All about blankets with sleeves
Warm and soft blankets with sleeves for two and one person, New Year's and cozy plush models have gained incredible popularity in many countries of the world. This type of home textile has recently appeared on the market, it can be made from different materials, have a long or short nap. A detailed review will help you understand what kind of blankets-sweatshirts with and without a hood are, how they differ, what reviews are left by the owners of such products.
What it is?
The original invention - a blanket with sleeves - looks like a jacket or a dressing gown, but in a larger format. There are models on the market with a hood, of different lengths and sizes. The soft plaid sweatshirt is perfect for hiking or travel, while the large, cozy blanket-like option will brighten up your bedroom or living room.
The sleeved plaid owes its appearance to a simple American student. In 1997, the young man decided to perfect a common home textile item. It was not very convenient for him to constantly pull his hands out from under the blanket when watching TV. At first, the adventurous student simply cut holes through which the palm could be threaded, and then he supplemented his invention with sleeves. The young man created the first few products at the request of friends, and then launched production of products on a continuous basis, starting sales on the Internet.
Despite the originality of the idea, the author failed to develop it on a large scale. On the other hand, other, much larger market participants began to produce popular blankets with sleeves quite successfully. Among them - Snuggie, which today tops the list of brands producing such accessories. Blankets with sleeves can be called a good gift for children and adults, the products save in cold weather, can be used indoors and outdoors. With such an accessory, you can comfortably sit in an armchair without looking up from reading a book or doing handicrafts.
Materials (edit)
The main requirements for rugs with sleeves can be summarized: warm and soft material, practicality, comfortable size. Natural fabrics or wool fibers are rarely used here, like fur. It can only be used in tailored products. Much more often modern synthetic fabrics made of plush and microfiber are used.
Much also depends on the class of the product. A fleece or plush blanket with sleeves is available to most buyers. A luxurious fur stole or a model made of merino wool will cost much more, since it belongs to the premium category. For relaxation in the bedroom or on the veranda, a terry blanket is suitable. The advantages and disadvantages of each material are worth studying in more detail.
Natural fur
Blankets with sleeves in this design are more reminiscent of a fur coat worn the other way around. Skins of rabbits, minks, foxes, sheepskin are used as material for the manufacture. Such models are convenient for relaxing on the veranda or terrace - it is almost impossible to freeze in them. But natural fur has its drawbacks - hairiness, a tendency to accumulate static electricity.
Products of this type look good in houses and apartments, but not in the bedroom, but in the living room.
Microplush
This material with a characteristic fleecy structure is distinguished by increased softness, its touch on the body does not irritate even the most sensitive skin. For the manufacture of products from microplush, both natural and synthetic fibers are used. The material may be based on natural wool and polyester, silk, cotton.
Microplush blankets are considered high-end products. Models with sleeves look respectable and noble, they can be used as a cape or as an alternative to a bathrobe, if there is a hood included. Microplush lends itself well to coloring, ornamentation by embossing. Plush with jacquard weave of threads has an original double-sided structure.
Microfiber
Synthetic material consisting of a mixture of polyester and polyamide fibers, which form a special structure of an interwoven fabric. Microfiber blankets with sleeves are breathable, soft and lightweight. Such textiles retain heat well, they are durable, and do not lose their properties for a long time.
Blankets, pleasant to the touch, are not subject to creasing, they can easily withstand even multiple washings.
Mahra
Fluffy and soft blankets with terry sleeves compare favorably with any other products by the natural origin of the textile base. Loop fabric for her is made of bamboo, cotton, flax. The resulting home textiles acquire a pleasant texture, retain heat well, but do not tend to accumulate static electricity.
Mahra can be one-sided and two-sided, depending on where the loops are. Both the length and the frequency of their location may differ. When choosing a blanket, you should pay attention to the density of the product. It ranges from 300 to 800 units. The higher this indicator, the fluffier the finished blanket with sleeves will be.
Terry products are more like bed sheets or bathrobes than others. The presence of sleeves and a hood allows you to comfortably wear home textiles in combination with pajamas, wrap yourself up in them on the veranda or in a rocking chair. On frosty days, natural fiber will warm you well, and in hot weather it will help remove excess moisture from the body.
Such blankets are hygroscopic, easy to care for and maintain, but they must be handled with care so that clues do not appear.
Merino wool
One of the warmest material options for making blankets with sleeves. Beautiful, cozy products have excellent thermoregulatory abilities. They are very warm and remove excess moisture from the body. Merino wool is used in the production of soft and natural baby blankets. Such textiles contribute to a comfortable sleep; even babies do not throw them off during a night's rest.
Merino sheep wool is highly valued not only for the special quality of the fleece, it also contains natural lanolin. This component has antibacterial properties, does not irritate the skin. The wool fiber provides a light massage effect. Caring for such a blanket is much more difficult, but it is definitely worth the funds.
Sheep's wool
Knitted or woven blankets made from other sheep wool look very attractive. Completely natural material is hypoallergenic, lends itself well to staining, has softness. It is practically not subject to wear and tear, it is suitable even for people with increased skin sensitivity.
Fleece
This material with unique thermal insulation properties was developed by scientists from the United States. For its development, a Nobel Prize was even awarded. The production of blankets from fleece has gained popularity due to a whole set of unique qualities that this material possesses:
- pleasant texture;
- light weight;
- pliability to staining;
- hygroscopicity;
- thermal conductivity;
- dust mite resistance;
- long service life;
- ease of care, products can be washed and cleaned.
Fleece blankets with sleeves are especially popular with customers for their attractiveness, variety of design options and affordable cost. But this material also has a number of disadvantages. The fabric is quite electrified, intensively accumulates dust. In addition, it catches fire easily; it is not worth keeping it near open flames or electrical appliances.
Fleece has different weights. The optimal indicator is 160 g / m2. Thinner products are considered microfleece, they are used to make light blankets for children.
Design
Among the models of blankets with sleeves presented today on the Russian market, each buyer can easily find a model to his liking. The range of colors of products is presented not only by standard blue, red, burgundy colors. Snow-white, peach, turquoise, pale green monochromatic models are no less popular. In addition, you can choose a design with animalistic ornaments, patterns and prints. On New Year's Eve, models with an interesting thematic print - with deer, fir trees, Christmas stars - are especially popular.
According to their design, bed covers or sofa covers, supplemented with sleeves, can be presented in the following types.
- Family, for two. The model with four sleeves is oversized. The length of the blanket can reach 3 meters, the width - 2 meters. Under such a soft blanket you can have a great rest with your loved one or with a child. Paired capes with 4 sleeves need to be matched to the size of the bed, it is better to test them upon purchase.
- In the form of a hoodie. The plaid looks a bit like a poncho, it has a hood and a slit for the head. This version of the product can be produced in pairs - in matching colors, in New Year's or children's designs. Teenagers are also delighted with them. You can find hoodie suits in the form of animals or birds, from owl to rabbit, fluffy and soft, made of micro velor.
- With a zipper. Such blankets are produced in terry, from knitted woolen knitwear, fleece. May have a blank bottom edge, like a sleeping bag. This is a great option for preschoolers or teenage girls. Such a cozy gift will be appreciated by lovers of reading or working on a PC.
- Romantic. A plaid with a print in the shape of hearts can be chosen as a gift for a girl. Models in a single design can be presented to a couple for a wedding.
- Cozy for a summer residence. For country-style interiors, soft melon-colored blankets are produced in coffee, milk, and other delicate colors.
It is worth taking a not too branded model made of practical materials.
- Baby. It can resemble a kigurumi or a hoodie, and can also be performed as a blanket with sleeves or a soft “reverse robe”. Bright colors, a wide variety of prints, interesting design solutions. All this is already in children's models.
Do not assume that blankets with sleeves are similar to each other. The variety of the model range in this case is such that it allows each customer to find their own unique design solution.
How to choose?
Finding the right blanket with sleeves for your home requires an individual approach. The high quality of the material is an important, though not the main criterion. It is better to pay attention to the following points from the very beginning.
- Compliance with the size of the furniture, the height of the person to whom the gift is intended. There are compact knee-length options or full-size options that can cover a double sofa.
- Model design. It is very diverse. For children, they produce models with original prints - stars, bears, and other patterns. Monochromatic options are considered universal, they are selected based on the design of the rest of the interior. Models with a double-sided pattern are worth looking for among textiles with jacquard weave.
- Practicality in application. High quality models are easy to clean and do not accumulate static electricity. When washed, they should not shrink, lose color and shape, or break down into fibers. It is quite simple to check whether the product will paint the surrounding objects. It is necessary to rub the surface of the product with a damp cloth, if traces remain on its surface, the blanket will fade.
- The condition of the product. It is especially important to carefully examine goods made from natural materials before purchasing. For example, if there are creases, scuffs still in the package - the product is definitely not worth taking. Felted pile, bald spots, protruding threads or poorly finished seams should also be taken into account.
- Material. 100% natural fiber in the case of blankets is not a big advantage. It is better to choose blended materials with a synthetic fiber content in the range of 30 to 50%. Such products are more durable.
- Tactile sensations. There should be no discomfort when stroking the cloth. If the surface is clearly susceptible to intense generation of static electricity, the pile crunches or creaks, it is better to refuse the purchase.
- Functionality. Don't look for blankets with sleeves with a lot of extra options. They will only interfere with enjoying your vacation. A hood in a model with sleeves in the front will obviously be superfluous. But pockets or Velcro fasteners can be very helpful.
Considering these recommendations, you can choose a suitable blanket with sleeves as a gift or for personal use.
Manufacturers
The market for original textile products in Russia and abroad has its own obvious leaders. The main supplier of blankets with sleeves in the Russian Federation is Sleepywhich uses in its models only synthetic materials based on microfiber, microplush. The products are sewn in China, the products are presented in the children's and adult segment, there are themed New Year's collections.
Among foreign companies, Snuggie is the undisputed leader in this segment. The company from the USA has a classic line and models with super-soft sherpa lining that imitates fur. The high quality of its products and the status of a pioneer in the market provide the brand with stable popularity.
Also, products of this type are easy to find at Gekoko. - a Russian manufacturer of original gifts. Products are sewn from extrasoft, velsoft materials based on polyester.The lineup is presented as plain options for capes, as well as versions with animal prints or other patterns.
Care Tips
Blankets with sleeves are not too demanding to care for. Most of the materials used in their production lend themselves well to ironing, machine washing. General rules for caring for such things can be formulated as follows.
- Prewash. It is obligatory for all products, except for woolen ones, which need more delicate handling.
- Regular wash. It is carried out at a temperature not higher than +30 degrees, manually or by machine. Bleaching, exposure to other harsh chemicals are contraindicated for colored things.
- Ironing on demand. She may be required for blankets with sleeves made of terry.
- Drying in a flattened form, in conditions of natural ventilation. Products are laid out on a flat flat surface, carefully straightening. Do not dry blankets on a radiator or near other heat sources.
When caring for products with sleeves, it is important to adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturers indicated on the label. In addition, you should not use stain removers without taking into account the composition of the fabric. You can reduce the generation of static electricity by synthetic products by using softeners and conditioners during washing, as well as antistatic agents in the form of sprays.
Review overview
According to most buyers, the sleeved throw is a great invention. Fluffy and warm accessories are purchased as a gift for loved ones, noting the external attractiveness and softness of such products. Of particular interest are paired models with 4 sleeves - family ones, up to 3 meters long. They are enough for cozy family movie screenings or other activities. The greatest number of positive reviews are received by products made from natural materials - terry, wool, as well as microfiber, which provides the maximum warming effect.
For softness and durability, fleece blankets receive positive feedback. They are especially loved by babies wrapped in cozy textiles after a bath. Micro-velor is less often praised as a material - it is highly electrified, although outwardly it looks very presentable.
The disadvantages of blankets with sleeves are also worth looking at. Those buyers who were unhappy with such products note the poor quality of tailoring. Most of the inexpensive blankets on the market are made of synthetics, the dyeing quality of such materials leaves much to be desired - at the very first wash they fade and fade. It is also noted in the reviews that the sleeves are uncomfortable in many models - they can only be worn in the front, while the back remains open.