-shirt, you'll want one that feels nice against your skin. Your indoor blanket will probably also double as a decorative item on your couch when you aren't wearing it, so style matters, too. There are plenty of patterns and colors to choose from to match your decor, whether you prefer something more neutral and earthy, or you want a quirkier one designed to look like a mermaid or kitten.
Based on their style and material, some hooded blankets may be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These can provide attractive warmth when on the go, but also be cozy and comfy when relaxing at home. If you plan on buying a blanket for mobile use, consider one that only goes down to the knees, as anything longer can hinder your movement. Toggles may also be useful in this variety in order to keep the hood closed tightly while you're walking around.
Benefits Of Hooded Blankets Over Traditional Ones
Hooded blankets are superior to traditional ones in so many ways. First off, they combine several items into one. Think about what you need to do to keep your head warm when you just have a standard blanket: you either wear a hooded sweatshirt, or you put on a beanie. But when you're traveling and hoping to avoid luggage fees, you need to be very methodical about what you store in your carry-on backpack. If you have a hooded blanket, then you can ditch the sweatshirt and hat. Even if you're just headed to the beach with friends, using a normal blanket and a hat may not be the best idea. A gust of wind can easily send that hat flying off your head and into the ocean. The hood of your blanket is attached so, that can't possibly happen.
A gust of wind can easily send that hat flying off your head and into the ocean.
Some models also have sleeves, which makes going about your regular tasks while staying toasty a breeze. When you just have a normal blanket, you are forced to attempt the balancing act of keeping it on your body with one hand, while you use the other to microwave popcorn, type on your laptop, or sip your tea or coffee. Often though, it continues to slide off, and you naturally wind up doing everything much slower than you normally would. Since a hooded blanket is wearable, you don't need to worry about keeping it on while you go about your activities, and you don't need to leave it behind on the couch when it's time to get up, making the annoying choice between warmth and mobility.
If you absolutely love naps, but can't doze off under the flimsy blankets you find on most couches, there's a reason for that: temperature and quality of sleep are very connected. That thin shawl you keep on your daybed probably doesn't regulate your body temperature very well. A hooded blanket will hug you, and ensure you stay cozy for your afternoon siesta.
Which Materials Keep You The Warmest
If you find yourself layering blankets just to stay comfortable, then you may just not have ones made of the best materials for warmth. When your blanket is made of the right material, you only need one. So, let's go over some of the best fabrics to keep you cozy. Cashmere is noted as being one of the warmest fabrics available. Made from the hairs of the cashmere goat, it is extremely soft and comfortable enough to wear on bare skin. Cashmere is, admittedly, a bit expensive simply because the goats from which it gets its fibers don't produce much hair. In fact, it takes about two goats to produce enough hair for just one sweater. But anyone who has ever touched cashmere can admit that it's worth it.
If you find yourself layering blankets just to stay comfortable, then you may just not have ones made of the best materials for warmth.
Cable knit wool is a runner-up to cashmere, and it's usually more affordable. During the cable knitting process, strips of wool are layered over each other, which is why this material is so luxuriously thick. Wool is exceptionally warm because the hairs of this type of sheep actually act as insulators, trapping air inside the fibers. This is necessary because many of the animals from which we get these hairs live in cold climates. Humans have turned to this material for centuries to fight off the cold and we won't be stopping any time soon.
Those looking for lightweight temperature control should wear flannel. This material is typically made from cotton or a blend of cotton and wool or synthetic fibers. It features a quilted backing that improves insulation and, since varieties can be made that are 100-percent cotton, it could be a good choice for those with sensitive skin, or who just find wool and cashmere to be too itchy.