Wearable Blanket Hoodies: What They Are and How to Wash One

A wearable blanket hoodie is an oversized pullover hoodie made from blanket fabric, usually a plush outer and a sherpa lining, with a deep hood and a big front pocket. It works like a throw with sleeves. Wash it cold on a delicate cycle and dry it on low, because high heat mats sherpa.

What a wearable blanket hoodie is

A blanket hoodie takes the shape of a hoodie and the fabric of a sofa throw. It is cut long and loose, often falling to the knees or thighs, with wide sleeves, a hood big enough to pull over your head and shoulders, and a front pouch pocket. Most are a smooth or plush fleece outside with sherpa inside, though some are a single layer of plush.

The design is easy to slip on over pajamas or loungewear, and it leaves your hands free in a way a throw does not. You can walk to the kitchen, read or work at a desk without the blanket sliding off.

Where the idea came from

The best-known blanket hoodie is The Comfy. The company says the idea came from co-founder Brian Speciale’s Phoenix living room, after his 7-year-old son wore his old men’s XL hoodie, and it bills the result as the first wearable blanket of its kind. The Comfy also says the product was first named The Cozy and was renamed The Comfy shortly before its Shark Tank pitch, after a lawyer felt the first name was too close to another product. Its range now includes sherpa-lined and single-layer versions. Many other brands now sell the same style under names like blanket sweatshirt or oversized hoodie blanket.

Blanket hoodie vs robe vs sleeved blanket

Three cozy garments overlap, and the differences come down to how they close.

A blanket hoodie keeps drafts out because it has no opening down the front. A robe is easier to take on and off and comes in lighter fabrics such as cotton waffle. Our warm robes guide covers fleece, sherpa and waffle robes.

What to check before you buy

Many blanket hoodies are sold as one size or in a few loose sizes, so the details below matter more than the label size.

• Length. Check the listed length against your height. A longer hoodie covers more of your legs on the sofa.
• Lining. Sherpa-lined hoodies are the warmest; single-layer plush ones are lighter and dry faster.
• Sleeve cuffs. Elastic or ribbed cuffs keep sleeves from slipping over your hands while you work.
• Pocket. A deep front pouch holds a phone and keeps hands warm.
• Fiber content. Many are polyester. Our sherpa vs fleece vs faux fur comparison explains how the plush fabrics differ on warmth and care.

How to wash a blanket hoodie

A sherpa hoodie needs the same gentle care as a sherpa throw. The Comfy says to wash its hoodies about as often as you wash household blankets, which it describes as not often, using a cold delicate cycle with half a cup of distilled white vinegar added. It says to tumble dry on the low setting because sherpa “is not a fan of high heat.”

Wash the hoodie on its own or with other soft fabrics. Towels shed lint that clings to plush pile.

Other ways to stay warm at home

A blanket hoodie pairs well with a pair of warm socks and slippers. For the rest of the outfit, see our guide to loungewear sets. For someone who always feels the cold, our cozy gifts for someone always cold list has more ideas, and our throw blanket buying guide covers the sofa throws a blanket hoodie is based on. Every guide is listed in our blankets and throws section.