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10 Best Lightweight Summer Blankets

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Summer Blankets

Choosing the right lightweight summer blanket can make your warm-season sleeping experience cooler, more comfortable, and restful. The perfect blanket should keep you cozy without trapping too much heat, be easy to care for, and feel pleasant against your skin. When shopping, it's important to consider your sleep environment, personal warmth preferences, and how you plan to use the blanket (for example, as a top layer or on its own). Focus on features that cater to your comfort, breathability, and ease of maintenance.
MaterialMaterial is what the blanket is made from, and it's crucial because it determines how breathable, lightweight, and soft the blanket will feel. Common materials for summer blankets include cotton, bamboo, linen, and microfiber. Cotton is popular for its breathability and natural feel, bamboo offers moisture-wicking and cooling properties, linen is very breathable but may feel rougher to some, and microfiber tends to be softer and easier to wash but might not be as breathable. To choose, think about your preference for texture and if you tend to sweat at night—choose more breathable natural fibers if you sleep hot.
Weave TypeThe weave type describes how the blanket's fibers are put together, affecting airflow and warmth. Common options are waffle, knit, or plain/flat weaves. A waffle or open-knit weave allows more air circulation and keeps you cooler, while a denser, tighter weave offers slightly more warmth and structure. For the hottest climates or for those who feel overly warm in bed, go for loosely-woven or waffle-style blankets. If you want a bit more substance without overheating, opt for a tighter weave.
Weight (GSM)GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it tells you how heavy the blanket is for its size. Lightweight blankets usually have a GSM between 150 and 300, making them ideal for summer. Blankets with lower GSM numbers will feel very airy and are best for people who get hot easily or live in warm climates, while those closer to 300 GSM provide a touch more warmth, suitable for slightly cooler summer nights or for those who get chilly easily. Think about how much warmth you want: choose the lowest GSM for barely-there cover, or slightly higher if you want a bit of heft.
SizeBlankets come in sizes to match your bed: twin, full, queen, and king, but some lightweight blankets may also come in throw sizes. Picking the right size ensures the blanket covers your body and your bed as needed. For individual use, a throw or twin might be perfect, but for couples or to fully cover your larger mattress, choose the corresponding bed size. Consider if you want a blanket to tuck in or drape over the sides—larger sizes offer more versatility.
Care InstructionsCare instructions tell you how to wash and dry the blanket, which affects how easy it is to keep it clean and fresh through the summer. Some materials are machine washable and quick-drying, while others may need special care like air drying or gentle cycles. This matters especially for summer blankets, which may need frequent washing due to sweat and frequent use. If you want low maintenance, prioritize blankets that are easy to machine wash and dry.