I used my Oodie to cut my heating bills and now it's £33 down from £65 in Black Friday sale

As autumn takes hold, households across the country are grappling with the same question - is it time to switch on the heating? Despite the recent chill, we've managed to resist hitting the button in our home, largely thanks to one of my top winter purchases, an Oodie. I got my Oodie back in 2022 when they were all the rage.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a surge in interest in loungewear which, coupled with the cost of living crisis and escalating energy bills (some things never change), these oversized fleecy hooded blankets came with a hefty price tag. When I ordered my first - yes, I'm such an Oodie enthusiast that I now own several - I paid £89 less thanks to a small discount for subscribing to the brand's newsletter.

At the time, I was slightly concerned that something I would only wear at home couldn't justify such an expense but, over two years later, it's more than paid for itself in terms of the money saved by not turning on the heating while working from home. Moreover, this week Oodie has announced a massive 50% off pre-Black Friday sale, which would have me seriously contemplating buying a replacement if mine wasn't still in great condition despite being regularly washed and worn over the years.

The price reduction brings the original style Oodies down to £32.50 each, marking the lowest ever price for these items. However, it's worth noting that during last year's Black Friday season, savvy shoppers could have found individual items cheaper through bundle deals, although the overall cost would have been higher, reports the Mirror.

This makes them competitively priced with similar products from big-name brands like M&S, whose Snuggies are only £4 cheaper in the sale. For those unfamiliar with the loungewear icon beloved across social media and popular with all ages, the must-have product is essentially a thick, fleecy blanket with arms, a hood (hence the name), and a large front pocket.

This pocket is ideal for carrying everything you need around the house or for keeping your hands cosy when the temperature drops. Over the years, the brand has expanded into Outdoor Oodies, shoes, and even Originals.

However, their bestseller remains the Original, which is regularly updated with different colours and prints - this year alone we've seen everything from Deadpool and Wolverine to Harry Potter and Pokemon themes.

The Oodie is intentionally oversized, providing a cosy fit and comes in an adult/teen version as well as smaller versions for children and even dogs. Despite its large size, it remains comfortable due to clever features like elasticated cuffs that prevent it from slipping off your shoulders.

Before purchasing my Oodie, I spent considerable time researching similar products. Ultimately, I chose the premium product - The Oodie - due to its plush and fluffy fleece, as mentioned in many reviews.

Its longer measurements compared to similar products like the Kudd.ly also appealed to me, ensuring it would reach calf length rather than just thigh or knee length.

Upon arrival, presented in a cute storage bag tied with a bow, I was pleasantly surprised by its luxurious plushness. Wearing The Oodie, I quickly noticed how warm it kept me, even when sitting at my laptop for extended periods, eliminating the need to get up and make a brew to warm up.

Naturally, the fact that when I rise to make a hot beverage these days, I can don my hood and rehearse my best Princess Leia speaking to R2D2 'help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope' impression is a secret strictly between me and my kettle. Let's feign that over the years the novelty has worn off (it hasn't).

As someone who frequently works from home while the rest of the household is out, Oodie has significantly reduced the amount of time the heating is on during the day, although it's also ideal for cosy TV watching in the evening. I even opted for a deliberately subtle navy style so that, if necessary, I could pass it off during work team video calls.

Whether my colleagues were exceptionally polite or simply didn't notice, it worked - though when we purchased the children their own versions, we chose more vibrant, fun prints - and my son's favourite remains his Christmas-themed Mickey Mouse one, which he wears all year round. Oodies, which first gained popularity in the UK in 2020 as we all adapted to lockdown life, have an RRP of around £80.

Orders for the Australian company's products surged by over 200% from the UK. However, this demand has only increased as families seek ways to lower their heating bills while staying warm.

While the original Oodie can be pricey depending on the print, don't let that deter you. The early Black Friday deals are some of the best we've seen so far, although they're only available on certain colours and designs.

If there's a print you adore that's still full price, like the new Stranger Things range, another way to reduce costs is by signing up for the site's newsletter and social media. I did this as part of my research before making my purchase and was pleasantly surprised by the number of discounts and deals offered.

By the time I clicked to buy, I was satisfied with the price I paid. Moreover, entering its third winter, I am delighted at how soft and thick my original Oodie remains - even with my slightly dubious reputation for causing items to lose their fluffiness in the washing machine.

The only issue with washing it is that due to its thickness, drying it in winter can take some time unless you have a dehumidifier or a spare one to wear while it dries. When writing reviews, we're always asked if we would spend our own money and buy the product ourselves.

Not only did I do that initially, but I'd happily do so again, especially with Black Friday and the Christmas sale season offering plenty of opportunities for savings. You can check out the Oodie sale here.