Duvet Vs Quilt Vs Comforter: The Difference & How To Choose

Sleep is essential in allowing our body and mind to recharge, helping us feel refreshed and alert the next day. When a person is sleep deprived, it affects every aspect of their life - from their ability to concentrate, think clearly, and process information. For an optimal sleeping experience, you will need the right bedding accessories. These include the best mattress, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets. What’s a bed worth without the perfect cover anyway?

A well-chosen duvet and duvet cover in Singapore should keep you cosy and sleeping soundly through the entire night. But we understand that it can get confusing to choose between the different covers - comforter vs quilt vs duvet. No need to lose any sleep over this, we’ve put together an article to help you understand everything you need to know about their differences and which you should buy.

Table of Contents

 

Comforter, Duvet, or Quilt Differences

Duvets, quilts, and comforters have often been coined as the same product with different names, but they are actually three separate bedding types. 

When debating what to pick, here are some distinct differences you should consider before making a purchase.

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

The main similarities between the three are that they serve as bed coverings and a layer of style for your overall bed. Ultimately, personal preference plays the biggest role in purchasing the best bed coverings for yourself. It depends on whether you’d prefer to use a cover based on your sleeping needs and lifestyle.

What Is a Duvet?

In Europe, the term "duvet" is used somewhat more broadly, whereas in the US, it is described as a quilted insert that is distinct from the comforter. It is one of beautiful bedding toppers that keeps the sleeper warm and comfortable. To keep the filling from becoming excessively clumpy or flat on either side, duvets feature intricate stitching.

Typically filled with down, wool, TENCEL™, or synthetic fibres, this smooth blanket isn't meant to be quilted or sewn. Unlike comforters, they have a less "finished" appearance. Duvet covers are sold separately, while duvets are intended to be an insert. This means that it may require an entire set and you may mix and match it with other bedding materials. If you don't want to, duvets are typically warm enough to use alone without any additional sheets or blankets.

Brief History of Duvets

With its long history, it is unclear who was the first inventor of this bedding. There have been speculations that the first documented use of the duvet was 5000 years ago by the Chinese. Then, back to the days of the Vikings (793–1066 AD), people used blankets made of Eider duck. Meanwhile, some sources say that the origin of "coverlet" can be traced to the English gentleman Paul Rycaut, who snuggled under stuffed coverings and shared the idea with his friends.

Research shows that Sir Terence Conran was the founder of duvets in the 1950s, inspired by the idea of being able to make the bed with “just a couple of shakes”. It was then sold commercially by a department store in Europe named Harrods, but it only truly hit the mass market in 1964 when Conran opened his very own interior design chain, Habitat, in London. They marketed the product as a convenience product that allows users to make their bed in around 10 minutes. 

The purpose of a duvet has stayed the same ever since - for simplicity and ease.

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

What Makes up A Duvet?

There are two layers to a duvet - the filling and the shell. Different fillings have their respective benefits, which we will go into more detail later when we explain the tips and tricks to choosing the best duvet for yourself.

The shell can make or break the experience of using a duvet. Its purpose is to ensure that it has a high enough thread count to keep the filling inside and prevent leaking, without sacrificing breathability. Anything above 300 will be good and can give the duvet a soft and airy feel. 

From cotton to TENCEL™, a wide variety of materials is available for you to choose from for the optimal experience.

 

What Is a Quilt?

The word “quilt” is linked to the Latin word “culcita” meaning a bolster or cushion. Quilting defines the act of stitching together pieces of fabric between padding and is considered an age-old form of art that can be traced back to at least medieval times. The earliest purpose of quilting was used to make functional bed covers for people to stay warm during winter.

However, they serve a much greater purpose than just that - they tell a story. It could be the story of a young girl piecing together a quilt for her future bridal bed or a mother creating multiple quilts for each of her children to take with them when they left home. Often a mismatch of fabrics, colours, and shapes, these quilts had a unique beauty of their own that told the story of a person’s life.  

Albeit the shift to modern day quilting, mostly done by machines, custom-made quilts can still be created. Many variations of quilting were developed during these early times to adapt to the conditions of their lives, and many superior techniques have survived by being passed down through generations. However, with the rise of comforters and duvets, many have chosen to transition to these more modern blanket types instead.

What Is a Comforter?

As the name suggests, a comforter is a thick, quilted, and fluffy blanket that is used to keep you comfy and cosy. It is used to help keep you warm and toasty when it’s cold. It is usually filled with down, feathers, or fibres to give it its luxurious fullness. These fillings are held in place and evenly distributed by quilting and stitching. 

Caring for your comforter is as simple as throwing it into the washer with your other bedding, as no comforter cover is required. However, this also means that it needs to be washed more frequently because the fabric itself is exposed to dirt andthe external environment. And due to it being uncovered, a top sheet and a blanket would still be needed to get you through the colder days, which is perfect for those who prefer a layered look to their beds. 

Note, however, to take into account Singapore’s hot and humid weather when choosing a blanket, as regular thick ones may be uncomfortable to use. Consider using more lightweight and breathable fabrics for warmer nights.

Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Sheets In Glacier Blue

Duvet vs Quilt vs Comforter: Which One Should You Choose?

Here at Weavve, we believe that temperature-regulating duvets are the best bet when it comes to bed covers given their simplicity and compatibility with Singapore’s climate. Now we’ll dive deep into the benefits of duvets in Singapore and how to choose the best one for yourself.

4 Common Benefits of Using a Duvet

Modern and luxurious bedding styles are gaining in popularity. Hence, it isn’t a surprise that there have been trends of growing adoption of duvets by individuals seen globally. From growing awareness of the differences between a duvet and a comforter and the expansion of the hospitality industry, there are various drivers for the increase in demand for this type of bedding. 

A duvet is one of the best choices in building your bed, with options to customise the weight, warmth, and style. However, it is understandable that everyday people may still be uncertain about the duvet benefits. Here are three reasons why buying the best duvet in Singapore will be a worthy investment for you.

Easier to Care For

Unlike a comforter blanket, a duvet can't be used alone as it needs a cover. This is because it’s like a flat feather bed with box stitching that requires more delicate care to maximise its lifespan. You may change up your style whenever you please because of its ability to change its cover. In order to help prolong the blanket's lifespan, make sure it lies on top of you instead of under, such that the filler won’t get damaged as quickly.

Time-Saving

The main purpose of duvets is to cut down the number of bedding on your bed as it often takes the role of flat sheets, blankets, and quilts. It is an absolute time saver when it comes to maintaining your bed. So, if you are someone who is always in a rush for time and doesn’t fancy extra bed coverings, a duvet may be more suited for you.

Featuring Weavve's Cotton Classic Set

Convenient Styling

Because of its ability to change its cover, you may change up your style whenever you please. Bed covers are an easy yet impactful way of giving a bedroom personality. From dark and classy to colourful and bright, Weavve has duvet covers that come in a wide range of hues for everyone.

Lightweight and Lofty

Modern duvets, especially synthetic duvets, are filled with lightweight fabrics that make them softer and fluffier without trapping too much heat in them. Hence, making them perfect for Singapore’s warm and humid weather.  

Ultimately, we recommend that you choose bedding sets - whether sheets or blankets - that work best for your home and lifestyle.

How to Choose a Duvet: Top Factors to Consider

Now that you understand the differences between the types of duvets available, it is time to learn some handy tips and tricks when it comes to choosing the perfect blanket for you. We’ve broken this process down into 8 factors to consider in finding a high-quality quilt or duvet.

TOG

TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) refers to the degree of warmth and insulation you will feel when you’re under your duvet. The TOG scale ranges from a cool 1.5 TOG to a very snug 15 TOG. Essentially, the higher the tog, the warmer the material.

So before you purchase, ask yourself: do I prefer to be warm and snuggled up at night or do I like the cooling breeze from the air conditioner better? Your sleeping style should guide you into choosing the best duvet for yourself. If you fall into the latter category of sleepers, you may consider purchasing a blanket on the lower end of the TOG scale. 

This is also especially important when it comes to choosing a duvet for children. They tend to trap heat more easily than adults, hence a higher TOG may lead to overheating and suffocation. We recommend that children under the age of 10 should not use a duvet with a TOG rating higher than 10.5.

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

Material

The duvet filling can determine the quality of your experience. Those who have accustomed themselves to natural filled duvets swear by them and claim that there is no better way to stay warm and cosy all night long. Natural fillings like goose down and feathers are soft and warm. They also tend to be heavier and larger to give you that added pressure that feels like a hug when you sleep at night. However, this depends on its down-to-feather ratio - the higher the ratio, the lighter and warmer the blanket. 

On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, you may want to consider exploring synthetic or semi-synthetic fillings like TENCEL™. Often hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, these fibres are more breathable and cooling
than natural duvets.  

Fill Power and Weight

Fill power is a measurement of the volume taken up by the filling in a duvet, which accounts for its insulating ability. The higher the fill power, the higher the duvet quality - lighter, more breathable, and more durable. As a rule of thumb, here is a generic guide to choose which fill power may be suitable for you:

It is easy to associate fill weight with TOG ratings, but they are actually separate measurements. Fill weight is the weight of the fill inside a duvet per square meter. As the fill weight increases, so does the weight of the duvet. It also determines the softness and smoothness of a duvet. Generally, a bed cover with high fill power will have a low fill weight so as to suit the needs of users in warmer weather. 

 

Both measurements help to give you a good idea of the quality of the material you are considering buying.

Construction

The stitching of a duvet is important as it determines how evenly distributed the filling stays inside the duvet. To prevent shifting of fillings, there are a variety of construction methods - baffle box and box stitching, to name a few.

Baffle Box

Usually used for higher end duvets, this method uses strips of materials that are sewn in a crisscross pattern to form cubes. The cube shapes allow greater volume of filling and create more space for the filling to ‘breathe’ without being compressed. Many claim that this method is the best for giving blankets their sculpted look while still being fluffy and breathable. 

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

 

Box Stitch

Also known as “quilt stitch”, it uses a similar method to the baffle box construction but without the reinforcing fabric strips. It is most commonly found in lower fill-power duvets.

Duvet Sizes

Surely, everyone wants a duvet that fits on their beds comfortably. From a king duvet and queen size duvet to a single and super single bed duvet size, it is important to ensure your bedding is just right for you. 

Apart from the actual size of your mattress, here are three (3) tips and tricks to maximise the utility of your duvet.

1. For couples, consider your partner’s sleeping patterns. Are they a blanket thief? If so, you may want to consider purchasing a bigger duvet so that both of you get to stay cosy through the night even as you snuggle under a duvet. 

2. If you’re a particularly tall person and your feet poke out at the end of your bed, make sure that your duvet is slightly longer than the size of your mattress for maximum comfort.

3. Get the same sized duvet cover as your duvet! As we mentioned, a duvet should come in a set - the insert and the cover. Without a well-fitted cover, your duvet may either be too compressed in the sheet or there would be too much allowance for the insert to shift within it.

Featuring Weavve's Signature TENCEL™ Duvet Cover Set

Hypoallergenic Properties

This should come as no surprise that you should not be getting a duvet with a filling that you are allergic to. But sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the hype of a specific type of duvet that this factor is overlooked by users. Note that if you have sensitive skin or a tendency to have allergic reactions to certain fabrics, refrain from getting a wool, feather, or down duvet.

A safe bet would be to buy a duvet that is synthetic as they are manufactured to be hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite. This makes it suitable for all skin types.

An example of a semi-synthetic material is TENCEL™ fibres. As mentioned, the moisture-wicking abilities of TENCEL™ make it a gentle material ideal for allergy sufferers and people with skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis. They are less likely to attract dust mites and slow down bacteria growth by 10 times as compared to cotton. The natural materials used in the production of TENCEL™ in Singapore have resulted in this hypoallergenic quality.

Featuring Weavve's Cotton Duvet Cover Set

Trusted Bedding Brands

To avoid falling prey to “green-washing” by brands, consumers need to be aware and educated on the differences between the materials. However, we understand that not everyone has the time to do in-depth research every time they want to purchase bedding. Hence, one way of ensuring that the quality of material is to look out for certification. 

Certification acts as a method for trusted brands to be transparent with their consumers, from ethical manufacturing to sustainable sourcing. A certification you may want to look out for is the OEKO-TEX® Certified label, which tests every product component for harmful levels of over 100 individual substances from 17 groups of chemicals.

Care

Lastly, it is important to take your lifestyle into account. If you lead a busy life that doesn’t leave you much time for laundry or tidying up, it may be advisable to purchase a duvet and duvet cover that is easy to clean. 

At the end of the day, before making such an investment, you need to weigh the pros and cons of a duvet and ask yourself, “Would I benefit from a duvet?” And if the answer is yes, a duvet can be the best investment you ever make for your personal sleep hygiene.

Where to Buy a Duvet or Quilt in Singapore? 

Most bedding retail stores would have a variety of duvets or quilts that you can choose from. Over the past few years, there have also many online bedding stores and marketplaces in Singapore that allow you to shop for bedding products conveniently while enjoying whopping discounts. Most online stores would offer affordable or free shipping and also allow returns or exchanges in the event of product defects.
 

Why Choose Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet?

Our duvet is designed using one of the latest generations of TENCEL™ branded fibres - Lyocell. It is the first full TENCEL™ duvet or duvet insert in Singapore. 

While many in the market use a blend, ours is purely made with only 100% Lyocell fibres. These are the same fibres that we use to make our best-selling Lyocell sheets, with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Whether you want a cooling blanket for hot summer nights or to be kept warm on rainy days, this blanket will meet them all. 

When constructing our Lyocell duvet, we made sure to consider all aspects to give you the optimal comfort and best sleep experience. From being lightweight to being perfect for tropical weather and temperature regulating, here are some reasons why you should choose Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell duvet insert.

1. Cool & Lightweight

The cooling benefits of TENCEL™ fibres are impressive enough to ignore. With our duvet packed with TENCEL™ inside out (filling and shell), you can get the full experience of a sweat-free night. This bedding material is guaranteed to be breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking, keeping the body cool during sleep all season round.

2. Treated With Silvadur™ for Antimicrobial Properties & Maximised Durability

Weavve’s Lyocell duvet shell is treated with anti-bacterial agents from SILVADUR™ by DuPont. Their revolutionary technology used by SILVADUR™ is the world’s first and only aqueous-based silver-polymer delivery system. This treatment eliminates bacteria that fight mould and fungi that cause odor, discolouration, and degradation of the duvet.

Moreover, with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, our Lyocell duvet is resistant to wear and tear, as well as pilling. However, it is important to protect your duvet with a cover to ensure its lifespan is maximised. The antimicrobial treatment by SILVADAR™ also further enhances this durability, and protection is ensured through as many as 100 launderings.

Traditional antimicrobial technologies deliver silver particles to fabric surfaces and rely on slow dissolution of poorly soluble silver salts. This is to control bacteria, which can lead to discolouration and reduced antimicrobial performance over time. SILVADUR™ uses a fully-soluble polymer system to deliver non-metallic silver ions to the fabric surface for a uniform coating to maintain colourfastness - keeping white whitest and colours bright! It also utilises less silver and generates less waste without compromising the performance and durability of the Lyocell Duvet's shell. 

 

3. 350 TC Pocketed Quilting

A 15 cm by 15 cm baffle box construction was chosen for Weavve’s Lyocell duvet to ensure that the TENCEL™ Lyocell fillings are held in place, no matter how you use your duvet. The cube pattern formed from the crisscross stitching allows greater volume of filling and creates more space for the TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres to ‘breathe’ without being compressed. With a thread count of 350, the Lyocell duvet shell can hold the fillings in place without risks of them leaking.

 4. Tie Loops to Keep Them in Place

Annoyed at your covers going out of place? Good thing our Lyocell duvet comes with tie loops that complement our duvet over in Singapore. These make it easier to tie them, eliminating movement of your duvet during your sleep. Single bed duvet and super single duvet size come with 4 tie loops, while a queen size duvet and larger ones come with 7 tie loops. 

5. Certified Free From Harmful Chemicals

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certificate, which ensures that every component of the product has been tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of over 100 individual substances from 17 groups of chemicals. The absence of harmful chemicals in the TENCEL™ duvet allows it to be safe for babies and people with sensitive skin.

A Guide to Washing A Duvet

Since most duvets are used regularly, if not every night, it is inevitable that it will need to be cleaned periodically. Our Lyocell duvet is designed differently as compared to typical blankets and duvet inserts, thus, it requires special care. To preserve the quality of the fabric and extend the life of your blanket, utmost care should be taken when laundering them. You may also want to try airing it out on a sunny day in between washes.

How Often to Wash

Generally, duvets are used with a duvet cover, hence the insert itself does not need to be washed as frequently as your other bed sheets or bedding. We recommend washing it every 3 to 4 months a year, or at least twice a year.

How to Wash 

First and foremost, when washing our Lyocell duvet, always use cold water (below 20°C). It is best to hand-wash using a gentle laundry detergent free of bleach or fabric softener. 

However, as it contains a semi-synthetic fill, it is possible to wash it in the washing machine, provided that it fits nicely. Use a gentle laundry detergent free of bleach and fabric softener.

How to Dry

Taking proper precautions when drying the Lyocell duvet will keep it in good, usable condition for longer. For best results, line (hang) or flat dry it naturally, away from direct sunlight. This is because long exposure to UV may damage the fibres and cause your blanket to lose its silky, soft texture and increase the chances of discolouration.

When line drying, be sure that it hangs evenly so that the Lyocell fibre is proportionately distributed and it does not lose its shape. Consider draping the damp duvet over a drying rack or chair.

What to Avoid

Avoid dry cleaning your Lyocell duvet and soaking it in water over time. As fabric softeners can build up in the material of the Lyocell duvet, refrain from using harsh detergents that contain bleach or fabric softener. They make the fabric feel scratchy or stiff. 

Do not use a dryer as well as the filling may fall out and high temperatures may damage the Lyocell fibre. Lastly, avoid ironing your duvet.

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is a Duvet Cover?

A duvet cover acts as a duvet insert's protective sleeve - similar to a pillowcase for a pillow or bed sheets for a mattress. Ideally, duvet covers should slip over the insert with ease, making washing convenient as well. They also usually act as decorative pieces to bring personality to your bedroom. Weavve offers cotton duvet cover sets and Lyocell duvet cover sets in an array of colours for an effortless yet luxurious style.

 

How to Use a Duvet Cover?

Find yourself struggling to put on your duvet cover? Not to worry, we have two easy methods to make putting on your cover as simple as A-B-C. 

The Traditional Method

1. Firstly, lay your duvet insert over your bed.

2. Next, lay the duvet cover inside out, on top of the duvet while making sure the opening is at the bottom of the bed.

3. Use the corner ties to secure your insert in place by tying them tightly to the top corners of your insert.

4. Work your hands inside the cover upwards to the top corners. Then match each corner with the insert’s corners and flip the cover outwards over the insert.

5. Carefully slide the cover down and over the rest of the insert. Now repeat Step 3 for the bottom corners and use the concealed cloth buttons to finish. 

The Burrito Method

Also known as the California Roll Method, this may seem a little daunting initially but with enough practice, you may find that it’s really a hack for changing duvet cover in the most efficient way

1. Lay your duvet cover inside out, over your bed with the opening at the bottom of the bed.

2. Next, lay the duvet insert on top of the cover while making sure that all the edges match up neatly.

3. Similar to The Traditional Method, use the corner ties to secure your insert in place by tying all four corners.

4. Then, grab the opposite end of the opening of the cover and roll the whole thing tightly towards the bottom of the bed, as if you’re making the world’s tightest burrito!

5. Take the opening of the cover and pull it outwards around the roll. Fasten Weavve’s concealed cloth buttons to create the burrito (or sushi roll, if you prefer).

6. Finally, pinch the matched closure and bottom edge of the insert to unravel the covered insert.

Once you are done with either method, give the whole thing a little shake and you’ll have a perfectly covered duvet.

What Can I Use a Duvet Cover For?

Our duvet covers are multi-purpose. Not only can you use it for duvets, but also for our weighted blankets.

Our weighted blankets, designed with smaller compartments for even weight distribution, help you relax by stimulating the feeling of being held or hugged. Made with a breathable fabric that is machine and dryer-safe, it is hypoallergenic and non-toxic. It comes in single, super single, queen, and king sizes, which makes it easy to match with our duvet covers.

How to Care for My Duvet Cover?

How should my duvet cover be washed and dried? When it comes to caring for your cover, it is important to note which material you’re caring for. 

Cotton Duvet Covers

Weavve’s cotton duvet covers are 100% pure extra long staple cotton fibres with a 100 yarn count using single ply threads. You can care for them by:

• Machine wash in warm water separately before use.
• Iron on medium heat if needed.
• Line dry, do not tumble dry.
• Do not dry clean.
• Do not use any kind of bleaching agent as bleach damages the cotton fibre.
  
  

 TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet Covers

Crafted from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell Fibres with a 400 single-ply thread count woven with the finest 80 yarn count threads. Care for your Lyocell duvet covers by:

• Gentle machine wash in cold water separately before use.
• Iron on low heat if needed.
• Line dry or tumble dry on low.
• Do not dry clean.
• Do not use any kind of bleaching agent as bleach damages the Lyocell fibre.

 

What’s the Difference Between Duvet and Comforter Sets?

A comforter is a single piece of bedding with its filling and design built in, ready to use straight away. A duvet, on the other hand, works as a two-part set: a soft insert paired with a separate, washable cover that you can swap out to change the look. Comforters are less versatile but can be popped in the wash if they fit, while duvets make it easy to refresh your style and keep things clean since it’s usually just the cover that needs laundering.

 

Are Duvet and Quilt the Same?

The terms "quilts" and "duvets" are frequently used interchangeably to refer to the same bedding. They are, in reality, distinct from one another because the duvet is a more contemporary version of the traditional quilt. A duvet is made up of two pieces—a cover and an insert—whereas a quilt is one piece with three layers.

 

How Long Do Duvets Last?

How often should I change my duvet? The Sleep Council advises that duvets should be replaced every 5 years, but higher quality blankets also tend to last a little longer than others. Here are some tell-tale signs that your bedding needs to be swapped out for a new one:

• Feels thin and limp
• Feels lumpy and uneven
• Filling is leaking out

Hence, it is important to always protect it with a cover to maximise its lifespan.

Should I Get a Quilt or Comforter?

Opt for a comforter if you’re after a plush, cocoon-like feel with added warmth, perfect for chilly nights, colder climates, or simply as a single ready-to-use layer. If you’d rather keep things lighter, go for a quilt: it’s ideal if you sleep warm, enjoy a layered look, or want something more durable and even slightly weighted.

How Do I Know if I Have a Duvet or a Comforter?

You can usually tell the difference by checking whether your bedding is a single, all-in-one piece with its own decorative fabric (a comforter), or a two-part setup with a plain insert and a removable, washable cover (a duvet). Comforters are made to stand alone, with their filling evenly spread and the outer fabric doubling as decoration, while duvets rely on a simple inner insert that’s dressed up with a separate cover.

Best Duvet for Hot Sleepers in Singapore

Made with 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell, our TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet is soft, smooth, and cool to the touch. It draws away moisture to help you stay fresh and comfortable through the night. The filling is hypoallergenic microfibre that feels as fluffy as down, giving you that cosy, cloud-like comfort without trapping heat.

Designed with corner loops, it fits neatly into your favourite duvet cover and works well all year round. Plus, with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, it’s safe for your skin and kinder to the planet.

“The duvet really does what it promises - keeps you warm but not overly warm where you perspire and feel icky all over. I have not encountered any duvet like this outside. Worth the splurge!”. - Gina F.