Duvet Togs Explained
Being the right temperature at night plays a huge role in how well you sleep. If you’re too hot or too cold, it can be difficult to fall asleep and even harder to stay asleep.
Sleep experts generally recommend keeping your bedroom temperature between 16–18°C, which helps your body maintain the ideal conditions for rest.
Duvets are designed to help regulate your warmth, and they use a simple rating system to indicate how insulating they are. This rating is known as a tog.
Understanding tog ratings can help you choose a duvet that keeps you comfortable throughout the year.
Please note: Gardiner Haskins Interiors no longer sells duvets, but we’ve kept this guide available as a helpful reference for customers looking for general advice.
What Is a Duvet Tog?
A tog rating measures how well a duvet traps warm air. The higher the tog number, the warmer the duvet will feel.
One common misconception is that thicker duvets are always warmer — but this isn’t necessarily true.
For example, feather and down duvets often feel lighter and thinner because the natural filling traps heat more efficiently. Synthetic duvets may feel bulkier but provide similar warmth due to needing more filling material.
So when choosing a duvet, the tog rating is a far better guide than thickness alone.
4.5 Tog - Ideal for Summer
A 4.5 tog duvet is designed for warmer nights and summer months.
These lighter duvets provide enough insulation for comfort without causing overheating. They’re also often recommended for children, who tend to sleep better with lighter bedding that can be layered if necessary.
10.5 Tog - Spring and Autumn Comfort
The 10.5 tog duvet is considered the most versatile option.
It’s ideal for spring and autumn, when temperatures are cooler but not freezing. Many people also use a 10.5 tog duvet during winter by adding an extra blanket or throw for additional warmth.
13.5 Tog – Winter Warmth
When the colder months arrive, a 13.5 tog duvet offers maximum warmth and insulation.
It’s designed for winter nights when temperatures drop and you need that extra cosy layer to stay comfortable throughout the night.
Four Season Duvets - One Duvet for the Whole Year
If you’d rather not own multiple duvets, a four season duvet can be a practical solution.
These usually consist of two separate duvets:
A 4.5 tog duvet for summer
A 9 tog duvet for spring and autumn
They can be used individually depending on the season, or attached together — typically with poppers — to create a 13.5 tog winter duvet.
This flexibility makes them a popular all-in-one option for year-round comfort.
Beyond duvet tog, other factors can influence sleep comfort too — including mattress support, bedding materials and bedroom temperature.
Even though we no longer sell duvets, we hope this guide helps you better understand tog ratings and choose the right bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep.