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We all know by now how important sleep is to recovery and our general wellbeing. But getting a comfortable night’s rest isn’t always easy, especially if you often wake up feeling too hot.
The best duvets for hot sleepers can help regulate your body temperature, whether that’s in the depths of December or during a sweltering July. But with more types of duvet than there are squats, how do you know which one is right for you?
That’s where the team at Women's Health can help. They’ve put in the hard graft to find the best duvets to buy right now, with a team of writers and editors trying a range of top-rated bedding to see which ones are the best.
Keep scrolling for our full verdicts, but here are their top picks at a glance, plus some advice from the experts...
Best two-in-one duvet for hot sleepers
Simba Hybrid® 3-in-1 Duvet
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Best duvet for all seasons
Emma 4-Seasons Duvet
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Best winter duvet for hot sleepers
Soak and Sleep Soft As Down Microfibre Duvet 10.5 Tog
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Best budget duvet
Slumberdown All Seasons 15 Tog (4.5 Tog + 10.5 Tog) Duvet
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Best machine washable wool duvet
The Woolroom Organic Washable Wool Duvet – Light
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Best down winter duvet
Brook & Wilde The Cavendish Duck Down 12.5 Tog
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Best value down duvet
EarthKind Reclaimed Natural Down Duvet, 13.5 Tog
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Do I need to change my duvet for summer?
Whether or not you need to unpack a thinner duvet along with your bikinis comes down to one key thing: your current duvet's tog rating. This number indicates how well it insulates heat. The lower the tog, the cooler the duvet.
For summer, a duvet of 4.5 togs or below should keep you cool and comfortable, while 12 togs or more is considered optimal for winter. If cupboard space is tight, 10.5 togs is a great year-round option.
You can also find duvets that are made up of two thinner layers – one with a high tog and one with a low tog. You can button them together when it’s super chilly, use the higher one alone when it’s a tad warmer, and the lowest one when summer’s in full swing.
But remember to factor in how warm your home gets and how hot you can get, as this will also dictate your optimal tog rating.
How we test duvets
The Women's Health team tested the duvets by nodding off under a variety of top-rated duvets for a few weeks. The duvets were also washed according to their care instructions, and inspected for any changes in quality and remeasured to check for shrinkage.
Prices are for a standard double duvet.
If you’re all about flexibility (and not just on the yoga mat), then this duvet offers it in spades. An all-season design, it comes with one 3.5 tog duvet and one 7 tog duvet that combine with handy poppers for 10.5 togs of warmth – ideal if it’s positively Arctic outside.
One side is made with Simba’s unique Stratos technology, designed to regulate your body temp, so keep this closest to you if you run hot at night. Some found the full 10.5 togs too warm on test, but they raved about how easy it was to swap to the lighter 7 tog.
Our reviewer found it luxe and snuggly to snooze under. It’s a greener buy, too – the fillings are made from recycled plastic bottles and the cotton outers are certified by the Better Cotton Initiative.
But fidgeters take note – the poppers came loose with lots of tossing and turning. It also shrunk a little in our machine-washing lab test, so pop it on a cooler cycle or dry clean it where possible.
Key specifications
Tog | 10.5 (3.5 plus 7) |
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Filling | 80% recycled polyester, 20% modal |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – up to 40C |
This seriously wowed our reviewer, many of whom were new to wool bedding and declared themselves fully sold after just a couple of weeks curling up with their new duvet. They found it wonderfully cosy with a luxurious feel. They also felt it regulated their body temperatures well, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
It’s hypoallergenic too, and Rise and Fall uses organic British wool. Some said it made a bit of noise when they moved around at night, but you get that with down as well. You will need to dry clean this one, but our panel said they would keep using this breathable duvet for a long time – in the words of one: ‘I am a total convert’.
Key specifications
Tog | 10.5 tog |
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Filling | Organic wool filling with cotton case |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king, emperor |
Machine wash | No - dry clean only |
An option similar to the Simba two-in-one we have in the top spot is the Emma 4-Seasons Duvet, but it's three times cheaper which is great news if you're on a budget.
As it's less expensive the materials used aren't as of high quality (polyester filling rather than recycled plastic bottles and heat control cotton) but you still get the benefit of a duvet you can adjust to best suit the season.
The entire thing is machine washable too, so you won't have to worry about lugging it to the dry cleaners a few times a year.
Tog | Spring/Summer layer: 3.5, Autumn/Winter layer: 7, Combined: 10.5 |
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Filling | Polyester |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes |
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If you love your Emma Original mattress, then you’ll be pleased to hear that its fibre duvet also impressed our reviewer. The lighter 6.7 tog design is intended to regulate your body temperature come rain or shine, and our panel agreed saying it was comfortable to curl up with.
Its filling is evenly distributed too, and it stayed the same after a wash, so you can freshen it up worry-free.
Key specifications
Tog | 6.7 |
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Filling | Fibre |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 60C |
If you want a thicker duvet for winter but not the full 13 to 15 togs, then may we suggest this microfibre option that’s a slightly lighter (but still super cosy) 10.5 togs. Our reviewer rated its soft, plush feel and the fact that it regulated their body temperatures effectively, leaving them warm without overheating.
The filling is good for anyone looking for feather-free bedding (although it does rustle if you move around). It washed impressively too, emerging in top shape after our washing tests. It’s not the easiest to store but depending on your body temperature at night, it should see you through most of the year in premium comfort.
Key specifications
Tog | 10.5 tog tested (others are available) |
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Filling | Polyester filling, cotton casing |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 30C |
We were impressed with this duvet; even though it costs a fraction of its many mix-and-match rivals, it’s still invitingly comfortable. When combined, its 4.5 and 10.5 tog duvets offer 15 togs of warmth – helpful if your thermostat is turned down this winter. If you need something cooler, simply stick with the lightweight summer layer (also sold separately).
Our panel found they clipped together easily and stayed quiet at night, even with fidgeting. Wash them carefully though as some stitching came undone after a spin in the machine.
Key specifications
Tog | 15 (4.5 plus 10.5) |
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Filling | Polyester |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Machine wash |
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This bamboo beauty ticks all our boxes: it’s naturally hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating and wicks moisture away. Plus, bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and manufacturing it into fabric doesn’t require the same volume of water as cotton, making it a more eco pick. Panda also claims to source its bamboo sustainably.
What about the actual duvet? Well, at 10.5 togs, it’s lightweight but thick enough for colder weather. Its cover feels silky and it folds away easily for storage.
It took a long time to dry after washing and the filling shrunk a tad, but as all-season duvets go, it should leave you sleeping easy.
Key specifications
Tog | 10.5 |
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Filling | 50% bamboo and 50% nano-microfibre |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes |
We could go on and on about the benefits of wool – like bamboo, it’s naturally temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic – and if you want all that, but don’t fancy lugging your duvet to the dry-cleaners, then this option from The Woolroom is for you.
It kept our reviewer cool, washed well (although it’s line-dry only) and felt premium. Plus, it’s made from British wool (that you can trace), lowering its carbon footprint. That recognisable wool smell dissipated quickly, too.
Key specifications
Tog | N/A |
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Filling | Wool |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – on a wool or delicate cycle |
Doesn’t sleeping in a bed of feathers year-round sound lush? Well, you can with this luxe all-seasons duvet, consisting of two separate layers (one 4.5 and one 8 tog) that button together for the coldest nights and separate to suit warmer weather.
Our reviewer said it felt like one duvet when they were joined together and loved the way it hugged the body. The distribution of down into quilted pockets kept it fluffy and prevented pesky uneven distribution, which often happens with down duvets.
It also emerged from our wash test triumphant – just the corners were a little flatter. An investment, but worth it.
Key specifications
Tog | 12.5 (4 plus 8.5) |
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Filling | 70% new white down, 30% feathers |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes up to 60C |
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Another snazzy double act, this 4.5 and 9 tog combo is made with recycled down and feathers, and sewn up in a sustainably sourced cotton cover. We liked its storage canvas bag too, which came in handy when storing all or part of it away.
The two duvets only have buttons along two sides, so they did bunch up a tad at night and the filling distribution wasn’t quite as even as we’d have liked. But one tester said it felt like a hug, and frankly that sounds like a great way to doze off!
Key specifications
Tog | 13.5 (4.5 and 9) |
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Filling | 70% recycled down, 30% recycled feather |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 40C |
The Goldilocks of down duvets, this 4.5 tog option was just right for our panel; not too hot and not too cool. The fluffy down makes for a plump and luxe snuggle buddy and our panel rated the premium design, enjoying a great night’s sleep.
Wash-wise, you’re best turning to a dry cleaner (as is generally the case with down). It didn’t fare well in the washing machine, shrinking somewhat despite our experts following the manufacturer’s instructions. But one of our panel said it felt like bedding you’d find in a hotel, and who can argue with that?
Key specifications
Tog | 4.5 |
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Filling | Down |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 40C |
Do you often wake up sweating like you’re in a Bikram yoga class while your partner is happily slumbering? If you’re over that hot and bothered feeling, this innovative duvet may help; one half is 10.5 tog while the other is 13.5, meaning you can keep your cool without leaving them chilly.
Though not as cosy as sharing an evenly togged duvet, our reviewer still found it soft and comfortable, declaring it ‘a great idea, especially during perimenopause and menopause’. There was some shrinkage after its initial wash, but if you’re a couple with differing duvet desires, this may just transform your nights.
Key specifications
Tog | 10.5 and 13.5 |
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Filling | Polyester |
Sizes | Double, king |
Machine wash | Yes – up to 40C |
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Summer nights are no problem with this high-performing 4.5 tog duvet, proving you don’t need to blow your budget for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Costing less than £20, the fibre duvet was soft to the touch and didn’t rustle or bunch with wriggly sleepers. In fact, our reviewer said they’d recommend it to friends and family, with one declaring it “perfect for summer”. Consider the next heatwave sorted.
Key specifications
Tog | 4.5 |
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Filling | Fibre |
Sizes | Single, double, king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 40C |
Trust us, this makes a dreamy bed buddy. The 7.5 tog duvet has a luxe Egyptian cotton cover and is designed for all seasons.
It received glowing reviews for regulating body temperature, with our reviewer saying it kept them at the right level for a comfortable sleep. And you don’t need to fret about putting it in the washing machine – ours came out looking as good as new. We’re sold.
Key specifications
Tog | 7.5 |
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Filling | Fibre |
Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
Machine wash | Yes – at 60C on a delicate wash |
How should I choose a duvet?
As well as the tog rating, you need to decide on the material. While most covers tend to be cotton or a polyester blend, fillings can vary wildly. Here are the pros and cons of each.
- Down
This traditional fluffy filling is made with fine feathers and is undoubtedly the most luxurious to sleep under. It's durable and super warm but it's not hypoallergenic or vegan, which may or may not be a priority for you.
- Fibre
Designed to replicate down without using feathers, this synthetic filling (most often made with polyester) tends to be cheaper and is hypoallergenic. Sometimes you’ll even find it's made using recycled plastic bottles, making it a greener pick.
However, it's not as durable as down, and reduces in thickness after extended use.
- Other natural fibres
If you want to stick to a duvet made with natural fibres, there are a few alternatives to down to consider.
Below, we’ve featured duvets filled with bamboo, wool and eucalyptus silk. They’re hypoallergenic and tend to be more breathable than their plastic-derived counterparts.
Bamboo and wool are also naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, which is particularly useful if you tend to run hot.
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How should I care for my bedding?
Wash your duvet every few months as this will prevent dust mites from gathering and keep it clean. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions though, especially when it comes to natural fibres, as many require a more delicate wash cycle or dry cleaning.
If you plan to pack your duvet away for part of the year, make sure you wash it beforehand to ensure it’s ready to use when needed.
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Senior Homes Tester
Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.