What is a blanket hoodie?
Blanket hoodies (or hooded blankets) are basically a jumper with a large hood that doubles up as a blanket or, in more simple terms, they're oversized hoodies. They're not only functional (keeping you super warm) but they can be stylish and cosy too. Blanket hoodies are a versatile garment for your wardrobe and they're perfect for lounging on the sofa on cold days, wearing after a gym session, taking on a camping trip or keeping the wind chill off at the beach.
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What material is best for a hoodie blanket?
The best materials for hoodies are cotton and polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is breathable and soft, while polyester is durable and moisture-wicking. Many blanket hoodies feature a soft sherpa fleece lining. Fleece is an extra insulating fabric and can be made from natural cotton or synthetic material.
Are Oodies worth the money?
The jury’s out on this. Some buyers rave about the appeal of an Oodie and say it’s worth the extra money with one Mumsnetter saying: "100% yes, I have a cat one and it’s genuinely the best thing I have ever bought". But other Mumsnet users think it’s overpriced, you’re paying a premium for the brand and cheaper options are just as good. If you've got your heart set on an Oodie original, look out for their seasonal sales to grab yourself a bargain.
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What is the best blanket hoodie to buy?
If you’re prepared to push the boat out on budget to secure some additional warmth, Australian brand Oodies are excellent – when you can get them at the right price.
If you want something more affordable, consider the Sienna Hoodie Blanket. Not only are Mumsnet users raving about it on the forums, but we adored it when we tried it out ourselves. It’s super soft with an easily accessible kangaroo pocket making it perfect for lazy days on the sofa.
How we rate and assess the best blanket hoodies
Our recommendations aren't based on specifications alone. We compare tester feedback, real-world performance and long-term experience across these key areas:
Comfort and warmth: How cosy and warm each blanket hoodie feels, including the softness of the lining and how well it retains heat.
Fit and design: The overall fit, suitability for different body types and heights, and practical features like elasticated cuffs, pockets and hoods.
Ease of use: How easy it is to put on, take off and wear around the home, including whether the design feels bulky, restrictive or awkward.
Material and quality: The thickness and weight of the fabrics and overall durability of the design.
Care and cleaning: How straightforward it is to wash and dry, whether it sheds or attracts lint, and how well it maintains its softness and appearance after washing.
Value for money: Whether its comfort, quality, warmth and durability justify the price compared with other blanket hoodies we've assessed.
We use this evidence to compare blanket hoodies across different budgets and preferences, rather than simply awarding the one with the thickest fabric or longest list of features.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Conscious of energy bills, Lucy spent most of last winter wearing her trusty dressing gown, which is thrown on most evenings as soon as she's finished work. She's written several guides to keeping warm in winter, including the best dressing gowns and best foot warmers.
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