The material a team blanket is made from determines how warm it is, how it feels in use, how it washes, and how long the decoration holds up. This guide focuses on the material side of team blankets and throws.
Fleece Types
Polar fleece is the most common team blanket material. It is made from polyester and provides warmth without significant weight. Anti-pill fleece uses a tighter pile structure that resists the small fiber balls that form on standard fleece after repeated washing and friction. For blankets that will be used and washed frequently, anti-pill fleece maintains appearance significantly better than standard fleece.
Micro fleece is lighter and thinner than polar fleece. It is softer against the skin but provides less warmth. It is suited to mild weather use or as a decorative throw rather than a warm stadium blanket.
Blizzard fleece is thicker, heavier, and warmer than standard polar fleece. It has a slightly different texture and holds printed designs very well.
Sherpa
Sherpa is a knit fabric with a dense, curly pile that mimics the texture of wool fleece. It is almost always used as a lining layer on one side of a blanket, with a smooth or woven exterior on the other. Sherpa-lined blankets feel noticeably warmer and more luxurious than single-layer fleece. The pile can mat down with heavy washing or drying; low heat and gentle cycles preserve texture.
Woven Throws
Woven throws are made on a loom and have a fabric structure similar to a heavy woven blanket or tapestry. They can incorporate patterns directly into the weave or be decorated with embroidery. Cotton and cotton-acrylic blends are typical. They wash and dry well at moderate temperatures and tend to be heavier than comparable-size fleece blankets.
See also: team blankets, layering for cold games.