Whether you’re after a lightweight summer duvet inner or a thicker winter-friendly option, choosing the right one is an important part of getting the best sleep possible.
When it comes to choosing your duvet inner, there are plenty of things to consider – from warmth levels, to thread counts, to duvet fills. Our buying guide breaks these down for you so that you can choose the perfect one for your needs!
Wool
Wool is a fantastic natural bedding material that’s lightweight and moisture absorbent. It insulates you from both cold and hot conditions, regulating your body temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep.
It can also be a great choice for people with allergies, as it’s anti-allergenic. It’s not only a good choice for bedding, but is also used in carpet, woollen underwear and other textiles that require a natural fibre to maintain their integrity.
Another reason to choose wool is because it’s ethically sourced. It can be shorn from the sheep and regrown for use the following year, meaning it’s one of the most sustainable fabrics.
Besides being naturally breathable, wool also retains warmth better than cotton and is a great option for summer. It also reduces the risk of allergens such as dust mites and odour.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the world’s most common fabrics and serves a variety of purposes, including clothes, bedding, paper and cardboard. Cotton fibers are characterized by their strength and absorbency, which makes them ideal for use in a wide range of applications.
A cotton duvet inner is woven from a cotton outer shell and filled with either a natural or man-made material. Natural fibres, such as white duck feather or goose down, are more breathable and lightweight than synthetic options.
The type of filling you choose for your duvet inner will depend on your preferences and the season. Generally, a higher percentage of down will produce a warmer duvet, while a lower percentage of feathers may be better for summer sleepers.
The casing of your duvet will also play an important role in how well it protects the down. A tightly woven casing is more likely to keep the dust mites out of your duvet, while a looser weave is less effective.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a synthetic fabric consisting of fine fibres with diameters that measure less than 10 micrometers. These fibres have denier weights that are under 0.7 D, making them one of the world’s finest forms of textile fibre.
Polyester is the most common synthetic material used to make microfibre. During the production process, no pesticides are used and the dyeing processes do not require water.
Another synthetic option is polyamide. This type of fibre has a higher elasticity than polyester and is slightly softer.
Both polyester and polyamide can be manufactured into microfibres by forcing them through long, metallic tubes that have been melted. When the polyester and polyamide are heated, they meld into miniscule polyamide strips that are up to 20 times smaller than their original, long, solid-state forms.
These microfibres are extremely soft, with a luxurious hand and suede-like feel. They are also shrink resistant, washable and dry-cleanable, non-electrostatic and hypoallergenic. They are a popular choice for a variety of apparel and accessories, including bed linens and pillowcases.
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fibre that is spun from silkworms to create the beautiful textiles we wear. It is used in a wide range of products, from clothing and bedding to decorative pillows and curtains.
It is an excellent insulator, making it the ideal choice for winter duvet inner NZ. Silk is also a hypoallergenic material that helps regulate the body temperature and is breathable.
There are many different types of duvet fillings available in NZ. The most popular natural fillings include down and feather, which are naturally breathable and provide good insulation.
They are available in a variety of different weights, and are perfect for warmer or cooler weather. Generally speaking, they are better insulators and more durable than synthetic materials.
Synthetic duvets are made from man-made fibres such as polyester, which are very cheap to produce and often come in a range of widths of thickness. They can be a good option for those who are allergic to natural fibres such as wool or feathers, but they are less breathable than natural fibres and can trap sweat and moisture more easily.