There are three main things a great blanket should offer: warmth, comfort, and durability. Usually, a product that delivers all three comes at a high price. With that in mind, the Balichun Luxury Fleece Blanket seems too good to be true with its soft feel, impressive warmth, and budget-friendly price tag. So what’s the catch? Read on to find out what we discovered after snuggling up with it.
Material and Weave: Soft, soft, soft polyester fleece
With a super soft feel and a weight of 330 grams per square meter—basically the equivalent of a heavy hoodie—the Balichun blanket is surprisingly comfortable given its low price point. That said, though the 100-percent polyester blanket excels in the comfort category, it does have its drawbacks. We found that out of the box, the blanket had a chemical-like smell and required a run through the wash before we could use it. We also discovered that the fabric is fairly low quality because it quickly began shedding and pilling as soon as we used it.
Washing: Easy to wash, but beware of shedding
This blanket is oddly delicate. It started to shed right after its first cold-water wash (as suggested by the manufacturer). The blanket maintained its shape and didn’t lose any softness, but we’re betting that it will continue to deteriorate with each wash and daily use. The brand suggests letting the blanket line dry. We did and found that it took quite a while to fully dry and had loose bits of fiber still on it afterward. Since it seems to shed so much, you’ll probably want to give it—and your bed or couch—a light vacuuming with an upholstery attachment every now and then. Check out our other reviews of the best throw blankets available on the market today.
Color: Beautiful neutrals and iffy jewel tones
Price: Cheap construction, cheap price
Starting around $20 for a twin, Balichun’s fleece blanket is almost too cheap to pass up. It may not be the most durable, but this blanket is a bargain for anyone who needs a spare for guests or just something to curl up with when watching TV.
Competition: More durable options are out there
At around the same price point, the Eddie Bauer Herringbone Cotton Blanket offers the same comfort and warmth with a much-improved style. While it’s cotton rather than fleece—up to you which material you prefer—the Eddie Bauer blanket can be machine washed and dried without any worry about it falling apart. It also comes in a variety of neutral colors including white, navy, and chrome. Given its price point and incredible softness, Balichun’s fleece blanket is easy to love, despite its lack of durability. If you’re a sucker for softness, go ahead and buy this blanket—just don’t expect it to last for years to come.
