The best winter duvets FAQs

What tog duvet do I need in winter?

“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,” says Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight.

Hannah admits that the different tog ratings can be confusing when you’re shopping around, which is why it helps to think about your own sleeping style first – are you a hot sleeper or the one always nicking the extra blanket?

Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director of Woolroom, adds: “Being too hot or cold in bed is one of the most common issues disrupting sleep, so swapping your duvet to suit the seasons and your body temperature is essential. For the winter months, I would opt for a tog rating of between 11–14 depending on room and body temperature. However, if you want a duvet that works year-round, I recommend choosing a tog rating of 7–10.”

What duvet filling should I buy?

If you want full-on hotel-style indulgence, natural fillings like goose down or duck feather are known for being ultra-cosy yet wonderfully lightweight. A Hungarian goose down duvet is one of the warmest options going, while still breathable enough to prevent overheating on those nights when the heating’s on high.

For a cruelty-free or allergy-friendly choice, microfibre and hollowfibre duvets offer that same cloud-like feel with none of the allergens – and they’re often machine washable, which is a win if you like low-maintenance bedding.

Mary Love, product and sourcing director at Simba, says: “With its luxurious comfort, the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 duvet is actually made from recycled PET fibres (plastic bottles) meaning it’s less allergenic and more sustainable. The fibres are combed and folded into airy, downy clusters, forming a super-soft material that provides both warmth and breathability.”

Chris also notes that “wool’s fibres are naturally temperature regulating and moisture managing no matter the thickness of the duvet, meaning you won’t get too hot, sweaty and wake up due to discomfort even on the slightly warmer winter evenings” — a good option if you tend to overheat.

How to care for your winter duvet

First up: check the care label. While microfibre and hypoallergenic duvets are usually machine washable (praise be!), natural duvets like goose down or duck feather often need more delicate care.

“Wool duvets are naturally self-cleaning and antibacterial, so don’t need frequent washing like synthetic options – simply hang your duvet out in direct sunlight every so often to keep it clean and fresh,” says Chris. “For synthetic fibres, I would recommend washing your duvet once a week on a 60-degree wash to remove the dead skin, sweat, body oils and dirt that build up over time, as these all attract pesky house dust mites.”

If you are machine washing, use a gentle cycle and skip the fabric softener (it can affect breathability). A couple of dryer balls will help stop feather fillings from clumping, and if you’ve got the space, store your winter duvet in a breathable bag during summer to keep it fresh.

What type of duvet is best for winter?

“The best type of duvet is one that meets your temperature needs,” says Chris. “It can be easy to think that a higher tog rating is best in winter, but this can easily lead to overheating and a disrupted night if you’re a warm sleeper. What you actually want to look for is a duvet made from natural, breathable materials, such as wool, which will ensure a deeper, more restorative sleep year-round.”

Mary adds: “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. You may find yourself shivering in the night!”

If you want versatility, consider a hybrid. “Sleep comfort is subjective to each type of sleeper,” says Hannah, who points to Simba’s 3-in-1 Hybrid as a clever option that can be clipped together or separated to adjust its tog rating with the seasons.

How can I stop overheating under a winter duvet?

Overheating is a common worry, especially if you’re naturally a warm sleeper. The key is finding a duvet that traps enough heat without holding on to moisture.

“Even on the slightly warmer winter evenings, wool’s fibres will prevent you from getting too hot, sweaty and waking up due to discomfort,” says Chris, while Mary adds that breathability is crucial: “The fibres in Simba Renew are combed and folded into airy, downy clusters, forming a super-soft material that provides both warmth and breathability.”

A well-ventilated bedroom will also help you stay comfortable, even with a higher tog duvet.

How long does a winter duvet last?

Duvets don’t last forever, but good care will help them go the distance. While synthetic duvets like microfibre or hollowfibre may need replacing sooner, natural options tend to last longer.

“Whether you choose natural or synthetic fibres for your duvet, proper care is essential to prolong its lifespan,” says Chris. “Wool duvets are naturally self-cleaning and antibacterial, so don’t need frequent washing like synthetic options – simply hang your duvet out in direct sunlight every so often to keep it clean and fresh.”

Airing your duvet regularly, washing synthetic fillings every few months, and storing it in a breathable bag over summer will all help.

What duvet cover is best for winter?

A breathable duvet cover is just as important as what’s inside. Natural fabrics like cotton are ideal – they’re soft, durable and help regulate your body temperature through the night.

Mary points out that warmth doesn’t have to mean bulk: “The fibres in Simba Renew are combed and folded into airy, downy clusters, forming a super-soft material that provides both warmth and breathability.”

Chris also recommends skipping fabric softener when washing your bedding, as it can reduce breathability and make the duvet feel clammy. A good-quality cotton cover will help your duvet last longer, too, by protecting the filling from wear and tear.

The verdict on the best duvets for winter

For unbeatable winter warmth, the Dusk Duck Feather & Down Duvet 13.5 Tog takes our top spot, thanks to its plush feather-and-down filling that delivers that hotel-bed cosiness at a far more approachable price. If you want something season-spanning and endlessly adaptable, the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet earns serious points for its clever clip-together design and sustainable materials, though it does sit at the spendier end of the scale. For a super-soft budget buy, the Slumberdown Feels Like Down Duvet is hard to beat – lightweight, breathable and under £30. After something feather-free but luxe? The Soak & Sleep Essential 13.5 Tog Soft As Down Microfibre Duvet nails that cloud-like feel, while the Floks Wool Duvet (Winter) is a standout for eco-conscious comfort with its breathable British wool filling.