Cotton Blankets For Summer? [ARE THEY WORTH IT?]

Do you agree that sleeping with a lightweight blanket in a fully air-conditioned room in the summer has an overwhelmingly comfortable feeling? According to experts, sleeping with a blanket during the summer months helps regulate the body temperature and ensures a night of better sleep. However, finding the right blanket for the summer is quite a challenging task.

Soft and lightweight cotton blankets are ideal for both hot and cold sleepers in the summer months. Cotton blankets have high breathability and moisture-wicking properties that help regulate the body temperature and provide a comfortable and cool experience to the sleeper. We recommend using a cotton comforter or a duvet for the most comfortable feeling in the summer.

If you frequently wake up in the middle of a summer night due to a sudden chill or excessive sweating, you must try using a cotton blanket and set the AC temperature at an optimum temperature. The reason why you should use cotton blankets for summer is explained below.

Why Do You Need Blankets For Sleeping?

For most people, the optimum sleeping temperature is 65 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. The body temperature usually starts dropping by a degree or two during the evening to prepare our body for a good night's sleep. Thus, the body is naturally designed to sleep at cooler temperatures. During the REM cycle (deep sleep) our body stops performing the task of temperature regulation and this is when we have to rely on external factors, such as a blanket. A few researchers have also stated that sleeping with a blanket is beneficial for people with insomnia and anxiety. Thus, using a blanket or a comforter when you sleep restores the normal temperature and helps you sleep better.

Are Cotton Blankets Good For Summer?

Choosing the right material for a good night's sleep is extremely important. Cotton fabric is of course the most preferred fabric for summer. Since the fabric is highly breathable, it helps regulate body temperature and provides a comfortable feeling to the sleeper.

Cotton blankets are obviously a better choice than 100% wool and polyester blankets. The latter materials not only trap the heat exponentially within the blanket but are also irritable to the skin. Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are, in fact, 'thermoplastics' and do not breathe or allow moisture to escape.

What Is the Best Material Used For Summer Cotton Blankets?

100% cotton blankets have the property of being highly breathable that allows good airflow so that the sleeper can feel more comfortable on hot summer nights.

Bamboo, eucalyptus, silk, and linen are some of the other blanket materials that can keep you cool throughout the night. Since pure cotton or silk blankets are often very costly, blankets made of bamboo cotton or viscose-derived bamboo cotton with some percentage of synthetic materials have been a popular choice in recent years. They are lightweight, easy to maintain, durable, versatile, and have efficient moisture-wicking properties that help regulate the body temperature when you tuck yourself in.

For summer, we recommend using a cotton comforter. It is a type of blanket with two large fabrics that are filled with materials like cotton, down, or polyfill. The softness of the blanket is determined by the material used for the outside fabric. These cotton comforters are not only soft and lightweight, but they are also elegant looking and can be used for several purposes. Bamboo cotton is also ideal for muggy or humid weather.

If you live in a colder climate, you may even use a duvet, which is similar to a comforter but is slightly thicker and warmer than the latter. The outside of the blanket may be made with soft material such as sateen or cotton so that it does not cause harsh rubbing against the skin. This is especially important to check if you have sensitive skin with conditions like rosacea, eczema, acne, or psoriasis. We do not recommend using microfiber blankets or weighted quilts in the summer months as they can make you feel suffocative.

Lightweight cotton blankets for summer that are made with organic cotton have the additional advantage of being chemical-free. These luxury blankets, though costly, are highly durable, hypoallergenic, and are most suitable for people with sensitive skin or acne.

Best Cotton Blankets For Summer

Summer blankets come in different varieties and sizes. To make it easier for you, we have enlisted some of the best cotton blankets for summer:

   1. Slumber Cloud Textured Blanket

Best for – Temperature regulation

The Slumber Cloud Blanket is a lightweight summer blanket that will ensure optimum comfort to the sleeper through temperature regulation. The blanket features NASA-engineered Outlast fiber fill which absorbs, stores, and releases heat as your body temperature changes. The blanket is especially very suitable for hot sleepers and those who sleep at low air conditioning temperatures. The blanket is available in three colors (lunar, oat, and pewter) and three sizes (queen, king, and twin XL).

   2. Luxome Lightweight Blanket

Best for – Lightweight comfort

As soft and lightweight as a feather, the Luxome Blanket is made with high-quality bamboo viscose fabric and fill. The blanket provides adequate comfort in both summer and cooler months. Because of its beautiful and soft quilted texture and high thread count satin weave, the blanket has a premium feel. The Luxome Blanket is available in five colors (dove, charcoal, white, sapphire, and ivory) and two sizes (full/ queen and king/ cal king).

    3. White Down Blanket

Best For – Temperature regulation, lightweight, and low cost.

White Down Blanket is probably the best buy for sleepers who are looking for a high-performance and soft cotton blanket at a reasonable cost. The blanket has a classic look and is available in four colors (white, sage, sea mist, and cream). With a 230 thread count, the blanket feels as light as a bed sheet but gives you the warmth of a traditional blanket. The White Down Blanket may also be used as a year-round comforter. It has a beautiful 3" satin border for a premium look. You can get this blanket in size Twin, Full/ Queen, and King/ California King.

    4. PHF Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket

Best For – Great aesthetics, luxury, and comfort.

If you want a boho-style blanket for your room, then the Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket from the PHF store is a steal deal. The material used is light khaki or linen and is great for homes that have boho-style, rustic, or classic decor. Its woven craftsmanship makes the blanket highly breathable, while the fabric's soft and moisture absorption feature keeps you warm and cozy all day long. The blanket does not cause you to sweat on hot days or make you feel cold when there's a drop in temperature outside. The blanket is available in a variety of colors and comes in 4 sizes (King/ Cal King, Thow, Queen, and Twin).

Final Thoughts

Using a blanket makes you more secure when catching those Zs but when buying soft cartoon blankets for summer, make sure to buy an oversized one so that it can provide extra coverage and also lock in the warmth you are looking for.

Do remember that cotton blankets will gradually soften with each laundry cycle. When washing these blankets, always run them on a gentle and cold cycle and use a liquid detergent without bleach to maintain the integrity of these blankets. Always read the label or the manufacturer guidelines to provide the best care for your cotton blanket and make it last for years to come. If the label specially mentions 'dry cleaning' you should never run it on a machine wash as it can damage the inner filling permanently.

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