The Best Summer Blankets of 2026

How We Test

Our team chooses the best summer blankets by exhaustively testing every model we can get our hands on. In our Seattle-based sleep lab, we examine how breathable summer blankets feel by trying them out ourselves. We lie under each one to see whether they regulate temperature during use, and then we examine their materials.

Summer blankets come in a range of materials, weaves, and knits — so we look carefully at every model to see what its fabric characteristics can tell us about quality and durability. We also read verified customer reviews before making our final recommendations to find out how a particular blanket holds up and performs with extended use.

What Is a Summer Blanket?

A summer blanket is a breathable top layer that covers the bed without trapping a lot of heat. Intended for warm-weather use, summer blankets allow airflow so that body warmth can dissipate. They also frequently wick moisture to transfer any sweat away from the sleeper. Many summer blankets are lightweight, but weighted options are also available.

Why Should You Use a Summer Blanket?

Many sleepers appreciate the comfort of a blanket even during times of the year when they don’t need extra warmth. A summer blanket can provide a similar sensation without significantly contributing to heat buildup or stuffiness. A blanket designed for summer comes with a variety of benefits. 

• Stay cooler in warmer weather: A lightweight summer blanket can help you maintain a more neutral temperature during the night.
• Increase airflow and reduce heat: Summer blankets use breathable materials that let air circulate. Airflow around your body can reduce heat buildup and stuffiness.
  Wick away moisture: Some summer blankets use moisture-wicking fabrics, such as linen, lyocell, and Tencel. These materials help pull sweat away from your body so you don’t feel clammy. 
• Comforting feel of weighty blanket: Using a blanket in summer can provide the comforting feeling of additional weight beyond that of a top sheet.
• You’re a hot sleeper: A summer blanket may be an ideal year-round option for those who sleep hot but prefer the added covering.

Think about choosing natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo if you want a blanket that’s equal parts warm and airy.

What Type of Blanket Is Best for Summer?

Several types of blankets are well suited to summer. To make a high-quality blanket that performs well in warmer months, manufacturers typically select breathable, moisture-wicking cover and fill materials to help regulate temperatures.

Best Blanket Materials for Summer

Most widely used summer blanket materials are breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Popular options include cotton, linen, bamboo-derived rayon, Tencel, and certain polyester and blended fabrics.

Blanket Materials to Avoid in Summer

When it comes to blanket materials, considerations vary between summer and winter. For example, highly insulating materials work well during winter months, but blanket materials that trap heat and limit airflow may seem stifling in summer. 

Wool is a common material known for its temperature regulation and moisture wicking. But while a lightweight wool blanket may stay relatively temperature neutral in summer, a thicker one could be too insulating. Similarly, some polyester blankets trap excessive heat, while others that use blended materials or cooling technology stay cool. 

Some materials seem like a more natural fit for summer and others for winter. However, it’s important to remember that construction, weight, and thickness also contribute to temperature regulation.

Can You Use a Weighted Blanket in the Summer?

Although we often associate summer blankets with lightweight construction, some weighted blankets are also designed to help sleepers maintain their ideal sleeping temperature even in warmer weather. Assess the materials to determine whether a weighted blanket is likely to be comfortable for summer. Some models use chunky yarn to allow space for air to circulate. Others use breathable covers and glass bead fill to limit heat retention.

Picking the Best Summer Blanket for You

The main similarity between summer blankets is that they are generally cooler than the average year-round model. Beyond that, countless variations can influence which option is ideal for you. For example, the materials and type of blanket greatly affect the overall feel and performance. 

Ultimately, the best summer blanket for you depends largely on your intended use. Whether you plan to take it outside, use it on your bed, or lounge with it on the couch, you should consider your goals before making a decision.

Lightweight Materials

Most summer blankets are light and thin to limit insulation and enhance breathability. Many models include just a single layer with no interior fill. That said, plush and weighted options designed for cooling are also readily available to accommodate sleepers who prefer a more traditional blanket feel.

Breathability

Breathability is important for hot weather blankets. Airflow around the body reduces heat buildup that could otherwise cause discomfort. 

Weave

Weave influences a blanket’s breathability, texture, and feel. The most breathable weaves leave gaps between the individual threads, allowing air to circulate more freely. Percale weave is especially well known for its crisp, cool feel. A basket weave uses a similar pattern for exceptional breathability. Sateen weave is denser, heavier, and more insulating, but the ultra-smooth texture can still seem cool to the touch. 

Knitted blankets are also widely available and can be quite breathable, particularly if they’re loosely knitted.

Weave can make a big difference in how well a blanket breathes. Loose knits along with percale and linen weaves have gaps between the threads that allow for max airflow.

Style

Blankets come in a wide array of styles, from basic neutral tones to highly decorative summer throw blankets that are as much about decor as comfort. Some blankets with multiple layers use intricate stitching to make a visual statement while holding fill in place. With a variety of colors, patterns, and textures available, there’s a summer blanket for virtually any aesthetic. Some models are also reversible for shoppers who want to change up the look of their space. 

Durability

The quality of the materials and craftsmanship are the main determinants of a blanket’s durability. If properly cared for, some blankets can last for many years.

Certifications

Summer blankets and their materials may hold third-party certifications relating to their contents and sustainability. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is among the most common certifications in the textile industry, verifying a product was tested for a variety of harmful substances by an independent institute. Cotton and linen may also be certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning they meet set ecological and social standards. 

Cleaning and Care

Cleaning guidelines vary depending on a blanket’s materials and construction, so check the label for care instructions. Some summer blankets require dry-cleaning or hand-washing. However, most are machine-washable, although you may need to visit a laundromat with a large-capacity washing machine for bulky bedding. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage and preserve the quality of your blanket. 

Price, Warranty, and Return Policy

Summer blankets can range from $40 to over $400, but they tend to be somewhat more affordable than winter blankets because they use less material. 

Return and warranty policies vary depending on the manufacturer or retailer. Note that orders directly from the manufacturer may also carry different policies than in-store purchases.

What Else Can Keep Your Bed Cool in the Summer?

Adjusting your bedding and mattress may help improve your sleep when it’s hot outside. If you’re prone to overheating, anything that cools the sleep surface could enhance your comfort. 

Use cooling sheets and pillows: When used in conjunction with a summer blanket, cooling pillows and cooling sheets can lend to a more temperature-neutral sleep surface. Breathability is key for both of these products. Many cooling pillows also incorporate technology engineered to transfer heat away from your body. 

Try a cooling mattress pad: A mattress pad rests between your fitted sheet and your mattress. It may passively cool the surface by letting air circulate or actively regulate temperatures using technology designed to draw away body heat. 

Consider your mattress type: If your sleep surface still feels hot after you’ve switched out your blanket, sheets, pillows, and mattress pad, you might consider replacing the mattress or selecting a cooling mattress topper.

Mattress types vary significantly in their ability to regulate temperature. Memory foam models often retain heat, but many manufacturers now incorporate technology designed to cool the surface, such as gel infusions. Cooling mattresses frequently use innerspring, hybrid, or latex designs for greater breathability. 

A mattress topper can also adjust the temperature of your sleep surface. It adds a layer between you and the mattress. Models designed for cooling may use breathable latex or foam engineered for temperature neutrality.