When choosing a faux fur blanket, you want something soft and washable that looks and feels like just maybe it was sourced from, at the very least, a cuddly stuffed animal. We put the Pinzon Faux Fur Throw Blanket to the test by snuggling up with it on the couch, tossing it into the car for some extra comfort, and letting our kids cozy up with it, too. Read on to find out what we thought of its look, feel, and durability, and whether or not this budget buy will keep you warm.
Design: Better for snuggling than displaying
This faux fur blanket doesn’t look bad draped across a chair, but it doesn’t look like elegant, high-quality fur, either, which is why we were hesitant to display it prominently. It comes in Alpine Brown, Frost Grey, and Ivory and each is individually dyed, meaning there will be variations in every blanket. We got the smaller version of the two size options, 50 x 60 inches instead of the larger 63 x 87 inches, and found it worked well as a throw that you curl up with while watching a movie. Even if we had gotten the larger one, we wouldn’t have put it on a bed given how cheap it looks.
Materials and Texture: Soft on one side, flimsy on the other
Made with 100 percent polyester, the Pinzon Faux Fur Throw Blanket actually feels more plastic-like than other faux fur blankets that use the same stuff. It’s not bad, per se, just not as luxurious as one might want. The blanket is rather thin, too, and fairly lightweight even though the official description claims the blanket is half an inch thick on its furry side. In terms of warmth, think of this item more like a summer faux fur, something you could drape on to keep a breeze off but not necessarily a blanket that will keep you toasty while a blizzard rages outside. Even if it isn’t hefty, though, it is soft. Plus, since it doesn’t shed, you don’t have to worry about this blanket making a mess. The top layer, or “fur” side of the throw, has a bunny-like softness that runs smoothly over skin. In contrast, the other plain side proves stiffer, almost felt-like, and has a cheaper quality all around. It’s still malleable, but more like the stuffed animal you win from the state fair rather than the high-quality, plush one that becomes a favorite companion.
Durability: Not a forever blanket
The Pinzon Faux Fur Throw Blanket might only get you through one season. It’s not the highest quality, and the thick line of open stitching near the edges proves it. Unfortunately, those large exposed threads snag, and once one goes, it’s only a matter of time before the whole row disappears. With children who wanted to use the blanket to make nests for their dolls and my husband and I testing it on weekend trips to the mountains where the faux fur made for a nice fireside shawl, we found the snagging issue tough to avoid.
Washing: Cleans up well
One of the things the Pinzon Faux Fur Throw Blanket has going for it is how easily you can wash it. The 50 x 60-inch size easily fits in the washing machine and you can even add other items to the mix. Set for a normal wash, use cold water, and marvel at how clean the throw comes out. It will dry quickly hung up outside or on a line inside, which is the preferred method since it guarantees the fine polyester fibers won’t melt together into a rough and unpleasant clump from the heat of a dryer. It’s also simple to spot clean with a damp cloth and water or a mild soap. And, since the fibers don’t pick up a lot of debris, you can count on shaking off any leaves or grass that might get stuck to it during that cozy fall picnic.
Price: Fair cost for quality
For less than $40 (for the 63 x 87 inch), it’s difficult to find a better faux fur blanket than the Pinzon, though you can get nicer items if you’re willing to spend more money. The smaller size can be found for even less. If you’re looking for a cheap throw to put in a vacation rental, to be a toddler’s cuddle blanket in the car, or for a situation where no one will look too closely or use the item too roughly, this faux fur option has a lot of potential.
Competition: A wide range of quality
To read more reviews, check out our roundup of the best faux fur blankets. You aren’t getting the height of luxury with the Pinzon Faux Fur Throw Blanket, but you will get a throw that can hide that gnarly spot on the sofa or cozy up your bedroom during the cooler months. It isn’t too pricey, so you won’t feel bad dragging it anywhere and everywhere you go.
