When you go to bed, especially after a long day at work, you want to know you can look forward to a restful night's sleep, whether it's the height of summer or a dreary winter evening. But only high-quality bed linen can guarantee that luxury.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know before buying a duvet, including useful insights into the exact meaning of "Tog ratings" and the different types you can choose from.

What does tog mean?

You've probably seen the term before in connection with quilts and duvets, but what does "Tog" mean and how does it affect your sleep quality?

Choosing a duvet with the right level of heat retention is perhaps the most important decision you can make when buying bedding. After all, it's often the embrace of your duvet that lulls you into a restful sleep.

You will usually find that duvets are labeled with a "Tog rating." This is a standardized measurement that indicates the warmth level. However, some retailers also indicate whether the duvet is best suited for "winter," "summer," or "all seasons."

Below you will learn how to decipher the Tog rating system for duvets and how to choose the right duvet for optimal comfort.

Explanation of the Tog rating system for duvets

When browsing duvets, it can be helpful to have an idea of what the different tog ratings mean. The scale ranges from 1 to 15, where 1 is very cool and 15 is the warmest – however, most duvets start at 4.5.

• 4.5 Tog – A rating of 4.5 Tog ensures you stay cool at night and is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats. It's the best duvet for people who sweat while sleeping, especially in summer.
• 7.0 Tog – a rating of 7.0 Tog is still rather cool, but offers a bit more warmth if your room is air-conditioned or you run a fan at night. This is probably also the best type of duvet when the temperature starts to fluctuate between seasons and is often chosen as all-season bedding.
• 10.5 tog – slightly warmer, a 10.5 tog rating still provides enough insulation to keep you warm in cold weather without becoming unbearably hot. This type of comforter is generally considered the best choice for both winter and winter months.
• 13.5 tog – a comforter with a 13.5 tog rating is ideal for cold weather, but can be a bit too warm when temperatures rise. Consider buying a cooler comforter that you can swap out.
• 15 tog – an extra-thick comforter. 15 is the highest tog rating for comforters and can feel a bit too much in hot weather. You should definitely consider buying a thinner comforter to have a cooler option.

Before buying new bedding , you should also be aware that the thickness and weight of a duvet don't always equate to warmth, even though this is often the case. Some materials and fillings can be heavier than others but provide a cooler sleeping experience. The only way to determine warmth is to check the tog rating.

What about the thread count?

When choosing a new duvet, it's important not only to consider the filling. You should also think about the quality and composition of your duvet cover, especially the thread count .

The thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven together per square inch of fabric. For example, if your duvet cover has 150 vertical and 150 horizontal threads per square inch, the thread count is 300.

Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the cozier, softer, and higher quality the material. Any thread count above 300 is considered high or excellent quality.

How is a duvet made?

When it comes to the construction of a duvet cover, the outer shell is usually formed using either a box stitch or a baffle box. Of course, it's very likely that neither of these terms means anything to you, so we've looked into what they mean:

Box stitch : In the box stitch, the top and bottom layers of your duvet are sewn together in a crisscross pattern. This creates a series of small squares in the duvet, hence the name. Each square is then filled, with the filling distributed evenly across the duvet.

Cassette duvet : The design of a cassette duvet is similar to a cassette stitch, but slightly more complex. Instead of sewing directly between the top and bottom layers, additional material is incorporated into the duvet to create more space for extra filling. The seams then form something resembling cubes.

Choose the right tog rating for your duvet depending on the season.

When the seasons change and temperatures either rise or fall, it can be difficult to stay comfortable with the same duvet all the time. Unless you have an all-season duvet, it's helpful to have two duvets that you can alternate throughout the year: one for the cooler months and one for the warmer months.

What tog rating does a summer duvet have?

In the height of summer, when the weather becomes unbearable and the evenings damp and uncomfortable, you should swap your regular duvet for one that keeps you a little cooler. Otherwise, you might find yourself lying awake all night, sweating and having trouble falling asleep.

Consider a summer duvet with a tog rating of 4.5 or less, which counteracts high temperatures by releasing body heat while you sleep. If the weather isn't quite so warm, a duvet with a tog rating of 7-9 might be the best choice.

Tog ratings for winter duvets

Unlike in summer, in winter you might want a blanket that retains your body heat better and keeps you warmer. Otherwise, you risk getting cold and having trouble sleeping. However, before choosing a blanket, consider that a more powerful central heating system might be enough to combat the cold nights.

However, if you have an older house or a property with inadequate insulation, you should consider a comforter at the warmest end of the scale. A thick comforter with a 13.5+ tog rating offers optimal heat retention during long, cool nights. If you prefer something lighter, a winter comforter with a 10.5 tog rating should also provide sufficient comfort.

How to find the right duvet tog

To find the right tog rating for the duvet, two key factors must be taken into account:

1. The temperature of your bedroom

Your room temperature plays a major role in choosing your duvet. For example, if your bedroom is poorly insulated and gets very cold at night, you should opt for a duvet with the highest tog rating to keep you warm.

2. Your own sleep preferences

Everyone's sleeping style is different, so you can take your own preferences into account. For example, you might want a blanket that keeps you cool at night, even during the winter months.

What is the highest tog rating for duvets for children and babies?

Children generally need more sleep than adults, so the right bedding is even more important for a good night's rest. Without enough sleep, children can become lethargic and tired, making it harder for them to learn, play, and engage in activities.

When buying duvets and pillows for children, toddlers, and babies, it's also important to remember that their bodies can't regulate heat as efficiently as adults', and they are more likely to overheat if the duvet has too high a tog rating. A good rule of thumb is:

• Babies : Babies under 12 months do not need a blanket, as they overheat very easily. Any kind of heavy blanket also poses a suffocation risk at night. Babies sleep much more comfortably with a light blanket .
• Toddlers : Just like babies, toddlers have trouble regulating their body temperature and are likely to overheat with a duvet that has too high a tog rating. Try to keep the tog rating at 4.5 or lower. However, if the room gets particularly cold in winter, consider upgrading to 9 tog.
• Children over 3 years : From the age of three, children's bodies can regulate temperature better, reducing the risk of overheating. Children between three and nine years old can sleep comfortably with a duvet tog rating between 4.5 and 9, while older children can tolerate up to 10.5.

The different types of duvet fillings

Of course, the warmth of the duvet isn't the only factor to consider when choosing new bedding. Depending on personal preferences and circumstances such as allergies, you also need to consider the filling. We've explained the different types of natural and synthetic fillings and why you should consider each one.

Naturally

Down or feathers – down and feathers are similar, yet also slightly different. While feathers come from any part of the bird (e.g., duck or goose), down refers to the soft, fluffy under feathers found on the breast. For a luxurious sleep, you can often buy comforters with either a down filling or a combination of both.

Wool – Duvets with wool filling offer excellent insulation because the material efficiently traps air. Wool is not only exceptionally warm but also a relatively lightweight material that distributes evenly, thus ensuring a consistent sleeping temperature.

Silk – Silk duvets are not stuffy and bulky, but significantly thinner and lighter than other popular alternatives. Furthermore, due to silk's hypoallergenic properties, they are the ideal choice for anyone struggling with dust and mites. Interestingly, unlike most other duvets, silk is not measured in togs, but by weight; the higher the weight, the warmer the duvet.

Bamboo – our popular duvets are filled with a bamboo blend that's perfect for all seasons. Each duvet is breathable and comfortable, and also resistant to dust, mites, and mold – ideal if you're looking for hypoallergenic bedding.

Why choose a natural duvet filling?

If you're looking for high-quality bedding, you're spoiled for choice, as there's a wide selection of natural fillings. But what advantages does a natural filling offer compared to synthetic alternatives? We've identified the three most important reasons for choosing natural duvets:

Durable and hard-wearing : Many natural materials are permanently resistant to everyday wear and tear, so you can often enjoy your duvet and bed linen for many years.

Breathability and comfort : Many natural duvet fillings offer high breathability, ensuring a pleasant night's sleep – whether in the height of summer or the depths of winter.

A diverse selection of fillings : With fillings ranging from cotton and wool to luxurious silk and bamboo, you are guaranteed to find the perfect sleeping solution when comparing natural duvet fillings.

The benefits of a natural duvet filling may have already influenced your decision, but we've also given you a little insight into the type of sleeper who could benefit most from it. A natural duvet might be right for you if you're looking for the following:

• Natural fibers ensure a comfortable sleep, keep you cool in summer and warm you when temperatures drop.
• A durable fabric that stands the test of time and remains effectively robust even under everyday use.
• A duvet filling with hypoallergenic properties that protects you from dust, mites and dirt.

synthetic

Synthetic duvets are typically made from lightweight hollow-fiber or microfiber polyester and offer soft, silky comfort throughout the night. Benefits of synthetic duvets include:

Hypoallergenic properties : Synthetic fibers are hypoallergenic and therefore suitable for anyone who is sensitive to mites and dust.

Affordable : Synthetic materials are generally cheaper than luxurious natural alternatives like silk and bamboo.

Easy to care for : Hollow fiber and microfiber fabrics can often be machine washed and are easy to care for.

Given the many benefits of buying a duvet with synthetic filling, you might be wondering which of the two types of duvets benefits the most. Fortunately, we've answered that very question – a synthetic duvet could be right for you if you're looking for the following:

• A fabric that offers the same comfortable warmth as a natural filling, but feels heavier and thicker.
• A hypoallergenic sleep solution that lets you enjoy every night without worrying about sneezing and sniffling.
• A quick-drying fabric that is easy to care for. Synthetic materials generally dry faster than natural alternatives and are therefore the ideal choice for those who appreciate simplicity.

Filling capacity of the duvet

You may have heard the term "fill power" when buying a new duvet, and although you probably only have a vague idea of what it means, it is worth taking a closer look at what it actually entails.

When we talk about fill power, we essentially mean the volume of filling inside the duvet cover. More precisely, it's about the duvet's thermal efficiency – or how effectively it keeps you warm at night. It's a similar measure to the tog rating of a duvet: the higher the fill power, the more thermally efficient the duvet.

Duvet construction

When browsing for duvets, it's worth looking out for quilted or box-stitched designs and choosing those that are constructed to distribute the filling as evenly as possible. This is important because it keeps you warm all night and prevents the filling from clumping in the corners.

Although your quilted comforter is easier to care for, you may need to shake it out from time to time. If so, make sure to shake it from the sides and not from the top or bottom to prevent the filling from shifting.

How to clean your duvet

Whether you choose a natural or synthetic filling, effective duvet care is essential if you want your bedding to last. Always check the care label for washing instructions (some duvets are dry clean only), but as a general rule, wash your duvet every three to four months.

If you notice a stain, shake the filling away from the affected areas as much as possible and apply a mild detergent to the stain before placing the filling in the washing machine. Shaking prevents the detergent from damaging the filling.

Drying your duvet

Washing your duvet is the most important task, but drying it is equally crucial. After removing it from the washing machine, allow it to air dry completely, then iron the outer cover with a warm iron to eliminate any remaining bacteria and further enhance its freshness.

Protection for your duvet

Knowing how to clean and dry your duvet is all well and good, but it's also helpful to know how to extend its lifespan. Investing in duvet covers or a zippered liner is always a good start. They're designed to completely enclose your spare duvet and protect it from dust and mites when not in use.