I used an Oodie to cut my heating bills - and it's 40% off in rare sale

As autumn takes hold, households across the nation are pondering the same question - is it time to switch on the heating? Despite the recent chill, Mirror reporter Narin Flanders managed to resist hitting the button in her home, largely due to one of her top winter purchases, an Oodie.

I acquired my Oodie 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 carried 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 a minor discount for subscribing to the brand's newsletter.

Initially, I was concerned that something I would only wear at home couldn't justify such an expense but, over two years later, it has more than paid for itself in terms of the money saved by not turning on the heating while working remotely. Moreover, this week Oodie has announced a massive 40% off pre-Black Friday sale, which would have me seriously contemplating purchasing a replacement if mine didn't still look fantastic despite being regularly washed and worn over the years.

The price reduction brings the original style Oodies down to £39 each, marking the lowest ever price for these items. However, it's worth noting that during last year's Black Friday season, individual items could have been purchased cheaper through bundle deals, although the overall cost would have been higher.

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, 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 household essentials or keeping your hands warm 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 dogs. Despite its large size catering to all shapes and sizes, it remains comfortable due to clever features like elasticated cuffs, preventing it from constantly slipping off your shoulders.

When I decided to buy mine, it wasn't an impulsive purchase; I spent considerable time researching similar products before making the decision. What swayed me towards the premium product - The Oodie, which is indeed one of the pricier blanket options - was the numerous reviews praising its plush and fluffy fleece.

Its longer measurements compared to similar products like the Kuddly also appealed to me, ensuring it would reach my calves rather than just my thighs or knees.

Upon arrival, presented in a cute storage bag tied with a bow, I was pleasantly surprised by its luxurious plushness, even more so than the pictures suggested. Wearing The Oodie, I quickly noticed how much warmer I felt.

Even when sitting at my laptop for hours, where I'd usually feel cold and need to make a brew, I found myself standing up to stretch my legs instead of because I couldn't feel them anymore.

Naturally, the fact that when I rise to make a hot beverage these days, I can don my hood and perfect my best Princess Leia 'help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope' impression is a secret strictly between me and my kettle. Let's feign that the novelty has faded over time (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 daytime heating. However, it's also ideal for cosy TV evenings.

I even opted for a subtly stylish navy design so that I could potentially wear it during work team video calls. Whether my colleagues were simply courteous or oblivious, it served its purpose - although when we purchased the children their own versions, we chose more vibrant prints - and my son's favourite remains his year-round Christmas-themed Mickey Mouse one.

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.

This demand has only escalated as families seek ways to cut their heating bills while staying warm. While the original Oodie's price can vary 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 particular print you adore, like the new Stranger Things range, which is still full price, another way to reduce costs is by subscribing to 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 a while 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.