01Two families of duvet
Once a duvet is inside its cover, it is hard to tell what it is made of. But the filling decides almost everything about how the duvet feels, how warm it is for its weight, how it copes with washing and how long it lasts. Most duvets sold in the UK fall into two broad families: natural fillings of feather and down, and synthetic fillings made from polyester fibres.
Natural duvets use the soft, fluffy clusters that grow beneath a duck's or goose's outer feathers, called down, often mixed with small feathers. Down clusters trap air extremely well, so down duvets are very warm for their weight and mould softly around the body. Feathers add a little weight and structure.
Synthetic duvets use polyester fibres, often hollow or crimped to trap air, and sometimes made into small balls or clusters to imitate down. They vary from inexpensive, fairly flat fillings to high-quality microfibres that feel surprisingly like down. They are usually easier to wash and dry, and are popular with people who prefer to avoid animal products or who wash bedding often.
Neither is simply better. Each suits different sleepers, homes and habits, and each needs its own care. This guide explains the differences, then sets out how to look after each type day to day, in the wash and in storage.
Finding out what you have
Check the label sewn into a seam. It should say what the filling is, often with percentages, such as duck feather and down, goose down or hollowfibre polyester. It also shows the tog rating and care instructions.
02Side by side
| Feather and down | Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, drapes and moulds to the body | Even, can feel lighter or springier |
| Warmth for weight | Very high, especially high-down fillings | Good; varies with quality |
| Breathability | Very breathable | Varies; some feel warmer and less breathable |
| Washing | Possible with care; gentle cycle, down detergent | Usually easy; many tolerate warm or hot washes |
| Drying | Slow; must be bone dry | Faster |
| Allergies | Some people react; protectors help | Often chosen for allergies; washable hot |
| Durability | Long-lasting with care | Shorter; can flatten over years |
| Storage | Needs space to breathe | More tolerant of compression |
03Down, feathers and fill
A few terms come up often when buying and caring for natural duvets.
Down
Down clusters are three-dimensional and fluffy, with no hard quill. They trap the most air and give the most warmth for the least weight.
Feathers
Feathers have a central quill. They are heavier and less insulating than down and give a slightly firmer feel. Duvets with a higher proportion of feathers are often heavier and less expensive.
Duck and goose
Both are used. Goose down clusters are often larger, which can mean more loft and warmth for the weight, though quality varies within each.
Fill power
Some higher-end duvets quote fill power, a measure of how much space a given amount of down occupies. Higher fill power generally means loftier, lighter, warmer down.
Responsible sourcing
Some people look for down certified under responsible sourcing schemes, which set standards for how birds are treated. Check the label or the maker's information.
04Types of synthetic filling
Hollowfibre
Hollow polyester fibres trap air inside them. Hollowfibre duvets are common, affordable and washable. They can be bulkier and less drapey than down.
Microfibre
Very fine polyester fibres that feel soft and light, sometimes described as down-like. Microfibre duvets often drape well and are washable.
Cluster or ball fibre
Fibres formed into small balls that move freely, like down clusters, giving a softer, more even fill that resists clumping.
Siliconised fibre
Fibres coated with silicone to help them slide past each other, making the duvet softer and more resistant to clumping.
05Tog and the seasons
Tog measures how well a duvet keeps warmth in. The higher the tog, the warmer the duvet. Tog applies to both feather and synthetic duvets, so it is the fairest way to compare warmth.
Roughly, lower togs suit summer, middle togs suit spring and autumn and higher togs suit winter. Many people choose an all-season duvet made of two layers that clip together: a lighter one for summer, a medium one for spring and autumn, and both together for winter.
For feather and down, the same tog can feel lighter and more breathable than a synthetic of the same tog, because down traps air so efficiently. For synthetic, a high tog can feel heavy and warm, which some people love and others find stuffy.
All-season duvets are also easier to wash, since each layer can go in the machine and dryer on its own.
06Choosing for the way you sleep
Hot sleepers
People who sleep hot often prefer down for its breathability, or a lower tog of either type. Very warm, less breathable synthetic fillings can feel stuffy.
Cold sleepers
Down gives high warmth for its weight. A higher tog synthetic is a good alternative.
Couples who disagree
Some couples use two single duvets on a double bed, or a dual-tog duvet with a different warmth on each side.
Children
Children's duvets are often synthetic, because they need washing more often and dry faster. Follow safe sleep guidance for babies and young children.
07Allergies: feathers or dust mites?
Some people believe they are allergic to feathers when the real trigger is dust mites, which can live in any duvet, feather or synthetic. Others genuinely react to feathers or to dust in feather fillings. If you have night-time allergy symptoms, it is worth speaking to a doctor or pharmacist about what is causing them.
Whatever the cause, a few steps help with both types of duvet: use allergy-friendly protectors with a tight weave, wash covers and protectors regularly, wash the duvet itself as often and as hot as its label allows, keep the bedroom ventilated and vacuum regularly. Synthetic duvets that can be washed at 60°C are often recommended for people with dust mite allergies because they can be washed hot more easily.
08Daily care for both
Both types benefit from the same simple daily habits.
- Shake the duvet each morning to redistribute the filling.
- Pull it back for a while to let moisture from the night escape.
- Use a protector or a good cover, washed regularly.
- Keep the bedroom ventilated.
Extra for feather and down
Feather and down rely on loft. Regular shaking and plumping keeps clusters separate and fluffy. If the duvet feels flat on one side, shake it towards that side.
09How to shake a duvet properly
Shaking sounds simple, but a good shake makes a real difference, especially to feather and down. Hold the duvet by two corners at one short end, lift it and give it several firm, rolling shakes, as if flicking a sheet, so the filling moves towards the far end. Then turn it round and repeat from the other end. Finish by holding the long sides and shaking it outwards to spread the filling evenly across the width. For a heavy duvet, this is easier with two people. A daily shake keeps clusters separate, fills cold spots and helps moisture escape.
10Airing each type
Airing refreshes both types of duvet between washes, but feather and down benefit most.
For feather and down, a few hours outside on a dry, breezy day, or by an open window, helps the clusters recover their loft and lets any moisture escape. Shake the duvet before and after airing. Avoid long periods in strong sunlight, which can dry out the fabric and filling over time.
Synthetic duvets also benefit from airing, especially if they have started to smell slightly stale. They recover their shape less dramatically than down, but fresh air still helps.
In a flat without outdoor space, fold the duvet back over the end of the bed each morning, open the window for a while and give it a good shake. Once a month or so, drape it over two chairs by an open window for an afternoon.
11Washing feather and down
Feather and down duvets can often be washed, but they need care.
- Check the label; some are dry clean only.
- Use a machine large enough for the duvet to move freely.
- Use a detergent made for down, which protects the natural oils in the clusters.
- Use a gentle cycle at the temperature on the label, usually cool to warm.
- Add an extra rinse.
- Dry long and slow on low heat with dryer balls, shaking every half hour.
- Make sure every part is completely dry; damp down smells and clumps.
Why down detergent
Ordinary detergents can strip the natural oils that keep down springy. Without them, clusters become brittle and lose loft.
12Washing synthetic duvets
- Check the label; many synthetic duvets tolerate 40°C, and some 60°C.
- Use a machine large enough for the duvet.
- Use a mild detergent, less than for a normal load.
- Skip fabric softener.
- Add an extra rinse.
- Dry on low heat with dryer balls, shaking occasionally.
- Check the centre is dry before use.
Avoid high heat
High dryer heat can flatten and even melt synthetic fibres, leaving the duvet thin and lumpy. Low and steady is best.
13Drying in more detail
Drying is where the two types differ most.
Feather and down
Down clusters collapse when wet and only regain their loft as they dry and are broken up. A feather and down duvet can feel dry on the outside long before the clusters in the middle are dry. If it goes back on the bed damp, it develops a strong, unpleasant smell and may grow mildew. Dry it on low heat with dryer balls, take it out every half hour to shake and turn it, and keep going until every part feels light, fluffy and evenly filled. A large dryer helps enormously. It often takes several hours.
Synthetic
Synthetic fibres hold less water and dry faster, but thick synthetic duvets still need time. Low heat protects the fibres; high heat can flatten or melt them. Shake the duvet during drying to stop the fibres matting.
The finishing air
After tumble drying, lay either type over a chair or airer for an hour before putting it back in its cover. This lets any last moisture escape and the duvet cool.
14Smells: what they mean
Feather and down
A faint feathery smell when the duvet is warm or slightly damp is normal for natural fillings, especially when new. A strong, unpleasant smell after washing means the filling is still damp; keep drying. A musty smell in a stored duvet means it was stored damp or in a damp place.
Synthetic
A synthetic duvet that smells stale usually needs airing or washing. One that smells of detergent was not rinsed enough. One that smells musty may have been stored damp or not fully dried.
15Spills and stains on each type
A spill that soaks through the cover reacts differently in each filling.
On feather and down, liquid makes the clusters collapse and clump in that area, and if it is not dried quickly, it can smell and stain the casing. Remove the cover, blot firmly with a clean towel, and if the duvet is washable, wash it soon. If you cannot wash it straight away, push the filling away from the wet area and dry the casing with a cool hairdryer, then shake the filling back once everything is dry.
On synthetic, liquid passes through the fibres more easily and dries faster. Blot, sponge the casing with cool water and a little mild detergent if needed, and dry the area thoroughly. Washable synthetic duvets can simply go in the machine.
For either type, avoid soaking the whole duvet to treat one spot, and never put a damp duvet back in its cover.
16Storing each type
Feather and down
Down needs space to keep its loft. Long-term compression, such as in a vacuum bag or squashed at the bottom of a cupboard, can crush the clusters, and they may not fully recover. Store feather and down duvets loosely in a breathable cotton bag, in a cool, dry place. Before using a stored duvet, shake it well and air it for a few hours.
Synthetic
Synthetic duvets are more tolerant of compression and can be stored in vacuum bags if space is tight, though they will still benefit from a good shake and airing before use.
Both
Make sure duvets are completely clean and dry before storing them. Avoid damp places such as basements and cupboards against outside walls, and very hot places such as lofts.
17How long each type lasts
Good feather and down duvets can last many years with care: daily shaking, protectors, occasional washing with down detergent and thorough drying. Synthetic duvets generally have a shorter life; the fibres gradually flatten and lose their ability to trap air, even with good care. High-quality synthetic fillings last longer than cheap ones.
| Sign | Feather and down | Synthetic |
|---|---|---|
| Flat areas | Clusters breaking down; may improve with airing | Fibres matted; often permanent |
| Lumps | Often damp filling; dry and shake | Fibres clumped; may be permanent |
| Cold spots | Filling shifted; shake to redistribute | Fibres thinned |
| Escaping filling | Fabric wearing thin | Seams splitting |
| Smell after washing | Not fully dry | Not fully dry or rinsed |
Signs of wear
18Feathers poking through
Small feathers sometimes work their way through the fabric of feather and down duvets. It is common and does not mean the duvet is faulty. If you see a feather tip poking out, do not pull it, which widens the hole and lets more feathers out. Instead, pull it back in from the other side by gently tugging the fabric around it. A duvet protector reduces how far escaped feathers travel. If many feathers are escaping, the fabric may be wearing thin and the duvet may be nearing the end of its life.
19Duvets in London homes
London homes vary from draughty Victorian terraces to airtight new-build flats, and that affects duvet choice and care.
In older, cooler homes, a warmer duvet is welcome in winter, and natural fillings breathe well in rooms that may be damp. In new-build flats that hold heat, a lower tog or a breathable down duvet can stop sleepers overheating.
Damp is a concern in many London homes, especially in winter. Both types of duvet can absorb moisture from the air in a damp bedroom. Regular airing, a well-ventilated bedroom and storing spare duvets away from cold outside walls help keep them fresh.
Drying is the other London challenge. Many flats have no tumble dryer and little outdoor space, which makes washing a feather duvet at home particularly hard. Using a launderette with large dryers or a laundry service is often the practical answer.
20Cost and value
Feather and down duvets usually cost more to buy, particularly those with a high proportion of down. They can last much longer with care, so the cost per year may end up similar to or lower than buying several synthetic duvets over the same period.
Synthetic duvets are usually cheaper and easier to wash at home, which saves on cleaning costs. Higher-quality synthetic fillings cost more but last longer and feel closer to down.
When comparing, think about how long you want the duvet to last, how often you will wash it, whether anyone has allergies and how you will dry it.
21What to look for when buying
Feather and down
- Read the filling description: the proportion of down to feather affects softness, warmth and weight.
- Look at the casing fabric: a tightly woven, down-proof cotton keeps feathers in.
- Check the stitching: box or channel stitching keeps filling evenly spread.
- Check the care label: some are washable, others dry clean only.
- Look for information on responsible sourcing if that matters to you.
Synthetic
- Check the fibre type: microfibre and cluster fibres feel softer and more down-like than basic hollowfibre.
- Check the wash temperature: 60°C washable duvets suit allergy sufferers.
- Check the casing: a soft, breathable cotton or polycotton cover feels more comfortable.
- Consider an all-season set for flexibility and easier washing.
Both
Choose the right size for the bed. A duvet that is too small leaves draughts at the edges; one slightly larger than the bed, such as a king duvet on a double, gives more coverage for couples.
22Choosing for guest rooms and short lets
For guest rooms, short lets and holiday homes, synthetic duvets are a popular choice: they wash easily, dry faster and suit guests with feather allergies. Some hosts offer a feather duvet on request, or keep one synthetic and one feather duvet so guests can choose. Whatever the filling, protectors and frequent cover changes are essential when beds are used by different people.
23Children, pets and duvet choice
In homes with young children or pets on the bed, duvets face spills, accidents and muddy paws. Synthetic duvets that can be washed and dried at home quickly are often more practical. If you prefer feather and down, a waterproof or water-resistant protector is essential, and it is worth having a spare duvet for nights when the main one needs cleaning.
24Switching from one type to the other
If you switch from synthetic to feather and down, expect a lighter, softer duvet that drapes more closely. You may want a lower tog than before. If you switch from feather to synthetic, you may notice the duvet feels a little bulkier; a higher-quality microfibre or cluster fibre will feel closest to what you are used to. Give yourself a week or two to adjust either way.
25Pillows to match
Pillows come in the same two families, and the same care principles apply.
Feather and down pillows mould to the head and neck and last a long time with care, but need daily plumping and long, thorough drying if washed. Some people find pure down pillows too soft and prefer a feather and down mix for more support.
Synthetic pillows are easy to wash and dry and suit allergy sufferers. They are usually cheaper but flatten sooner, and many people replace them every year or two.
Some people mix and match: a synthetic duvet with feather pillows, or the other way round. There is no rule; choose what helps you sleep, and care for each according to its filling.
How ArkLaundry helps
Feather duvets are washed gently and dried long and slow; synthetic duvets on low heat. Feather duvets are £23.00 / £29.00 (single / double), including VAT.
