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Finding the Best Duvet – Our Buyer's Guide

a profile image of TSA author Alex

Written By Alex Petrović

Certified Sleep Consultant

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How We Test

Our testing process

Mom and daughter in duvet

10 May 2024 14 min read

Today we're on the search for the best duvet on the market! Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect duvet and stay cosy all night long.

Blankets and throws are awesome – but we simply can't resist the magic appeal of duvets. They can keep us warm and cosy in the winter, and soft and free in the summer – provided that you know how to choose the right one.

And besides just keeping us feeling nice, proper temperature regulation is essential for good sleep quality! So, picking out the right duvet will have some real-world effects.

Specially made to appeal to the taste of duvet lovers, we collected some of the best of the best to share with you. And we'll also explain what makes a duvet great – from the different fillings to the covers and the TOG scale, we'll cover it all here!

So, if you've struggled with your old duvet and are thinking of getting a new one, you're at the right place. Here are our picks for the best duvets !

Our top 10 favourite duvets

Blankets and throws are awesome – but we simply can't resist the magic appeal of duvets. They can keep us warm and cosy in the winter nights, and soft and free in the summer – provided that you know how to choose the right one. We are here to present to you our picks for the best duvet ! Specially made to appeal to the taste of duvet lovers, we collected some of the best of the best to share with you. If you've struggled with your old duvet and think of buying a new duvet, or think of trying out one, you're at the right place.
    Duvets 1
    a product image of panda cloud duvet
    Panda Cloud Duvet
    Best Overall
    Duvets 2
    a product image of simba hybrid duvet
    Simba Hybrid Duvet
    Best Temperature Regulation
    Duvets 3
    a product image of Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
    Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
    Best Upgrade Pick:
    Duvets 4
    An image of a TSA reviewer folding the Dorma Full Forever Duvet
    Dorma Full Forever 13.5 Tog Duvet
    Best Synthetic
    Duvets 5
    Product image of The Nectar Duvet
    Nectar Duvet
    Best All-Season
    Duvets 6
    A product image of Night Owl Herringbone coverless duvet.
    Night Lark Duvet
    Best Coverless
    Duvets 7
    Product image of Chatsworth Collection Washable Wool Duvet.
    Chatsworth Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet
    Best Winter
    Duvets 8
    Product image of the Emma 4-Seasons Duvet
    Emma 4-Seasons Duvet
    Best Summer
    Duvets 9
    Product image of the White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
    The White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
    Best Design
    Duvets 10
    a product image of Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet
    Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet
    Best Affordable

Best Overall: Panda Cloud Duvet

For our number one pick we had to go with Panda's all-season duvet, as it utilises bamboo to the fullest to keep you nice and cosy.
Best Overall
a product image of panda cloud duvet

The Panda Cloud Duvet is an all-seasons duvet that focuses on keeping you cool and comfortable year-round! After all, not only does it have a 10.5 TOG rating but it also utilises a 100% bamboo cover for added breathability.

And the filling is equally as admirable, with a 50/50 split between bamboo and microfibre. This means that the duvet is rather bouncy and light while still offering decent warmth. That being said, it likely won't quite cut it during winter months.

The duvet is also hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking. This basically just means that if you tend to overheat or have allergies, you won't have to worry about being abruptly woken up in the middle of the night.

Combine all of these features with a sleep trial, a 5-year warranty, and free delivery, and you get a duvet that's hard to pass up on!

To learn more, read our full review of the Panda Cloud Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: Bamboo rayon
  • Filling: Bamboo and Nano-microfibre
  • TOG: 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting microbe, illustrating anti-bacterial product
Hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial
An excellent choice for allergy-sufferers.
An icon depicting a bamboo
100% bamboo cover
The bamboo cover is very breathable and nice to the touch.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Breathable and lightweight
The duvet is very light and bouncy.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting negative warming properties
Not warm enough for winter
You will need a separate winter duvet.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Not the most budget-friendly
There are cheaper options available.

Best Temperature Regulation: Simba Hybrid Duvet

Using technology that's out of this world, or was at least supposed to be, very few duvets can stand in the ring with the Simba Hybrid when it comes to temperature regulation.
Best Temperature Regulation
a product image of simba hybrid duvet

The Simba Hybrid Duvet is bound to stand out among other duvets as its product description sounds like a sci-fi movie! Basically, using their patented Stratos technology, this hybrid duvet can both warm you up and cool you down.

And this technology was initially created for astronauts, which should tip you off to the quality of the overall product!

But back here on Earth, the duvet also has a 100% cotton cover, which is very breathable and nice to the touch. And the filling is a recycled polyester material called Simba Renew.

Sure, polyester isn't usually a sought-after material. But Simba has managed to make it feel like a top-of-the-line filling! So, the fact that you're also helping the planet is just a nice little bonus.

To learn more, read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: Cotton
  • Fillings: Polyester
  • TOG: 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting a thermometer illustrating a good thermo regulating properties
Temperature regulation
Stratos technology will keep you at an optimal temperature at all times.
An icon depicting a cotton plant, illustrating a product that contains cotton material
Cotton cover
The cover is 100% cotton.
An icon representing an eco-friendly & sustainable concept
Eco-friendly and sustainable
The Simba Renew fibres are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting no warranty
Short warranty
You only get a 1-year warranty.

Best Upgrade Pick: Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

If you truly want to pamper yourself at night, this Hungarian Goose Down duvet is for you!
Best Upgrade Pick:
a product image of Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

When it comes to keeping you warm, very few duvets can stand in the ring with a feather and down duvet! Not only that but they're also the lightest and fluffiest duvets in the market.

So, this duvet already has a lot going for it. However, the fact that it's Hungarian goose, ups the quality quite a bit. Plus, you can get this duvet as a 2-in-1.

This means that you'd get a nice, light summer duvet, a slightly warmer autumn duvet, and a hefty 13.5 TOG duvet all with one purchase! So, it lives up to the name “all-seasons duvet” a lot better than most.

And if that wasn't reason enough to fall in love with this summer/winter duvet, it also comes with a sateen cotton cover, which is at the very top of quality when it comes to bedding.

So, while this duvet is quite expensive, it does cover all of your basis and offers unparalleled comfort.

To learn more about it, read our full review of the Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: Sateen cotton
  • Fillings: 90/10 Hungarian goose down and feather
  • TOG: 4.5 + 9
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting an all season product
All season
The duvet covers a wide range of TOG scalings.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Light and fluffy
Even the winter duvet versions are rather light.
An icon depicting a cotton plant, illustrating a product that contains cotton material
Sateen cotton sheets
This ensures a premium, breathable sleeping experience.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Very expensive
A lot more expensive than similar duvets.

Best Synthetic: Dorma Full Forever 13.5 Tog Duvet

If you want to keep the price down and allergens far away, a synthetic duvet is your best bet – especially if you go for the Dorma Full Forever!
Best Synthetic
An image of a TSA reviewer folding the Dorma Full Forever Duvet

While synthetic duvets might not sound as appealing as down or wool duvets, they can still be rather extraordinary. For example, with the Dorma Full Forever Duvet, you can count on staying warm all throughout winter at a reasonable price.

While this duvet does mostly use polyester, it does also sports a high thread count and a quilt stitch design. This means that it feels very nice to the touch and you don't have to worry about the filling bunching up during the night.

It also has a 13.5 TOG rating, which will keep you nice and cosy during autumn or winter nights but is definitely too hot for summer.

And while it's a shame that the duvet doesn't come with a trial or warranty, it also isn't all that expensive. So, we'd stay it's still worth checking out.

To learn more, read our full review of the Dorma Full Forever 13.5 Tog Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: 100% cotton
  • Filling: 100% recycled polyester
  • TOG: 13.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting a thermometer
Very warm
This duvet can keep you warm during winter.
an icon depicting a finger of a hand pressing a surface, illustrating a pleasant usage
Soft to the touch
The outer shell is very nice to the touch.
An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Completely hypoallergenic
Polyester is 100% hypoallergenic.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting no trial or warranty
No trial or warranty
There is no proper trial or warranty period.
An icon depicting a non all season product
Not for year-round use
This duvet is too warm for summer.

Best All-Season: Nectar Duvet

If you want a duvet that can keep you comfortable regardless of the weather, Nectar has you covered!
Best All-Season
Product image of The Nectar Duvet

This all-seasons duvet is simple but effective. It uses Smartfill technology combined with their unique Modal filling to keep you comfortable year-round. Hence the 10.5 TOG rating.

This filling is also synthetic and made from wood pulp, meaning that it's completely hypoallergenic and vegan. Plus, in terms of bounciness and feel, it's pretty close to down duvets.

The cover is also synthetic, microfibre to be more precise, and it has a nice textured design that's pretty soft to the touch.

Lastly, even a King sized duvet from Nectar is pretty affordable. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty. So, we'd say you're getting a pretty good bang for your buck!

To learn more, read our full review of the Nectar Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: Microfibre
  • Filling: Modal
  • TOG: 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King.

Advantages

an icon depicting a money bag, illustrating an affordable product
Affordable
Even the larger sizes are relatively cheap.
An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Completely hypoallergenic
A great choice for allergy-sufferers.
An icon depicting the product that is soft to touch
Pretty soft
The duvet is pretty soft and bouncy.

Disadvantages

hot-sleeper-con
Not ideal for hot sleepers
Hot sleepers might need a duvet with better temperature regulation.
An icon depicting no trial or warranty
No trial period
While you do get a warranty and free shipping, you don't get a trial.

Best Coverless: Night Lark Duvet

While a good duvet cover can go a long way, a good coverless duvet might go even further!
Best Coverless
A product image of Night Owl Herringbone coverless duvet.

In most cases, a duvet with a removable cover is the way to go. After all, just washing the covers takes almost no time and you get to keep the duvet feeling fresh. However, for some, a coverless duvet like the Night Lark might be a better option!

The Night Lark is an all-in-one duvet, meaning that you don't need a cover. And when it's time to wash the duvet, you throw the entire thing into the washing machine. Just make sure your washing machine can handle larger loads.

The duvet dries off quite quickly and by washing the entire thing, even spills aren't as threatening anymore. Plus, the duvet itself is very light and cosy, making it ideal for a guest bedroom.

Lastly, you get quite a few important options with this duvet. It comes in 2 different TOG ratings, an all seasons and a summer rating, plus a few very distinct colours.

To learn more, read our full review of the Night Lark Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: N/A
  • Filling: Smartfil polyester
  • TOG: 4.5 and 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting a washing machine, illustrating a product that is suitable for machine washing
Machine washable
You can machine wash the entire duvet.
an icon depicting many options
Plenty of options
The duvet comes in 2 TOG ratings and multiple distinct colours.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Cosy and lightweight
The duvet is very cosy and light.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting no warranty
No warranty info
We couldn't find any information about the warranty.
An icon depicting negative warming properties
Not warm enough for winter
Even the 10.5 TOG version isn't warm enough for winter.

Best Winter: Chatsworth Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet

Are you prepared for the harsh and cold winters ahead? Well, with this wool duvet, you won't ever have to worry about being cold at night again!
Best Winter
Product image of Chatsworth Collection Washable Wool Duvet.

When it comes to keeping you warm, wool is arguably the best filling on the market. It naturally keeps your body at an optimal temperature and deals with excess moisture a lot more effectively than polyester or down fillings.

So, when it comes to winter duvets, it shouldn't be a surprise that a wool filling is top-tier!

The Chatsworth Deluxe sports traceable, high-quality wool at a few different TOG ratings. And their winter, or warm, version comes with a TOG of between 11 and 14. So, it's potentially a bit warmer than most other winter duvets.

It also comes with a nice 200 thread-count cotton cover that further adds to the breathability. And seeing how they even have the stamp of approval from Allergy UK, you can rest assured that everything is hypoallergenic!

To learn more, read our full review of the Chatsworth Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: cotton
  • Filling: wool
  • TOG: 11-14
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super king

Advantages

An icon depicting a thermometer
Very warm
The duvet can get up to 14 TOG, which is very warm.
An icon depicting a magnifier indicating high quality
High-quality materials
The duvet uses all-natural and traceable materials.
an icon depicting many options
Different TOG options
The duvet comes in 4 different TOG options.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
A bit pricey
Not the most affordable duvet.
an icon depicting that the product is not suitable for everyone
Not for everyone
Some people might be allergic to the wool filling.

Best Summer: Emma 4-Seasons Duvet

While it's advertised as a 4-seasons duvet, summer is when this duvet shines!
Best Summer
Product image of the Emma 4-Seasons Duvet

The beauty of 3-in-1 duvets is that they bring an incredible level of customizability. After all, even the best all-seasons duvet can't exactly feel as cool as a 4.5 TOG duvet.

And the Emma 4-Seasons Duvet takes full advantage of this fact! With one layer being only a 3.5 on the TOG scale and the other a 7, you're guaranteed to stay cool during those warmer months.

Plus, both inserts have a nice cotton cover for added breathability. And they can easily be clipped together to bump up the TOG rating to a 10.5 and keep you a bit warmer.

With that being said, 10.5 likely isn't going to be warm enough to keep you comfortable during harsher winters. So, we'd say it's more of a 3-seasons duvet in practice.

But if you're more concerned about staying cool, we'd say this is one of the best duvets you can get at the moment!

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: cotton
  • Filling: recycled polyester
  • TOG: 3.5 + 7
  • Size: Double, King, Super king

Advantages

An icon depicting lightweight properties
Very light
The duvet is incredibly light even when using both inserts.
hot-sleeper-pro
Incredible for hot sleepers
You can rarely find a 3.5 TOG duvet, so, this is an amazing choice for a summer duvet.
an icon depicting many options
More options
You basically get 3 duvets with a single purchase.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a non all season product
Not quite a 4-seasons duvet
It's debatable whether a 10.5 TOG is warm enough for winter.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Expensive
While you do get 3 duvets, they're still not cheap.

Best Design: The White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

Sometimes even a small difference in design can make a duvet incredible. For proof, look no further than this Hungarian Goose Down Duvet!
Best Design
Product image of the White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

With a 90% goose down filling, this is one of the fluffiest duvets you can possible get! It's relatively light, bouncy, and a must-have for any snuggling session.

Plus, the outer casing is one of the best we've seen so far, with a 329-thread-count cotton jacquard design made for both breathability and comfort!

But the most unique features this feather and down duvet has to offer is actually near the courners. While we've seen 3-in-1 duvets before, this one is a bit different. Namely, the duvet comes with buttonholes and cufflinks that you can use however you want.

In other words, you can just combine two of these all-season duvets and enter a whole new world of warmth and comfort!

And since these duvets also come with a 10-year warranty, this tactic can keep you comfortable for a decade or more. Although we will note that their return policy is a bit strict.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: cotton jacquard
  • Filling: 90% Hungarian goose down, 10% Hungarian goose feather
  • TOG: 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super king

Advantages

An icon depicting an all season product
All-season
Since you can combine multiple duvets, it can get you through even harsh winters.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Very light and fluffy
Like most high-quality down duvets, it's very light and fluffy.
An icon depicting a medal indicating a warranty
Above average warranty
Duvets usually only have a 1-2 year warranty as opposed to the 10 years you're getting here.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting no trial or warranty
Iffy trial
The duvet has to be inside the packaging for you to return it.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Quite expensive
Even for a down duvet, it's rather expensive.

Best Affordable: Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet

If you're on a tight budget, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better duvet than this, as it covers all the basis at a fraction of the usual cost!
Best Affordable
a product image of Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet

You might have noticed that most all-season duvets are around 10.5 TOG. And most 3-in-1 duvets usually have a combined TOG of 13.5. But what if you wanted something warmer?

Well, that where the Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet comes into play! With a combined total of 15 TOG, this duvet can get you through some very chilly winters. Meanwhile, the 4.5 TOG layer covers the summer months and the 10.5 TOG layer covers everything inbetween.

So, when it comes to being an all-season duvet, this one lives up to the name more than most!

And while it doesn't come with a cotton cover like most duvets these days, it is a lot cheaper than most as well. So, considering that you can get through any weather for around 40 quid, we'd say you're getting an amazing bang for your buck.

To learn more, read our full review of the Slumberdown All Seasons Duvet.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Cover: microfibre
  • Filling: hollow fibre
  • TOG: 4.5 + 10.5
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super king

Advantages

an icon depicting a money bag, illustrating an affordable product
Affordable
One of the most affordable duvets we could find.
An icon depicting an all season product
Truly all-season
The duvet covers a 4.5 to 15 TOG range.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Very light
Although it's synthetic, the duvet is rather light.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting no warranty
No trial or warranty information
We couldn't find any information about the warranty or trial period.
cotton-con
No cotton cover
The duvet doesn't come with a cotton cover.

How to choose the best duvet?

When you want to choose the perfect duvet for yourself or your family, you must understand what makes a good duvet. Knowing the identifying features and how do they affect the feel of a duvet will make the selection process much easier. Before you are the key features, we feel you should consider before buying the best duvet.

Size

As you might've guessed – not every duvet is the same. The most obvious difference between the duvets is their size. Naturally, a grown person and a small child don't need the same size duvet. While it is true that a small person could benefit from a larger duvet, it does not work the other way around.

Furthermore, a duvet should sit nicely on your bed, therefore, you need to match the mattress size with your new duvet, otherwise, it's either going to hang off the bed or be too small.

In general, the duvet sizes range from cot bed (120x140cm) all the way through emperor (290x235cm) with all the other regular sizes (single, double, queen, king, super king) in between.

The filling

our presenter Charlotte holding Panda Cloud duvet

When it comes to the performance of your duvet, the filling plays the largest part. After all, it dictates how warm, heavy, breathable, and comfortable the duvet is going to be.

One of the more common duvet fillings you'll find is feather and down. Feather and down duvets have always been popular, especially for winter duvets, and we'd wager that most people have had one at some point.

Additionally, a duvet filling could be polyester/microfibre, cotton or wool. And all of these fillings come with slightly different features, with synthetic fillngs usually being the cheapest, wool fillings being the warmest and so on.

But this is quite an oversimplification. So, let's go a bit more in-depth and see which duvet filling is best suited for your needs and which ones you should avoid.

Feather and down duvets

Among the natural duvets, a feather and down filling is arguably the most popular. After all, feather and down duvets are typically very light and they can serve as both a summer duvet and a winter duvet. Plus, if the duvet has a large percentage of down, they're incredibly comfortable.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind here. First off, a feather and down duvet filling can't be washed. And if the duvet rips even a little bit, the down can escape and make quite the mess. So, maintenance is a bit difficult. Plus, some people are allergic to feathers. And a feather and down duvet can be on the pricier side.

Advantages

An icon depicting an all season product
Good year round
Feather and down duvets can be really warm and really cool.
An icon depicting lightweight properties
Very light
Down duvets are typically among the lightest duvets you will find.
comfortable-pro
Very comfortable
Down duvets are very fluffy and comfortable.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a washing machine, illustrating a product that is not suitable for machine washing
More difficult to wash
Down duvets usually can't be machine-washed.
an icon depicting that the product is not suitable for everyone
Not for everyone
Some people could be allergic to feathers and down.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Can be more expensive
High-quality down duvets can be very expensive.

Wool duvets

Wool duvets are also a very common natural duvet filling. And for good reason! For one, wool is one of the best materials when it comes to temperature regulation. This means that winter duvets that use a wool filling will easily keep you warm and snug throughout the night. And even during the summer, a thinner wool duvet can keep you comfortable.

On top of that, good wool duvets also whick away moisture! So, a wool duvet is an even better option for hot sleepers or people who tend to sweat a lot during the night. And since a wool duvet is a bit heavier than a feather and down duvet, it will also keep you nice and snug! For some, this is the reason the best winter duvet has to have a wool filling. But we'll talk more about that later.

However, just like with feather and down duvets, some people will be allergic to wool duvets. Plus, a wool duvet tend to have a specific smell, at least initially. And, as with all duvets with natural fillings, good wool duvets are more expensive than simple synthetic models.

Advantages

An icon depicting a thermometer illustrating a good thermo regulating properties
Amazing temperature regulation
Wool naturally regulates your body temperature.
hot-sleeper-pro
Great for hot sleepers
Wool wicks away moisture.
An icon depicting a kettlebell on a surface
Heavy and snug
Some people love the snug feeling wool duvets provide.

Disadvantages

indicating no hypoallergenic properties
Potential allergies
Some people are allergic to wool.
An icon depicting off gassing
Slight off-gassing
The wool will give off a specific odour at first.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Usually expensive
Wool duvets are usually on the pricier side.

Synthetic duvets

So far we've mostly focused on natural duvets. However, synthetic duvets can be just as appealing! For one, synthetic duvets offer the largest number of different models.

Whether you want a thirty pound microfibre duvet or a luxury hybrid duvet, synthetic duvets have you covered. And, since there are so many options, you can also get synthetic duvets for very cheap.

Plus, synthetic duvets are the easiest when it comes to maintenance. While you should always check the care label first, lots of synthetic duvets can be machine washed.

With that being said, they also have their downsides. For one, synthetic duvets tend to struggle a lot more when it comes to temperature regulation (especially the cheaper models). And their durability can be pretty low as well.

Plus, since there are so many different models, the value you're getting varries greatly. On the other hand, a feather and down or wool duvet is always going to be at least decent.

Advantages

an icon depicting many options
Plenty of options
Synthetic duvets come in all shapes and sizes.
an icon depicting a money bag, illustrating an affordable product
Affordable
Synthetic duvets are usually cheaper than natural duvets.
An icon depicting a washing machine, illustrating a product that is suitable for machine washing
Usually machine washable
Synthetic duvets are usually very easy to clean.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting poor thermo regulation, illustrating overheating
Not the best temperature regulation
Some models might struggle with temperature regulation.
An icon depicting chain links indicating low durability
Some durability concerns
Some models might not be all that durable.
An icon depicting a not so good value product
No guaranteed value
Some synthetic duvets won't offer much in terms of value.

Tog rating

If you haven’t purchased a duvet before, chances are, you don’t know what a tog rating is. Essentially, a tog rating tells you how warm the duvet is. And since you don't want to be under a winter duvet during the summer, tog ratings are rather important.

The general rule of thumb is that you should choose a higher tog-rated duvet if you have trouble warming up during the night, especially in your lower extremities.

The tog rating scale starts at 1.5tog and ends at 18 tog. The 1.5 tog is the coolest rating a duvet could get and those ones are ideal for hot, summer days. On the other hand, if you live somewhere rather chilly, you’d look for something with a tog rating above 12.

In general, the duvets that can be used during the whole year will be rated a 10.5 tog. Summer duvets will be around a 4.5 tog and a winter duvet will be around a 13.5 tog.

Easy maintenance

An image of the inside of a washing machine

Duvets aren’t supposed to be high maintenance. In general, a duvet should be cleaned once a year, unless it was soiled in some way. However, just because you need to wash it once a year does not mean you shouldn’t think about how easy it will be.

Most duvets are machine washable, which is a good thing. However, not all of them can be handled the same way. Feather and down filled duvets need to be washed with special care. They should be washed using a slow-cycle and with warm water.

On the other hand, synthetic filled duvets are generally easier to take care of, meaning, you could wash them using a normal cycle and temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius. Naturally, you’d want to make sure the duvet fits in your washing machine.

Finally, you should avoid dry cleaning your duvets as chemicals could damage the fillings and ruin your duvet.

A high-quality cover

The duvet cover (or the duvet casing) is also something you should pay special attention to. You should always aim for your duvet to have a quality, natural cover instead of the synthetic one. After all, the cover is the thing that's going to be in contact with your skin all night long!

So, you'd want a soft, natural material that won't irritate your skin. Plus, natural materials are usually better when it comes to breathability and therefore temperature regulation.

Therefore, always try to find natural covers if you can. Materials like cotton or bamboo are ideal for the casing because they’re high-quality and hypoallergenic. Also, make sure that the thread count is high, so you’ll end up with the best, most comfortable feel on your skin, while also being the most efficient in repelling allergens.

Hypoallergenic properties

While it's not nearly as important as the previous factors to a lot of people, allergy sufferers need to take note of whether their new duvet is hypoallergenic. And this word, “hypoallergenic” relates to a few things. For one, make sure that you're not allergic to the duvet filling.

Wool and even more so a feather duvet could cause allergies in some people. A microfibre filling on the other hand should be a safe pick for everyone.

Secondly, whether the duvet cover prevents dust mites. Both dust and dust mites can cause outbreaks so getting a duvet with a good anti-dust-mite cover is very useful. And if you don't want to get multiple separate duvets and worry about all this stuff, we suggest looking into all-season duvets that tick all the boxes instead.

Eco-friendly manufacturing

Another feature that won't dictate what makes the best duvet for some but will for others is sustainability. AKA is your single, double, king, or superking duvet going to end up in a landfill and how much damage will it do? And luckily these days quite a few of the best duvets on the market are sustainable and it isn't too dificult to find an eco-friendly option.

Brands like Simba or Panda London are typically good in this regard. But you can also look for specific badges. The OEKO-Tex certification lets you know there were no dangerous chemicals involved. And if you can find a duvet filling made from recycled plastic, even better.

Tips for buying and using the best duvets

Before you buy and start using your duvet – take a look at this.

First of all, don’t rush into buying a new duvet. Take your time, do your research and try and find the best duvet for your needs, because, not every duvet will feel the same. Read the reviews, stay informed and use that knowledge to buy the best duvet.

Furthermore, if you get really hot during the night – consider a silk duvet. Silk duvet is more than just a luxury item. Silk is arguably the most breathable and temperature regulating material you can get and any hot sleeper could benefit from it.

Finally, consider using a duvet protector to extend your duvet's life. A protector will not only serve as an anti-stain layer, but it will also protect your duvet from some other forms of physical damage such as nicks or tears.

How often should I change my duvet?

One of the most commonly asked questions is how long will a duvet last and how often should you change it. There are a lot of factors that determine how long you should keep your duvet. High-quality duvets will last you 5 years on average, but some people would likely put that upper limit even higher.

And sure, a duvet can last for longer. You'd achieve a longer lifespan by properly taking care of your duvet. Another good way to extend your duvet's lifespan is to use a duvet protector or a cover. However, it's usually better to play it safe!

How do I wash my duvet?

an image of a woman putting clothes in the washing machine

As we've previously mentioned, most duvets are machine washable, although, not all in the same way. For a feather-down duvet, you'd want to use a gentle, slow cycle and warm water, while the synthetic-filled duvets could be washed with less care.

The best option if you want to make sure your duvet is properly cleaned is to use professional duvet-cleaning services.

Another key aspect is drying. You'll want to make sure your duvet is properly dried after washing so that you eliminate the possibility of mould or other damage. You can air dry and machine dry your duvet

Winter duvets vs summer duvets vs all-season duvets

As we've mentioned when talking about the TOG rating, duvets can vary quite a bit when it comes to how much heat they can retain. One of the more obvious differences in this regard is the thickness, as a winter duvet is going to be a lot thicker and more bulky than a summer duvet.

And depending on where you live, you might need a separate winter duvet and a summer duvet. This is for harsher climates or for people who get hot/cold easily. Others on the other hand can just get an all-season duvet and be done with it. So, let's quickly go over these three types and discuss what to look out for.

Finding a good winter duvet

When it comes to finding a good winter duvet, staying warm is your number one priority! So, most of the time you'll want your winter duvet to be on the thicker side. It's also not a bad idea to get a winter duvet that's a bit bigger as you can wrap yourself up like a cosy burrito. So, you might want a king size duvet!

When it comes to the filling, most conventional duvet fillings should get the job done. Choose a feather and down winter duvet if you want it to be a bit more fluffy, a microfibre winter duvet if you want a sturdier, snug feeling and a wool duvet if you're also a hot sleeper.

And the cover is also rather inconsequential. That being said, if you can get a winter duvet that has a nice, soft cover, go for it. This way it won't irritate your skin. And if it's also an anti-allergy duvet, even better!

Finding a good summer duvet

When it comes to finding a good summer duvet, or a duvet for hot sleepers in general, breathability is key! This means that unlike with a winter duvet, your best duvet has to have a decent cover. Bamboo, eucalyptus, and silk duvet covers are all excellent options in this regard.

A good summer duvet should also have a pretty low TOG rating. When it comes to the actual filling, natural duvets are typically the best. However, if paired with a good cover, a synthetic duvet can get the job done as well. And while the best winter duvet is usually a bit larger, the best summer duvet can be just about any size.

After all, a lot of people toss their summer duvet to the side halfway through the night anyway. And you can look into getting an anti-allergy duvet as you'll likely use your summer duvet during spring as well.

Finding a good all-season duvet

If you don't want to have multiple duvets, with a separate duvet for every season, an all-season duvet is ideal. But unlike a winter duvet or a summer duvet, an all-season duvet has to be both good at trapping heat and letting it pass.

So, it can be a bit tricky to find a good one. Generally, you want an all-season duvet with a good, breathable cover. Secondly, you want a duvet filling that's good at temperature regulation.

A wool duvet is likely your best bet here. However, certain synthetic duvets and down duvets can also be a solid option. However, they usually have to relly on two separate duvet inserts that make up one all-season duvet.

Your ideal all-season duvet should also be an anti-allergy duvet, as you will definitely be using it when allergy season rolls around. And when it comes to the size of the duvet, it's dealer's choice.

How much should you spend when getting the best duvet?

Whether you want the most affordable duvet or just the best value duvet, there are a few things that are worth keeping in mind when judging the price.

First off, the duvet tog rating. If you're looking to get yourself the best winter duvet, try to find at least a 13.5 tog. That way you know that it will last you the entire winter and you won't feel bad paying a little extra.

Secondly, think of the materials being used. It's normal for silk duvets to be a bit more expensive. That's because silk is a premium material! However, a polyester and microfibre filling duvet shouldn't be anywhere near the price of silk duvets. And the same goes for a merino wool duvet or a goose feather and down duvet.

Lastly, think of how much you'll be using your new duvet. If it's a solid all-season duvet or even two duvets in one, you can afford to pay a bit more. And if it's a super king duvet that you and your partner will share, the same principle applies!

After all, it's better to get a high-quality super king duvet than two cheap duvets that use low-quality materials.

What are the advantages of owning the best duvet?

As you already know, the duvet is a lot more than just something you use to cover yourself. It is something every household should have and no bedroom is complete without it.

Unlike blankets, a duvet can be quite useful during the hot summer days, as a good duvet with a low tog rating will serve as a temperature-regulating medium if you will. It will keep you dry, cool and comfortable during the warmest summer nights and we all know how hard it is to sleep soundly on a warm night.

Additionally, a quality synthetic duvet could be the difference between sneezing or not. For people that suffer from allergies, there is nothing more important than the hypoallergenic properties of their bedding. It wouldn't matter if you had a hypoallergenic mattress or sheets if your duvet was filled with dust mites.

Finally, a quality duvet will greatly improve your quality of sleep. As we all know, we spend about a third of our life sleeping and it would be a shame if that time was spent poorly. A quality duvet could be the difference between waking up happy and rested and grumpy and tired.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – our top 5 list of best duvet comparison is finally here. You will definitely love one if not all of the duvets listed here. In case you’re looking to replace an old duvet, need a new one or just browsing through and learning more about the best duvets… We’re sure that you can find something to your taste. All of the duvets we’ve mentioned are available for purchase online through Amazon or their official sites, so get to looking!

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FAQs about getting the best duvet

In the end, we’ve wanted to wrap things up by answering some of the most commonly asked questions about duvets. These questions are rather simple and require simple, straightforward answers, but can still be quite useful. Let’s check some of them out!

How often do I need to clean my duvet?

On average, a duvet should be cleaned once every two to three months. If needed, you can even wash them more often.

How do I clean/wash my duvet?

It all depends on the duvet. You could wash it in a washing machine, you could wash it with a steam cleaner or you could just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

How long will my duvet last?

In general, a duvet should last you about 5 years. With proper care, you could be looking at more, but it is realistic to expect five years from your duvet.

How do I dispose of an old duvet?

Since duvets aren’t recyclable, most of them end up in general waste. However, they could be repurposed as bedding for some animals in animal shelters.

About the author

Alex Petrović
Sleep Consultant
A CPD certified Sleep Consultant with more than 2000 hours of research into all the different ways we can get a great night's sleep. As a former insomniac, I know how difficult life can be without a nightly recovery and I love that I get to share everything I've learned with you all. So hopefully we can all sleep soundly!

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