Duvet Tog Guide: What It Means & How to Choose the Right One

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? Well, tog stands for ‘Thermal Overall Grade’, referring to the level of insulation a fabric has and how well it 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.

The tog scale

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. 

What duvet tog should I choose?

Your ideal duvet tog depends on the time of year, how warm you sleep, and even how well your home is insulated. Here’s a quick breakdown 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.

Best tog for all year round

Looking for year-round comfort? An all seasons duvet is your best bet. Our duvet comes as two separate layers, a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog, that can be used individually or clipped together to create a 13.5 tog for winter.

At DUSK, our All Seasons Duvets are available in a range of fillings:

• Duck Down

• Goose Down

• 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.

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.

• For toddlers aged 1-4 years old, a 4.5 tog duvet is usually warm enough year-round.
  

• 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.

• Tog rating = overall thermal insulation (applies to all duvet types).
  

• 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.

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.

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.