Latest news with #Oeko-TexStandard100
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Clothing Manufacturer: How to Evaluate a Garment Factory or Clothing Factory
Check out about clothing suppliers in china—go search Eton Garment Choosing the right partner to produce your apparel line can make or break your brand's success. In fact, a clothing manufacturer is 'one of the most critical choices' that influences everything from product quality to your brand's reputation . In the fast-paced fashion industry, you need a garment factory that not only delivers on time and budget, but also shares your commitment to quality, ethics, and innovation. So how do you find that perfect fit? Below are 10 practical tips to help sourcing managers evaluate a clothing manufacturer or clothing factory – along with examples of how a top-tier producer like Eton Garment exemplifies each criterion. 1. Research the Manufacturer's Experience and Reputation Start by examining the track record and experience of the clothing manufacturer. How long have they been in business, and who are their clients? A factory that has worked with well-known brands or has decades of experience is more likely to be reliable. For example, Eton Garment has been manufacturing since 1993 and serves over 100 major fashion brands worldwide (including Liverpool FC and Forever 21). Such a pedigree speaks to consistent quality and trustworthiness. Look for testimonials, case studies, or even industry awards that signal a solid reputation. 2. Assess Production Capacity and Capabilities Make sure the garment factory can comfortably handle your production volume and product types. This includes their workforce size, equipment, and technology. Are they able to scale up if your orders grow? Do they offer specialized machinery or skills for your particular garments (e.g. denim, active wear)? Production capacity is crucial – you don't want to partner with a factory that overpromises but under-delivers. Top manufacturers like Eton run eight automated production lines with 500+ skilled workers, producing around 20,000 pieces per day. This means they can meet large orders and tight deadlines. At the same time, check if they accommodate smaller runs or offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs) if you need flexibility – for instance, Eton provides low-MOQ options for emerging brands. 3. Verify Quality Control and Certifications Consistent product quality is non-negotiable in fashion. Inspect the factory's quality control processes: Do they have checks at every production stage? What is their defect rate or AQL (Accepted Quality Level)? A reputable clothing manufacturer will invite you to review their quality assurance protocols and may even have internationally recognized certifications. For example, Eton Garment maintains rigorous QC standards (using in-house testing labs and AQL 2.5/4.0 inspections) and holds certifications like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for product safety. Such certifications and standards indicate that the manufacturer can consistently deliver well-made, safe garments that meet your specifications. 4. Review Material Sourcing and Fabric Quality The materials used will directly impact the quality and appeal of your final products. Investigate how the manufacturer sources fabrics and trims. Do they have a strong network of fabric suppliers or in-house sourcing teams? A great garment factory can help secure high-quality, sustainable materials at reasonable costs. Eton, for instance, employs 20+ expert fabric sourcing professionals to procure premium textiles. They can source everything from organic cotton to performance synthetics and are transparent about material origins. Ask if the factory can provide fabric swatches or sourcing options during development. A manufacturer with Oeko-Tex or GOTS-certified materials (as Eton has) demonstrates a commitment to toxin-free, environmentally friendly fabrics – a big plus for quality and sustainability. 5. Ensure Compliance and Ethical Practices Today's consumers and brands care deeply about ethical manufacturing – fair labor, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility. When evaluating a clothing factory, verify their compliance with industry ethical standards and local labor laws. Do they have audits or certifications for social compliance (like amfori BSCI or SA8000)? Have they been approved by any major brand compliance programs (e.g. Disney FAMA)? A responsible manufacturer will be open about their practices and certificates. Eton Garment, for example, is audited under BSCI and SA8000, ensuring it upholds stringent labor and safety standards. They also maintain sustainable practices, using eco-friendly processes and recycled materials where possible. Aligning with a compliant, ethical factory not only protects your brand from potential scandals but also mirrors your brand values – a factor that end consumers increasingly appreciate. 6. Request and Review Samples for Quality Never commit to a large order without seeing samples first. Request prototype samples or small batch productions to evaluate the factory's craftsmanship. This is your chance to check stitching quality, fit, fabric hand-feel, and overall construction. Pay attention to details like seam strength, consistency in sizing, and finishing touches. A reliable clothing manufacturer will happily provide samples and make improvements based on your feedback. For instance, Eton offers rapid sample development (often in just 4–7 days) , allowing you to quickly assess their work. When you receive the samples, review them with your team or even test them (wash tests, stress tests) to ensure they meet your standards. The sample process will also give your insight into how the factory handles communication and revisions – which leads to the next tip. 7. Evaluate Communication and Responsiveness Smooth communication is the backbone of any successful partnership. From initial inquiries to production updates, your manufacturer should be responsive and transparent. Take note of how promptly they reply to your emails or calls, and whether they clearly address your questions. Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes in production. Ideally, the factory assigns a dedicated account manager or merchandiser to your brand. (Eton Garment, for example, has multilingual merchandisers and even offices across different time zones to stay connected with clients.) During your vetting process, evaluate their professionalism: Do they provide status reports? Are they open about potential issues or delays? A clothing factory that actively engages with you – asking clarifying questions, providing suggestions, and updating you regularly – is showing that they value your business. This level of responsiveness builds trust and makes the production journey much smoother. 8. Check Lead Times and Delivery Reliability In fashion retail, timing is everything. A great design delivered late can miss the season or a big launch window. That's why you must discuss lead times for both samples and bulk production up front. A top clothing manufacturer will have well-organized production schedules and a track record of hitting deadlines. Ask: How long is their typical turnaround for an order of your size? Can they expedite if needed? Also, find out how they handle unforeseen delays (such as fabric shortages or shipping issues) – do they have contingency plans or extra capacity? For example, Eton's standard lead time for bulk orders is around 75–90 days, and they manage logistics through major ports with experienced staff to ensure on-time delivery. Reliable delivery isn't just about speed; it's also about consistency. You want a garment factory that can repeatedly meet your timeline requirements so you can plan your inventory and launches confidently. 9. Balance Cost and Quality Cost is always a key factor, but it should be weighed against the quality and services provided. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true – rock-bottom pricing might come at the expense of poor quality or hidden fees later. Instead, look for transparency in pricing. A professional manufacturer will break down the costs (materials, labor, and extras) clearly and justify them. The goal is to find a clothing factory that offers fair pricing for good quality . Eton Garment, for instance, provides transparent, competitive costing during the sample stage, so you know what to expect as you move to bulk production. When evaluating quotes, compare them with the value offered: a slightly higher price might be worth it if the factory has better fabric sourcing, superior craftsmanship, and fewer mistakes (which can save money in the long run). Remember, the right partner is an investment – paying a bit more for reliability and quality can save you headaches down the road. 10. Prioritize Long-Term Partnership Potential Finally, think beyond just one-off orders. The best clothing manufacturer for you is one who can become a long-term partner as your brand grows. During your evaluation, gauge their attitude towards collaboration and continuous improvement. Are they interested in your brand vision and willing to work on new solutions or product lines with you? A factory that invests in after-sales support – such as helping resolve any post-delivery issues, or assisting with reorders – is demonstrating a partnership mindset. Eton, for example, assigns dedicated relationship managers to clients and provides ongoing support for reorders and quality feedback, showing they value long-term cooperation. When your manufacturer is committed to mutual success, they'll go the extra mile to help your brand thrive. This kind of stability and support can fuel your brand's growth over years, not just one season. Conclusion Inside a modern clothing factory: advanced production lines and skilled workers ensure quality and efficiency. In summary, choosing the right clothing manufacturer is about finding a reliable, capable, and value-aligned partner. Keep these tips in mind as you evaluate potential factories. Does your homework, ask plenty of questions, and don't hesitate to request evidence of their capabilities. A manufacturer that ticks all the boxes – much like Eton Garment in our examples – will not only make production easier but also elevate your brand with superior quality, ethical assurance, and on-time delivery. With the right garment factory by your side, you can move from design concept to retail reality with confidence and success. Selecting the perfect clothing manufacturer transforms your vision into reality. By following these 10 tips, you can confidently evaluate garment factories and find a partner that meets your needs. For a proven option, consider Eton Garment. With their expertise and dedication, EtonGarment stands out as a premier clothing factory, ready to bring your brand to life. Visit to learn more and start your journey today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Buzz Feed
28-03-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
11 Towel Sets That Actually Hold Up In The Wash, According To Reviewers
Buying a new set of towels and running a hand over that soft, fluffy fabric is a dream — but there's always a chance you're in for a rude awakening when you put your brand-new towels through the washing machine for the first time. From loose threads to fading color or a decrease in softness, plenty of problems can arise on laundry day if your towels aren't good quality. We found some of the best towel sets across the Internet that real buyers can vouch for. Whether you want an affordable option from Amazon or a luxe set from a retailer like Brooklinen, keep scrolling to find a towel set that will last much, much longer than a few wash-and-dry cycles. 1. A set of six American Soft Linen towels with more than 47,000 5-star ratings Amazon These American Soft Linen towels are 100% cotton and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. The set includes two washcloths, two hand towels and two bath towels, and is available in 20 different colors. I own American Soft Linen towels myself and can vouch for them being soft and fluffy after a machine wash and dry — you may deal with some lint and fuzzies after the first wash or two, but by now, I haven't seen lint in the dryer in months and the towels remain soft and durable. Promising review:"Received them as a gift for Christmas one year and purchased a bunch more to have for guests. Bought them for my married kids and they love them. Super absorbent and even after washing they look like new! I'm replacing all my towels with these! I highly recommend them!" — Alice DePalermo 2. Amazon This set of White Classic towels comes with a standout four washcloths, alongside the usual two hand towels and two bath towels. Available in a range of colors, the Turkish cotton towels are high-absorbency and quick-drying, and become even softer after the first wash. Promising review:"These are the first truly absorbent towels I have found in years. The color is bright and shows little fading, if any, after washing. Recommended." — Gran Get a set of eight from Amazon for $30.59+. 3. Brooklinen Brooklinen's Super-Plush Turkish cotton bath towels are soft and thick like spa towels, and while a set of two bath towels and two hand towels is on the more expensive side, reviewers appear to think the purchase is worth every penny, with over 2,500 5-star ratings. The Oeko-Tex certified towels are made with 100% Turkish cotton and available in 14 muted colors and striped patterns. According to one review, "this towel feels like a hug." What more could you want? Promising review:"They're sincerely everything I expected and more!!! So thick and absorbent, with remarkably minimal dryer lint! Seriously, I'm shocked by how little lint these luxurious beauties shed in the dryer! They're so much better than anything I've ever purchased from Pottery Barn or West Elm. If you're reading this, buy them and thank me later!" — Blake Get a set of four from Brooklinen for $99.70 (originally $138). 4. A set of Semaxe cotton towels with a few innovative design features Amazon You can choose up to an 18-piece set of these Semaxe cotton bath towels, which come in so many color and pattern combinations. The towels include a hanging loop so you can easily hang these on a hook in your bathroom, and they have color-changing labels that indicate when it's time to replace your towels. Made from 100% cotton, they're absorbent and soft while still being lightweight. Promising review:"We bought one order of these about a month ago. After using and washing them several times, we are very happy with the quality — so much, we decided to buy a second order. We really like the size, thicker material, and how well they do in the washer and dryer. We highly recommend!" — K Slack Get a set of eight from Amazon for $31.99+ (also available in other sets). 5. A set of monogrammed decorative hand towels that are still durable If you're just looking for some decoration for a powder room — or towels that could make for a great wedding or anniversary gift — you might like these Turquaz monogrammed decorative hand towels, which reviewers describe as durable and absorbent. The towels only come in white, but you can choose from several embroidery colors and personalize them with initials of your choice. Promising review:"Recently got married and moved into a new apartment. My husband and i wanted to get monogrammed hand towels for our bathroom but a lot of the ones we found were extremely expensive and out of our budget. Then we found these towels and decided to order them. Upon receiving our order we were so happy! The quality was far beyond what we expected!!!! They're soft and the monogrammed Initial was beautiful. We have washed them several times and they're still in perfect condition! So happy with this purchase!" — Natalia Rivera Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99. 6. A set of four luxe, ribbed Parachute towels Parachute These Parachute soft rib bath towels are great if you want a textured but still soft option. Available in five stunning neutral and muted colors, the set includes two hand towels and two bath towels made with Oeko-Tex certified, long-staple Turkish cotton. The ribbed design helps the towels dry faster, and reviewers have given them titles like "the best towels" and "absolute perfection." If you like a super-soft, luxurious towel that isn't super-thick at the same time, these may be the right choice for you. Promising review:"These Parachute towels are the best. They are soft, wash beautifully, and last longer than more expensive ones. They are our family's favorite. If you buy them for one bath in the house, you will be buying them for the other baths in the house." — Anonymous Get a set of four from Parachute for $176.70 (originally $186). 7. Or this set of quick-drying, ribbed Threshold towels Target For an affordable alternative to the ribbed design of those Parachute towels, these quick-dry ribbed towels are made by Threshold, the Target brand that brought you the reader-beloved "best sheets known to man." You can choose between a set of two bath towels, or two hand towels and two washcloths — though, with both options being just $12, it may be well worth it to buy both for a full set of six at just $24. Transparently, reviewers do mention shedding at first in the washing, but many have added that this quickly goes away on subsequent washes and that the towels are still more than worth it. They're made with Oeko-Tex certified terry cotton, and come in five colors. Promising review:"Okay so I have had my towels for about a year. This was my second time purchasing a batch and might I say they are mighty durable and comfortable. When I go to wash them, there may be some fluff or 'pilling' but after the second wash, I have not noticed any such. They are great for drying the body and hair. Always have been reliable whenever I am needing a new one online and easy to place an order. Overall I've only gotten the white or white/grey and they wash well and I've been able to get stains out well. So the fabric holds nicely. I also was able to find hand towels and wash cloths to match and they all with work exactly as I expected which was fabulous. I recommend 100/10%" — Abbadabbadooo Get a set of four from Target for $12. 8. A set of six "beyond plush" Turkish cotton towels from Quince Quince Reviewers have described the towels in this Quince Turkish classic bath sheet bundle as "almost comically large" and "beyond plush," so if you want all-out luxury like you're at the spa, look no further. The set includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths. Available in a range of muted colors, reviewers also say these comfy towels "don't shed anything onto your skin when wet like some cheap towels do." Promising review:"I was worried that the towels wouldn't be as soft after washing them, but they were even more luxurious when I took them from the dryer. I emptied the lint trap three times during drying to make sure the fuzz was all gone. The quality is a delight! You will not be sorry when you purchase these towels." — Lynne L. Get a set of six from Quince for $89.90 (originally $200). 9. A six-piece Cotton Paradise set with over 32,000 5-star ratings Amazon These popular Cotton Paradise towels are made with 100% ringspun cotton and a double-stitched hem for absorbency and durability, and you can get a set of two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths. They come in so many colors and are Oeko-Tex certified. Plus, if you like the towel set, you can also buy matching bath rugs, bath mats and even an oversized 40 by 80-inch bath towel to really deck out your bathroom. Promising review:"These are great towels! I've been looking for this specific color purple for a while now, and had these in my cart but held off way too many times. You DO have to wash them at least twice before using them, preferably by themselves. There will be lint. It's ok, these towels are just shy of the towels of your dreams. Soft, large, fluffy and thick. They pick up a lot of water but release it eaily in the washcloths. They don't take a miilion years to dry. And the color, it didn't look quite right when I opened them up. Then I washed them. Twice. The color changed. And they're EXACTLY what I wanted. I'm back for bath sheets!" — T. Semonik Get a set of six from Amazon for $35.99. 10. A set of six Boll & Branch plush towels with hanging loops Nordstrom Another worth-every-penny luxury option are these Boll & Branch plush bath towels, which come in a set of six (two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths). The towels are on the weightier side on purpose for a denser, plush feel and are made with fluffy, long-staple cotton for maximum absorbency. These also have a woven hanging loop for easy storage in the bathroom after using. You can get them in a range of muted earth tones and darker colors. Promising review:"I received a set of these towels as part of the Black Friday Sales Event. I don't particularly buy white towels in a household with kids and pets but I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of these towels. I washed them once before use and they were ready, this has never happened to me before. They feel amazing, are super absorbent, wash and dry nicely and have not stained, as of yet. Certainly, I did not have this product on my radar but am now considering changing all my towels to Boll and Branch's." — Leonor R. 11. An ultra-affordable set of 10 towels from Walmart Walmart If you want the most bang for your buck possible, it doesn't get much more budget-friendly than this Mainstays 10-piece towel set, which costs just under $14 for four bath towels, two hand towels and four washcloths. They are currently only available in white or gray, but the durable double-needle stitching, fade-resistant 100% cotton and ultra-soft absorbency make them a winner, according to reviewers. Promising review:"I've tried many towel sets, but this one is by far my favorite. The softness is next-level, and they dry my skin off quickly. The durability is great too; after several washes, they still look and feel brand new. The white color is crisp and bright, perfect for my bathroom." — Megan Get a set of 10 from Walmart for $13.97.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best Cooling Blankets To Cuddle Up With This Summer
On even the most sweltering nights, the right blanket can keep you cool and comfortable. The best cooling blankets are thoughtfully designed to prevent overheating, wick away sweat and offer breathability—all to ensure a restful sleep. After thorough research, we named the Luxome Lightweight Blanket as the best summer blanket overall, thanks to its silky-smooth, temperature-regulating bamboo lyocell fabric that helps conquer those hot, sleepless nights. The best cooling blankets draw heat and sweat away, even during the hottest months. According to Dr. Elizabeth Easter, textile consultant and professor at the University of Kentucky, cooling blankets 'primarily work by allowing perspiration to pass from the hot sleeper to the fiber, fabric or treatment.' Some of the best cooling blankets have a cool-to-the-touch surface, and some are infused with special cooling technologies. Read on for our curated list of the best summer blankets, from lightweight to weighted options. Luxome Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Cooling features: Breathability, temperature regulation | Fill: 100% bamboo viscose | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Trial: 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Both the cover and the fill of this luxurious, silky feeling blanket are made from viscose from bamboo, which offers temperature-regulating properties. This blanket not only has a slick and cool-to-the-touch sensation, but the fabric is soft, breathable and helps keep you cool all night. Hot sleepers can still appreciate the feel of cuddling under a quilted blanket, and the Luxome Lightweight blanket is a great bed topper, even during the toasty summer months. It comes in eight colorways, has a sateen weave and gets softer every time you wash it. Amazon Material: Egyptian cotton, Arc-Chill 3.0 | Cooling features: Temperature regulating, breathable | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Trial: 30-day Amazon return What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Elegear Revolutionary Cooling Blanket is two-sided to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. One side incorporates the company's Arc-Chill 3.0 technology, which uses mica nylon and polyethylene. Along with providing a cool-to-the-touch sensation, these materials work together to absorb your body heat when you sweat and speed up evaporation of the liquid to keep it away from you. The other side of the blanket is made from Egyptian cotton, which offers a soft and cozy feel for times when you need warmth. The Elegear Revolutionary Cooling Blanket has a lightweight design and comes in seven different colors and four sizes. You can also buy the brand's cooling pillowcases to match it. Slumber Cloud Material: 89% nylon, 11% spandex jersey | Cooling features: Phase change materials, breathable | Fill: 50% Outlast ClimaDry polyester fiberfill, 50% polyester fiberfill | Certifications: Certified Space Technology | Trial: 60 nights What you'll love: Keep in mind: The patented Slumber Cloud Outlast ClimaDry fiberfill, originally engineered by NASA, uses phase change materials that are designed to trap heat away from your body in microcapsules and only release it as the temperature cools. This not only keeps you cool and comfortable but can provide relief to anyone who co-sleeps with a partner who runs hot. The UltraCool is a little fluffier and heavier than a super-thin blanket, so it provides the sensation of being covered up but without being stifling. It's available in three colors, but you can also use it as a duvet insert, and it has handy corner loops to help attach it to a duvet cover. What our editors say: Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman tested the lightweight model of the UltraCool Comforter and says, 'This comforter is noticeably cooling the second you take it out of the box. It's quite thin and could pass as a thick blanket. I actually got too cold the first night I slept with it and had to add more blankets after that. I found the cooling technology to really work all night, and I like the silky feel of the comforter.' Amazon Material: Lyocell | Cooling features: Cool to the touch, temperature regulating | Fill: Glass beads, fiberfill | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Trial: 30-day returns What you'll love: Keep in mind: Many people love the hugging feel of a weighted blanket and find it calming. This 35-pound option from Gravity drapes over you and presses you down while you sleep, promoting relation and comfort. Some weighted blankets are meant to keep you cozy and warm as well, but the Gravity is made of 100% lyocell fabric derived from eucalyptus, which is temperature regulating and has a cool, silky feel. The blanket also comes with a removable and washable cool-to-the-touch cover, which can be secured with ties and zippers. The glass beads that provide the weight in the fill are noiseless to not keep you awake. What our editors and testers say: Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says, 'It's soft and fuzzy to the touch without being too warm, a balancing act that's hard to achieve.' Another Forbes Vetted tester says, "I love that the blanket fabric is made of 100% lyocell, which feels smooth and cool to the touch. It helps keep you cozy, while the lyocell fabric helps regulate your body temperature so you don't roast." Sleep Number Material: Cotton, 37.5 polyester technology with satin piping | Cooling features: Moisture wicking, cool to the touch | Fill: Polyester, 37.5 polyester technology | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Trial: 100 nights What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Sleep Number True Temp is a standout summer blanket for many, especially those who have sensitive skin that reacts to fuzzy fabrics. It has a very smooth and slick feel that doesn't irritate, and it contains Sleep Number's 37.5 particles that actively move heat and humidity away from your body while you sleep. It's thin and lightweight, so it can be used on its own during hotter months and layered with other bedding to combat year-round night sweats. While pet owners should note that while fur may cling to the fabric, stains wash out easily, even from the white colorway. What our editors say: Rose Sala, Forbes Vetted deputy editor, has the Sleep Number True Temp and says, 'It's cool to the touch but not soft or cozy, so I prefer this blanket layered on top of another rather than pulled up under my chin.' Editorial assistant Lee Cutlip says, 'It's definitely more breathable than a knit blanket and is very cool against the skin,' and agrees with Sala that the True Temp is best suited as an additional layer with other bedding. Both Sala and Cutlip report that the blanket requires extra drying time, and even after multiple dryer cycles, it has to be hung to fully dry. Rough Linen Material: 100% European flax | Cooling features: Airy, breathable, moisture wicking | Fill: N/A | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Trial: 30 nights What you'll love: Keep in mind: Linen is naturally breathable and durable, and is a great material for a summer blanket. The Smooth Linen Summer Cover from Rough Linen is so lightweight it practically floats above you while you sleep, while still providing comfort and wicking perspiration away. Like all linen, it imparts a low-maintenance, effortless vibe, allowing you to make the bed look made (even if a little rumpled) by simply draping it on top. But, also like all linen, expect it to shed lint until it's been washed a few times. The Summer Cover is available in twin, queen and king and comes in seven colorways. Rough Linen also offers bedding and blankets in two other weights of linen, so if you prefer a denser weave or a little bit more heft, check out the St. Barts Linen Summer Cover or the Orkney Linen Summer Cover, which is available in an array of vibrant hues. We especially appreciate that Rough Linen offers small sample swatches of each linen weight, so you can really check them out before purchasing. Forbes Vetted's sleep editors have years of experience testing bedding and have produced dozens of sleep, mattress and bedding stories backed by extensive research, consultations with experts and personal experience. In order to select the best summer blankets, we relied on the firsthand testing experience of Forbes Vetted staff, the expertise of our sleep editors and the professional insights of our expert. While every sleeper is different, there are factors to consider while shopping for a summer blanket. No matter what your needs are, knowing a bit about fabrics and cooling technologies can guide your selection. Some bedding materials naturally have more cooling properties than others. Also, some synthetic and manufactured fabrics provide excellent temperature regulation. One key characteristic to look for is a fabric's breathability. According to Easter, this means that 'the fabric or product allows perspiration—in the form of a vapor—to pass through it and reduces or prevents perspiration from converting to a liquid—sweat.' Easter further explains that 'this can be achieved by fiber content, as with cotton or linen; fabric construction; thickness and weight; and treatments.' Another term used to describe cooling materials is 'moisture wicking.' Easter explains that doesn't mean that you don't perspire, but that "the fiber or yarn moves the sweat or liquid to the outer surface to allow evaporation and promote quick drying.' These are some materials to look for when searching for cooling blanket fabrics. Linen. 'Linen is our oldest breathable fabric," Easter says. 'It allows perspiration to pass through, but also has the potential to absorb sweat.' While it comes in various weights, they all have enough of an airy weave to ensure the fabric doesn't smother you or trap heat under the covers. Note that it can be expensive, tricky to launder and may always look slightly crumpled and casual. Cotton. Cotton is one of the most common fabrics to encounter. It's very light and well-suited for those who sleep hot. Note that if you experience night sweats, that while cotton pulls that liquid away from your skin, it doesn't dry quickly. Easter says, 'Cotton is breathable, but it also absorbs sweat and…[it] can cling to the body.' Luckily, as Easter points out, 'cotton's launderability is not a problem,' as it's easy to wash and dry at home. For the best experience, look for high-quality, long-staple cotton, which is usually called 'Egyptian' or 'Supima' cotton. Wool. 'Wool is breathable and absorbent, so it can be considered a cooling fiber,' according to Easter. 'However, some consumers do not like the feel or touch of wool,' and you're unlikely to find it in a summer blanket. If you experience night sweats no matter the weather, you may want to use a blanket that incorporates wool in the colder months. Polyester. Polyester is an affordable synthetic fiber and isn't absorbent. But, Easter says, 'It can wick moisture and move it to the outside environment, hence cooling and quick drying.' However, while a polyester fabric can feel cooling in bedding, if it's included in a comforter's fill, it can trap heat inside. Rayon, viscose, lyocell, Tencel. These fabrics are all manufactured from the bamboo plant. According to Easter, since they are made of cellulose, 'they are absorbent fibers.' Note that Tencel is a trademark for a type of lyocell. Some fabrics excel at temperature regulation not due to any natural qualities, but because they have been designed to do so, with cooling technology incorporated into the material. 37.5. This is named after what is widely considered the normal ideal body temperature, in Celsius. Easter says, '37.5 Technology uses cooling particles, embedded in polyester fibers, that absorb moisture.' It's made with volcanic minerals that capture heat and humidity and speed up evaporation. Arc-Chill 3.0. This Japanese technology is made with jade particles to absorb and dissipate heat faster than cotton, reducing body surface temperature Outlast. 'Outlast uses phase change materials, which are micro-encapsulated natural waxes that can absorb heat and moisture and store them within the fiber or fabric,' Easter says. It's one of the most common cooling technologies. There is no one material that is the best for every person for a cooling blanket. However, we think the Luxome Lightweight Blanket is the best cooling blanket overall, and it's made from bamboo viscose. Other materials to look for are linen, cotton, rayon and lyocell. If you suffer from night sweats, look for a cooling blanket that is breathable and moisture wicking. A summer blanket made from linen, bamboo or lyocell is a good choice. Yes, there is such a thing as a cooling weighted blanket. We recommend the Gravity Weighted Cooling Blanket, which is temperature regulating and feels cool to the touch.
