It won't be long before we're cranking up the heating, and if you haven't yet turned it on post-summer, well done you! With the forecast unseasonably warm, thoughts of warm clothing but might not be at the top of your thoughts but as often happens, the chill sets in when you least expect it - so it's best to be prepped with your warm, cosy winter essentials and for me, that includes an Oodie. Nothing's cosier on a cold day when I'm working from home, and my snuggle hooded blanket saves on heating bills too. The original, the Oodie, is a constant bestseller and has been lauded for its cosiness, with reviewers waxing lyrical about how they can skip putting on the central heating when wearing one. Their designs are fun, silly and brighten up a dreary day. An Oodie itself can cost around £59 for an adult Oodie, and the same for a kids’ Oodie - and if that's a bit pricey for you, then the high street and its array of Oodie alternatives is your friend.
We like to rely on them after swimming lessons, when my daughter is feeling super chilly. Throw one on and they're instantly warmed up!
- The super cosy one: kudd:ly Hoodie Blanket, £29
- The personalised hooded blanket: Etsy Personalised Hooded Blanket, from £24.99
- The hooded blanket under £15: Silentnight Snugsie Hooded Blanket, £20 at Next
- The extra long hooded blanket: Wowcher Hooded Blanket, from £8.99
- The fun hooded blanket: Online Home Shop Champagne Hooded Blanket, £14.99
I own an Oodie, and even bought a matching one for my six-year-old (the avocado print, if you were wondering). They're incredibly warm - and I mean incredibly - extremely oversized (no bad thing!) and comfortable. The soft material is literally dressing gown worthy but less embarrassing to answer the door in, and I love that it has a hood for extra cosiness. It is true what they say, you don't need the heating on wearing one, you really don't.
There are children’s versions too, which parents praise as an after-school saviour for kids to stay warm in while relaxing before bedtime or to throw on for a chilly school run. There’s even versions for dogs too. It’s worth reading the reviews of the high street hooded blankets; Dunelm’s version was rated as “less stiff and boxy than the original” and M&S’ lookalike has had over 190 reviews with “incredibly warm” and “cosy” as some of the most common descriptions.
© Carla ChallisHow I chose the best Oodie alternatives
- Trusted and personal reviews: This is where reviews really shine! I've searched through online reviews to find the Oodie alternatives that actually deliver in terms of warmth and comfort. And if I've tried one, you'll find my own personal review in there too.
- Price: All of the hooded blankets listed cost the same as, or less, than the original version.
- Design: Hooded blankets come in all sorts of styles, from block colours to bold patterns. I've found as many different versions as possible, but it's always worth checking if the style you like comes in an alternative print to the one I've listed.
- Warmth: As much as I'd love to, I haven't tried all of the products listed but where possible, I've called out the ones that seem to win for warmth in reviews and again, if I've tried it, I've made it clear just how warm it is (or isn't).
Shop the best Oodie alternatives
1/12
OHS Bow Print Hooded Blanket
© OHS- Sizes: One size (chest measures 33.9inches)
- Colours: Red and pink, or white with black.
Bow print is everywhere and it should be on your hooded blanket too! This sweet and cosy version has an ultra-soft lining for a snug feel against the skin, and an extra large pocket at the front.
2/12
The White Company Snuggle Blanket Hoodie
© The White Company- Sizes: One size
- Colours: Pink, grey or white
The White Company's snuggly version is so chic, made with recycled fibres to create the snuggliest feel.
3/12
Wowcher Matching Family Snuggle Hooded Blankets
- Sizes: Young child 1-5 yrs, Older child 5-15 yrs, Adult 90cm, Longer adult 140cm.
- Colours: 9 designs to choose from
Wowcher's got a matching hooded blanket for the whole family in nine fun designs, ranging from avocado print to teddy bear. Warmth wise, this is huge - long enough to curl up and cover your legs with.
4/12
Sleep Snob Oversized Blanket Hoodie
© Debenhams- Sizes: One size
- Colours: Four prints to choose from, including polka dot and heart print.
This thermal oversized hooded blanket is designed for ultimate comfort at home during cooler period, with a snuggly hood, oversized fit, kangaroo pocket, and ankle length - making is one you can really wrap up in.
5/12
Kudd:ly Hooded Blanket
© kudd:ly- Sizes: One size (equivalent to 6XL)
- Colours: 11 to choose from
With its soft, plush, cosy interior, this is one warm hoodie! The plain colours are ideal if you're not a fan of the zany prints and it comes in one size for a really oversized fit - it is the equivalent of 6XL.
6/12
Etsy Personalised Hooded Blanket
- Sizes: One size
- Colours: 7 available, including brights and neutrals
Who doesn't love something personalised? This would make a fab present for a loved one, or of course yourself. There's a few colours to choose from too, including neutrals like black and grey and a bright pink or blue.
7/12
Skinnydip Hoodie Blanket
© Skinnydip- Sizes: One size
- Colours: One print
For a touch of glam, this Skinnydip hoodie blanket has gold thread running through the celestial design that it's one you'll want to be seen in.
8/12
John Lewis Hi-Pile Oversized Lounge Hoodie
© John Lewis- Sizes: One size
- Colours: Grey or oatmeal
Made from thermal fleece to give a softer and luxurious feel, this oversized hi-pile hooded blanket has long sleeves, a handy front pocket and a hood to snuggle up in.
9/12
Etsy Labubu Hoodie Blanket
© Etsy- Sizes: One size, to fit 7-12 year old
- Colours: Labubu print
Labubu is a hot ticket and any Labubu lovers will adore this printed hooded blanket, adorned with their favourite little monsters.
10/12
Harry Potter Kids Hedwig Oversized Hoodie
© Dunelm- Sizes: 5 - 14 years
- Colours: Harry Potter Hedwig print
Got a mini Harry Potter fan? They'll surely adore this HP-printed cosy hoodie, with flannel fleece on the outside and a cuddly, Sherpa fleece lining.
11/12
Hello Kitty Fleece Hooded Blanket
© Very- Sizes: XS - Large
- Colours: Hello Kitty-design
Hello Kitty is having a moment, and this themed hooded blanket is great for kitty fans. The fleece fabric is sure to be a hit, along with the kangaroo pocket.
12/12
John Lewis Minecraft Hoodie Blanket
© John Lewis- Sizes: One size, to fit 7-12 year old
- Colours: Minecraft print
Featuring a repeating pattern of Minecraft blocks of earth and stone, creating a chequerboard pattern, with the evil green Creeper in amongst the Minecraft blocks. Oversized for extra comfort, this is Sherpa-lined and cosy to boot.
