Let’s be real: not all picnic blankets are created equal.
You head out with the fam, snacks packed, drinks chilled, and you're feeling good, until you spread out your so-called blanket and realise it’s more like a bath mat. Small. Soaks through. And the sand? Everywhere.
We get asked about this all the time at the markets. People come by, see our setup, and ask: What size should I get? Will it hold up on wet grass? What’s the deal with that umbrella hole? Honestly, we love it—because helping people find the right mat makes all the difference for their outdoor plans.
So if you’ve been wondering what actually makes a picnic blanket great, we’ve pulled together the answers to the most common questions (and a few you might not have thought of yet).
Whether you’re planning a beach day, park catch-up, or road trip stopover, the right picnic blanket makes all the difference. Let’s dive in.
1. How big should a picnic blanket be for two people? What about families?
If it’s just two people, a blanket around 130x150 cm will get the job done. Snacks in the middle, plenty of elbow room. But honestly? Bigger is always better. Space to stretch, lie down, invite the dog… it's a game changer.
That’s why we recommend going for an extra large beach mat, especially if you have kids. Our 180x180 cm picnic blanket comfortably fits four adults, which means you're set for couples, families, or small groups.
2. What’s the best fabric for a picnic blanket?
Good question, and one we hear a lot. Fabric really matters.
You want something soft on top (because no one likes sitting on something scratchy) but tough underneath to handle grass, sand, and sneaky damp patches.
Look for materials like RPET (that’s what we use, it's made from recycled plastic bottles). It’s soft, spill-resistant, and eco-conscious. Underneath, a waterproof layer keeps moisture out and gives your mat some grip on the ground.
So yep, comfort and practicality can go hand in hand.
3. What’s the difference between a beach towel and a beach blanket?
We get this one all the time. A beach towel is for drying off. It’s smaller, heavier when wet, and usually ends up full of sand (unless you’ve got one of our sand-free towels, which shake the sand right off, seriously handy).
A beach blanket (or beach mat) is your basecamp. It’s bigger, flatter, and made to handle the outdoors. Ours are waterproof, sand-resistant, super easy to shake off, and fold up neatly when you're done. You can dry off with your towel, but you’ll be sitting and snacking on your blanket. Different jobs. Different vibes.
4. What type of blanket is best for picnics?
One that ticks all the boxes:
- Waterproof base to keep your bum dry even on dewy grass.
- Spill-proof top so the odd splash of juice or wine doesn’t ruin the mood.
- Machine washable—because life happens.
- Lightweight and folds up easy (ours are under 1kg and come with a strap).
- And this one's a game-changer: a sun umbrella hole in the middle. Having the umbrella in the middle gives you better shade coverage. Much more useful than placing it off to the side where half the blanket ends up in the sun.
Yes, it exists. And yes, we make it.
5. What kind of picnic blanket lasts the longest?
Durability isn’t just about the fabric, it's about smart design.
Look for reinforced edges, double stitching, and quality materials like RPET with a tough bottom layer. Blankets that aren’t well made can fall apart or lose their shape quickly.
Ours? Built to last many summers, road trips, beach days, and sticky ice cream spills.
6. What is the best picnic blanket for wet grass?
Easy: one with a waterproof underside.
Wet grass is a buzzkill. You want to be relaxing, not doing awkward hover-sits or shifting around trying to stay dry. That’s why our large picnic rugs are built with a strong, waterproof base that stops moisture from creeping up.
Even if the ground’s a bit soggy, you’re good to go.
7. How do you clean an outdoor picnic blanket?
It should be easy, right? And it is with the right blanket.
Our picnic mats are machine washable, so you just throw them in on a cold cycle with a bit of mild detergent. No special care needed. Hang it out to dry (don’t tumble dry), and it’s ready for your next adventure.
Life’s messy. Your clean-up shouldn't be.
8. Is a beach blanket worth it?
Honestly, 100% yes.
The difference it makes - space, comfort, cleanliness - is huge. A proper extra large beach mat gives you a solid base to chill, snack, play cards, or lie back with a book. And when it's lightweight, folds up easily, and doesn’t bring half the beach home with you? Worth every dollar.
Especially when it has smart features like a built-in umbrella hole (aka, shade without the drama).
9. What can I use instead of a beach blanket?
If you’re going solo or don’t feel like carrying a larger blanket, a sand-free towel is a great alternative. It’s compact, lightweight, and keeps the sand off your skin. We sell those too, and they even come with a matching wet bag.
But if you’re with family or want space to sprawl, nothing beats a large picnic rug. Ours fold up small, weigh under a kilo, and come with a handy carry strap.
So whether you want full blanket luxury or towel-style convenience, we’ve got you.
10. Why our picnic blankets are worth a look
We designed these with real life in mind. Think beach days with kids, park hangs with mates, surprise weather, and last-minute clean-ups.
Here’s why people love them:
- 180x180 cm size = comfy for the whole family
- Built-in umbrella hole for stress-free shade
- Waterproof base and spill-proof top
- Machine washable
- Folds up compact with a carry strap
- Weighs under 1kg (no shoulder strain!)
- Made from eco-friendly RPET fabric
Honestly, we’re pretty proud of them.
Check Out Our Collection
Ready to level up your picnic setup?
Scroll through our picnic blanket collection and find your perfect match. From parks to beaches and everything in between, we’ve got a picnic mat that’ll have you sitting pretty.
