Duvets are known for their ability to retain body heat in colder weather. A duvet is a fluffy quilt filled with down or feathers that is protected with a cover. They come in a variety of styles and materials so you can choose whichever fits your comfort, style, and present needs. Here are some things to consider when buying one.
The season
Duvets are known for their ability to retain body heat during the cold season. For this reason, different seasons require different duvets. During the light summer, you should choose 400 fill power or less. For use, all year round pick one with a fill power of 400 to 599. Winter requires one with a fill power of 600 to 799 and greater than 8000 for users in extremely cold areas.
Fill power is a rating for how fluffy and insulating the duvet is. A higher number means that its fill will be thicker and more insulating than one with a low fill power. Higher fill power ones will have larger “clusters” which trap more air providing better insulation and heat retention.
Fill options
Fill material can either be natural or synthetic. Synthetic fill materials are less expensive and are recommended for people with allergies. Natural fill materials are generally more soft and breathable. Microfiber is an attractive synthetic option and is as soft as natural silk. Another synthetic option is hollow fibre which is thicker than microfiber.
Natural fill options include down, feather, or a blend of both. Wool and silk are other natural options. Wool is elastic, grows in clusters, is great at retaining heat, and gets rid of moisture from your body. Silk is breathable, hypoallergenic, and luxurious.
Duvet size
As with the other beddings, duvets come in standard bed sizes – king queen, full/double, and twin. Most people prefer to order one that is a size larger than their actual bed. Going big on the duvet size is a great way to eliminate any fighting over covers in the middle of the night problems.
Duvet thread count and the shell material
Just like with sheets, a duvet with a lower thread count will be cheaper and lighter in weight. One with a higher thread count will be much softer and heavier. Lower thread count ranges from 250 to 600 with top quality thread count hovering between 700 and 1200.
The shell also referred to as ticking is the container that holds the filler material. The most common shell material is cotton. Cotton is easy to maintain, provides comfort, and is relatively affordable. Other shell materials include cotton blends, silk, and silk blends. The shell requires a high thread count to ensure that the fill material stays inside. Cotton duvets with a thread count of at least 300 offer durable ticking.
Tog rating and warmth
The warmth a duvet provides depends on the tog rating. The higher the tog rating, the better it traps heat. As a general rule of thumb, a 1-7 tog is ideal for summer, a 8-11 tog for spring and 12+ tog duvet is perfect for winter. Weight should not be confused with warmth but duvets with higher fills tend to provide impressive warmth.
Duvet covers
A duvet cover is a protective cover that goes around the duvet to protect it from oils, dust, and dirt. It’s typically sewn and closed at one end with buttons or a zip on the other allowing you to take the duvet out. The covers make it easy to clean the duvet and also allow you to change and update the style and look of your bed and bedroom. Even with the extra protection, you should wash the duvet at least twice a year if not more.
Check out
Factors To Consider When Buying Bed Sheets
