August 2023

SHORT ANSWER
Fleece blankets are much wider and longer than fleece throws.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLEECE BLANKETS?
Fleece blankets are designed to be used on a bed.  A blanket is wider and longer than the respective mattress size.         

Example:
A standard size queen blanket measures	90  x 100  inches
A standard size queen mattress measures	60  x   80  inches
The queen size blanket is much wider and longer	30  x   20  inches

The width of the blanket is 30 inches wider than the width of the mattress (90 – 60).  This difference is to allow for complete body coverage when a person is in bed.
The length of the blanket is 20 inches longer than the length of the mattress (100 – 80).  This difference is to allow the blanket to be tucked in at the bottom/foot of the bed.
 
HOW ARE FLEECE BLANKETS SIZED?  AND WHAT TERMS ARE USED FOR SIZING FLEECE BLANKETS?
Fleece blankets are typically sized like flat bed sheets since the flat bed sheet is also oversized and needs to allow for complete body coverage and tucking in - just like the blanket.  Both flat bed sheets and blankets are sized and available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King. These generic word-sizing terms are fairly consistent from vendor to vendor and can be relied upon as a determination for fleece blanket sizing criteria.  Each of these blanket sizes are larger than their respective mattress size; as reflected in the example above.  Combo sizes, such as Full/Queen are sometimes available. Combo sized blankets are not made to either measurement, but can be used on either size bed, but not with exactly the same performance as individually sized blankets.  

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A FLEECE BLANKET?
Specifically, designed to be used on a bed for complete coverage of the body for warmth.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS TO USING A FLEECE BLANKET AS A FLEECE THROW?

• Oversized  - as previously indicated in the example  -  being oversized may present a messy appearance when used on the back of the couch.
• Neutral color pallet and plain design - does not add a decorative element to the room. 
• When washing is needed - the fleece blanket is a lot of unnecessary bulky fabric to wash and dry.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLEECE THROWS?
Fleece throws, in contrast, are typically only 50 x 60 inches.  This size is promoted, in my opinion, by the Big Box Stores and has become the “standard” size for fleece throws. 
I believe this "standard" size has roots from crocheted and knitted items from past decades. Now, even home sewists have adopted 50 x 60 inches as a standard size for making hand tied fleece throws.  This customary size is useful, but at 60 inches in length, it can be a little short for complete coverage for anyone taller than 5'6".  I find 60 inches is just too short for an adult to comfortably use from chin to toe.  When using a fleece throw, I like to place the fleece throw up at my chin and I want it to cover my toes.

Additionally, fleece throws are typically used without a bed sheet and therefore the feel of the fabric against the skin is an important consideration.

HOW ARE FLEECE THROWS SIZED? AND WHAT TERMS ARE USED FOR SIZING FLEECE THROWS?
In my opinion, fleece throw sizing was originally determined from the smaller stature of previous generations, access to materials, and the size of the crocheted blocks being put together to create a throw.  This size transitioned into the generic 50 x 60 inch throw.  Aside from this generic size; throws do not seem to have standard word-sizing.  Each brand/maker seems to have unique measurements.  Generic word-sizing like small, medium, and large seems to vary greatly by vendor.  My best advice for sizing considerations for throws would be to know the purpose of the throw, how you like to use your throw, and the height of the user.  Then look for numerical measurements rather than word-sizing to determine your best size option. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A FLEECE THROW?

A Fleece Throw is: 

• functional as a cover up to take the chill off when watching TV, reading, or relaxing.  Note: Some generic sizes may only provide partial coverage.
• typically used without a bed sheet.
• a perfect fit on the back of the couch or the arm of a chair for easy access.
• a decorative element to add a touch or color, design, or texture to any room. 
• perfect for a quick afternoon snooze on the couch!
• designed for daily use and should be easy to wash and dry.
• ideal in colder climates so you can turn the thermostat down a little and snuggle.
• even great in warmer climates (I’m from Florida now living in Kansas) for the one or two days in the year when you would turn the heat on, but it doesn’t make sense to turn on the costly electric heat when you know it will be 80 degrees tomorrow. 

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS TO USING A FLEECE THROW AS A FLEECE BLANKET?
Generally, a fleece throw is not large enough to provide complete coverage on a bed when used without a blanket.  But, adding a fleece throw can be effective when used as an extra layer on a cold night.    

WHAT ARE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FLEECE BLANKETS AND FLEECE THROWS?
Both fleece blankets and fleece throws are used as a cover to keep you warm and both will do this satisfactory depending on the purpose.  

WHY ARE THE TERMS FLEECE BLANKET AND FLEECE THROW SO CONVOLUTED?
In my opinion, since every website is optimizing for keyword search criteria in order to be found in Google; sellers are using as many keywords as possible.  Sellers have used both terms interchangeably even though they refer to two different sizes and uses for fleece.  Sellers use multiple keywords to potentially rank the seller higher for search engine optimization. Not only am I seeing a lot of throw and blanket terms used interchangeably, now there is a considerable amount of product information using the term “throw blanket” in product descriptions.

Additionally, some vendors are now even naming their product "throw blanket".  This is convoluting the terms even more.  Is it a throw or is it a blanket?  It is now necessary to be very diligent to understand your purpose, the size needed for that purpose, and to thoroughly read the numerical measurements before making a purchase.

For further discussion on fabric content when purchasing a throw, see additional considerations regarding fabric types in my blog "Is it Fleece? The Fabric Conundrum".  Or also read "What is a Fleece Centric Bed Topper Throw?"

Shop Throws - the perfect size, with 2 layers of super soft and snuggly fleece and eye-catching patterns that express your fleece identity.