The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wool Blankets for Every Taste & Budget

Our Top Pick

Faribault Mill, based in Minnesota, is known for its heritage wool blankets, and its Pure & Simple Wool Blanket deserves a top spot on your list. This lightweight yet warm bed blanket is perfect for year-round use – I use it with just a top sheet in the warmer months and pair it with a lightweight duvet during the colder season. While not as plush and soft as a fleece blanket, it strikes a good balance – not too rough, and much better at regulating temperature compared to other wool blankets I've tried.

This blanket is constructed from 100% wool but is conveniently machine washable. Just ensure you have room to line-dry it, as it shouldn’t go in the dryer. The quality is clear—I’ve owned this blanket for nearly two years without seeing any pilling or wear. It’s offered in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, available in eight neutral colors. While I’d love to see brighter shades and patterns, I do appreciate that it offers more than just white, black, and gray (I have it in olive). For a little extra luxury, consider the satin version, which features satin ends.

Size: Twin–King | Material: 100% Wool | Care: Machine washable, line dry only

Best Value

Wool blankets are generally pricier than cotton or polyester options, but you can save by choosing wool-blend or outdoor/military wool blankets. While these rugged blankets often prioritize function over design, they are incredibly durable and reliable, ensuring you'll get years of use from them.

The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket is an excellent choice for camping or tailgating, as it’s built to keep you warm and dry in cold, damp conditions. It’s larger than a typical throw but smaller than a full bed blanket, making it ideal for sitting on outdoors or wrapping up in on the couch. However, it weighs 4.5 pounds, which could be a downside if you're planning to travel with it. On the bright side, it’s available in 11 colors, including some vibrant shades that are perfect for indoor styling.

Size: 64 by 88 inches | Material: 80% wool, 20% synthetic fibers | Care: Machine washable, line dry only

Best Alpaca

The La Calle Blanket from The Citizenry is a stunning bed blanket that’s even lighter than the Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Blanket. Made from alpaca wool, it’s celebrated for its natural softness and durability. Additionally, it’s hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. While it provides warmth and comfort, it may not be warm enough for cold sleepers on its own, so pairing it with a lightweight quilt might be ideal for added warmth.

Each blanket is handmade in Peru, ensuring that every piece is unique. Available in just four colors (olive, sand, gray, or rust), it’s designed to fit a queen or king-sized bed, but can also be purchased as a throw blanket if you’re looking for something more compact. The throw blanket version offers more color choices, giving you additional options to complement your decor. We particularly love the tassels, adding a stylish touch to this design-forward piece.

Size: 80 by 96 inches | Material: 100% baby alpaca wool | Care: Dry clean only

Best Mohair

Like alpaca, mohair is praised for its lightweight nature, soft texture, and excellent insulation. However, it’s one of the priciest wool types (mohair blankets typically exceed $250). If you’re willing to invest, the Brushed Mohair Throw from Lands Downunder is an exquisite choice. Made from 100% mohair, not a blend, it boasts a thick, plush pile that’s incredibly cozy.

This throw comes in an impressive 33 color variations, ensuring you can find the perfect shade to suit your style, whether it’s a subtle neutral like slate or flax, or a bold, vibrant hue like hibiscus orange or mango. While it’s only available in a throw size, it pairs perfectly with your quilt for extra warmth on colder nights. With proper care (Lands Downunder recommends dry cleaning), this heirloom-quality throw will provide years of enjoyment.

Dimensions: 51 by 72 inches | Material: 100% pure mohair wool | Care: Dry clean only

Best Merino

Merino wool is not just great for clothing; it also makes a fantastic bedding option. Pendleton’s Heirloom Classic Merino Blanket is elegant and simple, featuring a satin binding and the opportunity to add a personalized monogram. While cozy and warm, this blanket excels at moisture-wicking and regulating your body temperature, so you won’t overheat during the night.

This blanket works wonderfully as a layering piece, whether placed between a top sheet and quilt or laid over a duvet on chillier nights. It’s offered in three different bed sizes but only comes in three neutral shades. Keep in mind, however, that Merino wool isn’t as durable as other types of wool, and the blanket requires dry cleaning. With proper care, it can serve you well for many years.

Dimensions: Twin–king | Material: 100% pure Merino wool | Care Instructions: Dry clean only

Best Design

Tartan Blanket Co. is known for combining modern design with a strong commitment to sustainability. Their Recycled Wool Blanket is made from 70% recycled wool and 30% rescued fibers that would otherwise have been discarded. The result is an ultra-soft and stylish blanket that will make a perfect addition to your sofa. It’s also machine washable, offering easy upkeep.

With eight different designs to choose from, including gingham and checked patterns in a variety of color schemes, this blanket is both stylish and versatile. It features tasseled ends, giving it a modern touch compared to traditional wool blankets. A standout feature is its ability to be embroidered, making it a perfect gift for someone who enjoys cozy home décor. If patterns aren’t your thing, you can opt for this blanket in a selection of solid colors like sage, cobalt, and rust.

Size: 57 by 75 inches | Material: 70% recycled wool, 30% blended recycled fibers | Care: Machine washable, lay flat to dry

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket. This bed-sized blanket offers a lighter weight, making it easy to layer, and it’s softer than many other wool blankets (though not as plush as alpaca or merino wool). For those not yet ready to splurge on a wool blanket, the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket offers great warmth and protection indoors and out, all at a more affordable price.

How to Shop for Wool Blankets Like a Pro

Material

Traditional wool blankets are typically crafted from sheep's wool, renowned for its resilience and natural insulating abilities. However, there are also other types of wool sourced from different animals, each offering its own unique qualities:

• Merino wool comes from merino sheep and is finer than standard sheep's wool. Known for its temperature-regulating properties, breathability, and exceptional softness, it’s a favored fabric for clothing. Merino wool blankets are a great option for hot sleepers.
• Alpaca wool is softer, lighter, and warmer than sheep's wool, which makes it a popular choice for blankets. It’s also hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin due to its lack of lanolin. However, alpaca wool is typically more expensive than sheep’s wool.
• Mohair is derived from the hair of the Angora goat and boasts a fluffier texture than sheep’s wool. Known for its softness, warmth, and strength, it’s often quite pricey and is commonly blended with sheep’s wool to maintain its shape.
• Cashmere comes from the undercoat of various goat breeds (including the cashmere goat), making it the most luxurious type of wool. It’s incredibly soft and warm but more delicate than alpaca and mohair. Additionally, cashmere has moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties.

Some wool blankets are crafted from a blend of wool and synthetic fibers, which helps reduce the price and can make rough wool feel softer.

Care

Wool is well-known for its long-lasting nature, but it requires proper maintenance to retain its quality over time. Most wool blankets, particularly those crafted from luxurious fibers like alpaca, mohair, or cashmere, often need to be dry cleaned. However, there are machine-washable wool blankets available, such as the Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket, Arcturus Military Wool Blanket, and Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Blanket.

To wash wool blankets, always use a detergent designed specifically for wool, and opt for a delicate, cold-water cycle. Excessive heat can harm the fibers and cause shrinking, so it's best to avoid the dryer and let your blanket air dry instead. The good news is that wool blankets don’t need frequent washing—it's advisable to wash them roughly every three months. Between washes, you can shake your blanket out and hang it outside for a few hours to freshen it up.

Style

Wool blankets can serve as a stylish addition to your decor, enhancing the color scheme and adding texture to a couch or bed. Dapper suggests considering a few factors when selecting one: “Do you need a more robust, low-maintenance material like wool, or would you prefer a delicate, lighter fabric like cashmere? Once you've figured out your preferred fabric and texture, think about the color, style, and other details.”

It’s also essential to consider the blanket’s weight and the type of wool used. “A quality wool blanket should feel warm and substantial to the touch, reflecting its high-quality material and weave—not thin, flimsy, or crisp,” says Bailie. “I suggest checking the wool's origin, as it can indicate better quality and sustainability.”

Questions You Might Ask 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wool blankets?

According to Bailie, wool's natural properties offer a range of benefits, such as durability, shape retention, resistance to wrinkles, color longevity, water resistance, and breathability.

Dapper highlights one key benefit: durability. “Modern processing techniques make wool washable and less itchy, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. I have wool blankets that my grandmother used on her sailboat in Holland that are over 70 or 80 years old and still in pristine condition.”

However, wool isn't without its drawbacks. Some people might find wool blankets itchy, and they aren't as fluffy as other types of blankets. They also aren't the first choice when you’re seeking a soft, cozy blanket for snuggling. Schultz mentions that wool requires more careful cleaning due to its sensitivity to heat and moisture.

Are wool blankets itchy?

For some people, wool blankets may indeed feel itchy. Wool is quite different from the soft, plush feel of faux-fur blankets that you might be accustomed to, and blankets made from thicker wool fibers can cause irritation. However, itchiness is subjective, and not all wool blankets are scratchy. “Wool varies depending on the breed of sheep and the region it comes from,” says Bailie. “The finest wool is chosen based on the intended design of the product.”

To reduce itchiness, look for blankets made from high-quality, finer wool, or opt for naturally softer wool types like merino, mohair, and alpaca.

How much should you expect to spend on a wool blanket?

Wool can be quite costly, especially if it’s a rarer or more luxurious variety. “Factors like craftsmanship, material quality, and durability can all contribute to the higher price,” explains Bailie. Wool blankets typically cost significantly more than cotton or polyester alternatives—usually at least $150. To save money, you could consider a wool blend (often mixed with polyester). 100% wool blankets in our selection range from $225 to $425, depending on size, while wool blend options can be found for $40 to $132.

Take Our Word for It

This piece was crafted by Nicole Lund, an experienced writer and editor who previously served as the shopping editorial director at Mytour and Southern Living. With over six years of experience, she specializes in researching and testing top-tier products, particularly in the areas of home decor and bedding. 

To put this article together, Nicole spent countless hours researching various wool blankets, taking into account factors like material, care, pricing, and size and color options. She also relied on her extensive industry knowledge and firsthand experience—having used the Faribault Mill Pure & Simple Wool Blanket on her own bed for the past two years, as well as wool blankets from Coyuchi and Pendleton. 

To gain professional insight into wool blanket shopping, Nicole consulted Jenon Bailie, merchandising and design director at Room & Board, along with interior designers Keira Schultz and Leslie Dapper.