How To Choose the Right Fleece Blanket?
Among all those types of blankets, you decided to go with fleece blankets. That might be because of the benefits they offer in terms of warmth and appearance. Since it is made of synthetic fabric, which is polyester, you will get similar features of wool at a lower price. That is why everyone goes for them in order to meet their needs as per their budget. So, let's help you choose the right fleece blanket.
Microfleece or Polar Fleece Blanket
The first type is microfleece, or some people call it a polar fleece blanket. Its thin and light fabric makes it suitable for mild cold and moderate weather. People use it for traveling or additional layering in camping. A soft and comfortable microfleece blanket will be easy on your skin if you are going for it. Compared to other types, it is the thinnest type with the highest breathability. So, it will have no problem with heat-trapping since it is made for such uses.
Since it is a lightweight blanket, you will have no problem carrying it. It hardly adds up much weight in the luggage or on the bed. Not only weight, it occupies less space than other types of fleece blankets as well as other types of blankets. You can carry it in your vehicle for additional layering if you travel to a colder state. That will be good even if you go to a state with a mild climate.
Sherpa or Berber Fleece Blanket
Then comes the thickest and the warmest type, known as the Sherpa fleece blanket. Some people call it a Berber fleece blanket also. The term Sherpa came from the ethnic people of Tibet and Nepal who live in freezing conditions. The reason why this term is used for fleece blankets is because of its thickness and warmth. It creates insulation and appears like sheep's wool. However, it is a synthetic fabric made of polyester. People use it not only for blankets but also for upholstery and winter clothing.
If you live in extremely cold conditions, this type is for that specifically. It is known for its maximum warmth and comfort in such extreme conditions. Sherpa or Berber fleece blankets give a luxury feel to consumers because of the fabric quality and coziness it creates in the bed.
Not only warm and thick, this type is also the heaviest type of fleece blanket. Due to this reason, they have long-lasting durability as compared to other types. Even after multiple washes for years, you will hardly see any drop in the quality.
Coral Fleece Blanket
Then comes the third type, which is the coral fleece blanket. It is like a hybrid version of Sherpa and microfleece. You might be thinking about why it is named after coral. The reason is the similarity between fleece texture and coral in the sea. Its texture is similar to animal fur, making it appear more fascinating.
It is lightweight and breathable, like microfleece. At the same time, it is warm and thick, like Sherpa. So, you will get a hybrid form with both benefits. Coral fleece blankets will create higher warmth and comfort than microfleece. Moreover, it will be lighter than Sherpa fleece and have more breathability. That is where you can choose if you need something between microfleece and Sherpa.
They are suitable for blankets and cushions. People use it for additional warmth when camping in cold areas. The warmth and insulation level are good enough to deal with mild cold and more than that. So, if you are dealing with such conditions, this one suits you.
Things to Avoid When Washing
You need to take some precautions because fleece gets problems like pilling a lot. It is hard to remove them, and you are supposed to avoid harsh methods to remove them. This fabric needs additional care because gentle handling will prolong its durability.
Hot Temperature Damages Polyester
Since it is made of synthetic material, which is polyester, you need to be careful when washing and drying it. Do not use high-temperature water when washing because it will damage the fabric after some time. Frequent washing with high-temperature liquid will damage the fur of all fleece blankets. However, the microfleece type will lose its quality sooner than other types.
Use Additional Drying for Sherpa and Coral Fleece Blankets
Since Sherpa and coral fleece blankets are thick, they will need more time to dry. You are supposed to leave them for line drying because using heat drying will cause damage to them. The reason why you need to do that is to avoid mold formation inside them. When you wash a thick fabric, moisture is trapped inside it, which causes mold and an ugly smell. This can be removed when it is line-dried right after washing it. Sunlight will do the best work because just a few hours of exposure will kill bacteria, too. Do not leave it much longer under sunlight because high temperatures will damage its surface.
Maintain Consistency in Gentle Wash
You must go with a gentle wash because a rough wash will damage the fabric. Then, you will find pilling on the surface more often. If you are washing microfleece, more care will be required because that is the thinnest type of blanket. In contrast, the other two types have more resistance power than this one.
Air Drying is Safe for Polyester Fibers
As mentioned above, air drying is better for them, so avoid heat drying. Instead of using heat drying, you must go with the clothesline's normal temperature. Polyester is one of the types of plastic, which means you must refrain from using heat drying.
Price Comparison
Among all three types, the Sherpa fleece blanket is the most expensive. The reason is its luxurious appearance, high comfort, and warmth. In comparison, coral fleece blankets have a lower price than it. Finally, microfiber blankets are pocket-friendly because of lower production costs and fewer benefits than other types. So, you can decide which is better for you.