Oodies have become a popular choice for keeping toasty and cosy at home, but they can be quite pricey, luckily there are plenty of Oodie alternatives out there that will keep you warm for less.
With soaring energy prices and the increased cost of living, many of us are understandably giving the thermostat a wide birth right now and avoiding turning on our heating. Of course, nobody wants to freeze during the colder months so instead, we're all looking for alternative ways to help us spend less on our energy bills but still keep toasty, from investing in electric blankets to draught-proofing our homes. Another, more unique method that has grown in popularity in the last couple of years is a hooded blanket. The most popular of which is the Oodie, but there are many alternative options available too.
Best Oodie alternatives at a glance:
• Best overall: Teddy Oversized Blanket Hoodie – view on Dunelm
• Best avocado-print Oodie alternative: Green Heart Avocado Print Oversized Fleece Hoodie – view on New Look
• Best size inclusive Oodie alternative: Pretty Secrets Oversized Warm Fleece Lined Blanket Hoodie – view on Simply Be
An Oodie is essentially a jumper crossed with a cosy blanket. It was created by two Australian brothers back in 2018 and enjoyed popularity throughout the UK lockdowns, but it continues to be much-loved today. Unfortunately, the Oodie is not cheap, with prices starting from £77 for kids and from £89 for adults. The good news however is that there are now plenty of Oodie alternatives that do the job just as well while costing you a fraction of the price.
While you may want to get one each for you and your other half, you could always just share as hooded blankets tend to come in just one size, meaning everyone can wear it! They're incredibly roomy and slip on over your head, just like a jumper would. Take a look at our top picks for Oodie alternatives below.
Best Oodie alternatives
Best overall
www.dunelm.com
Description
Dunelm's iconic teddy bear blanket has been turned into a hoodie to keep you nice and toasty
Pros
- Super soft fleece
- Warm
Cons
- One size fits most but not all
Best avocado-print Oodie alternative
www.newlook.com
Description
If you like the Oodie with the avocado print but can't justify the price tag, this Green Heart
Pros
- Great dupe
- Soft
Cons
- Some people may prefer a more fitted sleeve
Best size inclusive Oodie alternative
www.simplybe.co.uk
Description
Fluffy borg fleece lining, a large front pocket and an oversized fit ensure this Pretty Secrets
Pros
- Available in two sizes to make it size inclusive
- Machine washable
Cons
- Light colour could get dirty more quickly
Best plus size Oodie alternative
www.yoursclothing.co.uk
Description
Available in UK sizes 14-24 and 26-40, the Yours Curve Black & Pink Floral Snuggle Hoodie is a
Pros
- Long sleeves
- Floral design
Cons
- It's designed to be a mini length, but some may prefer longer
Best hi-pile Oodie alternative
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Offering an oversized fit with a snug hooded neckline, this Hi-Pile Oversized Lounge Hoodie from
Pros
- Thermal fleece for additional warmth
- Handy front pocket
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported the elastic on the sleeves were quite tight for them
Best teddy bear fleece Oodie alternative
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
Stay super cosy during downtime at home with the ultra-warn hooded M&S Snuggle Teddy Fleece Hooded
Pros
- Fabric is proven to show enhanced performance in helping you keep warm
- Available in a choice of colours and kids' sizes too
Cons
- Might be too hot for some
Best breathable hoodie blanket
www.kudd.ly
Description
A one-size-fits-all hoodie blanket with a breathable, MicroCool teddy fleece exterior and a plush
Pros
- Extra large front pockets
- Choice of colours
Cons
- Shouldn't be ironed
Best Oodie alternative with large pockets
www.debenhams.com
Description
Perfect for wrapping yourself up in on those cold and dreary days, the Light & Shade oversized
Pros
- Can be machine washed
- Oversized pocket at the front to keep hands warm
Cons
- Some people may prefer a more colourful design
Best star print Oodie alternative
www.debenhams.com
Description
Available in this pretty charcoal colourway as well as light pink, this star print hooded blanket
Pros
- Available in two colours
- Can be washed at 30 degrees
Cons
- Some thought the stitching could be better
Best Oodie alternative for dog owners
www.newlook.com
Description
If you're just mad about dogs, you'll love the Blue Beagle Print Fleece Oversized Blanket Hoodie
Pros
- Cute print
- Super soft
Cons
- Could be longer in length
FAQs
How do you wash an Oodie without ruining it?
Wondering how to keep your Oodie alternative super soft and cuddly? We’ve got some care tips from Oodie on how best to wash them.
• Hand/machine wash using cold to warm water (40°c maximum is suggested).
• If machine washing, ensure a gentle cycle is selected.
• Use only very mild detergents (approved for wool/silk).
• Do not tumble dry.
• Avoid mixing with other colours.
• Do not iron.
While these tips should be applicable to most Oodie alternatives, be sure to check the label on your specific one before washing it. This is to make sure you’re caring for it in the best way.
Why are Oodies and their alternatives so popular?
There's not just one reason why Oodies and their alternatives are so popular. When the UK was experiencing lockdowns, everyone was searching for comfy, cosy clothing that they could wear while staying at home. Oodies and Oodie alternatives were a great solution to this as they're made with soft materials, so they were ideal for the time when all we could do was lounge around the house.
Fast forward to now, and with the cost of living crisis affecting households across the UK, many are looking for other ways to stay warm, without putting the heating on, to cut costs on energy bills. Oodies and Oodie alternatives offer extra warmth with their fleecy lining, oversized fit and huge pockets. They can just be chucked on to keep you warm, rather than turning the thermostat up, contributing to saving on your energy bills.
Others like them because they're not as restricting as a blanket so you can get on with household chores while wearing one. They're also easy to carry about so they can easily be worn outside too, such as on those summer nights when the temperature suddenly drops.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.