Summer duvet: how to choose the right one — filling, thickness and TOG value
Winter is over, warmth returns and suddenly you realise that the same duvet you slept under all winter is now too warm. You wake up sweaty, the bedding is damp and sleep leaves much to be desired. The solution seems simple — a lighter duvet. But in the shop or on the website you are faced with dozens of different options with different names, fillings and figures that most people have never heard of.
In this article we will try to simplify things — and explain what TOG really means, how fillings differ and how to use that knowledge to choose a summer duvet that will actually work for you.
What TOG means and why it matters
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is the unit of measurement for thermal insulation in duvets. Simply put: the higher the TOG, the warmer the duvet.
For the heating season and winter, 10–13.5 TOG is recommended. For summer — an entirely different story.
Recommended for a summer duvet:
1–4.5 TOG — very light duvet. Suitable for those who are always warm, in a bedroom on a hot summer night when the temperature in the room can reach 24–27 °C.
4.5–7 TOG — light duvet. Suitable for most people on summer nights when the room temperature is 20–24 °C. This is the most universal summer option.
7–10 TOG — medium duvet. Suitable for September or early October, or for those who are always cold even in summer.
Important to understand: TOG is not only about warmth but also about breathability. A duvet with a low TOG value not only warms less but also allows air to circulate better — which means the body can regulate its temperature more naturally during the night.
Summer duvet fillings — what sets them apart
The filling is probably the most important criterion when choosing a summer duvet. Not all fillings are equally suitable for warm weather, and this is where most mistakes are made at the point of purchase.
Synthetic filling (microfibre, hollofibrefill, polyester)
Synthetic filling is the cheapest and most common. It is easy to care for — washed in the washing machine without any special precautions. However, synthetic fibres breathe less well than natural ones — meaning that even under a synthetic duvet with low TOG you can sweat, because moisture is not effectively absorbed and evaporated.
A synthetic summer duvet is a good choice for allergy sufferers who react to natural fillings and for those who value simple care and a lower price. But for those who sweat at night it may fall short.
Cotton filling
Cotton is one of the best fillings for summer duvets. It naturally absorbs moisture, breathes and gives a pleasant cool sensation on the skin. A cotton duvet may feel slightly heavier than a synthetic or down duvet, but its moisture-absorbing properties are excellent.
A good choice for those who sweat at night and are looking for a natural, hypoallergenic solution. Easy to care for — washed in the washing machine.
Bamboo filling
Bamboo is one of the most popular modern fillings for summer duvets. Bamboo fibres naturally regulate temperature, absorb moisture better than cotton and are naturally antibacterial. A duvet with bamboo filling is particularly suitable for those who feel warm at night and sweat.
Costs slightly more than a synthetic or cotton duvet, but the properties justify the price — particularly for those who have a problem with night sweats.
Lyocell (Tencel) filling
Lyocell is another excellent summer filling. It actively transports moisture away from the skin's surface, maintains an optimal temperature and is very soft to the touch. A lyocell duvet is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies, as the production process is ecological and the fabric contains no chemical additives.
Down and feather filling
A summer down duvet is the lightest of all options — with a low TOG value it can be very thin and thermally very efficient. However, down absorbs moisture poorly, so for those who sweat at night a summer down duvet may not create a comfortable environment. It is also not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Duvet thickness — does it matter in summer
Many people think that a thinner duvet is needed for summer. That is partly true, but thickness itself is not the decisive criterion — filling and TOG value are more important.
You can have a thick duvet with a low TOG value (which looks thick but warms little) and a very thin duvet with a high TOG. This is due to the different densities of the fillings.
For summer it is important to choose by TOG, not by visually apparent thickness. The duvet should feel light and not pressing — but this does not always correspond to visual thickness.
How to understand duvet labels
When choosing a summer duvet, the label is your friend. Here is what is worth looking for:
TOG value — first and foremost. For summer, look for 4.5–7 TOG.
Filling composition — what percentage of which filling. If "100% polyester" is stated — synthetic. If "100% cotton" — cotton. If "50% bamboo, 50% cotton" — a bamboo and cotton blend.
Filling weight — indicates how many grams of filling per square metre. For summer, 100–200 g/m² is usually recommended. Winter duvets can have 300–400 g/m² and more.
Casing material — this is the fabric into which the filling is sewn. For summer a cotton, bamboo or lyocell casing is the best solution — these breathe better than synthetic ones.
Care instructions — important, especially if the duvet will be washed frequently.
Special cases — who needs a special summer duvet
For those who sweat at night
Night sweating is one of the most common sleep problems in summer. If this is your situation — choose a duvet with bamboo or lyocell filling, as these materials transport moisture best. TOG should be 2–4.5. Avoid synthetic fillings — they hold moisture against the skin.
For allergy sufferers
If you react to down or other natural fillings — a synthetic duvet with OEKO-TEX® certification is the safest choice. Cotton and lyocell are also hypoallergenic options.
For children
A children's summer duvet should be lighter than an adult's. Recommended is 2–4 TOG, natural filling (cotton or bamboo) and OEKO-TEX® certification. Important that the duvet is easy to wash in the machine.
For those who are always cold
Even in summer some people need a warmer duvet. If you are of this type — a 7–10 TOG duvet with cotton or bamboo filling will be a suitable compromise between warmth and breathability.
Practical tips before buying
First step — measure the temperature in your bedroom on a summer night. If it regularly exceeds 22–24 °C, you need a low TOG duvet (1–4.5). If 18–22 °C — 4.5–7 TOG will be optimal.
Second step — think about your sleep type. Do you sweat at night? Do you have sensitive skin? Do you have allergies? The answers to these questions narrow down the filling choice.
Third step — read the label. Look for the TOG value, filling composition and care instructions. If that information is missing — it is a signal that the duvet may be of low quality.
A selection of summer duvets — from light bamboo options to classic cotton duvets — can be found in the Savashome summer duvet category, where every duvet is described with detailed information about TOG, filling and care.
In summary
A summer duvet is not simply a "thinner winter duvet". It has a different filling, a different TOG value and different properties that directly determine whether you sleep comfortably on warm nights.
Three most important criteria: TOG value (4.5–7 for summer), filling (bamboo or lyocell — for those who sweat; cotton — the universal option; synthetic — for allergy sufferers) and casing material (the more natural, the better it breathes).
And perhaps most importantly — do not rush. A summer duvet chosen according to needs rather than price can fundamentally change sleep quality during the warm months.
