A good duvet inner can make a big difference to the quality and feel of your bedding. It can keep you warm on cold nights, breathable on hot ones and can be washed easily.
There are two main types of fills for duvets, natural and synthetic. Both can provide superior insulation, but natural fillings tend to be more breathable than synthetic.
1. Material
A quality duvet inner is made of natural materials that are breathable, durable and hypoallergenic. They are also more eco-friendly, because they use less energy to produce and don’t contain plastic microfibres that can pollute the environment when discarded.
A duvet inner’s material will make a big difference to how it performs, from its feel and temperature regulation to its longevity. We’ve found that a good natural duvet inner can last for decades without needing to be replaced, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality one.
The most common material for duvet inners is cotton percale, but there are many other natural and synthetic options that work well, too. For example, eucalyptus fibers are cool to the touch and have excellent temperature regulation.
2. Fill
Choosing the best duvet inner can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to all of the different fill options. From down to feather-filled, synthetic and natural, there are many options to choose from – all with their own benefits and differences.
Down is known for its lofty, fluffy feel and is naturally insulating, so it’s a popular choice. Its high fill power means it’s lighter, recovers its fullness better and more easily, and is more durable so it will last longer.
The classic white down used to make this comforter is 650 fill power, and is encased in a shell made from soft, breathable organic cotton that allows air to flow through, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in winter. Baffle boxes are sewn into the insert to prevent it shifting and bunching over time, while corner loops allow you to secure it to your duvet cover.
These down-alternative fibers mimic the luxurious feel of down without using animal products and triggering allergies. They are also more affordable and come in a range of sizes so you can find one that fits your needs.
3. Construction
The best duvet inners have a solid construction, strong seams that don’t fray and shrink in the wash, securely attached buttons or zippers at the closure, and are machine washable. They’re also made from natural fibers, like cotton or linen, for breathability and temperature regulation.
A good duvet construction can make a huge difference to the feel and performance of the duvet. For example, baffle box construction, which involves stitching a grid of boxes within the duvet, helps ensure that the down stays evenly distributed to prevent cold spots.
Another great construction option is the “sewn through” method, in which the top and bottom layers are sewn together in a criss-cross pattern to create multiple pockets for the fill. These pockets hold equal amounts of the fill so it spreads evenly across the duvet and doesn’t bunch up and settle on your toes.
4. Size
The best duvet inners should feel light, airy and breathable, so they don’t weigh you down or make your bed too hot. These are the kind of duvets that lull you to sleep and elicit feelings of being engulfed in an inviting, cloud-like blanket.
The duvets we recommend are available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the right one to fit your mattress. The best option is to choose a size that’s at least two inches bigger than the mattress, so that it will fit snugly around the mattress and provide a comfortable and cosy layer of comfort.
These options are made of cotton and feature strong seams that don’t fray, so you can wash them on hot without worrying about damaging them. They’re also solidly constructed with securely attached buttons, zippers or snaps at the closure.