Choosing the right duvet can transform your sleep, but with so many tog ratings available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you run hot, feel the cold easily, or simply want a duvet that adapts to the UK’s ever‑changing weather, understanding tog ratings is the key to year‑round comfort. This guide breaks down what “tog” really means and helps you choose the perfect duvet for every season.
What Does ‘Tog’ Actually Mean?
A tog rating measures how well a duvet insulates heat.
- Lower tog = cooler and lighter
- Higher tog = warmer and more insulating
It’s not about thickness or weight—some lightweight duvets can be incredibly warm thanks to modern fillings and construction.
Recommended Tog Ratings by Season
Summer (1–4.5 Tog)
Perfect for warm nights or naturally hot sleepers.
- Keeps you cool and comfortable
- Prevents overheating
- Works well with breathable cotton or bamboo bedding
Best for: July heatwaves, warm bedrooms, and anyone who sleeps warm year‑round.
Spring & Autumn (7.5–10.5 Tog)
Ideal for transitional weather when temperatures fluctuate.
- Offers balanced warmth
- Not too heavy, not too light
- Great for most UK homes during milder months
Best for: Homes with good insulation, guest rooms, and all‑season sleepers.
Winter (13.5–15 Tog)
Designed for cold nights and draughty homes.
- Provides maximum warmth
- Helps reduce reliance on heating
- Creates a cosy, cocooning feel
Best for: Older homes, cold sleepers, and winter comfort lovers.
Dual Tog & All‑Season Duvets
If you want one duvet that adapts to the whole year, consider:
All‑Season Duvets
These combine two duvets—typically 4.5 tog + 9 tog—that can be clipped together or used separately.
- Use the 4.5 tog in summer
- Use the 9 tog in spring/autumn
- Combine both for winter warmth
Dual Tog Duvets (Great for Couples)
Perfect when one partner sleeps hot and the other cold.
- Each side has a different tog rating
- No more fighting over the covers
- Keeps both sleepers comfortable
Choosing the Right Filling
The filling affects warmth, breathability, and weight—sometimes more than the tog rating itself.
Down & Feather
- Excellent insulation
- Lightweight and breathable
- Long‑lasting
Microfibre / Hollowfibre
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy‑care and budget‑friendly
- Good warmth‑to‑weight ratio
Bamboo or Eco Fillings
- Naturally breathable
- Moisture‑wicking
- Great for allergy sufferers
What Tog Rating Is Best for Children?
Children regulate temperature differently from adults.
- Summer: 1–4.5 tog
- Year‑round: 4.5–7.5 tog
- Avoid high‑tog duvets for young children, as they can overheat easily.
How to Choose the Right Tog for Your Home
Consider these factors:
1. Your Home’s Insulation
- Well‑insulated homes may only need up to 10.5 tog in winter
- Older or draughty homes may require 13.5–15 tog
2. Your Sleeping Temperature
- Hot sleepers: 1–7.5 tog
- Cold sleepers: 10.5–15 tog
3. Bedroom Temperature
- Ideal sleep temperature: 16–18°C
- Warmer rooms = lower tog
- Cooler rooms = higher tog
Final Thoughts
Understanding duvet tog ratings makes it much easier to choose bedding that keeps you comfortable through every season. Whether you prefer a lightweight summer quilt, a cosy winter duvet, or an all‑season option that adapts with the weather, the right tog rating ensures better sleep and a more inviting bedroom. With the UK’s unpredictable climate, having a few well‑chosen duvets on hand means you’ll always be prepared for whatever the weather brings.
