A good comforter can transform your evenings and give you the best sleep each night. However, a poor choice can do just the opposite. This is why choosing the best possible comforter is a great responsibility and challenge.
To help make it easy for you, we’ve compiled this short and sweet guide on comforter types and their purposes. So if you’re looking to buy a new comforter, this is for you.
Your Complete Comforter Buying Guide
Comforters are pieces of bedding that are similar to a blanket or a duvet. They are, however, significantly thicker and fluffier. And, unlike duvets, they work as a standalone.
Comforters come in a wide range of options based on fill type, size, insulation, fabric, etc. While any two comforters appear quite similar, they vary significantly in the comfort and overall sleep experience they provide.
If you don’t know what kind of sleeper you are or what features you prefer, don’t worry. This guide will help you narrow your comforter options to make the best choice.
Fill
The biggest difference between comforters is their fill. There are two types of fill: down and down alternative.
Down refers to the fluffy material found on the torso of a goose or duck. Meanwhile, down alternative is a synthetic material that mimics real down.
The fill within genuine down comforters comes from waterfowl like ducks and geese. This makes them quite expensive. In contrast, the fill inside a down alternative comforter is synthetic and generally more affordable.
If you want extremely soft comforters that are very lightweight and breathable, down comforters are the go-to choice for you. Down alternatives are more suitable for those who need or prefer hypoallergenic bedding.
Down comforters must be professionally washed due to their premium fill. Down alternatives are machine washable.
Down also affects the fill power of a down comforter and makes quite a difference in the price range. Higher fill power means a higher price point. The more expensive a comforter, the more light and warm it will be.
Higher fill power is also the reason why goose fill has a higher price point than duck fill.
Here’s an easy guide on different fill powers and their benefits:
- 800+ - for extremely cold weather
- 600 to 800 - for cold sleepers and/or cold nights
- 400 to 600 - all-season comforter
- 400 and below - for summers and hot sleepers
Construction/Stitch
The type of construction determines how well your comforter maintains its shape while keeping the warmth equally distributed throughout the fabric.
There are many stitching options available. Two of the most common ones are baffle box and sewn-through.
Baffle box construction creates fluffier comforters that trap heat and air, so you can stay warm and toasty on winter nights. Sewn-through construction results in slightly flatter comforters that provide more breathability and are ideal for warm nights.
Warmth Level
If you prefer to use one comforter throughout the year, it’s best to get an all-season comforter. These are designed to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
But if you live in a place that gets extremely cold in winter, you must shift to a heavyweight comforter when seasons change. These contain significantly more fill to provide warmth.
If you live in a warm climate year-round, you need a lightweight comforter made with breathable fabric.
Comforter Size
Unlike most other bedding, it is better to upsize when buying comforters. After all, you don’t want to wake up at night because your comforter is no longer covering your entire body.
Your best bet is to go with a comforter with at least a 15-inch overhang on each side. Your measurements should account for all other bedding, such as mattress toppers, feather beds, and other such additions.
If you have a basic bedding setup, refer to the size calculations below to get the right comforter for your bed:
- Twin (Width: 66-70 inches; Length: 86-90 inches)
- Twin XL (Width: 66-70 inches; Length: 90-96 inches)
- Full/Double (Width: 78-86 inches; Length: 86-92 inches)
- Queen (Width: 86-92 inches; Length: 88-100 inches)
- King (Width: 102-108 inches; Length: 86-96 inches)
- Oversized Queen (Width: 90-98 inches; Length: 96-98 inches)
- Oversized King (Width: 106-116 inches; Length: 96-98 inches)
Comforter Fabric
You must also consider the various fabric options when choosing a comforter.
We suggest going for cotton for its hypoallergenic properties, breathability, and softness. Cotton is popular among hot sleepers, but it’s also suitable for year-long use. It is highly durable and relatively low maintenance.
Other top choices for hot sleepers are bamboo and silk. Bamboo, in particular, is a very light and breathable fabric. And like cotton, bamboo is hypoallergenic.
Silk is the best choice for those with a bigger budget and who don’t mind high-maintenance bedding. It’s well worth the investment for the luxurious feel it provides. We also like silk for its moisture-wicking ability.
Wool is another popular choice of material for comforters. It traps heat, so it’s ideal for those who experience extreme temperatures. However, wool also requires extra TLC.
You will find that the list of options for comforter material is much longer than most other features. Some other popular material choices include polyester, polyester blends, and some even combine cotton with TENCEL and other fabrics for added features.
We suggest you choose a material based on your insulation needs and budget.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together within a square inch. A higher thread count typically means a heavy, durable, and cozy comforter.
If you don’t want to get into the jargon around thread count, our best advice is to go for bedding between 300 to 500.
To Sum It Up
Buying the right comforter for your bed ensures your night’s sleep is no longer a mysterious adventure but a restful and restorative time.
With this simple guide on the critical features to consider, you can confidently shop for the best comforter and make the perfect purchase decision to suit your needs.
Here’s hoping you shop like a pro and sleep like a baby!
References
https://www.designerliving.com/get-inspired/buying-guide/comforters/608
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/comforter-reviews/a25003/comforter-buying-guide/
https://www.thecompanystore.com/guides/comforter-buying-guide.html
https://www.downlitebedding.com/bedding-guide-buying-the-perfect-comforter/
https://laylasleep.com/comforter-buying-guide/