The Lola faux fur blanket has taken social media by storm, gracing Instagram feeds, TikTok videos, and even New York Fashion Week. With a compelling backstory and a hefty price tag of $275 for a throw-sized piece, it promises "life-changing softness." But is this luxury item truly worth the investment? As a textile expert, I delved into the material science, manufacturing origins, and tested a much cheaper alternative to provide a comprehensive answer.
What Are Lola Blankets and Their Origin Story?
Lola blankets have a heartwarming origin centered on Amy "Lola" Higham, a mother who left faux fur blankets to her children as a source of comfort after her passing from breast cancer. Today, the company continues this legacy by supporting multiple breast cancer charities, adding an emotional layer to their products. Each blanket is double-sided, featuring Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified faux fur designed to resist stains and shedding. The company claims uniqueness through a hand-dyeing process, stating no two blankets are exactly alike.
In testing, the Lola blanket does feel incredibly luxurious due to its dense construction, which provides excellent warmth and snuggliness. The double layer of certified faux fur adds to its premium feel, making it seem like a shield against drafts. However, this quality comes at a steep cost, raising questions about value for money.
Affordable Alternatives to Lola Blankets
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified faux fur is not exclusive to Lola. Research into import records reveals that many of Lola's suppliers are large factories in China, such as Nanjing Olive Textiles Co. This opens the door to more affordable options with similar materials and features.
The Bedsure Gentlesoft Bubble Faux Fur Blanket
For a head-to-head comparison, I tested the Bedsure Gentlesoft Bubble Faux Fur Blanket, available from around $65.99. It is made from almost the exact same material as the Lola blanket, with a density of about 750 grams per square metre (GSM) compared to Lola's 850 GSM. While slightly less dense, the difference is minimal, as diminishing returns set in above 500 GSM. In practice, the Bedsure blanket is just as soft and warm, costing less than half the price and offering about 10 inches more in length.
Both blankets are polyester-based, sharing properties like resistance to shedding and staining. One key difference is that the Bedsure is not double-sided, but this had little impact on comfort, as most users rarely interact with both sides of a blanket simultaneously.
Other Budget-Friendly Options
For those seeking alternatives, searching for "faux fur bubble blanket" yields numerous options. Brands like Cozy Earth, CB2, and Quince offer variants at lower prices, with Quince even using 100% recycled polyester. When shopping, look for blankets with a GSM over 500 and a good return policy to ensure quality and satisfaction.
What Makes Lola Blankets Special?
Lola blankets can be likened to high-end fashion brands, where consumers pay a premium for the name and story. The company boasts exclusive collaborations, such as with Aviator Nation, and a wide array of colours, though details on the hand-dyeing process are sparse on their website, which primarily features attractive models posing with the blankets.
Credit is due for their charitable efforts: through Blankets for the Brave, they donate blankets to women with breast cancer monthly, and 10% of proceeds from their Rosewater blanket go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This philanthropic angle adds value beyond the product itself.
Final Verdict: Are Lola Blankets Worth It?
In short, for the average consumer seeking an ultra-soft, fluffy blanket, Lola blankets are not worth the high price tag. While they offer some advantages, such as double-sided construction and a compelling origin story, many features are overblown. Affordable dupes like the Bedsure blanket provide comparable softness and warmth at a fraction of the cost.
If you appreciate Lola's charitable mission but opt for a cheaper alternative, you can still support their causes directly through donations, potentially leaving more money in your pocket for giving. Ultimately, when it comes to value and performance, there are better options available that deliver similar comfort without the luxury markup.
