What is the Best Tog For All Year Round?
The tog rating of a duvet can be the difference between a sweaty, shivering night's rest and a calm one. Understanding your duvet's tog is essential for a good night's sleep all year long.
In summer, you should choose a lighter duvet. The ideal is 7.5 tog. This will allow you to remain cool and comfortable during the hot summer evenings.
Winter
As autumn approaches, it's the perfect time to swap your summer duvet out for a heavier winter one. While you may be tempted to buy one of the very warmest duvets in the market - particularly for those who sleep cold or reside in a cold climate - it's best to put off switching until the average temperature at night starts to drop below 10degC.
A duvet's temperature rating or thermal overall grade (TOG), reflects how it is able to insulate warmth. It is typically expressed as a number ranging from 1 and 15. The higher the tog is, the more warm the duvet.
The TOG is a measurement founded on a widely-known testing method. It measures how well is wicking off moisture, retaining heat, and controlling your body temperature throughout the night. This measure is also used to regulate other bedding items, such as doonas or pyjamas.
The type of filling in the duvet can affect its tog rating, and how comfortable it is when you sleep on it. For instance, synthetic fillings are less permeable than natural fibres such as feathers and down and can cause excessive heat in hot sleepers. A feather and down or merino duvet of high quality, however offers excellent insulation without compromising breathability. This allows you to regulate your body temperature as you sleep.
If you're a sleeper who is cool in a bedroom that is warmer, this duvet from Piglet in Bed could be a great option. It has a medium-tog rating but is incredibly soft and plump thanks to the merino wool filling. If you're a sleeper who prefers cool temperatures in a warmer bedroom, this duvet by Piglet in Bed could be a good choice as it comes with a medium tog rating but is super soft and plump thanks to the Merino wool filling. It is also washable and shrinks with minimal effort, making it a great investment that should last the all year.
Tog ratings are also commonly used on duvets for children. The typical child's first duvet should be light and less than 4 tog. This will keep them warm without restricting their breathing. Based on the temperature in their bedroom and the climate in which they live, they may be ready for a larger duvet when they turn two.
Spring
As the weather begins to turn colder and the evenings get darker it's the perfect time to upgrade your duvet to one with a higher temperature rating. This will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night, allowing you to sleep more deeply. However, too much warmth will make you sweat throughout the night, which can impact your sleep quality. A good way to check whether you're too hot is to feel the material of your duvet. If it's rough or uncomfortable, this could indicate that the duvet has too high a tog rating.
For Autumn and Spring, we suggest the following: 10.5 tog that is warm enough, but not too hot. It will also allow you to enjoy a a comfortable temperature during the night, allowing your body to regulate its own heat and allow you to enjoy a peaceful sleep.
We have a range of lightweight duvets available in case you are looking for a lighter choice for summer. These duvets are made with lightweight fabrics and fillings that keep you cool at night, ensuring a restful sleep and ensuring you get the best possible sleep.
For toddlers and babies we suggest a duvet that has a low tog rating, such as 4. Young children can easily overheat under a thick duvet and this can cause negative effect on their sleep. We also have a range of all season duvets which are ideal for children and adults alike. These duvets are constructed from two separate duvets which can be buttoned for an adaptable solution as the seasons change.
The tog rating of a duvet does not necessarily mean that it is of high quality, as it only measures thermal resistance. It doesn't measure durability or fabric feel. A duvet with an increased tog may initially test as superior, however it could lose its insulation over time and become less effective. It is therefore crucial to purchase a duvet that is of high quality from a reputable supplier. This will ensure your duvet remains cosy and comfortable as long as you own.
Summer
As the weather warms up, you'll need a light duvet to keep you warm without overheating and interrupting your sleep. A 7- 10.5 tog duvet will suit most people throughout the Summer and Spring, particularly if your bedroom is a bit more warm.
You can always change to a lighter duvet as the nights get cooler however, you might prefer a heavier one to keep warm in Winter. If that's the case then this medium-weight British alpaca duvet is the one for you. It's not quite as thick as the 10.5 tog duvet but it is still a great insulator.
Natural fillings are great for staying cool as they're a better insulator than synthetic options such as hollowfibre or polyester. They are also breathable and allow your body to shed any excess heat. This helps keep you cool and comfortable. what's the warmest tog duvet from Piglet in Bed includes this feature, and while it doesn't come with any specific tog rating, Piglet in Bed estimates it to be between 8 and 10 tog.
You may need to buy a duvet for yourself and your partner if you have different sleeping patterns. This duvet that is half-and-half by Slumberdown could be the perfect solution. It has one side that is cool 4.5 Tog and the opposite is warm 10.5 Tog. This allows whoever sleeps hot to choose the lighter side, and those who feel cold can stay cosy under the warmer one.
Another option is to get a 3-in-1 duvet, which includes an edgier 3.5 tog summer duvet, and one that is 10.5 tog winter/autumn duvet that can be joined. This allows you to easily change seasons without digging out duvets from the loft. It's also a great choice for the unpredictable UK weather! You can also choose this cozy and warm goose-down duvet to keep you warm throughout the throughout the year. It's not too heavy or warm, and it has a lovely soft texture.
Autumn
The best duvet is essential to get a good night's sleep. The right duvet weight for your needs is dependent on many factors, including the body's temperature regulation and the climate you live in.
The tog rating is an important factor to consider when buying duvets, as this is a measure of how well the duvet traps heat and keeps you warm and snug. Tog ratings vary from 1 to 15, with lower togs offering more cooling options, whereas higher togs provide more warmth.
In general, lower tog duvets will be suitable for the summer months. The duvet is more lightweight and airy, so you won't be too hot while sleeping under it. Duvets with a higher temperature are perfect for autumn and winter as they are warmer and will keep your body warm.
If you want a duvet that will keep you warm throughout the seasons, consider an all-seasons duvet that is comprised of two higher and lower tog duvets which can be put together to suit your requirements. The Simba Sleep Hybrid 3 in one duvet (PS349, for a double Simba Sleep), for example, is made up of an 3.5-tog summer duvet and a 7-tog spring/autumn/winter duvet. They can be combined to create one 10.5 tog duvet that will keep you warm on those colder nights.
If you don't have the budget to purchase multiple duvets, then a 10.5 tog would be a good choice for all seasons. Most hotels also choose this tog rating because it provides a good amount of insulation without being overly heavy. This is because hotels are aware of their guests' allergies and are keen to ensure that the bedding they offer are suitable for everyone. They also don't want multiple duvets to be stored for different seasons. They also want to provide their guests with the most comfortable experience. Our Duvet Tog guide provides more information on what tog duvets are best for various seasons.