We Tested the Best Summer Blankets for Hot Sleepers—Here Are 10 Worth Buying

After one too many sweaty nights doing the one-leg-in, one-leg-out dance under a stifling comforter, our editors (who live everywhere from muggy Manhattan apartments to breezy LA bungalows) decided it was time to find the ultimate summer blanket. But what type of blanket is best for summer? Based on research I previously conducted for our cooling sheets guide, the most effective materials are bamboo viscose, eucalyptus lyocell, French flax linen and cotton percale. A 2023 study on the nanostructure of Tencel (a derivative of eucalyptus) showed that it actively releases heat and wicks moisture, while maintaining a cool, breathable surface throughout the night. Bamboo-derived fabrics were also found to be thermo-regulating and antimicrobial, making them ideal for hot sleepers. And if you’re looking for high-tech help? Outlast, a NASA-developed fiber, absorbs body heat and releases it back gradually to prevent sudden temperature swings.

So, I put out editors to work. We tested a slew of summer blankets across every material, weave and weight imaginable. Each blanket was used at night for at least three months (some for over a year), and we rated them based on breathability, softness, temperature regulation and whether they could hold up to repeat washes. We considered buzzy brands like Cozy Earth, Quince, and Buffy, along with under-the-radar finds from brands like Slumber Cloud, which blew us away. The result? A vetted list of the 10 best summer blankets that won’t have you waking up in a puddle.

• Super soft materials: In the summer, you'll have fewer layers on your bed, so each one above is verified to be as silky as your favorite sheets.
• Breathability: A lightweight quilt or matelassé coverlet needs to be breathable enough to let hot air pass through during especially sticky summer nights. That’s why every option above is built with ventilation in mind.
• Cooling: We had our editors rate how it kept them cool—and whether it had moisture-wicking properties that helped keep night sweats at bay  
• Durability: While most comforters and luxury blankets are spot-clean only, we were careful to only include throws that will hold up in the wash (and if it's dryer safe, that's a bonus).
• Design: We made sure each blanket’s yarns are built to be color-leak-resistant. After all, you want to be able to nap in white jeans without waking up with stains from your summer blanket on you.

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If you’re looking for one blanket that nails every category—softness, breathability, washability, and design—Cozy Earth’s Cloud-Knit Blanket takes the crown. It scored 97 points out of 100 in our testing, thanks to its silky bamboo viscose that feels cool to the touch, the fact that it dries almost instantly and holds up beautifully in the wash. 

That said, there are a few honorable mentions worth calling out. Serena & Lily’s Beachcomber Cotton Thro is my personal go-to for layering on the couch or bed—it’s light, breathable and adds just enough style to feel polished without trying too hard. Then, Saatva’s Aero Quilt impressed us with its ultra-light gauze texture that’s perfect for hot sleepers who still want something soft and drapey. And of course, Slumber Cloud’s Lightweight Comforter, with its NASA-developed Outlast technology, is a game-changer for anyone who’s truly sweat-prone.

• Materials: Look for breathable natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo or Tencel—anything that won’t trap heat or cling to sweat. (More on that below.)
• Weight: You want light and airy, not thick and insulating. If it feels like it belongs on a ski trip, skip it.
• Texture: Waffle weaves, gauze, and quilts with loose construction tend to be more breathable than tight knits or plush fabrics.
• Washability: Summer = sweat, sunscreen, maybe even sangria spills. Make sure it can go in the washer and bounce back.