The Best Summer Blankets, Tested for Breathability and Comfort

For the past few years, Taste of Home editors and product testers have put more than 60 throw blankets to the test. We’ve tried everything from luxury throws to blanket hoodies. They’ve lived on our couches, survived countless wash cycles and been claimed by kids, pets and anyone in need of a cozy companion.

But when summer rolls around, that heavy faux fur blanket suddenly feels… aggressive. The good news? There are plenty of lightweight, breathable blankets that deliver comfort without the sweat—and we’ve tested a bunch of them.

From airy cotton throws to moisture-wicking cooling blankets, these are the best summer blankets for hot sleepers, afternoon naps and breezy nights on the couch. Whether you want an extra layer for your bed or an easy travel companion, it’s time to store heavy luxury blankets and check out these picks that will keep you cozy without overheating.

On Sale

This bamboo blanket from Cozy Earth has a 100% premium bamboo fabric shell to keep you cool and cozy. Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski recommends this blanket for someone who fluctuates between a full range of temperatures. “This blanket isn’t sickly hot like most blankets made of synthetic materials,” she says. “It is truly a cooling blanket thanks to its breathability.”

It has the same super-soft feel as those fleecy, satin-trimmed blankets you probably loved as a kid. But this bamboo blanket is lighter, airier and much better for warm weather.

During testing, the blanket held up beautifully in the wash, though it did shed more lint than other options and took nearly two hours to fully dry.

This blanket also comes with a hefty price tag. That said, it feels like a blanket that will last you the rest of your life. “I think it’s worthwhile if you’re going to use this blanket as your main covering in the summer (i.e., skipping a duvet/comforter),” Katie says.

Thankfully, you’ll find this blanket frequently on sale along with the rest of our editor-loved favorites like the viral cuddle blanket.

This 100% cotton muslin blanket checks every box for summer: lightweight, breathable and soft right out of the package. It also comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from throw to King.

Cathy Rust, founder of CoolYourSweats, says cotton blankets are her go-to for warm weather. “Cotton is breathable, absorbs moisture but doesn’t trap the heat your body generates,” she says. “Plus, it washes easily.”

The waffle weave adds even more airflow, making it an especially smart pick for hot nights.

And despite the budget-friendly price, this blanket feels surprisingly luxe. It’s remarkably similar to high-end muslin and waffle blankets I’ve tested before, some costing more than four times as much. The gauzy texture gets softer with every wash, and the lightweight feel makes it great for kids or anyone who wants a little extra warmth without overheating.

Bottom line: the quality-to-price ratio here is seriously impressive.

An outdoor blanket is a summer essential, and Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket earns its nickname as “the blanket for everywhere.” This bestselling all-weather blanket is lightweight, weather-resistant and packs into its own water-resistant carrying sack for easy transport.

The feel is similar to a sleeping bag, smooth rather than plush, but that’s exactly what makes it so durable for outdoor use. I love it for picnics, camping trips and concert lawns, and the corner staking loops keep it from flying away on windy days.

One standout feature? The built-in cape clip lets you wear the blanket hands-free. Rumpl also offers a variety of colors, sizes and customizable options, making it an especially fun gift for travelers, sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts.

Rain, wet grass or chilly bleachers, this blanket can handle it all. After repeated outdoor use, mine still looks brand-new—and it’s officially earned a permanent spot in my trunk because I never want to be caught without it.

Rifle Paper Co. is known for its beautiful stationery and home decor, but this woven throw might be the brand’s prettiest piece yet. The Country Farm throw features florals and charming farm animal motifs that look even more stunning in person.

Beyond the looks, it’s also a practical pick for warmer weather. Made from 100% cotton, the blanket feels breathable yet substantial enough to keep you cozy year-round.

“It reminded me of the colorful throw my mom draped across the couch when I was growing up in the ’90s,” tester Katie says. “I was mesmerized looking at all the intricacies. It added a much-needed pop of color to my neutral-colored couch.”

Despite its luxe feel, care is surprisingly simple: wash separately on a delicate, cold cycle and line-dry or tumble-dry low. Mild detergent, no bleach.

Available in 10 made-to-order patterns crafted in North Carolina, this throw doubles as decor. We’re especially loving the Americana print for summer.

This Bedsure Cooling Blanket has earned over 3,000 positive Amazon reviews, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, portable and genuinely cooling. Made from rayon derived from bamboo, it helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating, making it perfect for plane rides, road trips and everything in between.

It’s also ultra-packable, rolling up small enough to fit in a diaper bag or carry-on with ease.

My toddler has been using it on warm summer nights. While it’s not designed specifically for outdoor use, it’s light enough for hot evenings and doubles as a handy barrier against mosquitoes around a fire pit. And the throw size is small enough to keep from dragging on the ground.

Pricing on Amazon varies by color, but I’ve seen it drop as low as $20—an absolute steal. It may not be the biggest or flashiest blanket, but for travel-friendly cooling comfort, it’s hard to beat.

While not a classic summer blanket in the same way as cotton muslin or cooling bamboo, this 100% cashmere throw is lightweight, breathable and temperature-regulating, so it won’t trap heat. Plus, it’s thin enough to be comfortable on cool summer nights, especially in air-conditioned rooms or breezy evenings.

“I chose the color ‘faded denim’ to match my office couch. It’s a soft, dusty blue. The color is absolutely gorgeous in person,” says tester Emily Way. “I love the fringe on the two shorter sides as well, which gives the throw an effortlessly luxe look.”

This Quince throw instantly elevates any space, adding a cozy, pulled-together look that feels straight out of a magazine spread—perfect for draping over a sofa or accent chair.

As with most luxury pieces, it does require a little extra care. Hand wash in cold water with a gentle, neutral soap (or baby shampoo), rinse without rubbing, and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Dry cleaning is also an option, just be sure to request a delicate process to preserve the cashmere.

On Sale

Wool blankets have a lot going for them: they’re durable, moisture-wicking, naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria and odor. Expert Cathy Rust says they can even work in summer conditions.

“For the ‘cold’ sleeper, merino wool may be the best choice because it is a powerful insulator, but as merino wool is finer than ‘regular’ wool, it won’t trap as much heat as a standard wool blanket,” she says.

This wool throw from editor-loved Silk & Snow is made from 100% Peruvian alpaca fibre, giving it an ultra-fine, soft feel. Alpaca’s naturally lightweight construction keeps it from feeling heavy or bulky like traditional wool.

It also excels in breathability. “Often I find myself in a constant battle of too-hot-too-cold, but I kept this throw on my body for hours and was comfortable the entire time,” Katie says. “It’s a great option for anyone looking for a stylish, natural fiber throw.”

One thing to note: it’s dry-clean only, which is typical for alpaca. That makes it less ideal for high-traffic spaces or homes that require frequent blanket washing.

“I’m trying to move away from synthetic fabrics, and I love that this blanket is 100% cotton,” says tester Marisa Hillman, who was especially drawn to its reversible two-tone design. She describes it as “cozy but still lightweight,” with a soft, fleecy texture that provides comfortable warmth without feeling heavy, making it suitable for year-round use.

The Peacock Alley blanket is finished with tailored binding on all four sides, which helps it hold up well during washing and drying. “I ran this blanket through a cold wash cycle per the instructions before putting it in the dryer. It took quite a while to dry and produced a ton of thick lint. Still, it washed and dried nicely,” Marisa says. As with most cotton bedding, some shrinkage is expected, though washing in cold water and drying on low heat can help minimize it.

While breathable enough for warmer weather, the blanket also adds an extra layer of softness and warmth when temperatures drop. “I’m going to put it on my daughter’s bed as she is a lover of all things cozy,” Marisa says.

Available in three versatile two-toned neutral colorways, the blanket can be personalized with an embroidered monogram or name, making it a thoughtful gift or a customized addition to any bedding collection.

Others We Tested and Loved

• Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt: This silky-soft, lightweight quilt would’ve made the list if it weren’t for stock issues. Made from organic cotton, it has a relaxed, all-season feel that’s breathable and airy, and it truly gets softer with every wash.
• Cozy Earth Bamboo Tassel Throw: This do-it-all bamboo blanket is the cozy accessory every home needs. Similar to the other Cozy Earth blanket above, it’s ideal for chilly evenings, lounging on the couch or adding to your side of the bed for an extra plush layer.
• Brooklinen Washed European Linen Quilt: Linen is a naturally cooling fabric, which is why it’s one of our favorite fabrics to turn to when we’re looking for the best summer blankets. Content Director Nicole Doster spent over 300 hours curled up under this quilt and can attest to its softness. “Like most linen, it initially felt a bit scratchy, but it became soft over time,” she says, adding that it softens with each wash.
• Little Sleepies Cloud Blanket: Bamboo fabric isn’t just good for cooling purposes, it’s a parent favorite because it’s ultra-soft, breathable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for babies and toddlers. These moisture-wicking kids blankets, help keep my toddler from from overheating during nap time.
• Brooklinen Dreamweave Waffle Bed Blanket: If you’re looking for a muslin option that’s a bit more high-end, this bed blanket is lightweight, airy and perfect for hot sleepers. It has a double-layer construction made of 100% Turkish cotton, and while the color options are limited, the soft, crinkled fabric will drape effortlessly across your bed.
• Saatva Waffle Knit Blanket: Unfortunately, this one goes out of stock frequently on Saatva’s website, too, but it’s another waffle-knit blanket we love. Made of 100% cotton, it’s easy to style and gets softer with every wash. The lightweight waffle weave is gentle on the skin and won’t cause overheating.
• Avocado Natural Linen Quilt: If you’re looking for a crisp quilt option, this one is lightweight yet insulating, making it suitable for every season. We love that it’s made with sustainable, breathable and natural materials. “The quality is top-notch,” tester Katie says. After washing, it looked just as good as it did straight out of the package.”

What to Look for When Shopping for a Summer Blanket

After consulting multiple experts on what to look for when shopping for summer blankets, they agreed that material is the most important factor to consider.

Parima Ijaz, textile expert and the founder of Pure Parima, says that choosing the right fabric will keep you cool and comfortable. “Fabrics like cotton, TENCEL Lyocell, and linen are great cooling options due to their moisture-wicking properties,” she says. “Cotton, specifically, is a naturally breathable fabric with adequate airflow and high durability for a blanket that not only keeps you comfortable during the hot summer nights, but also lasts a long time with proper care.”

Below are a few more specifics to keep in mind when shopping for the best warm-weather throw blankets.

• Care: Washability is important, especially during warmer months when you may tend to sweat more. Most of the options above can be tossed in the washing machine without issue. In fact, fabrics like muslin cotton tend to get softer with each wash. Bamboo, on the other hand, needs a little more TLC and should be washed in cold water and dried with low to no heat.
• Allergy considerations: Hypoallergenic blankets made from natural fibers like wool and organic cotton help reduce dust mites and allergens. Look for OEKO-TEX or GOTS-certified fabrics to ensure they are free from harsh chemicals that could trigger sensitivities.
• Size: While the standard throw blanket size is 50×60 inches, sometimes you want a little extra room for snuggling or using for sleep. Many of the options above come in a throw size as well as standard bedding sizes: twin, queen and king.
• Synthetic materials: Parima recommends avoiding heavy, warmer fabrics like microfiber, polyester and flannel during the summertime, as such fabrics will create a thicker, denser layer with little to no breathability. “It’s essential that the material allows for airflow so you can maintain a comfortable body temperature,” she says.

How We Found the Best Summer Blankets

Our editors have spent years testing dozens of blankets to find the very best. For this roundup, we zeroed in on summer-ready blankets made with lightweight, cooling and breathable fabrics designed for warm-weather comfort. We also looked for features like high-quality natural fibers, easy-to-follow care instructions, softness and design.

Each blanket was tested for at least 30 days, with some rotating through our homes for a year or more. Editors and product testers used them everywhere—from couch lounging and midday naps to backyard fire pits—to evaluate comfort, versatility, weight and durability, including how well they held up after repeated machine washes.

The picks above earned their spots based on overall performance, longevity, thoughtful design and standout features that set them apart.

FAQ

What type of blanket is best for summer?

The best summer blankets are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. Opt for natural or semi-synthetic fabrics like cotton, bamboo or linen. They promote airflow and help keep you cool by preventing heat buildup.

What is a summer blanket called?

When shopping for summer blankets, keep an eye out for terms like “cooling” and “lightweight.” In bedding, coverlets are typically lighter than comforters or duvets because they don’t have thick fillings or batting. You’ll also see phrases like “summer duvet” or “summer quilt,” which usually signal a thinner, more breathable layer designed for warmer weather.

Why You Should Trust Us

With the help of fellow shopping editors and product testers, we collectively tested more than 60 blankets over the span of more than two years.

With years of hands-on experience reviewing top-tier home goods, our editors go beyond the basics, often testing products for longer than our competitors. The result? Only the best, most reliable recommendations that are truly worth your time, money and space.

Over the years, we’ve consulted numerous experts in our search for the best blankets. For this roundup, we spoke with Parima Ijaz, founder and CEO of luxury bedding brand Pure Parima, and Cathy Rust, founder of CoolYourSweats, a sleepwear brand designed to help manage night sweats and hot flashes. Both shared expert insight on cooling fabrics and what to look for in a summer blanket.