If you want to sleep like a baby—finding that just-right level of warmth (not too hot, not too cold)—keep reading. You’re two minutes away from being a tog expert. Trust me, you’ll soon know how to pick the perfect duvet for whatever life (or the weather) throws your way.
And when you’re ready to dive into duvet heaven, check out our sustainable duvet options. You won’t regret it.
So, What Exactly is a Tog?
“Tog” is a fancy way of measuring thermal resistance—how well something retains heat. It stands for “thermal overall grade”. Sounds technical, right? But in plain English: a duvet’s tog rating tells you how much warmth it can hold.
Think of it this way:
• Higher tog = Toasty and snug. Perfect for winter hibernation.
• Lower tog = Ideal for warm summer nights (or for those of us who run hot even in the dead of winter).
Tog Ratings: The Breakdown
Here’s the simple lowdown on togs:
• 4.5 Tog: Best for summer or for people who heat up faster than a smartphone on 1% battery. It’s your go-to for staying cool while still feeling that cosy lightweight duvet.
• 10.5 Tog: Perfect for all-season comfort. If you run a B&B, this is your one-size-fits-all option.
• 13.5 Tog: The heavy hitters. These duvets are for cold sleepers or those chillier winter nights. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm hug on a frosty evening.
(Later on, we’ll dive deeper into how to choose the perfect tog for your specific needs, but this should give you a solid starting point.)
Duvet as a Thermal Barrier (and a Breathable One!)
Think of your duvet as a thermal barrier that keeps warm air where it belongs—around you. But it’s not only about warmth—it’s about comfort. Your duvet needs to strike a balance between trapping warmth and allowing just enough warm moist air to escape, so you stay comfy.
The Myth of “Breathability” and Why We Do It Better
There’s a lot of buzz around the word “breathability,” especially with natural materials like cotton, wool, silk, feathers, and down. Even bamboo fibres get a shout here.
But here’s the thing: Breathability isn’t about what the duvet is made of; it’s about how it’s made and how it performs.
• Down duvets are warm, soft, and lightweight - but their down-proof casings also trap air. So, they can get too warm. The fill also has a habit of shifting and bunching, which can lead to uneven warmth and discomfort.
• The fabric casings of cheap heavy polyester duvets tend to be down proof fabrics too (to mimic a down duvet). So they don’t breathe well either.
When duvets don't breathe well, this blocks airflow, trapping heat and moisture. You might wake up sweaty, even under a supposedly “breathable” duvet.
Our duvets don’t play that game.
The structure of our EcoPuff® fibre fill allows air to flow. Our duvet casing fabric? Also made from up-cycled plastic water bottles, has a more open weave. Rather like having air vents—which lock in the right amount of warmth. It's also soft and lightweight—like snuggling into a cloud. No stiff, crunchy, or noisy fabrics here.
(Fun fact: Marketed as a luxury feature, high thread count duvet covers actually hinder airflow. For true breathability, a 200-220 thread count cotton percale fabric is a better choice.)
EcoPuff®: Our Magic Ingredient
At DUVET HOG®, our EcoPuff® fill is a special blend of fibres transformed from recycled plastic bottles. Soft, fluffy, they perform like a dream, so our duvets have the best warmth for weight of any duvet.
Each fibre of our special EcoPuff® fibre blend does a specific job. Some fibres provide loft, while others—many times finer than an eyelash—offer a vast surface area that allows moisture to evaporate quickly, so you keep your cool right through the night. This unique blend also keeps the fill evenly distributed, even after washing, so you never end up with a lumpy duvet.
And here’s the kicker: EcoPuff® requires 30% less material to achieve the same level of warmth as other synthetic fills. So, you get the warmth, without the heft, while doing something good for the planet.
Tog Ratings: The Breakdown (Redux)
Choosing the right tog depends on more than just the seasons. It’s about finding the right balance for your specific needs. Let’s break it down again with some added perspective:
• 4.5 Tog (Summer Duvet) : Perfect for those warm summer nights or if you tend to sleep hot no matter what!
But, let’s face it—some of us are the “I-need-something-on-me-no-matter-how-hot-it-is” type. Even when it’s 30℃ degrees outside, we still crave that layer of comfort, that reassuring little weight on top. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. It’s just the way we’re wired. It’s about more than warmth—it’s about feeling safe and tucked in.
But here’s the thing—many people skip summer duvets, thinking they can tough it out. Big mistake. Even when it’s hot, having that lightweight layer of comfort can make all the difference. You deserve to feel comfy, even when the mercury rises.
• 10.5 Tog (All-Season Duvet) : The sweet spot for most people. Not too hot, not too cold—just right. You won’t have to swap duvets when the seasons change. No wonder this is our most popular option.
• 13.5 Tog (Winter Duvet) : If you’re a cold sleeper or live in a draughty house, this is your go-to. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm hug during the coldest months. And if you sleep alone, you may find you need this extra warmth.
Things You Might Not Think About (But Should)
Let’s get real. Warmth is about the air trapped—in and under your duvet—warmed by your body. That fluffy little air pocket is your secret weapon. If you share a duvet, your partner’s body heat also joins the mix. (Unless you’re in, say, Sweden, where the cool kids use two duvets. Yes, one duvet per person—genius, right? Until you fancy a cuddle. 🤨 )
Some Insider Tips:
1. Sharing a bed with a human radiator? You might need a lower tog to stay comfortable.
2. Flying solo? Go ahead, treat yourself to a warmer duvet.
Other Considerations: Material and Fill
After all, you could stay warm wrapped in a piece of tinfoil, but would you want to? (Spoiler: no.)
The type, quality and amount of fill in your duvet matters. But in a nutshell, the more fill means a bigger barrier to trap more warmth. A thicker duvet will hold more heat, keeping you warmer during colder nights.
Packed with EcoPuff® fill, our 13.5 tog duvet creates that perfect, cosy puffer effect. It’s like the duvet version of a winter parka—warm, snug, and built to keep out the chill.
Our 4.5 tog summer duvet is noticeably lighter and cooler, offering the comfort of say, a lightweight, quilted jacket without any bulk.
Final Thoughts: Stay Cosy, Stay You
Choosing the right duvet is like picking the perfect companion for the night—whether you’re facing the hottest summer evening or the coldest winter morning, there’s a tog value perfect for you. At DUVET HOG®, we’ve made it our mission to create duvets that keep you comfortable while being kinder to the planet. So when you snuggle up in one of our duvets, you’re not just getting a good night’s sleep—you’re helping to build a more sustainable future.
Now, grab that duvet, crawl into bed, and drift off knowing you’ve got this whole tog thing down. Stay warm, stay cool—stay exactly how you like it.
Don't forget to share this post!