Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Sandra Allens
Top Pick: Riley White Comforter
If you’re in the market for the top-rated comforter, but don’t want to go down the road of doing your own research and compare prices, then just go for this one.
We rank Riley White Comforter as our first choice.
Fluffy/best comforters are the ultimate in comfort. As long as the shell doesn’t collapse, the comforter is sure to remain secure and its fluff will stay intact. The Riley White Comforter topped our list after we slept on dozens of comforters. Affordable, long-lasting, and unbelievably comfortable, this mattress is a great buy.
It’s true that we’ve selected the best fall comforters for the season, but it’s also true that stock problems have arisen than ever before this year. Due to the onset of the pandemic, there will most probably be both supply and demand issues. In response to the evolving trends, we added some new weights and styles that are good for some of our picks in the future. We also have a selection of notable contenders found in the competition section that may be able to assist you as well.
1. Riley White Comforter
Best Comforter Preferred by Many
Our comforter, which you’ve been testing, has silky-soft shell with a down filling that makes it lighter and loftier than the competition. Comforters that cost more money do not compare to the feel of this material.
It’s one of our favorite down comforters we have ever tried. We found that the cotton sateen cover is smooth and the bafflebox construction is well made. We like this comforter better than similar options in its price range also almost as well as Feathered Friends’ upgrade pick. We were kept warm by the dense shell of the Riley. The lighter filling means it can be used all year long, as compared to warmer comforters. There is a Responsible Down certification on Riley’s fill. It also comes in 3 different sizes and 2 levels of warmth and has a five-year warranty.
2. Baffle Box by LLBean Comforter
Comforter of Choice.
Comforters like this one have the characteristics of loft, warmth, durability, and high quality, and they come at an affordable price. However, it’s often unavailable when it’s on sale.
LL Bean’s baffle-box stiched down comforter may be one of our favorite winter comforters because it keeps us warm without making us sweat. We recently downgraded this comforter from our best pick because of recurrent, frustrating stock issues. An airy bafflebox construction and lofty goose down make this jacket both lightweight and breathable. Using a certified Oeko-Tex shell, this RDS-accepted down comforter may be made without harmful chemicals. You can return it within a year for certain reasons with a guarantee from L.L.Bean.
3. Mid Weight Target Casaruna Comforter
A Down Comforter that Is Affordable
While it may not be the loftiest of comforters, it is still an excellent value of the price that you’ll pay. We really enjoyed the durability and comfort of this duvet, with its certified (down) duck.
We found the Mid Weight Target Casaruna Comforter to be more comfortable with an open window than feathered Friends, Riley, and LLBean despite its lower cost. Fill this Oeko-Tex accepted item with duck down certified by RDS. Even after being immersed in cotton sateen, this is the only cheap comforter that does not release fluff tufts in the shake tests. In addition to its own brands, Target owns Casaluna, so the company has a longer return policy than ordinary retailers. It also comes in ultralight and lightweight versions, depending on how warm you prefer.
4. Bavarian Featured Friends Comforter
Best Comforter to Buy
Feathered Friends offers a magnificent 800 fill power down comforter at a reasonable price. These are the ones we chose because they are high loft, soft cotton, and three warmth levels. A good care and also maintenance program could make this one of our favorite picks. Feathered Friends are made from RDS-certified, trackable goose down. pandemic and also increased demand may result in a shortage of this specific comforter. Recently, our editor bought 850 Light to avoid delays. While we haven’t tested this particular version, since we’ve been focusing on the 700, we think it could be a great alternative if you’re not concerned about the cost.
5. Utopia Duvet Comforter
Top Alternative down comforters
If you have down allergies and simply don’t want to pay high bedding prices, Utopia is an ideal comforter for you. It is soft and warm, and it is relatively breathable.
This is not the most luxurious or light option of under $50 that we have seen but nonetheless it is one of the best options we have tried. We’ve tested many alternative-down comforters, and this is the most breathable for the money. We did not wake up sweating in the middle of the night because the loft kept its loft. An excellent budget option fit for kids’ rooms, or as a guest room addition.
6. Down Comforter by Garnet Hill
Kid-Friendly Color Choices
The comforter comes in 13 different colors, does not need a cover, is machine washable, and is available in several different sizes, making it an ideal choice for kids or teens.
Designed for kids, the Down Comforter by Garnet Hill features warmth, high quality, and an uncomplicated design. Quite a few colors are attractive to kids, so you can grow with it. The cover and top layer don’t need to be separate. In addition, this comforter can be easily washed at home. Our test twin size did not shift because the construction is sewn through. As an added bonus, the bag adheres to Oeko-Tex standards, and can be exchanged and returned an unlimited number of times.
Who Should Receive This
The majority of homes outside of the tropical regions already have a comforter in their rooms. Are you talking about replacing the whole thing? Some of the best comforters can last a decade or more, despite the fact that down can clump and shift, leaving cold pockets in them. Eventually, clusters can disintegrate completely if they break down. The comforter you are using may need to be changed if you are getting cold a lot. Here is a graphic that will help you to determine what weight would work best for you.
You should thoroughly clean your existing comforter before purchasing a new one. Your surprise at finding it fluffy again might make you smile. For people with allergies to down and those who prefer not to use things derived from animals, choosing a down-alternative comforter is the best option.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Comforter Weight
We have selected three comforters with varying degrees of warmth, making it easy to pick one depending on your needs. US companies break down warmth rating into light, medium, and heavy, but there is no industry standard. For assistance in determining your ideal comforters weight, we have created the following guide:
It is also possible to adjust the warmth of your comforter by changing the type of cover you use. If you want to make your autumn and winter comforters warmer, flannel covers could be an option, whereas linen or percale covers could make your spring and summer comforters cooler. During the summer months, it is not recommended to cover the comforter with a duvet, as it will potentially void the guarantee. A cover’s two main benefits are that it prevents comforters from being ruined by dirt and that it prevents feathers from being shed.
Picking and Testing
We have studied more than 90 comforters during the last three years by our expert panel. There were multiple interviews conducted with each of them. There are no rigid rules that need to be followed by the comforters in order to pass our testing.
The following criteria, however, are preferred:
- More fill power means fluffier, more-volumous down, but we explain more below.
- We suggest plain weaves, sateens, or jacquard fabrics for ensuring down stays in place
- The return policy is generous and the warranty is long
- Owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive
- The size is reasonable
- Duvet cover corner loops
In the end, we favored:
- Duck down is less fluffy than goose down
- Certification for Responsible Down
- Certificates of conformity
- Currently, our team is testing 21 down and down-alternative comforters, as well as wool comforters. Utopia, Kellogg’s, LLBean, and Riley were among the test picks retested. All aspects of each of the pillows were examined in detail, including stitching, weight, and loft. In order to check whether any feathers and down clusters fell out, the bowl was shaken ten times. The shells were noisy, so we paid close attention to them. The temperatures under them were measured while we were under them. The sleep test was conducted on 15 models.
Similar to how people would use them at home, these comforters were also used on a plane. We used to use a comforter for two years until an 8-year-old slept under it. Three people slept warmly and two slept hot in our test group. Alex tested all their models in a heated room similar to one that was 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2019’s update. Despite opening bedrooms’ windows at 50 to 60 degrees, Jackie’s fall 2020 update was purely budget driven. The low fill power and cheaper materials enabled warmth to be maintained. Garnet Hill’s Essential Down Comforter, our only down comforter recommendation for children in 2020, was not washed.
Down comforter Riley White
A Good Comforter
Unlike other comforters on the market, this luxurious down comforter has a silky-soft exterior to make it a lighter, more luxurious alternative. A comforter that costs little more than this is the best thing you can have in your bed.
It was able to provide warmth and comfort regardless of its light weight and fluffy feel. The baffle box construction coupled with the sateen cover make the comforter thick, warm, and soft, even though it doesn’t have a filling. By protecting down clusters, these features prevent heat from escaping. Lightweight and airy, this comforter can be used during cooler months along with more traditional comforters our team has tested so far. Riley is also backed by an excellent warranty.
We offer a warm comforter filled with 25 ounces of goose down. The clusters of down on a down comforter are numerous, but the comforter is not as fluffy and has less volume per ounce. This means that you stay warm while sleeping without feeling weighed down. The pick of Flock of Feathered Friends matched that of that upgrade almost exactly. One of the best cottons we have ever tested is used in this shirt, so it is extremely soft. A tight weave allows feathers to stay inside. Riley mattresses did not suffer from overheating issues or having difficulties moving around under them, like lower-scoring mattresses.
There is a baffle box design on a Riley comforter, and it feels cooler than other comforters. Unlike densely packed down in sewn-through comforters, down in baffle-box comforters can move freely, and air can circulate more effectively. As a result, down within baffle boxes can puff up, trapping more heat. Its comfortable, lightweight feel makes it a perfect choice for winter.
A Riley product has a longer warranty than a LLBean or Target product. Proper care of the comforter will likely prolong the life of the product. The Riley is available both in an all-season weight and in an extra-warmth weight. This model’s interior appears to be light and airy. An average down comforter contains 34 ounces of down and has a fill power of 750. Comforters of this type are generally warmer and loftier than summer-weight comforters. These top picks are no different from those with more fill in terms of comfort. It was exceptionally rare for a product we test to perform flawlessly in our tests. While one of the testers has slept hot, Riley comforters have been tested for nearly a year by long-term test subjects. Shawl is fluffy and comfortable, she says. Fits most king-sized duvet covers with a size of 90 inches by 98 inches. There are loops at each corner that act as corner ties, so a cover can be easily put on the device while not in use.
They Have Flaws, but They Aren’t Dealbreakers
As per reports we heard about Riley’s customer service, the service is one of the concerns we have. The company’s team and I spoke at length in Jan 2021. We believe the issues have been resolved, but we will be watching the company’s stock and also service down the road.
It is also rather difficult to wash bafflebox quilts than the sewn styles, and we like the loftiness that bafflebox quilts provide. A down comforter’s down clusters may shift during the washing process, causing it to look uneven. If you are interested in learning how to clean the duvet cover, please see the care and also maintenance section.
Baffle Box by LL Bean Comforter
Comforter of Choice
Comforters like this one have the characteristics of loft, warmth, durability, and high quality, and they come at an affordable price. However, it’s often unavailable when it’s on sale.
Baffle Box by LL Bean Comforter, Warm provides the same luxurious sleep experience as Riley comforter, and it is equally as breathable. Percale shells can, however, give it a rough feel, as well as making it noisy. It is always a good idea to choose a product that is both certified by Oeko-Tex and the Responsible Down Standard. It has consistently been hard for me to find this comforter at L.LBean, despite my love for it. If you are able to locate this option, it would be an excellent choice.
Although the comforter weighed 35 ounces and was filled with 600-fill power down, both testers complained of sweating while using it. It has a larger cluster of down than Riley comforters, but both are puffy. Baffle boxes are used to separate the comforter from the air. Every L.L.Bean comforter has this feature. The Perma Baffle reduces shifting and increases durability of down. There was something comforting about Riley’s bafflebox comforter. In addition, baffles, since down easily shifts, make cleaning your comforter easier because it is less likely to move. L.LBean comforters will be stuffed into duvets anyway, so there shouldn’t be a problem with its rough cotton shell. Although it is rough, it is breathable thanks to the weave. As well, bedding made of stiffer percale has a tendency to be noisier.
There are two different weights of L.LBean comforters; warm and warmer. Kohl’s sells many 88″ x 98″ sheets in this size, as well as Brooklinen and LL Bean duvet covers. There is a one-year guarantee on L.LBean products. It has consistently been difficult for this company to keep stock of this comforter over the past two years. Months went by without me being able to purchase. There were only two or three traditional sizes to choose from. It continues to be one of our top picks despite these issues.
Mid Weight Target Casaruna Comforter
For this price, this is fantastic value considering its loft is not as high as other comforters. These RDS-certified down sweaters kept us warm by not overheating.
Mid Weight Target Casaruna Comforter is well made, comfortable, and warm, despite its lesser fluffy condition and less smooth fabric than Riley Goose Comforter. The stitched-through construction keeps the down in place despite the densely woven shell. Climates and seasons that require a Mid Weight are most commonly met. Moreover, the down is RDS and Oeko-Tex certification.
As opposed to Riley’s comforter, Casaluna’s comforter has 600-fill power duck down. Our comfort was not affected by the open windows on a 50° night, even when the windows were open. Our tests found that cotton sateen shells prevented sweating. It did not release fluffy fluff when we shake it, which is crucial when testing comforters. Following our advice, an employee purchased a comforter shell that leaked after it was washed. It is usually the case with cheaper comforters. Furthermore, comforters shouldn’t require cleaning for many years, so it shouldn’t create any issues for a long time. New comforters do not need to be cleaned for several years. This fall, we will test again whether the comforter sheds during washing. Riley’s noisier because the fabric shell is stiffer. If you tuck the cover inside the duvet, you won’t notice the difference.
The stitching keeps the down from flaking while being washed. Comforters with baffles have a higher loft; compressed down comforters feel like clouds. Furthermore, all of the parts of the comforter are on the same side, so the down will not shift. Guests or pet owners may appreciate the comforter better. So, if you need a comforter for a very cold or extremely warm climate, this type of comforter would be a good choice for you. In addition to the lightweight options, we also tested the ultralight package.
In addition to its Oeko-Tex certification, the Casaluna has its RDS accreditation. L.L.Bean is the only retailer to hold the two certifications which Target does not. Our experience with Target brands has been similar in recent years. Casaluna’s return policy is one year, while Target’s is 90 days; we confirmed this with the company.
Bavarian Featured Friends Comforter
The Softness of Down Comforters
There is nothing we like better than snuggling up with this great down comforter, it is extra lofty, like the most luxurious cloud we’ve ever had-imagine being wrapped up in this. Moreover, it comes with a guarantee that it will last for a very, very long time.
Feathered Friends’ Bavarian Medium 700 Down Comforter is the comforter to choose if you want the best value in a luxury comforter, one that is puffy and light but still incredibly warm. A cloud surrounds you while you sleep under it. Weighing just over five pounds, this one is the lightest we have tested and extremely durable. There are several hundred dollars in queen-sized comforters. The lighter feel of our comforter was refreshing. Our only complaint was the price, and we believe it was worth it considering that there were no other cons.
Sources at Feathered Friends have long been regarded as good. The purchaser can also find out where the comforter’s filling originated from by seeing the comforter’s tracking number. There is supposed to be a tracking number attached to each of the three comforters so far, but we have not seen one.
A lifetime warranty is provided on workmanship and materials for the Bavarian Medium 700. Repairs of comforters at Feathered Friends are subject to a fee. Comparatively, this is a better policy than that of Garnet Hill’s Essential Down Comforter. An expensive comforter requires a duvet cover in order to maintain its coverage. Shells can be protected by using a cover, thus preventing premature deterioration.
There was a feeling of a cloud and lightness compared to the rest. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Price was the only negative factor. Another reinierdejong editor preferred Feather Friends’ Medium Bavarian 700 despite it being a favorite among our editors. In a room between 65 and 70 degrees, the bed was extremely comfortable, despite its low fill weight. The room stays perfectly warm even though it feels light. As a result of the comforter’s too soft and grippy material, I was infuriated. The Arctic weight is also available in addition to Bavarian 700.
The pandemic can cause a shortage of perfect sizes due to increased demand and decreased supply. One of our editors opted for the 850 Light when the 700 King was no longer available. The 850 version is available in 3 weights: Light, Medium, and Arctic. The 850 has not been tested by us yet as we have focused on testing the 700, but its price should not be an issue.
Utopia Duvet Comforter
Down-Alternative Comforters
Essentially, the Utopia is the ideal down alternative comforter for allergy sufferers as well as people who don’t wish to splurge to bedding. It’s a warm, yet relatively breathable comforter that will provide comfort during the cold winter months.
There’s nothing like the comfort, lightness and loft of real down. The down-alternative king comforter duvet insert from Utopia Bedding is perfect for animal product avoidance, allergy relief, or to save money. Heat gain is inferior in the cheaper alternatives from Brooklinen and Snowe. It was a soft, but breathable comforter. There is no need for a cover for this book, as it is available in many different colors. It is still important to cover the Utopia fabric, despite its lower durability than the Utopia’s. All sizes of this comforter fall under $50 which makes it a great choice for a guest room or child’s bed. A member of our staff who has used them for a year and a half says they are much better quality than she expected for the price. In her comments, she says that the tiny loops on the corners of the duvet cover ties make them challenging to thread through.
A number of big-box retailers, including Amazon and JCPenney, offered budget-friendly options. Despite the low prices and the comforters available for cheap were of poor quality. The Utopia, on the other hand, features sturdy stitching, piping on the edges, and a siliconized, fiberfilled box. In spite of its solid shell and smooth surface, the Utopia is soft and smooth to the touch. Because it had thin exterior shells that wore out faster, many of our budget category competitors were eliminated.
We often wake up that it is too hot or that it is too cold in the morning when we sleep with conventional down comforters, but we did not have a problem with that Utopia, that we slept. We often woke up in the middle of the night sweating and ready to remove the covers that came with competing down comforters included the pricier Brooklinen brand.
Utopia comforters are advertised as being returnable to Amazon. Utopia has not responded to our inquiries regarding warranty policy. A low inventory of several colors and sizes was observed in April of 2021. In the fall and winter, we’ll be watching to see whether this comforter returns in stock.
Down Comforter by Garnet Hill
Kid-Friendly Colors
With more than a dozen colors giving it a wide variety of options and not requiring a separate cover, this warm, comfortable down comforter can be a great choice for kids and teens when it comes to their bedroom. Children need a warm and versatile down comforter that is easy to clean, durable, and durable. Additionally, it comes in different colors and doesn’t require duvet cover. When our 2020 testers tested Garnet Hill, an eight year old gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up. Furthermore, it is Oeko-Tex certification and offers lifetime warranty, which is our favorite return policy.
There was no shortage of warmth and coziness among kids and adults alike. The lowest fill power we recommend is 550. It is filled with ducks down from there. As for its weight, neither our children nor adults complained about it. If the children in your family suffer from down allergies or if you just prefer an alternate to down, this is a good choice. Percale shells are extremely durable and extend the durability of the fill power. Lightweight essential blankets are perfect for warmer climates as they match children’s favorite comforters and match the comforter of their favorite prints.
Due to its sturdy percale shell, the feathers did not leak when shaken. By stitching through, the down won’t shift when used or laundered, like those Riley and LL Bean comforters. Even after your child throws his toys around, they usually remain in great shape. Having played in her homemade fort for some time, the young girl tossed it on the ground. Despite not being overloaded, our machines were able to wash and dry the twin size without any hassles. The comforter and lint trap did not have any loose feathers. There is no smell of wet down left after washing, which indicates low quality. In comparison with stiff fabrics, children prefer softer ones after washing.
Duvet covers are not required with Essential Down. Its vibrant colors complement nearly any kid’s room, and the shells are durable enough to be used independently. Both kids and adults can now make their own beds or wash their dirty laundry at the same time. The color options aren’t precious, and the prints aren’t juvenile, so they can last until they are teenagers. The comforter can always be returned if it fails to last. We haven’t seen a comforter that offers as generous a return policy as this one. During the pandemic, we consistently found comforters to be available.
Constructed for Comfort
Term: Embroidered
- Its meaning. In sewn-comforter, the top also bottom are sewn together and filling prevents the filling from shifting. Due to the small size of each pocket, the down between each comforter is less likely to shift around and is therefore easier to wash. A sewn-comforter is the best option if you have no interest in keeping it clean. He promised that fillings would never shift. Comforters with sewn-through seams are not as lofty as ones without, and a little cold air can be trapped between them.
Box with Baffles
- Its meaning. The walls of a baguette box are constructed by sewing together vertical strips on cloth. Due to the baffles, there is more warmth trapped and retained. The down cluster in a large box can move around, so shake out the comforter more often. A bafflebox construction method is often viewed as a higher-quality and labor-intensive method. Even though many sewn comforters that we tested were soft and warm like those with the baffles, others were not.
Label Deciphering
Down comforters are associated with a distinct language, also it is not surprising that people find it confusing. Our article will give you breakdown of each of these terms and, more importantly, their meanings concerning ones decision-making.
Power up. The more cubic inches per volume is used to determine fill power. Fill power is better when the volume is greater. Lightweight, high-fill-power comforters made with down provide warmth without being too heavy. Fill power can be improved as well as fill quality. When registering with the Federal Trade Commission, down comforters may have up to 75% of their filling made up of cheap feathers. The fill power of comforters made from this mix tends to be lower and the prices lower. For entry-level comforters, a down comforter with a fill power of 600 to 700 is sufficient.
- Duck down or goose down. Comforters are made of down from ducks or geese. The type of down doesn’t matter. Duck down is less fluffy than goose down because it comes from small ducks with little puffs of down. Both goose down and duck down can make excellent comforters, so you shouldn’t be deterred by the down’s origin.
- The alternative is down. The term is used to describe any filling other than down. Polyester and cotton blends are the least expensive option; gel-fiber filling and the patented material PrimaLoft can increase price of comforter by.
- Thread count and weave of the fabric. Our experts suggest cotton cambric and percale fabrics as they can keep low inside the shell of a comforter while keeping it intact. A quality comforter is not only woven with a decorative pattern, but it also is made from superior materials, such as sateen and jacquard. The higher the thread count, the poorer the retention will be; instead, the thread count should be between 300 and 400. If you go beyond that, it is probably just a sales pitch.
- Bedding or comforter. The basic concept of comforter is bedcover that has a pattern or color on it and is sewn closed. Duvets are covered with covers made especially for them and usually contain down or another filling. In the US, these terms have a similar meaning, according to Shannon Maher, interim dean at Fashion Institute of Technology.
- Oeko-Tex certification. Also, Oeko-Tex-certified items contain no heavy metals or toxic substances such as formaldehyde, which can be hazardous to both humans and also the environment. A product does not have to be organic in order to be certified Oeko-Tex.
Ethical Down
Even determining whether down comes from a goose or a duck is not straightforward. Comforters made with down harvested humanely are available from a number of manufacturers. A trustworthy certification, Responsible Down basic, ensures that no live animals were killed to pluck down. When an object meets RDS seal requirements, Control Union audits and certifies it. When you enter the number of RDS-certified down in TrackMyDown, you can trace it back to the source. Our website contains an entire post about ethical issues.
What ethical down means
- Who Are the Ethical Downs?Buying down products should be a top priority if you care about feline welfare. The certifications you should look for are outlined here.
Maintenance and Care
Duvet covers protect your investment. A comforter’s down and shell will eventually breakdown because of the body oils that accumulate on it. Despite their fragility, these comforters are easy to wash according to instructions on the packaging. Our down comforters that you can wash at home or at the laundromat are among the products in our selection.
As a general rule, down comforters should be washed once a year. You can wash comforters every five to ten years if they aren’t stained or smelly. Shells contain only 20 percent of our finest fibers, whereas down comforters contain 40 percent. Therefore, repairing the baffle-box walls of the comforter will allow it to last longer. According to Sukalac, comforters should be replaced every three to five years to increase sales. Washing your duvet cover less often will reduce your washing frequency. Washing your duvet every year will result in it needing to be replaced sooner.”
Also, Sukalac advises against dry-cleaning down comforters, even if most care labels state “dry clean only.” Dry-cleaning destroys the comforter’s oil. He called it a disaster. Despite our experts’ recommendations, you should be careful while you wash your comforter since this may void the warranty.
If your comforter needs to be cleaned, it is best to wash it gently. Bulky items should be washed in front-loading washers, since they are more efficient than top-loaders. When you wash comforters in a top-loading machine, keep your load balanced to avoid tangles or rips. An oversized comforter can be washed at a laundromat if it is large. Clean the dish with mild soap, using a delicate setting. Sukalac recommends washing your comforter in cold water unless it is heavily soiled. The tank should not be filled with water before it has been thoroughly rinsed. A second, short wash cycle without soap is run by Sukelac to ensure all dirt has been removed from the comforter.
In addition to killing dust mites, the dryer is an excellent place to kill pathogens. For maximum drying results, heat your comforter for 20 minutes at maximum temperature, then lower its temperature for another 20 minutes. Dust mite allergies can be treated by drying comforters periodically on high heat. Stitched-through comforters dry more evenly, in addition to having a stitched-through construction. A sewn-through comforter does not shift the down like a baffle-box comforter. In an interview with NBC News, Kevin Sukelac suggests shaking the comforter several times to spread the down evenly.
Comforters to Watch
The Down Comforter
For few years, Brooklinen’s Down Comforter was found to be limp and also unimpressive. This bedding has an almost identical feel to the Riley comforter and is just as warm and lofty. The 2020 Brooklinen comforter has been redesigned. You can’t notice any difference in stiffness between the duvet cover and this one. A Brooklinen comforter was also washed, which is something we will be testing in 2021. Despite washing, the down didn’t escape from cotton shell, which kept the comforter’s loft and also warmth.
We have tested a wide range of down comforters over the last few years. There is nothing like the feeling of being under a light, lofty cloud while wearing it. I do not feel that hot, but it is warm. We recommend Feathered Friends, although the price is high, because we believe it is much better than Feathered Friends, that is a lot more luxurious.
Additionally, Casaluna light (Target) and ultra-light comforters are well made, but they do not seem to offer the right amount of warmth. When the temperature dropped below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we had to use extra blankets, and the UltraWeight made me sweat easily. Nevertheless, they might be worth a look if you live in an extreme cold or hot climate.
The Hotel Grand White Goose Down Comforter would be an excellent alternative if the budget pick was not available. In addition to being more expensive, Target’s Casaluna comforter comes with 650 fill power. A loss of down was found during our shake tests. Because the duvet cover doesn’t have corner ties, it’s difficult to attach it.
LaCrosse Down Comforters are also available at the Company Store. In addition to the down comforter and the thinner blanket, another comforter alternative was also tested. They provided excellent quality. Due to the weight, feel, and construction of the book, it was our choice for kids.
Down Alternative
It runs considerably warmer than Utopia Duvet Comforter Comforters. Despite living in a cold climate, we sweated a lot wearing medium weight. It was as comfortable as a down comforter and felt like one too. In addition to its flat polyester fill, the shell was also quite noisy. However, it felt light despite that. This Brooklinen synthetic filling comforter felt similar to down, although it was a bit warmer. However, the Utopia Comforter is a far better option for the price.
Other than That
Down Comforters
As a result of these factors, we scored the Allied Home Deluxe White Down Comforter the lowest of all of our budget comforters: It leaked clusters of down when shaken, and the corner ties for attaching duvet cover were missing. There is no indication on the label or packaging of whether it was duck or goose down, although the down is RDS-certified and has 550 fill power. Target states that there is a duck item in the product description page. This makes sense given the price, although it is unusual that Target does not specify what animal is in the item.
Due to the fact that the previous pick, the Legends Hotel Alberta Down Comforter, performed and felt worse than all of our previous picks. White Bay Down Comforter by Alberta Legends Hotel is constructed without baffle boxes, but rather with a sewn-through construction. Both the White Bay and Alberta light comforters were too thin as well. ShellThe stitching looked shoddy, and the cotton looked inferior in the Legends Hotel Organic Cotton Down Comforter. We felt heavy, but also lofty.
Having not tested the Snowe Down Comforter at all for two years, we retested it in late 2019. 750 fill power down is used for the fill, and the Oeko-Tex sateen cover has 330 thread counts. The comforter worked well at first, but its loft diminished when we tested it again. The reduced quality and customer service problems we have had with this comforter prevent us from recommending it. In spite of feeling light and warm during our preliminary tests, this down duvet insert costs $400 for a queen, making it more expensive than many of our other top choices.
There is almost no doubt that Cold Spots and uneven fill distribution will occur with the Casper Down Duvet since it has long, horizontal boxes. Additionally, the shell’s noise bothered us. It feels thinner than a traditional down comforter due to its 600 fill power, which is unusual for down comforters.
Cuddledown, on the other hand, offers only 600 Fill Power Primary Down Comforters and does not offer 700 Fill Power Sateen Down Comforters. Given that the stitching stops two inches before the edge, it puts down at risk of shifting around, so it’s expensive considering it doesn’t have a true sewn-through design.
It was as if two pieces of cotton were just sewed together in the Balichun Goose Down Comforter. In the apartment, there was too little loft space. We are hesitant to use any return policy that requires the comforter to be unused and unwashed, but we’re looking at the Crane & Canopy Classic Goose Down Comforter and it looks well made.
Comforters without Down
Neither of the Comforters breathed when we tested them – and the Cloud even dipped into our bags all night long. A drenched comforter and sweaty wake-up was an awful experience. One of our testers mentioned that the Snowe Down Alternative Comforter smelled a bit like vinegar when we conducted our preliminary testing.
There was no down filling in this blanket, so it did not feel comfortable to sleep under as it was heavy out of the bag. The selection of this down-alternative was cut due to the availability of many lighter-weight options. When the comforter was taken out of the bag, I found it to feel horribly heavy and flat; it also felt terrible to sit on.
A microfiber comforter from Bed Bath & Beyond is available, but it smells bad and feels thin and does not provide any warmth. There was an immediate elimination of that problem. We have tested Fieldcrest’s Warmest Down Alternative Comforter and Target’s Made by Design Down Alternative Comforter.
Wool Comforters
Duvet with authentic 50’s comfort temperature. Our first test of wool comforters is scheduled to take place in fall 2020. Wool comforters are heavier than down comforters. Winter testing in 2019–20 found that the jacket was both cozy and breathable. Even though it has lofty properties, it is actually a blend of cotton and wool, rather than being sewn through or enclosed in a baffle box. This resulted in a smoother and more polished fold in the foot of the bed. The product did not cause an allergic reaction in our testers. This product is slightly less expensive and American-made due to the factory shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources
- Jack Sukalac, engineer and down comforter expert at All About Down, interview, October 16, 2020
- Top-Rated Comforters, Sleep Like The Dead
- Ashley Poskin, No Need to Dry Clean: How To Wash A Down Comforter, Apartment Therapy, June 5, 2019
- Shannon Maher, Interim Dean, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at Fashion Institute of Technology, interview
- David Sweet, former president of the American Down and Feather Council, interview
- Daniel Uretsky, president of Allied Feather & Down, interview
- Gary Peterson, general manager at Western Mountaineering, interview