Quick answer: what tog duvet do I need?
- Summer: 2.5 to 4.5 tog
- Spring and autumn: 7 to 10.5 tog
- Winter: 12 to 15 tog
- All year: choose an all-seasons duvet
Choosing the right duvet can make all the difference to a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re someone who sleeps cool, runs warm, or just wants to feel cosy all year round, understanding duvet tog ratings will help you pick the perfect level of comfort, without the guesswork.
If you’re wondering what a tog actually is, what tog rating you need for summer or winter, or what’s best for children, you’re in the right place. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know.
What does tog mean?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, what does the word ‘tog’ actually mean? Tog stands for ‘Thermal Overall Grade’. It measures how well a duvet retains heat. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet.
It’s a common misconception that tog refers to thickness or weight, but that’s not the case. Two duvets can look or feel similar in weight but offer different levels of warmth due to their materials and construction.
For example, feathers are heavier than down, meaning a quilt with a larger proportion of feathers tends to weigh more but might not retain heat as well. As such, always refer to tog rating, rather than weight or thickness, to find out how well a duvet is able to keep you warm.
Duvet tog ratings explained
The tog scale is a standardised measurement used in the UK to determine the thermal insulation, or warmth, of bedding like duvets and sleeping bags. The scale typically ranges from 1 to 15, with 1 being very cool and 15 being the warmest.
| Tog rating | Season | Best for | Notes |
| 2.5 – 4.5 tog | Summer | Hot sleepers | Lightweight and breathable |
| 6 – 10.5 tog | Spring / Autumn | Most homes | Versatile option |
| 12 – 15 tog | Winter | Cold homes | Maximum warmth |
| All seasons | Year-round | Flexible use | Combine 4.5 + 9 tog |
What duvet tog should I choose?
Your ideal duvet tog depends on the season, how warm you sleep, and your home environment.
Tog by season
Best tog for summer
We’ve all struggled to sleep on a hot summer night, but your choice of duvet might help to reduce the nightly sweats.
During the warmer months, a 4.5 tog duvet is ideal. Lightweight and breathable, it gives you the comfort of a cover without trapping heat. Our Feels Like Down Duvet is a popular choice - soft, breathable and perfect for hotter nights.
Best tog for winter
Finding the right duvet for summer is one thing, but it’s just as important to have the right winter duvet ready for those colder months.
When temperatures drop, you’ll want a duvet that keeps the chill out. A 13.5 tog duvet offers that extra warmth and insulation you need in colder weather. Our Duck Down Duvet is a favourite for winter, blending softness with heat retention thanks to a luxurious duck feather and down filling.
Can you combine duvets?
Yes, you can combine duvets to adjust your warmth throughout the year. This is often called an all seasons duvet.
These duvets come as two separate layers, usually a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog, which can be used individually or clipped together to create a warmer 13.5 tog duvet for winter.
This gives you flexibility across the seasons without needing to switch duvets completely.
At DUSK, our All Seasons Duvets are available in a range of fillings:
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Feels Like Down (a great synthetic alternative)
Each one is constructed with a baffle wall design, which means the filling is evenly distributed so no cold spots here.
Choosing the right tog for your sleep style
Your ideal tog also depends on how you sleep.
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Hot sleepers: A 4.5g tog is usually enough, even in cooler months
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Cold sleepers: Opt for 10.5g tog or higher for added warmth
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Couples: An all seasons duvet allows you to adjust warmth easily
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Children: Stick to lower togs to avoid overheating
Best tog based on room temperature
Room temperature can affect how warm your duvet feels.
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Below 15°C - 12 to 13.5 tog
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15–18°C - 10.5 tog
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Above 18°C - 4.5 tog
What tog duvet is best for toddlers?
For young children, warmth and safety go hand in hand. It’s important not to overheat your toddler at night, so a lower tog is always recommended.
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For toddlers aged 1-4 years old, a 4.5 tog duvet is usually warm enough year-round.
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Babies under 1 should not sleep with a duvet at all - stick to a baby sleeping bag or swaddle.
Look for lightweight, breathable duvets in smaller sizes that are easy to layer with a blanket if needed.
What’s the difference between tog and fill power?
Tog and fill power are both used to measure warmth, but they apply differently depending on the material.
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Tog rating = overall thermal insulation (applies to all duvet types).
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Fill power = measures the quality and loft of down or feather filling.
The higher the fill power, the better the down traps air, which means more warmth with less weight. Fill power usually ranges from 400 to 800+, with higher ratings offering better performance and a fluffier feel.
For more detail on fillings, read our duvet buying guide.
Ready to find your perfect duvet?
Whether you’re after the best duvet for summer, a warm winter upgrade, or a year-round option for every season, you’ll find it in the DUSK duvet collection. Explore feather and down, synthetic, and all seasons duvets, from single to super king size, all designed with comfort, quality, and style in mind.
Duvet togs FAQs
What is the best tog duvet for hot sleepers?
Hot sleepers tend to prefer a 4.5 tog all year round or an all seasons duvet that can be adapted based on temperature.
Is a 13.5 tog duvet warm enough for winter?
Yes, a 13.5 tog duvet is considered ideal for winter. It provides plenty of insulation to keep you warm on even the coldest nights, especially in UK homes. If you tend to feel the cold or your room isn’t well insulated, you could layer with a throw or bedspread.
Do duvets lose their warmth over time?
They can, yes. Over time, natural wear and washing can reduce a duvet’s ability to trap heat effectively, particularly in lower quality or synthetic fillings. If your duvet feels thinner, flatter, or you're finding it less cosy than it used to be, it might be time to replace it. A good quality duvet should last around 5 years or more with proper care.
Should I buy a duvet one size bigger than my bed?
It’s a popular choice! Opting for a duvet one size larger than your bed (e.g. a king size duvet on a double bed) can give your bed a fuller, more luxurious look and help prevent midnight tugs-of-war if you share a bed. You can read more about sizing and what to consider in our duvet buying guide.
What tog duvet is best for UK homes?
For most UK homes, a 10.5 tog duvet is the most versatile option. It works well for spring and autumn, and in well-heated homes it can also be comfortable in winter. If your bedroom tends to be colder, you may prefer a 13.5 tog duvet during winter, while a 4.5 tog is better for warmer summer nights.
Can you use a 10.5 tog duvet all year?
A 10.5 tog duvet can work all year in some homes, especially if your bedroom temperature stays fairly consistent. However, many people find it too warm in summer and not quite warm enough in winter. For more flexibility, an all seasons duvet is often a better choice, as you can adjust the tog depending on the time of year.
What tog duvet is best for children in winter?
For children, it’s important to keep them warm without overheating. In winter, a 7 to 10.5 tog duvet is usually suitable, depending on the temperature of the room. Bedrooms that are well heated may only need a 7 tog, while cooler rooms may require a 10.5 tog. Always choose breathable materials and avoid duvets for children under 1 year old.
