A dreamy summer night lying under the stars sounds romantic, until you’re actually trying to sleep outdoors in stuffy, warm weather temperatures. Perhaps you’re simply a hot sleeper or your bedroom partner prefers a slightly warmer room temperature than you. If you’re looking to keep your cool during the night, we’ve found the best summer blankets to do the trick. Our favorite is the Luxome Lightweight Blanket, a breathable pick made with bamboo viscose that gives it a soft, smooth feel.
The best summer blankets keep you feeling cozy without causing you to overheat.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Prefer a blanket made with linen or cotton, an organic option or something weighted yet still cool? We’ve included multiple options in our roundup of the best cooling blankets so you can find the one that best fits your summer nighttime routine. Ahead, find our top picks of the best summer blankets.
With the Luxome Lightweight Blanket, you can quit the on-and-off rotation between sleeping with and without covers. If a comforter is too overwhelming, but you still want the distinct sensation of sleeping under something, this blanket from Luxome fits the bill. It’s a lightweight option made with viscose from bamboo fabric, and it’s just enough for a gentle drape over you at night. I’ve tested the brand’s weighted blanket made with the same fabric and enjoyed the cool, slick feel, so I have no doubt this blanket feels similar, if not the same. The fill is also viscose from bamboo, so the entire blanket is made with fibers that help regulate your body temperature. It comes in six colors and sizes full/queen or king/California king.
What the reviews say: A verified buyer says, “Getting a little warmer outside so I decided to switch out my Luxome weighted blanket for this lightweight one. I was worried it wouldn’t be quite warm enough, but fears unfounded. It’s perfect in every way. Soft, and the perfect fit. I think I’m going to buy another.” Another satisfied customer writes, “I love this blanket. It keeps me the perfect temperature all night.”
It’s hard to beat the price of this generously-sized cooling blanket. It’s made with Arc-Chill Cool Tech Fibers that absorb your body heat and reduce skin temperature, according to the manufacturer. It’s also double sided, with cooling fibers on one side and cotton on the other, which might come in handy on chillier days when you don’t need as much of a cooling sensation. It’s available in eight colors and four different sizes, so you have plenty of options to choose from. If it doesn’t work out, Amazon’s 30-day return policy has you covered.
What the reviews say: One happy customer says, “I love this blanket. My husband and I each have our own throw size. I also have the matching pillow case. The cooling side reminds me of Under Armor material, sort of like workout clothing. The other side reminds me of jersey sheets, or a comfy t-shirt. The stitching and edging are high quality and made to last.” Another writes, “If you sleep hot or live where it's hot, then you want one. And no, you do not want to share. It cools instantly, is super soft and if you turn it over, it works like a regular blanket. I loved it so much I took it to South America on vacation—despite its weight.”
Best Summer Blanket Made With Linen
A Wicking And Breathable Material From A Well-Loved Brand
In my experience over years of product testing, Brooklinen has proven itself a solid pick for anything and everything bedding. As such, I expect its linen quilt to be high quality and practical, in line with the brand’s other products I’ve tried. The outer fabric is 100% linen made with long-staple fibers, and it’s stonewashed on top of that, so it’s soft and not scratchy. The linen provides breathability and releases heat quickly. People who tend to sweat also enjoy that the fabric dries quickly (a well-known characteristic of linen fibers). The polyester fill gives it some weight and warmth, with reviewers saying it’s the “perfect summer weight” and that they don’t overheat. Brooklinen has a generous 365-day return policy, too, so send it back if you don’t love it.
What the reviews say: Happy with their Brooklinen Quilt, one reviewer says, “I've been a loyal customer of Brooklinen for years, and I've yet to be disappointed by their products or their customer service. Recently, I decided to treat myself to one of their linen quilts, and it's been nothing short of amazing for our bedroom. Not only is it stunning to look at, but it's also incredibly cozy and surprisingly durable, especially considering our two massive Labradors who somehow always find their way onto the bed.”
This comforter is made with Coyuchi’s popular crinkled percale fabric as the outermost material, which gives it a casual, lived-in look. I've tested this comforter and I like that it’s relatively lightweight, which means it’s easy to move around beneath it or throw it off entirely when I get too hot. I’ve also tested Coyuchi’s percale sheets and they are one of my favorite sets, so naturally I also love the fabric of this blanket. While it doesn’t have any cooling technology added, the 100% organic cotton fabric and batting ensure it’s breathable. It’s machine washable and dryer friendly, making it easy to care for at home. If you decide it isn’t a good fit, you have 30 days to return it or 365 days for store credit.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review says, “This is a great comforter. I love that the filling is cotton. When combined with a duvet cover, it's warm enough for the winter, and I love the weight of it. It's heavy and soothing. Without the duvet cover, it's light enough for warmer temperatures.” Another person says, “I’m enjoying my blanket so far. It’s almost cold to the touch at first in a very refreshing way, but settles into the right amount of cool after a moment. It’s thin, but feels like enough cover. I haven’t tried it with other blankets or a sheet yet, but think it works well.”
Best Bamboo Viscose Summer Blanket
Smooth With A Slight Sheen
Cozy Earth
Cozy Earth Viscose Bamboo Blanket (Full/Queen)
Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Trial: 100 days | Fill: None
Pros:
Highly rated
100-night sleep trial
Oversized
Cons:
Single color option
I’ve previously tried Cozy Earth’s viscose bamboo comforter, which is the same material as the brand’s blanket. The fabric feels smooth and has a sheen that honestly almost passes for silk. It has a cool-to-the-touch feel, and the fabric doesn’t trap a lot of heat. If you sleep with a partner, there won’t be any fighting over the blanket since it’s oversized and you can easily wrap yourself up without slighting the other person. It’s also available as a throw or baby blanket, which is hard to find among cooling blankets. The only downside of this blanket is that it’s only available in one color: a stark white.
What the reviews say: A happy reviewer writes, “This blanket is exactly what I was hoping for. It's the softest one I've ever owned, and is just the right weight underneath my bedspread. It breathes nicely and keeps us the right temperature.” Another person says, “I recently used my new blanket and it was wonderful. It’s very soft, and also keeps me at a comfortable temperature.”
Best Summer Weighted Blanket
A Hefty Blanket That Won't Make You Overheat
BlanQuil
BlanQuil Cooling All Seasons Weighted Blanket
Material: Microfiber | Trial: 60 days | Fill: Weighted (specific fill not listed)
Pros:
Deep touch stimulation promotes relaxation
Can be used year round
Cons:
Cooling sensation fades after a bit
For hot sleepers who love sleeping with a weighted blanket, this weighted cooling blanket is for you. I tested this and was shocked at how cool it felt when I touched it— almost chilly. Climbing under it gave me an immediate cooling sensation, but like most products that feel cool, it doesn’t last forever. The cooling sensation fades after a bit, and you might notice some heat buildup, especially if you plan to sleep under it. That said, it’s still one of the best cooling weighted blankets out there.
It also has a side that doesn’t feel cool on days when you don’t need cooling. It’s available in 15 or 20-pound weights, without a choice of sizes. If it doesn’t work for you, BlanQuil has a 60-day return policy.
What the reviews say: BlanQuil claims to have thousands of positive reviews. One person says, “I’m addicted to my new weighted blanket.” Another writes, “This is a game changer. I have a lot of issues trying to sleep through the entire night without waking up several times due to sweating, tossing and turning. Since I've received this cooling weighted blanket, I have no more issues and I sleep through the entire night.”
Best Summer Comforter
A Comforter For Cushy But Cool Nights
Slumber Cloud
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Comforter (Queen)
Material: 89% cooling nylon, 11% Spandex| Trial: 60 days | Fill: ClimaDry by Outlast fiberfill
Pros:
Regulates individual body temperature (good choice for bed partners)
Can be used year-round
Cons:
Only available in white
If you’re looking for a bit more bulk than a thin blanket but still want a cooling sensation, this Slumber Cloud comforter is the answer. The entire blanket is made with materials that are designed to cool you down, from the outer fabric to the fill. The fabric is made with cooling nylon and spandex, while the fill helps regulate body temperature. The fill incorporates Outlast technology, which works by using microcapsules that absorb and release excess heat, so the fill doesn’t trap heat. It comes in twin XL, queen and king sizes.
What the reviews say: One verified customer says, “I’ve been looking for a comforter for a while that is heavy and fluffy but doesn’t make you overheat in the night. I love this. It’s fluffier than the traditional ‘lightweight comforters’ out there, and has a good weight that keeps me still. And I have yet to wake up super hot, which for me is a win.” Another says, “I absolutely love this comforter. I’ve bought three of them. The comforter keeps me at a perfect temperature all night. I have really bad arthritis and it’s not heavy, doesn’t cause any joint pain, but is still lofty.”
Best Organic Summer Blanket
Organic Cotton That Wicks And Keeps You Comfortable
This thin quilt is made with 100% organic cotton fabric and fill. The fabric is light and airy thanks to its 300-thread count fabric, and the sateen weave ensures it feels smooth and gives it a slight sheen. Like most organic products, this doesn’t have cooling technologies built in, as that requires the use of non-organic materials, but the high breathability of cotton helps prevent overheating. Cotton is also known for its ability to wick away sweat, which helps keep you even more comfortable. The blanket has a 1-inch vertical quilting pattern, giving it a different appearance than the more common diamond-stitched pattern. Spot cleaning is recommended, but it can be machine washed and tumble dried on low, so at-home care is straightforward.
What the reviews say: A person who gave the blanket a 5-star review says, “I tend to sleep hot and was looking for something lighter to add to the top of my bed during the hottest summer nights instead of a comforter. This quilt is very soft, thin and lightweight. It doesn't trap heat and it keeps me cool overnight.” Another writes, “This beautiful quilt is so well made, I love how sturdy it feels and how nice the stitching is—you can tell its quality right away. I've been loving this for the warmer months, but I can see myself using this even as it gets colder, layered over my comforter.”
Best Summer Quilt
Viscose Helps Keep You Comfortable Under This Quilt
I’ve tried many Quince comforters, sheets and clothing items, and have yet to be disappointed. So, even though I haven’t tested this blanket, I feel confident this viscose bamboo quilt is high quality like the brand’s other products that I’ve tried. The outer material is viscose from organic bamboo with a light 300 thread count, which makes it breathable. I’ve tested the brand’s bamboo viscose sheets and love the soft, silk-like fabric, and since the quilt’s outer fabric is made with the same material, I assume they feel very similar. It’s filled with recycled polyester and has puffy square channels, which are lighter than you’d find on a comforter, but fluffier than those of other quilted blankets on this list. In other words, it’s a great pick for anyone who wants that in-between look and feel.
What the reviews say: One happy customer says, “It’s a great quilt, and definitely on the cooler side temperature-wise. But you can always add another layer, it’s very soft and looks great.” Another customer says, “I am pleased with it. It was exactly what my husband and I were looking for in terms of sleeping more soundly with its cooling effect.”
Best Lightweight Summer Blanket
An Airy Sensation For That Floating-On-Cloud-Nine Feel
Quince takes the top spot for our lightweight summer blanket as well. With its premium materials, affordable price and top-notch reviews, the brand’s airy gauze blanket floated its way to the top of our list. Crafted by artisans in India, the blanket features four gauze layers woven with 100% organic long-staple cotton—a naturally sourced, premium material sold at an affordable price. Quince also uses sustainable practices, including powering its plant with renewable and solar energy, to make the product environmentally friendly.
What the reviews say: Buyers are raving about the look and feel of the Quince organic airy gauze blanket. One five-star reviewer says, “So I've bought three so far, and I'm just waiting to order more. These are the best blankets on Earth.” Another review reads in part, “Airy and breathable, yet substantial enough to provide just the right amount of warmth during those cooler evenings. It's the epitome of luxury, elevating my lounging experience to new heights. This blanket has single-handedly redefined my standards for comfort and sophistication. If you're seeking the ultimate indulgence in relaxation, look no further than this gem. It's not just a blanket; it's a lifestyle upgrade.”
The Forbes Vetted team has written dozens of sleep, mattress and bedding stories that are backed by extensive research, expert opinions and personal experience.
Jamie Ueda, the author of this article, is particularly knowledgable about textiles, as she previously worked in product development and manufacturing for a home textiles company, leading their quality assurance efforts and holding positions in technical design and product development.
Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who oversaw this article, have extensive experience testing mattress and bedding products. They also have significant knowledge on the most common materials used in bed accessories, including bedding.
To ensure the information in this article stays accurate and timely, it’s updated regularly. It was last updated in May 2024 by Forbes contributor Jessica Timmons.
How We Chose The Best Cooling Blankets
When choosing the products on this list, I sorted through dozens of cooling blankets online. I looked at popular retailers, such as Amazon, as well as other well-known brands, including Brooklinen and Coyuchi. I relied on my knowledge from testing dozens of bedding items, including cooling comforters and weighted blankets, as well as my educational and professional textile background to sort fibers and materials that actually make for the best for cooling blankets.
The final list includes a blend of products I’ve actually tried and brands I’ve found reliable in my time testing hundreds of apparel and textile products over the years. The others have high ratings online from people like you, along with characteristics that can help keep you cool.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Summer Blanket
When shopping for a summer blanket, you want to think about how hot and sweaty you sleep and how much cooling you need. These factors heavily influence what materials to look for in a cooling blanket.
The first, and perhaps biggest, consideration is the type of fiber. There are two key categories of fibers, natural and synthetic, which each encompass a handful of specific materials that you might come across as you shop.
Natural Materials
Cotton is a lightweight and breathable fiber, which makes it a good choice for those who sleep hot and want a natural material. It’s a popular choice for bedding because it’s soft and easy to wash at home. One drawback of cotton is that it holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly, so those who sweat want to steer clear of it. Choose high-quality, long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian or Supima, or something from a brand you trust to ensure the cotton is soft and not scratchy.
Linen is often used as a summer fabric because it’s lightweight and dries quickly, so it’s a good material for those who sweat. The open, airy weave gives it great breathability, meaning it won’t trap heat. The fiber is also very absorbent and can help regulate body temperature. One thing to mention: Linen can have a slightly crumpled look (some linen fabrics are purposefully wrinkled), so make sure you’re ok with a more casual or “lived-in” aesthetic.
Synthetic Materials
Bamboo fibers: When you see “bamboo” fabric, it’s usually rayon, viscose or lyocell, which are all derived from the bamboo plant. The bamboo is chemically processed and altered into a synthetic fiber, which is then used for the fill or made into fabric for cooling blankets. This type of fabric is extremely popular for bedding because of its smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel and ability to regulate body temperature. These blankets are ideal for hot sleepers; however, they do have a slick feel, which may not appeal to everyone.
Polyester is durable and typically affordable. When it’s used for fabric, it generally dries quickly and can help wick away moisture. However, when used as a fill it tends to trap heat, so it’s best for someone who doesn’t sleep too hot.
Cooling Technologies
Some materials have cooling technology incorporated into the fiber or fabric that imparts a cool-to-the-touch feel. The main benefit is helping to trap and pull heat away from the body and releasing it. This differs from other materials that are passive and work by simply allowing heat to pass through due to the nature of the fiber or fabric weave. Some examples of cooling technologies are Outlast, which is one of the more well-known technologies, 37.5 and Arc-chill. While these cooling technologies use various materials to help keep you cool, they work in a similar fashion. In essence, the materials are designed to absorb heat from the body or speed up the evaporation process, or in some cases they use both of these mechanisms, which helps the body cool down faster.
Breathability
Breathability refers to the ability of heat and moisture vapor to pass through a material. When it comes to summer blankets, this is important because you need heat and moisture release in order to keep cool. If you don’t have breathability, heat and moisture is trapped under the blanket, making you warmer and possibly leading to overheating on the hottest nights.
Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Moisture-wicking fabrics move moisture away from your skin and dry quickly. This is important for two reasons. Moving moisture away from your body helps the cooling process. It’s also crucial for heavy sweaters to help them stay dry and not wake up in a soggy bed.
Care
Some summer blankets require more maintenance than others. For instance, some blankets can go in the wash while others may need to be spot or even dry cleaned. Likewise, check to see if you’re able to throw your blanket in the dryer or if hanging it to dry is recommended instead. The care instructions should also tell you whether dryer balls, dryer sheets, fabric softener and other care products should be avoided. Taking proper care of your summer blanket will help you maintain its quality over time.
Size
Check the dimensions of your summer blanket before purchasing to ensure it’s the proper size for your bed. One thing to consider beyond bed size is the blanket’s fit. For instance, some blankets are oversized so you can tuck the corners under the mattress for a secure fit. Others are true to size or may experience some shrinkage in the wash. Take a look at product reviews and specifications to ensure you’re getting the right size summer blanket for your needs.
What is the Coolest Blanket Fabric?
It depends on whether you prefer natural or synthetic materials. Cotton is a lightweight, natural and breathable fabric. However, those prone to night sweats may want to avoid it since it doesn’t dry quickly. Linen, on the other hand, is a lightweight fabric that dries quickly so it may work well for hot sleepers who sweat.
In terms of synthetic materials, polyester can wick away moisture when used as a fabric (as opposed to a fill). Bamboo is often altered into a synthetic fiber and is also a popular choice because of its cool feel, as well as its ability to regulate body temperature.
Is There Such a Thing As A Cooling Weighted Blanket?
Absolutely. If you’re a hot sleeper who prefers to use a weighted blanket, you have some options. Our favorite is the BlanQuil Cooling All Seasons Weighted Blanket. Check out our review above to see whether this blanket could work for you.
