Here in the South, spring and fall are short seasons, leaving us with extra-long, hot summers. While we look forward to summer for the fresh tomatoes, juicy watermelons, and sweet corn, a little dread comes when considering the accompanying hot temperatures and high utility bills.

With many nights not dipping below 80°F, getting comfortable for bedtime without a host of fans or blasting the air can become a struggle. A cooling blanket can be a great investment to reduce the discomfort of hotter temperatures, lower power costs, and eliminate the need to hack your bedroom. Cooling blankets provide airflow to reduce sweating and excess heat while allowing your body to feel warm enough for rest. 

Melissa Miller says that finding a fabric that “allows for optimal airflow will keep you cool in the summer (or when you are warm) and allows you to warm up in the winter. It can do both at the same time, helping you stay asleep. Hollow fibers, such as hemp, have natural thermoregulating properties that work with the core temperature of your body, not against it.”

Meet The Experts Melissa Miller is the founder and CEO of Evenfall Home.

Chi Ranieri is the owner of Suite Dreams in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Linen shop owner Chi Ranieri says, “As a hot sleeper myself, I found cooling bedding a game changer. When I introduced it in my shop, I offered clients a refund if they were unhappy, and no returns were ever made.”

To help you find the best cooling blankets to weather the Southern summer heat, we’ve conducted firsthand tests on blankets, throws, and comforters with various materials and weights. A bit more on our testing process below:

　　 What We Looked For 

To find the best cooling blankets, we tested for a combined 47,000 hours over a total of 4,500 days, including not only bed-sized blankets but throws, duvet inserts, and comforters as well. We evaluated each blanket for the quality of its construction, looking specifically for flaws such as loose threads, snags, tears, uneven seams, or discoloration. We placed each blanket on a standard queen-sized bed to gauge the quality of the drape and the length of the fall on each side and end. 

We carefully considered the texture and softness of each blanket, the quality of the fabric, if it was cool to the touch, and the overall weight. We then spent five minutes under the blanket to learn how well it regulated temperature, noting how the temperature changed over the minutes and whether we were cooled or overly warm.

Following the care instructions for each blanket, we tested machine-washable blankets in the washer and noted the time they took to dry and how much help they needed, from extra time to untangling.

After washing, we reconsidered the construction and softness to see if any flaws emerged from cleaning, from puckering seams to fading and rendering the blanket permanently misshapen. 

To evaluate stain resistance, we dropped coffee on the blankets and then washed them again. We looked to see if the stain was removed and by how much, if not completely. We also used a pronged pet brush to see if the blanket was prone to snags. This also helped us assess how well each blanket could tolerate pet paws.

Our Top Picks Best Overall: Luxome Lightweight Blanket at Amazon ($205) Jump to Review Runner Up: Sleep Number True Temp Blanket at Sleepnumber.com ($120) Jump to Review Best Cotton: Quince Airy Gauze Blanket at Quince.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Linen: Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket at Nordstrom ($249) Jump to Review Best Throw: Brooklinen Lightweight Throw Blanket at Brooklinen (See Price) Jump to Review Best Comforter: Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter at Amazon ($239) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

Luxome Lightweight Blanket

View On Amazon View On Luxome.com What’s Great About It Stays cool and comfortable

Corded edge

Feels luxurious

Lightweight

What Could Be Better Requires some untangling in the dryer

Pricey

After rigorous lab testing and more than 180 nights of sleep, the Luxome is a clear winner for our overall best cooling blanket. The sateen weave is soft and luxurious and beautifully regulates our sleep temperature. The color stays true, and the blanket shows no wear after more than 24 washes. 

Made of viscose from bamboo, the blanket is surprisingly lightweight, and we felt delightfully cool after lying under it for five minutes. The blanket's size fits a queen bed perfectly, draping nicely with enough overhang to tuck, if desired. 

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, we washed it with cold water on a delicate setting and popped it in the dryer on low. It took two hours to dry completely, and we had to untangle it a few times, but it emerged extremely soft with some wrinkles and lint from the other items in the wash. A pet brush, also our abrasion test, removed the lint easily with no damage to the blanket. We stained the blanket with coffee and found it washed right out with no lingering rings or discoloration.

We brought the Luxome home for further testing, sleeping under it nightly and washing it weekly for six months. It was instantly a favorite for both nighttime and movies on the couch.

The cooling element helped us fall asleep easily and comfortably and regulated our nighttime temperature so we didn’t wake up cold. After more than 1,260 hours of sleep, the Luxome showed no tears or fraying, was still ultra soft, the filling hadn’t shifted or shrunk, and the bright sapphire color was still vibrant.

Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

　　 Runner Up

Sleep Number True Temp Blanket

View On Sleepnumber.com What’s Great About It Perfectly sized for a queen bed

Cool to the touch

Stain resistant

Unique quilting pattern

What Could Be Better May have some construction issues

May feel scratchy before the first wash

For sleepers who like more heft to their blankets, the True Temp is a great medium-weight option with a crisp, comforter-like design and a “subway tile” quilting pattern, giving it a more upscale appearance. Though not the softest of our tests, the fabric was comfortable and had extra-silky batting. Cool to the touch, this blanket is great year-round and usable for hot, cold, and combo nights.  

Fabricated from polyester, the True Temp uses a proprietary 37.5 technology named after the optimal sleep temperature of  37.5°C.  After lying under the blanket for five minutes, we felt the temperature was maintained perfectly, neither too warm nor too cold. 

Stain testing found the fabric very resistant, with no signs of coffee after washing. We did, however, find some construction flaws with the blanket in the form of loose threads and picks in the fabric. 

Sleep Number instructions indicated a cold water wash and low heat drying. We didn’t see any discoloration, puckering, or uneven seams after washing. Furthermore, the abrasion test didn’t affect the blanket significantly, with only a little scratching visible from certain angles.

At $160, the Sleep Number Tru Temp blanket falls in the mid-range for cooling blankets, and aside from the initial construction concerns, we found the performance in cooling and wear to be well worth the cost. Additionally, this blanket carries a Standard 100 certification by Oeko-Tex, which means it’s been tested for harmful substances.

Material: 60% polyester, 40% 37.5 polyester technology, satin piping | Sizes: Queen, king | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

　　 Best Cotton

Quince Airy Gauze Blanket

View On Quince.com What’s Great About It Modestly priced

High quality construction

Good temperature control

What Could Be Better Shows wear after washing

Snags easily

If light and gauzy is your aesthetic, the Quince Airy Gauze blanket is your top choice. At only $80, it is an absolute steal. The mitered edges and high-quality organic cotton fabric stood out, making this blanket feel like an incredible value. This lightweight blanket drapes well over the bed and, after washing, takes on an heirloom quality of measured wear. 

With four layers of woven cotton, the gauze texture of the Quince blanket is light and airy, as the name indicates. It presents a very upscale look with quality construction and an expensive overall look. After lying under the blanket for five minutes, we felt comfortable with no temperature issues. 

The stain test found this blanket to be very resistant, leaving no hint of the coffee. However the abrasion test did reveal the blanket can snag easily and quickly, as we couldn’t do more than three passes with the pet brush before threads were torn on the weave. 

Washed on cold and dried on low, per Quince's instructions, the blanket came out with a little less softness and some mild discoloration. We felt the change was more like a patina and less concerning adding to the “look” of this blanket. It could also be a correlation to its terra cotta color. Regardless, we would buy this blanket again and again for great looks and excellent performance. The Quince is also Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex.

Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash

　　 Best Linen

Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket

View On Nordstrom View On Parachute What’s Great About It Year-round lightweight feel

Stain resistant

Immediate cooling

Surprisingly soft for linen

What Could Be Better Expensive

Muted color palette

Invest in the Parachute Cloud blanket if you see your bedding as a tool to enhance your sleeping experience. We found it did for us, carrying it frequently from the bed to the couch for cozy movie nights. 

Although some linen can be a bit scratchy, this blanket relaxes to a soft texture after the first wash. It is an expensive blanket, but it's worth the price because of how much it adds to our comfort.

The Parachute Cloud is a cotton and linen blend, which adds softness and durability. It has reinforced borders for longevity and comes in several popular colors, though the palette is quite muted and might not fit all decors. 

It fits comfortably on our queen bed with a nice overhang on the sides and foot and a soft and airy appearance. Even though it initially appeared bulky, it is a lighter blanket that can be folded for more weight without detracting from the cooling efficacy. 

After five minutes under the blanket, we were very cool and comfortable. Then, we took it home and used it in every season, hot or cold, with reliable temperature control. 

The stain test didn’t prove a challenge for the fabric, and the coffee came out without a trace, but we did see damage from the stain remover in the form of pinprick holes, leading us to think it requires milder detergents. 

Running the pet brush over the fabric was an instant no, grabbing the fibers quickly and threatening to ruin the weave. A housecat also made a few pulls in the fabric, so note if you have scratching pets to make this blanket unavailable to their paws.

With no specific directions on the washing temperature, we washed and dried it on high heat with no issues of shrinkage or damage. The blanket's softness did not change, nor did its color fade or change in any way. As with many other blankets on our list, the Parachute is Oeko-Tex certified. Overall, this blanket is breathable and durable, but as you’d expect with linen, it packs quite a punch to your budget. 

Material: 67% cotton, 33% linen | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash

　　 Best Throw

Brooklinen Lightweight Throw Blanket

View On Brooklinen What’s Great About It Remains comfortably cool

Very soft

Oeko-Tex–certified

What Could Be Better Dry clean only

Pets can pick it easily

The perfect summer throw blanket if you like a little coverage all year long, the Brooklinen Lightweight Textured Throw Blanket feels like a lightweight comforter but cools beautifully. The cotton construction features a variable weave texture, which appears on the higher end, which is great for adding to any decor. The generous 70- by 50-inch size is perfect for one but can be easily shared.

The Brooklinen throw got top marks for temperature control, quickly warming us when we were cold but keeping us from getting uncomfortably warm. It feels very lightweight but heavy enough to provide coziness. 

We were disappointed this could not go into the washer but found that it didn’t show signs of heavy usage or wear without being cleaned frequently. It is a bit delicate for cat claws and dog paws, which can snag the fibers easily. Though the price point feels high for a throw, we are sure you will find value in its performance and use it more than any prior throws in your home. 

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: 70 x 50 inches | Care: Dry clean only or spot clean

　　 Best Comforter

Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

View On Amazon View On Rest Duvet What’s Great About It Excellent cooling properties

Body conforming

Reversible

Machine washable

What Could Be Better Quality declines over time

Texture might not be for everyone

Expensive

The Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter's cooling ability was so effective that it improved our sleep quality. For hot sleepers who toss and turn to find cool spots, the movement was unnecessary with the comforter's consistent cool. Conversely, it was equally effective at warming, making it an ideal choice over other duvets for cooling comfort. 

The Evercool temperature-regulating technology is a proprietary synthetic blend that makes this comforter cool to the touch and moisture-wicking. Even without natural fabrics, the Rest comforter is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it's free of harmful chemicals. 

The texture of the fabric proved challenging to get used to, as it mirrored the feel of a wetsuit. Where we found it to be buttery soft, it was also a little slippery. After using it at home for six months, the texture was no longer a thought, thanks to its excellent performance. Additionally, the weight of the blanket makes it conform to body curves, adding a weighted blanket feel.

Testing for comforters and duvets, though similar to the blankets, had an added test of tossing and turning to gauge how much the filling shifted on a restless night. The Rest Evercool breezed through this test with no movement of the filling, likely due to the layered construction, tightly sewn together with the outer fabric.

We did find that the filling shifted a bit toward the edges after the first wash but didn’t progress over time. We loved that this comforter was machine washable and found it dried quickly for such a large item. The color of the comforter didn’t fade over time, but we saw some loose strings and a small tear after six months of daily use. 

The incredible performance of this comforter was enough for us to overlook the wear issues in favor of the nightly comfort. At $240, this is a pricey comforter, but the improved sleep quality that comes with it is priceless.

Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex  | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash

　　 The Bottom Line

The Luxome Lightweight Cooling Blanket balances all the key features: perfect fit, excellent cooling, and durability. The look is upscale, and the fabric is super soft and cozy. Stain resistant and machine washable, we genuinely believe the Luxome is worth the price.

For a slightly heavier option, try the Sleep Number True Temp Blanket. It's cool to the touch and has a great-looking subway tile quilting pattern that will elevate your space and enhance your sleep. It’s also easy to take to the couch for a movie and resists stains if your popcorn spills.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Cooling Blanket

Material Linen: Popular in cooling bedding, linen is derived from flax fibers. The initial feel of most linen will be more textured than cotton and might seem rough; however, it is known for softening beautifully over time. 

In addition to its excellent temperature control properties, linen is also a little heavy and, therefore, provides warming as well. While the cost of linen bedding can be high, it is long-lasting. Important to note is that linen also wrinkles easily. If that is not your aesthetic, choose another fabric.

Cotton: Familiar to most, cotton is a natural fabric that breathes well, absorbs moisture, and feels very soft, depending on the thread count. Many experts feel that long-staple cotton fibers, like those in the Organic Airy Gauze Blanket are the softest and most durable.

Percale weaves have more structure and resistance to wrinkles if a cleaner line is on your list. Though cotton is the most prevalent fiber used in bedding, dyed cotton is known to fade unevenly over time.

Hemp: Natural and sustainable, hemp is relatively new to bedding but is gaining popularity. It is lauded for its breathability and moisture-wicking, which add cooling. Hemp is similar to linen, but Melissa Miller says, “Hemp as a fiber is about three times as long as linen and therefore it's far more durable. It's one of the longest-lasting fibers you can use. It’s also softer and simply feels better than linen. The best way to describe it is that it’s a little silkier.” The downside to hemp is the hefty price tag.

Rayon: Rayon is derived from wood through a chemical process and is often also called viscose. Bamboo can be used in the process and is therefore called “viscose from bamboo,” as we see in the Luxome Lightweight Blanket.

Rayon can be combined with other fibers or used on its own and easily mimics pricier fabrics such as silk, wool, linen, and cotton. Rayon does not retain heat, making it great for cooling the body but not as good for warming.  

Lyocell: Lyocell is also derived from wood and sold under the brand name Tencel. If the wood used is bamboo, the final product will be listed as “Tencel from bamboo”. It is not considered a natural fiber like cotton and hemp because it requires a chemical process to produce, though the process does not have the harsh and toxic chemicals that viscose requires. 

Lyocell bedding is praised for its softness and ability to drape well over a bed. It holds dyes well and can be very durable while also lightweight and absorbent, both excellent for hotter months.

After testing Tencel from bamboo sheets at home, Chi Ranieri says, “I was sleeping through the night without going to bed freezing with every kind of fan blowing, then waking up and kicking off covers. Bamboo is the best of both worlds, with a very silky hand equivalent to higher thread count silky sheets, but at a lower price point.”

Cooling Technology Most of the blankets we tested were fabricated from natural fibers and didn’t employ any true technology for their cooling properties. The cotton and linen blend in the Parachute Cloud Cotton & Linen Gauze Bed Blanket is woven in light layers to harness the breathability of the fiber while allowing it to maintain warming properties as well.

Conversely, the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter features a performance fabric with ultra-thin fibers that quickly absorb and remove water molecules. The Sleep Number True Temp Blanket’s 37.5 technology uses volcanic minerals embedded into the yarns to aid in moisture-wicking, creating a cooling sensation to keep the sleeper comfortable by helping to regulate their temperature.

Breathability Breathability relates to the construction of the fabric and how well it transfers air in both directions. Breathable fabrics allow the heat to escape and cool air to enter through circulation and exchange. For optimal cooling, choosing blankets made and filled with breathable fabrics will be a key factor in their performance on hot and cold nights. 

Moisture Management If you have ever broken a fever, waking up in a puddle of sweat, you know how uncomfortable that feels. For many hot sleepers or menopausal women having night sweats, this can be a frequent issue. 

Moisture-wicking fabrics do triple duty in drying and cooling hot sleepers. Not only do they absorb unwanted sweat, but they also dry quickly, leaving the sleeper with a cooler sensation and allowing them to sleep comfortably. If you want to test the moisture properties of a blanket, simply put a drop of water on the surface. If it beads, it is not good for hot sleepers. If it absorbs immediately and dries quickly, you have a winner.

Care The amount of care required for blankets can become an issue when you think of how often you like to launder your covers. Some are simple machine wash and dry, making them easy to clean and come away in a single cycle, and others take a very long time to dry and require some untangling during the process. 

We found many blankets required up to two hours of dry time, which meant multiple starts and a lot of added heat in the house. If you use shared laundry, this might be a sticking point. Some blankets are dry clean only or spot clean, which can be costly. Additionally, transporting a large blanket can be challenging if you deal with public transportation, making them less attractive.

　　 More Cooling Blankets to Consider

Coyuchi Pebbled Handstitched Organic Quilt: We loved the hand-stitched look of the Coyuchi Pebbled Organic Quilt and the even binding. The weight of the blanket ensured it didn’t shift once placed on the bed, and once under it for five minutes, we felt it had very good temperature regulation. The drape was a great length but a little stiff, causing the corners to flare out, causing us to use it more as a folded blanket at the foot of the bed instead of the main cover. Made from organic cotton and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, the Coyuchi also has a steep price tag.

Dangtop Cooling Blanket: Made from bamboo, the Dangtop is soft, lightweight and attractive. It also comes in second for the least expensive, and we found it to be an incredible value. Cool to the touch, this blanket has strong thermoregulating qualities. The Dangtop held up well over time and was very useful in hotter temperatures, but the look was so minimal it felt like something we needed to put away when company came over; additionally, the drape was a bit short.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Blanket: Cozy Earth’s bamboo blanket is extremely soft and feels amazing. It is a terrific size for tucking or mitering the corners on the bed, and besides some light puckering of the satin edge, it cleans well after a machine wash and dry. Sadly, though, the blanket retained the coffee stain and couldn’t handle the pet brush.

　　 Questions and Answers

Do cooling blankets really work? We found cooling blankets work very well. A good cooling blanket will regulate your temperature, not just cool you. They are constructed of breathable fabrics that allow your body to release excess heat while holding in enough to keep you comfortable. Though cooling blankets would seem most useful for summer months or hot climates, we found they do well year-round through a full range of temperatures.

Do you use a top sheet with cooling blankets? Many hot sleepers bypass a top sheet to limit the number of layers, whereas other people feel more comfortable with a layer between them and their blanket. A great pairing for those who like extra layers, we recommend cooling sheets or sheets made of naturally breathable fibers like hemp, bamboo, cotton, and linen to maximize temperature regulation.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Tiffany Vickers Davis. She is a seasoned product tester and writer, evaluating products over multiple categories. Tiffany is also a lifelong resident of Southern cities in North Carolina and Alabama, fighting the summer heat with her own cooling bedding. Melissa Miller, founder and CEO of Evenfall Home, and Chi Ranieri, owner of Suite Dreams linen shop in Mountain Brook, Alabama, spoke with Tiffany, lending their expert insights on cooling fabrics and blankets.