Down-filled duvets and comforters aren't exclusively for the colder weather. Though down does provide warmth during winter, it's also a natural, lightweight and breathable material that's ideal for year-round use. These duvets and comforters come available in many styles and price ranges, from high-end goose down to hypoallergenic polyester-filled options. Follow our guidelines below to make choosing a duvet and comforter easy.

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What is Down?
What Are the Different Types of Down?
What Affects Down Quality?

What is Down?

Down is the undercoat of the bird and used for its super soft, fluffy and lightweight quality.

What Are the Different Types of Down?

Goose: Goose down is the most commonly used type of down for down duvets. It's most popularly found in white and gray, but white goose down is usually used with white comforter shells so you can't see through it.

Duck: Duck down is very similar to goose down except the feathers are plucked from a duck. It's slightly less insulated than goose down, making it somewhat more affordable.

Down & Feather Blend: This combines both down and feathers into one fluffy blend. A reminder that down is the lush undercoat of a bird, so the addition of feathers will create a similar softness to that of a feather-filled pillow. These blends are typically more affordable.

Alternative Down Fill: Avoid allergy issues and get the luxury of down with down-alternative fills. These comforters utilise a mix of synthetic fibres for a quality loft that's hypoallergenic. Popular down alternatives include polyester, cotton, wool and more.

Tip: For more on down material types, check out our guide 'Which is Better? Goose Down or Duck Down?'

What Affects Down Comforter Quality?

When choosing a comforter or duvet, consider fill warmth, thread count and construction.

Fill Warmth: You may be thinking, 'Do down comforters make you sweat?'. The truth is, they're often specialised for the changing seasons. Heavier and more insulated down should be saved for the winter months, while lighter, more breathable down is best for summertime. The majority of down duvets and comforters are a perfect balance, so you can use them throughout every season. However, if you want optimal temperature control, we recommend buying down-filled duvets for the proper season(s).

Thread Count: Think thread count is only important for your sheets? Think again. Just as with other bedding, a higher thread count means a tighter weave to the fabric. In a down duvet and comforter, a higher thread count and a tighter weave will determine how well it contains the down fill, making it softer and longer lasting.

The following are standard thread-count ranges:

Low: Under 200
High: 200 – 400
Luxury: Above 400

Construction: A quality and popular construction for down comforters is the baffle-box stitching style. Strips of fabric, called baffles, are sewn between the top and bottom layers of the comforter to create compartments for the fill. Baffle walls enable down to expand fully to get the highest loft – providing maximum cushion.

Tip: Whenever you bring your new duvet home, remember that it can take up to 72 hours after unpacking for it to expand and achieve maximum loft and fluffiness. For more information on duvet fillings, read our guide How to Choose a Duvet and Pillow to Suit Your Sleep Style.