There is nothing like burrowing under a fluffy, warm duvet at the end of a long day. But did you know how much goes into choosing the perfect duvet for your bed? If you are in the market for a new duvet, a little education on the characteristics of a quality goes a long way.
FILLINGS
Duvets get their airy warmth from a filling of down, wool, silk, or synthetic fibers. White goose down is the preferred filling for duvets, as the larger white feathers provide optimal softness without discoloring the duvet’s appearance. Wool is another natural fill option. When the body is warm, the wool retains air, removing excess heat and moisture. Silk filling is comparable to wool, but with an added strength that helps it stand up to washing over time.
Synthetic duvet fillings may a better choice for those with allergies, but you must do your research before buying. Fine denier microfiber filling mimics the feel of silk filling but loses its loft (the fluffiness of the duvet) quickly. Hollowfiber filling creates better loft in the duvet but has a more wire-like feel than natural fibers.
TICKING
The fabric surrounding the filling of a duvet is called the ticking. While most duvets are made from cotton or a cotton/poly blend, Egyptian cotton is the preferred fabric for a duvet’s ticking as it is both durable and soft. The thread count of the duvet ticking is important because the weave of the fabric must be tight enough to prevent the filling from poking or falling out. We recommend a thread count of at least 300.
TOG
The warmth of a duvet is measured using a unit called a tog. The higher the tog, the warmer the duvet will be. A tog of 4 is lovely for summer, while chilly winter nights call for a tog of 10 or higher.
CONSTRUCTION
As with any home item, construction is key. Duvets are constructed using one of two techniques: box stitch or baffle box. If the duvet has been sewn through from top to bottom to form a grid, it employs the box stitch technique. Each grid square has an equal amount of filling so that the filling is evenly distributed along the duvet. Baffle box construction creates internal cubes within the duvet to compartmentalize the filling. These cubes allow the filling to breathe and circulate, helping the duvet to retain its loft.
SIZE
Of course, duvets come in normal bedding sizes, from twin to ultra king.
COVER
Finally, you can choose from a huge range of duvet covers to match the style and decor of your bedroom. Choose a quality duvet in the same way you would choose a luxury set of sheets.
If you are in the market for a new duvet, we have created a list of our favorite brands for luxury bedding. Good luck on your search for a perfect night’s sleep!
