15 best winter duvets to keep the cold away in 2024, tried and tested
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Winter is coming, and with it, the search for the best winter duvets to keep you satisfyingly snug all season long. Whether you're after indulgent luxury or seeking an eco-friendly option, choosing the right duvet can make all the difference on the chilly nights to come. From goose feather duvets to hypoallergenic alternatives, here's your guide to finding the perfect match for a warm and cosy sleep.
For ultimate warmth, high tog options like a 13.5 tog duvet are designed to keep you toasty when the temperature drops. If you're after versatility, a 3-in-1 duvet with varying tog ratings is ideal, offering a year-round solution that can be adapted as the seasons change. But be warned: these multifunctional duvets often come with a hefty price tag. Prefer a more natural touch? Feather & down duvets, particularly those with Hungarian goose down, are known for their superior insulation and luxurious feel. But if you're prone to allergies, consider a microfibre duvet or a hollowfibre option, both providing softness and warmth without triggering your sensitive nose.
Natural duvets are great for breathability, and wool duvets stand out in particular for their moisture-wicking properties, perfect for those who tend to overheat or suffer from night sweats – even in the depths of winter. Want low maintenance? A machine washable duvet makes life a whole lot easier. And, there are plenty of king size or super king options for those who like to stretch out.
So, whether you're after a luxury duvet or something more practical, there's a product to suit every type of sleeper this winter. Wrap yourself in warmth and comfort with the perfect duvet, and make chilly nights a thing of the past. Of course, the only real downside of an extra cosy winter duvet is that it can be extra difficult to crawl out from, especially on a frosty Monday morning. You have been warned.
SKIP TO: What tog duvet do I need in winter? | What duvet filling should I buy? | How to care for your winter duvet | What type of duvet is best for winter? | The verdict on the best duvets for winter | How we tested the best winter duvets | Our full winter duvet reviews.
Meet the experts:
- Mary Love, product & sourcing director, Simba Sleep
- Hannah Shore, sleep expert, Silentnight
What tog duvet do I need in winter?
Typically, a winter duvet is one with a tog rating of 10.5 or over, designed specifically to give you optimal warmth during the colder months. Whether made with a feather and down filling, or a synthetic mix, these extra thick and lofty quilts offer superior insulation when you need it most, giving you a snuggly cocoon-like experience no matter how chilly it gets on the outside. Hannah Shore from Silentnight admits that different togs can be confusing for shoppers, as there are lots to choose from. “Typically, a winter duvet would be between 13.5 and 15 tog. The 15 tog Silentnight So Snug is a perfect winter duvet for anyone that feels the chill. However, we all run at different temperatures and those who tend to overheat may find a lower tog duvet more comfortable,” she says.
What duvet filling should I buy?
When it comes to finding the perfect duvet filling for winter, it's all about striking the right balance between warmth, comfort, and practicality. For the ultimate indulgence, nothing beats goose down or duck feather fillings. These natural options offer incredible insulation while remaining lightweight, making you feel like you're wrapped in a cloud. If you want to go all out, a Hungarian goose down duvet is a dream for those cold winter nights – it's one of the warmest options available, yet it's breathable enough to prevent overheating.
But if you're prone to allergies or simply prefer a cruelty-free option, there are plenty of hypoallergenic, down-like alternatives. Microfibre and hollowfibre duvets are perfect for allergy sufferers, offering a synthetic filling that mimics the softness and warmth of natural down, without the allergens or ethical concerns. They're also much easier to clean, with many being machine washable for added convenience.
Looking for something planet-kind? Wool duvets are a fantastic option for winter, thanks to their natural temperature regulating and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you warm without causing uncomfortable night sweats. Plus, wool is naturally dust-mite resistant, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
How to care for your winter duvet
First things first: check the label! Some duvets, especially those with natural fillings like goose down or duck feathers, may require more delicate care. But many modern options, including microfibre and hypoallergenic duvets, are fully machine washable (praise be!).
If yours can be popped in the washing machine, use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and avoid overloading – duvets need space to clean thoroughly. A bit of detergent will do, but steer clear of fabric softener, as it can compromise the duvet’s breathability. Pro tip: if you're washing a feather-filled duvet, throw in a couple of dryer balls to stop the feathers from clumping.
For duvets that can't be machine washed, airing them out regularly is a must. Hang them outside on a dry, sunny day, or drape them over a clothes horse near a window. This helps to freshen up the filling and keep them fluffy.
And, if you have the space, storing your winter duvet in a breathable bag during the warmer months will keep it fresh and ready to go for next season.
What type of duvet is best for winter?
The best summer duvets are lightweight and breathable, but they won’t give you that cosy warmth you’re craving during the winter. “I would not recommend duvets that are thin, have a poor-quality fill, or are made with linen fabrics, simply because they’re not ideal for the colder months,” says Simba’s Mary Love. “You may find yourself shivering in the night!”
If you’re after a low-maintenance option, it’s worth considering an all-season duvet. These cosy quilts tend to come with a 10.5 tog rating, giving you that Goldilocks effect, keeping you perfectly warm in the winter months yet comfortably cool in the summer. Indeed, for many of us, a 10.5 tog duvet is sufficient. “Sleep comfort is subjective to each type of sleeper”, says Hannah, so it’s worth thinking about whether you’re a particularly hot sleeper, or you’re an always-cold type that needs all the insulation you can get. We’re very much the latter!
Some of the best duvets for the winter are in fact hybrid products that can be cleverly clipped together to give you the ideal tog rating throughout the changing seasons, Simba’s 3-in-1 Hybrid being a prime example. This one has a layer of ‘Simba Renew’, which is a greener (and very fluffy) alternative to feather & down. “With its luxurious comfort, it’s actually made from recycled PET fibres (plastic bottles) meaning it’s less allergenic and more sustainable”, says Mary. “The fibres are combed and folded into airy, downy clusters, forming a super-soft material that provides both warmth and breathability.”
The verdict on the best duvets for winter
For unbeatable comfort this winter, the Dusk Duck Feather & Down Duvet in its 13.5 tog rating takes our top spot. It offers exceptional warmth and cosiness, without breaking the bank. If you're after something a little more high tech, the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet impresses with its innovative layering and sustainable design, though it comes at a higher price point. On the affordable side, the Slumberdown Feels Like Down Duvet is an absolute steal, providing cosy, down-like softness for under £30. And for other feather-free options, the M&S Soft as Down Duvet delivers, while the Rise & Fall British Wool Duvet is a stand out for eco-conscious comfort.
How we tested the best winter duvets
When it comes to homeware, you don't get more intimate than a duvet, which is why it all comes down to personal preference. So to curate our ultimate winter duvet edit, we focused on the essentials: quality, breathability, tog levels, insulation, sustainability, and ease of care (hello, machine washable options!). Across the GLAMOUR team, we snoozed our way through a huge range of winter duvets, testing each one in our own homes, ensuring they could truly deliver. The result? A carefully crafted selection of toasty, comfy duvets that cater to everyone – from allergy sufferers to those who tend to overheat at night.