What You Should Know Before Choosing a New Duvet
A nice duvet will keep you warm and cozy during the winter months, but not too heavy that it makes you sweat during the hotter nights. When it comes to shopping for a duvet, you may feel overwhelmed with all the available options. There are certain things that you need to understand before you can choose the best duvet for you. This article will tell you about what you need to look for in a duvet so that you can find the right one.
Differences Between Duvet, Comforter, and Duvet Cover
Duvet, comforter, and duvet cover are terms that have been used interchangeably by many. However, they are quite different from one another. A duvet is usually white, filled with down or a down alternative, and it is often used to provide coziness and comfort.
Duvets can also be referred to as “down comforters,” which is often used to describe bedding that is patterned or colored instead of solid white. A comforter, on the other hand, may be filled with down or a synthetic material. A duvet cover is used to wrap around a duvet. Unlike duvets that are typically white, duvet covers are available in countless colors and designs.
These covers are often sewn shut on three sides, with the fourth side being adorned with buttons, ties, or a zipper. This is so that you can remove and insert the duvet with ease. While the use of duvet cover is optional, many people use it for decorative purposes and to keep the duvet clean.
Duvet Thread Count
The outer layer of a duvet is usually cotton. This comes with a thread count that specifies how many threads are contained in one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer the material. Keep in mind that while the soft material provides better comfort, the denser weave is better at containing the down.
Generally speaking, your duvet should have a thread count of no less than 300. However, this does not mean that you have to spend more money on anything higher than that, especially if you already have a duvet cover.
Different Types of Duvet Fills
When it comes to duvet fillings, there are quite a few options to choose from, including the following:
Down
Duck and goose down provide lightweight warmth and amazing breathability. When shopping for a down-filled duvet, try to find ones that are labeled “100% down,” “pure down,” or “all down.” A duvet that is only marked as “down” may contain only 30% down and 70% feathers. Down is a better insulator than feathers, which is why a pure down duvet is much more expensive. Although duck and goose down are both warm, goose down is fluffier, which means that it is more likely to be used in expensive duvets. If you are concerned about allergens, make sure that your duvet comes with cleaned and sterilized down so that there will be reduced traces of potential allergens that can interfere with your sleep.
Down Alternatives
Down alternative fillings are suitable for those who are allergic to feathers. These are synthetic materials, including cotton, wool, and polyester - which has a similar feel to down. They are all unlikely to cause any allergic reactions and are much less expensive than 100% down duvets. That being said, they are also heavier and have lower breathability than the all-natural ones.
Fill Power
When you go shopping for a duvet, you will most likely find a down duvet’s fill power on the packaging. Fill power is a measure of the fluffiness of the down. The higher the fill power, the higher the quality of the down. High fill power also means that the duvet is thicker and has better insulation. Here is a rough guide to comfortable fill powers:
- Lightweight, suitable for summer use: 400 or below
- For use all year round: 400 to 600
- In cold weather: 600 to 800
- For extra warmth: 800 and up
Fill Weight
Fill weight refers to the number of ounces of down inside your duvet. Down with a high fill power will usually have a low fill weight. This means that a warm, high fill power duvet may be even lighter than a duvet with low fill power. In sum, when you are looking for a good duvet, look for one with a good balance between fill weight and fill power for the right amount of warmth provided.
If you’re looking for a new duvet cover, shop with us today! We have a wide range of products & models to choose from.
