There’s something indulgent about curling up on the sofa with a wool blanket, or draping a cosy throw over your bed for warmth during the winter.
“Wool is one of the most sustainable, natural fibres available,” says Louisa Knapp, Design and Textiles Expert at British Wool. It is “renewable, biodegradable and recyclable,” and helps to regulate your body temperature all year round. Like a weighted or electric blanket, it may even save you from switching on your heating as often.
Unsurprisingly, prices vary depending on the blanket size, how it’s made and the wool itself. Recycled wool is the cheapest, starting at £40; British wool blankets go from £80 and merino and other luxury wools cost £150 upwards. Leading brands include Woolroom, The British Blanket Co. and TBCo.
With the right care, a good wool blanket should last you for years, if not decades. Here are our recommended buys, plus a quick look at our top five:
The best wool blankets and throws: At a glance
How to choose the best wool blankets and throws
This comes down to how you’re looking to use the blanket. For example, if it’s simply decorative, the fabric’s feel and composition may be less important. Whereas, if you plan on wrapping up in it, you’ll want something big, soft and comfortable.
Softness is impacted by the type of wool used. John Roberts, Managing Director at Woolmark explains: “Fine fibres bend easily, making them soft. Thick fibres bend less easily, making them resilient”. That’s why the latter is used in wool mattresses and duvets. I’ve explained the differences further in the FAQs, but merino, lambswool and cashmere are all soft options for blankets.
As for wool blends, Roberts advises checking the fibre content: “A high percentage of wool will offer greater benefits including warmth, breathability and durability.”
Where there’s a lack of clarity about composition, be cautious, says Edward Sexton, owner of Glencroft, a countrywear brand which has been making wool blankets in the UK since the 1980s: “These often contain more synthetic fibres than wool.” Wool that’s fully traceable, or blankets woven at luxury heritage mills offer peace of mind, but come with a premium price to match.
You’ll find a range of styles, sizes, wool types and prices below.