Big Blanket Material Guide

Choosing the right blanket often comes down to one key factor: Material. With Big Blanket Co becoming a go-to choice for oversized comfort, it’s important to understand how different materials perform in daily use. This guide breaks down the most popular Big Blanket materials: Stretch, Plush, and Sherpa, so you can choose the best one for your needs.

In this blog you will learn about each material’s feel, warmth, durability, breathability, and use. Also get real feedback from users and practical styling suggestions.

No fluff here, just the info you need to make a decision you’ll be happy with.

Overview: Why Material Matters

Blankets are more than décor pieces. The material determines:

• How soft or cosy the blanket feels

• How much warmth it provides

• How easy it is to clean and maintain

• How well it performs in different seasons

• How long it lasts over time

Let’s break down the three most common Big Blanket materials so you know exactly what you’re getting.

1. Stretch Material: Everyday Versatility

What It Is

Stretch blankets from Big Blanket Co are typically made from a blend of woven fabrics with added stretch, often including polyester and spandex. The result is a blanket that feels soft while giving just enough flexibility to contour to your body.

How It Feels

Stretch blankets are:

• Soft without being heavy

• Flexible and drapey

• Smooth to the touch

• Comfortable for lounging

They feel almost like a large, cosy sweater spread over your body.

Warmth and Breathability

Stretch blankets strike a good balance:

• Warm enough for year-round use

• Breathable enough to avoid overheating

• Comfortable in both cool and mild climates

They are not as warm as Sherpa, but they are more adaptable across seasons.

Durability and Maintenance

Stretch blankets tend to:

• Maintain shape well

• Resist pilling with normal care

• Wash easily in large machines

• Dry without becoming stiff

These blankets are a practical choice if you want a dependable everyday blanket.

Best Uses

• Family lounges

• Movie nights

• Sharing on sofas

• Everyday warmth

• Casual home décor

2. Plush Material: Next Level Softness

What It Is

Plush blankets are all about softness. They are typically made from dense, fine fibres such as high-grade polyester that create a velvety surface.

How It Feels

Plush blankets are:

• Extremely soft

• Cosy and luxurious

• Slightly thicker than stretch materials

• Velvety against the skin

If comfort feels like a priority number one, plush is a strong choice.

Warmth and Breathability

Plush blankets are warmer than stretch options, making them suitable for:

• Cooler bedrooms

• Air-conditioned living rooms

• Cosy evenings on the couch

They may feel too warm in hot climates unless the airflow is strong.

Durability and Maintenance

Plush blankets are durable, but they:

• Can attract lint if not washed correctly

• Need gentle cycles to maintain softness

• Require careful drying to preserve texture

Proper care makes them last longer without losing that velvety feel.

Best Uses

• Cold evenings

• Bedrooms

• Holiday or seasonal comfort

• Gifts for loved ones

3. Sherpa Material: Maximum Warmth and Comfort

What It Is

Sherpa blankets use a thick, fleece-like material that mimics shearling. One side of the blanket is often smooth (stretch or plush), while the reverse side has a fluffy Sherpa lining.

How It Feels

Sherpa blankets are:

• Ultra-soft

• Warm and plush

• Cosy like a winter coat

• Textured against the skin

They feel like wrapping yourself in a warm cloud.

Warmth and Breathability

Sherpa delivers the most warmth:

• Excellent for cold climates

• Ideal for winter use

• Can feel too warm in mild weather

• Best with seasonal layering

Sherpa blankets excel in insulation but are less breathable than stretch or plush.

Durability and Maintenance

Sherpa blankets:

• Are generally durable

• May mat with frequent use

• Need gentle wash cycles to avoid flattening texture

• Require low-heat drying to preserve fluffiness

With good care, they retain softness and warmth over time.

Best Uses

• Cold weather lounging

• Winter bedrooms

• Gifts for cold climate friends and family

• Holiday comfort essentials

Material Comparison Table

Feature	Stretch	Plush	Sherpa
Softness	Very soft	Very soft	Extremely soft
Warmth	Medium	Medium high	High
Breathability	Excellent	Good	Fair
Everyday use	Excellent	Good	Seasonal use
Warm weather suitability	Best	Good	Not good
Cold weather suitability	Good	Very good	Excellent
Maintenance	Easy	Moderate	Moderate

How to Choose the Right Material for You

Here’s a simple guide based on your needs:

You Want Everyday Comfort and Versatility

Go with Stretch. It works year-round and is easy to care for.

You Want a Soft, Luxurious Feel

Choose Plush. It’s perfect for cool weather and Cosy interiors.

You Want Maximum Warmth

Sherpa is your best choice, especially in winter or cold climates.

Seasonal Use Tips

Spring and Summer

Stretch blankets are most comfortable as they provide warmth without overheating.

Fall and Early Winter

Plush blankets create a Cosy atmosphere without being too insulating.

Intense Winter

Sherpa blankets deliver unmatched warmth and comfort.

Cleaning and Care Guide by Material

Stretch

• Machine wash cold

• Tumble dry low

• No fabric softener
  

Plush

• Gentle cycle

• Cold wash recommended

• Tumble dry on low or air dry
  

Sherpa

• Gentle wash

• Low-heat drying

• Brush lightly after drying to fluff up fibres

Following care instructions helps maintain softness, texture, and longevity.

Real User Experience

Here’s what users say after real use:

Stretch Blanket Feedback

• Very versatile

• Comfortable for sharing

• Doesn’t overheat

Plush Blanket Feedback

• Extremely soft

• Perfect for chillier nights

• Slight warmth

Sherpa Blanket Feedback

• Ultra-Cosy

• Best for winter

• Can feel too warm in hot regions

User satisfaction trends toward comfort, with material choice mainly dependent on climate and personal warmth preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which material is best for year-round use?

Stretch blankets are the most versatile and suitable for everyday use in varied climates.

Are Sherpa blankets too warm for summer?

Sherpa is best for cold weather and may feel too insulating in hot climates.

Do plush blankets require special washing?

Plush blankets benefit from gentle wash cycles to maintain softness and prevent fibre matting.

Which material is best for gifting?

Plush and Sherpa are great gift options due to their soft feel and comfort appeal.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Big Blanket Material

Your choice between Stretch, Plush, and Sherpa should come down to how you plan to use the blanket and what kind of comfort you want.

• Stretch is practical, versatile, and year-round ready

• Plush adds a layer of luxurious softness

• Sherpa delivers maximum warmth for cold weather
  

No matter which material you choose, Big Blanket Co delivers oversized comfort at a level most traditional blankets can’t match.