Summer duvet FAQs

What is the best duvet tog rating for summer?

Tog stands for Thermal Overall Grade, which means the measurement of how warm the duvet is. For example, the lower the tog rating the lighter the duvet, and the higher the tog rating the warmer the duvet will be.

When you know the size of the duvet, the preferred textile, and whether you are looking for an all-season duvet, or separate winter and summer duvets, it is then time to consider the tog duvet rating.

The tog level spans from one to 15 tog, but finding the best tog summer duvet depends on each individual.

Most sleep experts recommend a summer duvet with a tog rating of 3 to 4.5 tog, while winter duvets are typically 10 to 13.5 tog for extra insulation.

Certified Sleep Consultant Practitioner and Founder of The Good Sleep Method, Amy Cheseldine, recommended a 4.5 tog for the summer because “It will be light enough to help regulate your core body temperature for sleep, but still cosy enough for slightly cooler nights.”

But those who struggle to sleep in the heat may prefer an even lighter tog. Amy added: “When the weather is particularly hot (or if you’re prone to getting warm at night), you could consider anything from 1.0 tog up to 4.5 tog.”

What is the most suitable fabric for a summer duvet?

Duvets not only come in different tog ratings, but fillings; from silk, feather filling, cotton, linen, to bamboo, hollowfibre, and even hybrid fabrics. Some duvet fillings are hypoallergenic, which are best suited for allergy sufferers, others feature temperature-regulating technology, are made from sweat-wicking materials, or natural fibres to regulate your body temperature on summer nights.

Amy explains the best fabrics for a summer duvet: “Natural and breathable materials such as down, wool or bamboo are best for summer months. I’d avoid synthetic duvets, such as polyester or microfibre, as these are not as breathable, meaning moisture can get trapped inside. Don’t forget to include a duvet cover made from natural fibres such as silk, cotton – potentially a high thread count – or linen.”

If you are looking for a suitable summer duvet for children, Amy recommended a lightweight, hypoallergenic duvet made from natural materials, or a cellular blanket.

Do duvets keep you cool in summer?

While a duvet with a lower tog is recommended to keep you cool in the summer, some question whether a lightweight duvet is necessary at all, especially duvets with one tog, which can feel like a featherweight cotton cover.

Amy has weighed in on the debate and shared the specific features to look for when shopping a cooling summer duvet.

She explained: “Yes, a lightweight duvet with a lower tog rating should prevent you from getting too hot at night, and natural materials ensure breathability and are moisture wicking to help any sweat escape more easily. For those who prefer to sleep with something covering them, rather than nothing at all, a 1.0 tog duvet can certainly be beneficial for very hot weather, or those who overheat easily.”

How to care for your summer duvet?

Whether you alternate between a winter duvet and summer duvet throughout the year or not, you will be keen to know how to care for the duvet to maximise its longevity.

Mary Love, Product and Sourcing Director at Simba, recommended regularly washing and drying your duvet for a refresh, though it is important to check the care label to ensure the duvet is suitable to use in a washing machine.

She advised: “Regular maintenance involves machine washing the duvet at 40°C and tumble drying on low heat. Using a duvet cover helps keep the duvet clean and in good condition, extending its lifespan.”

If you are switching between your winter and summer duvet, making sure your duvet is stored in a cool and dry place when not in use, preferably in a protective garment bag or vacuum pack, is key to keep it fresh, and away from damp, bugs, and general damage.

Mary suggested: “To store your summer duvet, use a breathable storage bag to prevent mildew and odours. Store the duvet in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition for the next summer.”

Amy echoed this sentiment and added: “Store in a breathable cotton bag to protect from dust and any moisture which may lead to mould.”