Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie review: "a game changer"

Overall star rating: 4/5

Price on writing: £16 to £18 | Buy now from Dunelm

Now that we're well and truly into the winter season, many of us are looking for cosy, cost-effective ways to stay toasty while keeping heating bills as low as possible. Mumsnetters often laud the best blanket hoodies as an excellent solution to the cost of living crisis as they work by heating the person, not the home, which can minimise energy costs in the long run – much like using hot water bottles or heated throws instead of turning the thermostat up.

The Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie is a fraction of the cost of its competitors, and this cheap Oodie alternative has received glowing praise on our forums. To see if it can effectively cocoon you in warmth this winter, we enlisted two Mumsnet users who've used the blanket hoodie for months to see if it's worth investing in. Here's what they thought...

After more winter buys? We've also rounded up the best electric blankets and cosiest women's slippers according to Mumsnetters.

What we like

• Super cosy teddy fleece

• Warm so it can keep heating costs down

• Large oversized fit

• Affordable

• Washes well

• Choice of eight colours

What we don't like

• One reviewer found the sleeves came up short

• Fabric can create static

• Oodies are thicker and warmer (but are more expensive)

Our verdict

• Warmth: 4/5

• Design: 4/5

• Ease of cleaning: 5/5

• Value for money: 4/5

Made from a super-soft teddy fleece fabric, this cosy blanket hoodie is an excellent winter warmer that rightfully won a coveted place on our best blanket hoodie round-up. Both of our testers Sara* and Lisa* loved the generous, oversized fit and how well it held warmth – it's ideal for working from home on chilly days. It was also really easy to clean, retaining its softness wash after wash.

Our biggest gripes? Sara found the sleeves were a tad short, and the fabric could occasionally create static, but overall it was rated as a great buy. And while the Dunelm Teddy might not be as thick as the industry leader Oodie, it compensates with affordability, making it an ideal option for those who want a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag.

What is the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie?

Crafted from a cosy polyester fleece, this Dunelm Blanket Hoodie has a soft teddy texture and an oversized unisex fit (length 97cm x chest 98cm). It comes in eight different colours, including a striking red and a subtle yet sophisticated grey, so there's plenty of variety. It is worth noting, however, that there's no patterned designs, so you may be better going for an Oodie or a Kuddly Hoodie Blanket if you want something a little more jazzy.

Our tester Sara was gifted the plain black version, whilst Lisa opted for the cream colourway to match her teddy pillow from the brand.

Related: Discover the best draught excluders for winter weather

What is the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie like to wear?

According to Sara, slipping into the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie was a delight. Describing it as "lovely and soft", she found it became her trusty go-to for facing chilly weather while working from home as it was "great for trapping warmth". The hoodie had a "great oversized fit" with "plenty of room", but she reported a minor hiccup with the design as the sleeves came up slightly short. She also had a few issues with the material's tendency to create static, but overall she loved the cosy design.

Lisa, on the other hand, found very little fault with the blanket hoodie, exclaiming, "Oh my god, this is a game changer and it saves on heating... It's super cute and soft to the touch." She also loved the oversized fit and how it enveloped her in warmth.

It is worth noting that if you are cross comparing blanket hoodies in a quest to find the right one for you, the Dunelm Teddy is much more lightweight than an Oodie – whether this is a pro or a con is really down to personal preference, as Mumsnetter ColdHappyBap found out: "The Oodies are definitely thicker and warmer, but I find the Dunelm one easier to wear because it isn't as thick. I felt a bit trapped in an Oodie and overheated quickly. The Dunelm is more of a fleecy dressing gown, except in the hoodie style."

How did the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie wash?

Exceptionally well. "Even after washing it, it's still as soft as when I brought it," Lisa commented, adding, "I wash it on 40°C heat and washes up perfectly."

It can also be popped in the tumble dryer on a low setting, but thankfully Lisa found it didn't take too long to be air dried after a wash.

Related: Best winter coats for women as tried and tested by Mumsnetters

Price: is the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie worth it?

Priced between £16 to £18, the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie comes in more expensive than the Sienna Hoodie Blanket (which retails at around £12), but is a far cheaper option than an Oodie (which will set you back around £40 in the sales).

Both of our testers commented there were cheaper options on the market, but overall felt it offered good value for money. "It's definitely worth it... It saves you putting on the heating," Lisa reported.

It's not as thick as an Oodie but still excels at providing warmth, especially when working from home. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and budget, but we think this is a great value buy that provides a welcome touch of luxury and warmth.

How we tested

We first asked Mumsnet users about the blanket hoodies they recommend, recruiting our Voices Panel to give their feedback on everything from warmth, comfort, design and how well each hoodie washed.

Once we had collated these results, we consulted with our two Mumsnet testers to get their in-depth feedback on how they found the Dunelm Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie after extensive use in their own homes. Our feedback panel consisted of:

• Sara*, a Mumsnetter who has owned the blanket hoodie for over six months

• Lisa*, a Mumsnetter who has owned the blanket hoodie for over a year

Through using unbiased Mumsnet users for reviews, we ensure we give you an honest account of how products fare after thorough use in a real family home.

Related: Best thermal socks for cold weather

About the author

Natasha Gregson is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet, with an expertise in home and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. With several years of editorial experience under her belt, she also has had work featured in national publications including The i Paper and Stylist Magazine.

In the past year, she's become somewhat of a blanket hoodie expert (yes, really) and has conducted her own thorough testing on a range of cosy products for Mumsnet, including hoodie blankets, heated gilets, heated gloves and much more. When she’s not busy reviewing and researching the latest winter buys, you can find her searching for the next best restaurant, watching live music, curling up with a good book, cross-stitching, or enjoying a good hike or swim.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real people after extensive research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

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*Names have been changed.