The Lola faux fur blanket has taken social media by storm, appearing on Instagram, TikTok, and even at New York Fashion Week. With promises of "life-changing softness" and a price tag of $275 for a throw-sized blanket, many consumers are left wondering if it's truly worth the investment. In short, our analysis suggests that while Lola blankets have their merits, there are more affordable alternatives that deliver comparable quality.
What Are Lola Blankets?
Lola blankets boast a heartwarming origin story, named after Amy "Lola" Higham, a mother who left faux fur blankets for her children as a comfort after her passing from breast cancer. The company continues to support breast cancer charities, adding an ethical dimension to their brand. Each blanket is double-sided, made with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified faux fur, designed to resist stains and shedding, and hand-dyed for uniqueness.
In testing, the Lola blanket feels incredibly luxurious due to its dense construction, weighing around 850 grams per square metre (GSM). This density provides excellent warmth and a snug, draft-resistant experience. However, the high cost raises questions about value for money.
Affordable Alternatives to Lola Blankets
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified faux fur is not exclusive to Lola. Research into supply chains reveals that many Lola blankets are sourced from large factories in China, such as Nanjing Olive Textiles Co. This opens the door to more budget-friendly options with similar materials.
For instance, the Bedsure Gentlesoft Bubble Faux Fur Blanket is a standout dupe, available from around $65.99. It features almost the same material, with a GSM of approximately 750, making it slightly less dense than the Lola. However, beyond 500 GSM, the returns on density diminish, meaning the Bedsure blanket offers similar softness and warmth at less than half the price. Additionally, it measures about 10 inches longer, providing extra coverage.
Both blankets are made from polyester, sharing properties like resistance to shedding and staining. A key difference is that the Bedsure blanket is not double-sided, but this rarely impacts usability as most people don't interact with both sides frequently.
Other Budget 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 a GSM over 500 and a good return policy to ensure a safe purchase.
What Makes Lola Blankets Special?
Lola blankets can be compared to high-end fashion brands, where a premium is paid for the name and branding. The company engages in exclusive collaborations, such as with Aviator Nation, and offers a wide array of colours, touting a hand-dyeing process. Their marketing often features stylish imagery, though details on the dyeing process are sparse.
Ethically, Lola deserves praise for its charity work. Through initiatives like Blankets for the Brave, they donate blankets to women with breast cancer monthly and contribute 10% of proceeds from their Rosewater blanket to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This adds a layer of social responsibility that may appeal to conscious consumers.
Final Verdict
For the average person seeking an ultra-soft, fluffy blanket, there are more cost-effective choices than Lola. If you appreciate Lola's story but opt for a cheaper alternative, you can still support their charitable causes directly, potentially leaving more funds for additional donations. Ultimately, while Lola blankets offer luxury and ethical benefits, savvy shoppers can find dupes that provide similar comfort and quality without the hefty price tag.
