Duvet Buying Guide
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a new duvet.
Duvets are not just for cold weather – there are actually a range of duvet options for all seasons and weight preferences. Duvets are available in many styles and price ranges, from high-end goose duvets to hypoallergenic polyester-filled options. Whichever type you choose, it is best to know what to look for before you make a purchase. Read on for the answers to "What is a duvet?" and "What is a duvet insert?"
What Is a Duvet?
What Is a Duvet Insert?
Fill Material
Duvet Fill Power
Duvet Thread Count
Duvet Cleaning and Care
What Is a Duvet?
A duvet is a bedding element made up of two pieces: a duvet cover and a duvet insert.
At the simplest, a duvet cover is the fabric covering that protects a duvet insert. Think of it as a pillowcase for a duvet insert. Unlike a pillowcase, a duvet cover usually has built-in ties and buttons meant to keep the duvet securely in place.
What Is a Duvet Insert?
A duvet insert is the large, puffy piece of bedding that goes inside the duvet cover. Meant to keep you warm while you sleep, a duvet is thicker and heavier than the average blanket. Duvet inserts can be filled with soft down feathers, cotton, wool, or synthetic filling.
The term "duvet insert" is often used interchangeably with "down comforter" (or "down-alternative comforter" if filled with synthetic filling), and can be sold with either label. The main difference between a duvet and a comforter is that "duvet" refers to both the duvet cover and duvet insert while "comforter" only refers to one piece of bedding.
Because their covers can be removed and replaced with covers of different insulation levels and designs, duvets are perfect if you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures or if you like to switch up your bedroom decor often.
Tip!
Learn more about the difference between a duvet and a comforter by checking out our guide, The Age-Old Debate: Duvet vs. Comforter.
Fill Material
Down Types
Down is the undercoat of the bird and is used for its super soft and lightweight quality. Unlike actual feathers, down does not have a hard quill or flat, stiff shape.
Goose: Goose down is the most commonly used type of down for duvets. It is available in both white and grey goose down. The color has no effect on the quality of the duvet insert – white goose down is usually used because it doesn't show through white duvet shells. Goose down is odorless, though it is not hypoallergenic.
Duck: Duck down duvets are just as durable and soft as goose down duvets, though they tend to be less expensive. This is because duck down is slightly less insulating and can have more of an odor than goose down.
Alternative Fill Materials
Get the luxury of down without the allergies with down-alternative fills. These duvets can be filled with a mix of synthetic fibers or natural fibers for quality loft (fluffiness) that's also hypoallergenic.
Polyester: This synthetic fill is a budget-friendly option that's great for allergy sufferers.
Cotton: Lightweight, breathable, hypoallergenic, and washable, cotton-filled duvets are great for staying cool during the warmer months. Cotton is not as thick as other fillings, so it isn't optimal for colder nights, though it is more affordable than other options.
Wool: Heavy and ultra-insulating, wool duvets are incredible at keeping you warm. Though they can be more expensive and aren't washable, the right duvet cover will help keep a wool duvet insert in good shape for years.
Duvet Fill Power
Down fill power is the measure of the amount of space one ounce of down takes up. It is usually measured in cubic inches of fluffiness per ounce of down or down alternative (loft). You can typically find fill power listed on higher-end duvets. The average duvet insert will have a fill power of 450–500. The higher the fill power, the better the insulating ability and loft a duvet will have. Fill power is a good indicator of warmth and quality.
High-Quality Duvet Insert Fill-Power Options
600–799: High-quality duvet inserts tend to have a fill power of 600–799.
Over 800: The highest-quality duvet inserts have fill powers over 800. These are typically the most insulating and fluffiest as well as the most expensive duvet inserts available.
Duvet Thread Count
Think thread count is only important for your sheets? Think again! Just as with other bedding, a higher thread count means a tighter weave to the fabric, which makes it softer. In a duvet, a higher thread count and a tighter weave will determine how well it contains the down fill, which indicates its durability. The key to quality is having a balance between the weave and the thread count, since a high thread count could still mean a low-quality fabric and weave construction. To learn more about thread count and weave, check out our guide, Bed Sheet Thread Count: What You Should Know.
Duvet Cleaning and Care
When opening a new duvet or taking one out of storage, restore the loft by shaking it out for a few minutes or fluffing it in the dryer on low for five minutes. Always check the cleaning instructions for your duvet, as some are dry-clean only
Aside from regular spot cleaning, it is recommended to wash your duvet two or three times a year. For washing duvets at home, use warm water and mild detergent on the delicate cycle of a large machine washer. You may need to do another rinse cycle to ensure all of the soap gets washed out.
To dry your duvet, you will need to run the duvet on low in the dryer for a couple hours. Consider adding a few tennis balls to prevent clumps and ensure the down is evenly dried. If the shell fabric is wrinkled after the duvet is dry, gently steam the fabric (do not iron).
Tip!
When you bring your new duvet home, keep in mind it can take up to 72 hours after unpacking for it to expand and achieve maximum loft.
