Best Duvet Cover Buying Guide
Duvet covers are not only about design and comfort, but they can affect your quality of sleep. Using a cover lengthens the life of your duvet and keeps your sleeping space hygienic. A duvet cover is much easier to wash than the duvet itself. It protects the duvet from dirt and allergens.
In this guide, we’ll outline all the factors to consider when buying a duvet cover. This way you can match your budget with quality and comfort according to your needs.
What to Consider When Buying a Duvet Cover?
Materials
There are a wide range of fabrics to choose from when considering duvet cover options.
Cotton
Due to its softness, cotton is the most popular choice for duvet covers. Cotton comes in variable qualities depending on the weave. Although moisture retention can be a slight concern to some, it is breathable and comfortable. Long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian cotton, is durable and has a luxurious feel.
Linen
Linen is durable and breathable but tends to wrinkle easily. It has a coarse texture. Despite that it is not very silky, it works well for all seasons.
Flannel
Flannel has a soft fuzzy feel that gives it an element of thickness, comfort, and warmth. Flannel covers are ideal for winter but may be too hot during the summer months.
Bamboo Rayon
Bamboo rayon is a semi-synthetic material made from bamboo fibers. It is durable, smooth, and breathable. The fabric can also be blended with other materials for additional softness. These include polyester or cotton.
Polyester
Polyester is specifically used in duvet covers for its breathable, stretchy, sleek qualities. It is a synthetic material that can take on different styles depending on the blend. Microfiber is a popular type of material for duvet covers made from polyester.
Blends
Blending different fabrics can reduce the cost of expensive materials and balance the drawbacks and benefits between different fabric types. Linen-cotton blends are a good choice for duvet covers since they are comfortable yet less expensive than pure linen.
Organic Materials
Most natural fibers are available as organic products. Look for certified organic cotton and linen for environmentally friendly options.
Weave
The way fabrics are woven together affects their texture and breathability. Use the following as an indication of the characteristics each weave type offers.
Percale: Also called a plain weave, this has a crisp and cool cotton feel. It is however not as soft or smooth as sateen.
Sateen: Sateen weaving patterns result in a smooth and sleek-looking fabric.
Twill: This diagonal pattern gives a slightly rougher feel to cotton. The material can be treated to make it softer without compromising the twill texture.
Satin: This intricate weave is made of silk. It is not very durable but is known for its soft, silky, and cool qualities.
Jersey: Jersey duvet covers are popular due to their comfort throughout the seasons. Due to being a knit, rather than a weave, they are prone to pilling.
Closures and Inner Fasteners
Duvet covers come with different fastening options. Once the duvet is placed inside the cover you will be able to secure it with buttons, clasps, or even zippers. The best option here really comes down to personal preference of convenience and the look you prefer.
Some duvet covers come with a fastener to attach the duvet to the inside of the cover. This prevents the duvet from bunching up on one side of the cover.
Size
Not only do you want to check that the duvet cover fits the duvet, but also that it is appropriate to the size bed you have. Most covers and inners follow general size guides for twin, full, queen, or king beds. Ensure that the duvet fits into the cover without any excess fabric hanging loose.
Consider whether you want the duvet to cover the bed down to the floor, halfway down, or only with a slight overhang. This is a personal preference according to style and movability once you are in bed.
Color and DesignDuvet covers are a great way to experiment with a new look in your bedroom. Since they are easy to switch around you can try new colors and patterns. Whites are popular but also show dirt quickly and may be harder to keep clean.
PricePricing varies greatly according to size, quality, and brand. A cheaper brand may not always last very long. Weigh up the cost with fabric quality and durability. You may end up saving money in the long run by buying a better quality product.
Duvet Cover FAQ
Q: What is the best way to wash a duvet cover?
A: Washing instructions depend on the material your duvet cover is made from. The tag on the inside of the cover will guide you according to the fabric care requirements. It is generally best not to use fabric softeners since they can leave a residue that weakens the fibers and attracts dirt.
Q: Is there a difference between a duvet and a comforter?
A: Yes, although they are referred to interchangeably, they are two different products. Duvets have a synthetic, down, or cotton filling. They are designed to fit into a cover that will protect them from dirt and prolong their durability.
The covers are easy to remove and wash, while the duvet itself does not have to be washed as often. Comforters on the other hand have no additional cover. They can be filled or may just be a heavier type of blanket.
Q: What is a duvet tog?
A: The duvet tog refers to the warmth a duvet provides. The scale runs from 1 to 15. A number one would be for summer whereas a higher number is best for cold winters. The material type used for the duvet filling will affect the insulation. Synthetic duvet fillings don’t regulate temperature as well as natural options. Natural fillings tend to offer better insulation.