The Best Summer Duvets to Keep You Cool

When the sun comes out, sadly, we may all experience sleepless nights due to the heat. Our 2022 Sleep Survey found 34% of us struggle to sleep because we get too hot – and that’s not even just during summer!

While opening the window and sleeping without covers may be an option for some, for others, it can be difficult to get cosy without a duvet. There is something ever so comforting about the weight of a duvet hugging your body at night. So let’s explore how you can stay tightly tucked up without overheating…

The best summer duvet tog rating

When it comes to the warmth or coolness a duvet offers you, it’s always best to look at the tog rating. Tog ratings are based on how much heat the duvet can keep in, so the higher the tog, the warmer the duvet. Therefore, your summer duvet tog rating should be around 2.5-4.5 tog. However, there are specially designed cooling duvets that are also perfect for summer that can measure up to 11 tog. It’s all about finding the balance between the tog and the materials the duvet is made from.

What is the best material for a summer duvet cover?

For a summer duvet, materials which are breathable and contain natural fibres are best.

Cotton

One of the most popular materials to make bedding out of, cotton is lightweight, long-lasting, and soft on your skin. You may have heard that a higher thread count is better when it comes to cotton, but if your goal is to stay cool while sleeping, then the opposite is true. You’ll want around 180-280 thread count to ensure comfort and good airflow.

Silk

For a truly luxurious summer sleep, try a silk duvet cover and sheets. Many people assume that silk is either too hot for summer or too thin for winter, but it actually has similar temperature-regulating properties to cotton. In fact, silk is thinner than cotton on average, meaning that it can be even more breathable.

Bamboo

Bamboo is becoming more popular as a versatile and environmentally friendly material for a lot of things, including clothing and bedding. While not as easily available as cheaper options, bamboo is a highly breathable and durable material for your duvet. It can absorb up to 40% more moisture than cotton, so it’s great for those who get night sweats or live somewhere humid.

The best duvet fillings for summer

Just as important as the material against your skin, the inside of the duvet is what is going to really help with the cooling effects. Again, you want a natural material that has good airflow and a lightweight feeling, here are some of our favourites:

Down

Although known for being warm and cosy because of its insulation power, with down, less material is required to meet the tog rating. This means that your duvet will be lighter with more airflow and, therefore, offers better breathability compared to a more compact synthetic duvet.

Microfibre

One of the best choices for a synthetic summer duvet, microfibre filling is designed to mimic the feel of cotton and feathers, so is much more lightweight. It’s also good for those with allergies.

Wool

Airy and soft, a wool-filled duvet is another great choice all year round. In the summer, it helps to regulate your temperature by wicking away moisture – keeping you dry and comfortable. While wool is good at dispersing heat, wool duvets can feel heavier than other choices, which may not be the best when it’s hot.

What are the best duvets for summer?

Here are our top 3 cooling duvets, perfect for a hot summer night:

TheraPur Cool Duvet

The TheraPur Cool Duvet has a tog rating of 10.5, making it an investment which is suitable for every season. However, it features unique Quadfill fibres, which are designed to regulate temperature and keep you cool via airflow. This works with a 4-hole structure allowing air to get through the duvet and wick away any moisture, ensuring you have a fresh night’s sleep. This duvet is available in all sizes from a summer duvet double to a super king.

Silentnight 4.5 Tog Summer Fresh Duvet

As one of the most lightweight duvets available, the Silentnight 4.5 Tog Summer Fresh Duvet is designed for summer evenings. As well as the low tog rating of 4.5, it features breathable polyester hollow fibre fillings designed to keep you cool and allow humidity to escape. On top of that, the duvet is also anti-allergy treated so you can have an irritation-free sleep. For sizes, you can expect a single to a king-size summer duvet.

Flaxby Duck Feather & Down Washable Duvet

Finally, the Flaxby Duck Feather & Down Washable Duvet is a good summer option. Although this duvet has a tog rating of 10.5, it’s again a good option for both winter and summer duvets. This duvet features a filling of ethically sourced duck feathers and down and a 100% cotton cover. This means the duvet is soft, lightweight, and also breathable. Not to mention, cotton is also a natural temperature regulator, which is essential in a summer duvet.

Why does being cool help you sleep?

There’s science behind cool temperatures helping you sleep. Talking to Web MD, Biology professor Horace Craig Heller says:

When you go to sleep, your set point for body temperature – the temperature your brain is trying to achieve – goes down.

Therefore, if your body temperature naturally drops as you go to sleep, turning down the heating could signal to your body that it’s time to rest and consequently induce sleep. Sleepadvisor.org recommends the average sleeping temperature at 15-20 degrees Celsius.

The best type of summer pyjamas

A comfortable pair of pyjamas is key to a good night’s sleep. Look for fabrics that are breathable and light, just as you would for your bedding. Materials like cotton, linen, silk, flannel, and bamboo have great moisture absorption to get rid of sweat and keep you feeling fresh. As a result, it’s ideal for those hot summer nights.

However, many people find it most comfortable to sleep naked, no matter the weather! By forgoing PJs altogether, you increase heat loss as there’s no fabric to trap it against your skin. There is a chance you may find yourself sweatier without, so perhaps look into a good mattress protector for better hygiene.

Loose clothing allows for plenty of airflow and freedom of movement, making it a great choice for almost any sleeping position. Nighties and oversized t-shirts are more summer sleeping styles you’ll love – their loose fit allows for ventilation to keep you cool and super comfy! So, next time you’re too hot to sleep, think about switching up your pyjamas.

Other ways to stay cool during summer nights

If you’ve got yourself a new summer duvet and pyjamas and you’re still struggling to sleep in the heat, then follow our practical cooling tips for in the bedroom:

During the day, close your curtains and blinds if your bedroom is exposed to direct sunlight
At night, promote airflow and open your windows; fans are also great for circulating air
Freeze a water bottle ready for bedtime, you can use it to cool off warm parts of your body
Use thin cotton sheets
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and keep a glass by your bedside.

About the author

Jessica Kadel

See all articles by Jessica Kadel

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The Best Summer Duvets to Keep You Cool

The best summer duvet tog rating