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The Best Down Comforters – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

If you’re looking for a top-notch comforter, it’s hard to do better than down. This material is known for its impressive performance, delivering considerable warmth while remaining soft and lightweight. For people who want the best in a comforter, down is a natural place to start.

At the same time, not all down comforters are created equal. It can also be confusing to start shopping for a down comforter because of the confusion that can arise around types of down and other factors that separate one option from another.

In this guide, we’ll present our choices for the best down comforters as well as a guide that will walk you through what you need to know to make the best possible purchase.

The Best Down Comforters – Reviewed

Best OverallBrooklinen Down Comforter

Best Overall – Brooklinen Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 3 weight power options (650-750 fill power)
  • 100% long-staple cotton sateen shell
  • Antimicrobial treatment
  • Made in Canada
  • 365-night sleep trial
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Best OverallBrooklinen Down Comforter

Brooklinen.com

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A classic down comforter with quality in every detail, the Brooklinen Down Comforter  comes in two versions: all-season and lightweight, The comforter’s fill consists of ethically sourced down clusters, featuring a fill power of 600 for the lightweight version and 700 for the all-season. These options make the comforter suitable for most shoppers regardless of their temperature preferences or their current location.

On the outside is a 100% cotton cover in a sateen weave, giving it a nice silky-soft feel. With quality down providing warmth, and a shell that matches the quality of the finest sheets, this comforter is uniquely comfortable and is a huge upgrade to most beds.

Best of all, this Canadian made comforter comes at a below average price point. Further, it comes with a full 365-day sleep trial, allowing customers to test it out for an entire year before committing to it.

Best ValuePacific Coast Classic Down Comforter

Best Value – Pacific Coast Classic Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 550 fill power
  • 100% cotton shell (230TC)
  • Hyperclean down washed to remove allergens
  • Perimeter cording prevents escaping fill
  • 30-night sleep trial and 3-year warranty
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Best ValuePacific Coast Classic Down Comforter

pacificcoast.com

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An authentic down comforter doesn’t need to drain your savings account. The Classic Down Comforter from Pacific Coast is a great example of an affordable yet high-quality product that rivals many of its more expensive competitors. The fill consists of 550 fill power Hyperclean down that provides plenty of loft without overheating or feeling too hefty. The cotton shell is also fairly breathable. Sewn-through baffle boxes ensure decent fill distribution throughout the interior, while thick cording along the border prevents little rips and tears that can cause fill to escape.

This comforter should be suitable for people who are normally allergic to real down. The Hyperclean down is washed at least eight times to remove allergens and prevent sneezing, sniffles, and other symptoms that can disrupt sleep. For added peace of mind, Pacific Coast provides an “Allergy Free Limited Warranty” in case the comforter still triggers symptoms for buyers. Twin, full/queen, and king sizes are available.

Each purchase also includes a 30-night sleep trial and a standard 3-year warranty against structural defects. Ground shipping is free for all orders of $99 or more within the contiguous U.S., which applies to this comforter in all three sizes.

Best LuxuryKassatex European White Goose Down Comforter

Best Luxury – Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 2 weight options (650 fill power)
  • 100% cotton shell (400TC)
  • Fully machine washable
  • Down cleaned with eco-friendly soaps
  • 60-night sleep trial
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Best LuxuryKassatex European White Goose Down Comforter

kassatex.com

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For high-end shoppers, the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter is the epitome of well-crafted luxury bedding. The comforter is constructed with lofty 650 fill power down clusters and a smooth cotton shell that is ideal for people with sensitive skin. Customers who want a comforter suitable for year-round use can choose a mid-weight all-season model, while the lightweight comforter is a better option for warmer climates and summer months.

A baffle box design with deep stitching helps to keep the fill evenly distributed and reduces shifting and clumping during the night. The shell is also equipped with corner loops to keep the comforter in place when a duvet cover is used. For easy and convenient care, the comforter can be washed and dried in any household machine – though dryer balls are recommended, as they minimize clumping on low-heat tumble settings. Twin, queen, and king sizes are available.

This comforter should also appeal to eco-conscious shoppers because the down is cleaned with environmentally friendly soap. Extensive washing also ensures minimal allergy potential. Kassatex backs the comforter with a hassle-free 60-night sleep trial that includes free shipping on returns and exchanges.

Most ComfortableCasper Down Duvet

Most Comfortable – Casper Down Duvet

Highlights

  • 600 fill power
  • 100% cotton shell
  • Ethically-sourced down fill
  • All-season warmth
  • 100-day sleep trial
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Most ComfortableCasper Down Duvet

casper.com

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Casper uses a minimalist design with high quality materials, resulting in a cool and cosy comforter that works for all seasons. On the inside is ethically sourced down of 600 fill power, a “just right” fill that ensures a warm blanket that’s still viable during warmer seasons.

On the outside is a 100% cotton shell, a material known for its soft feel and moderate breathability. With a combination of warm down and a lightweight, breathable construction, the duvet is perfect for those looking for a reliable, all-season blanket.

This Casper Duvet falls at around an average price point for down duvet covers. Additionally, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year limited warranty, so customers can try it with the option of a full refund.

Best OrganicThe Company Store Legends Hotel Down Comforter

Best Organic – The Company Store Legends Hotel Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 4 weight options (600-650 fill power)
  • 100% organic cotton cambric shell (230TC)
  • RDS-certified European white down
  • Sewn-through baffles evenly distribute the fill
  • Lifetime warranty
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Best OrganicThe Company Store Legends Hotel Down Comforter

thecompanystore.com

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The Legends Hotel Down Comforter from The Company Store is well suited to both animal lovers and eco-conscious individuals. The fill is composed of premium European white down that has earned certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring ethical and humane treatment of all birds. The cover is made of organic cotton cambric produced from sustainably sourced crops.

Customers can choose from four different weights depending on their temperature preferences and current location. Four sizes – twin, full/queen, king, and California king – are also available, as are two neutral colors for the shell. Each baffle box is sewn through to minimize shifting and clumping throughout the interior, while corner loops secure the comforter inside any duvet cover. The Company Store recommends machine washing on cold followed by a thorough low-heat tumble cycle whenever the comforter needs to be laundered, though it can also be dry cleaned.

Sticker cost varies by size and weight, but the Legends Hotel Down Comforter is reasonably priced across the board. The Company Store also offers free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 states of $50 or more. Customers receive a lifetime guarantee that allows them to return the comforter for a full refund at any point after their original purchase.

Best All-SeasonCuddledown Primary Down Comforter

Best All-Season – Cuddledown Primary Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 6 weight options (600 fill power)
  • 100% cotton shell (280TC)
  • RDS-certified fill
  • Even distribution thanks to deep stitching and thick border piping
  • Full satisfaction guarantee
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Best All-SeasonCuddledown Primary Down Comforter

cuddledown.com

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The Cuddledown Primary Down Comforter offers a lofty-yet-breathable mid-weight design that keeps sleepers warm and cozy during colder times of the year but won’t overheat when the temperatures climb. The fill is composed of 600 fill power white duck down, while the shell is made of smooth cotton cambric with a 230 thread count. The comforter is available in six different weights. Cuddledown recommends the “Summer” or “Level 1” comforters for year-round use.

The down has earned a certification from the Responsible Down Standard, so animal-conscious individuals can sleep soundly knowing the ducks are not harmed or mistreated when their plumage is extracted. Deep stitching between the baffle boxes and thick perimeter piping also make this item a great option for anyone who becomes annoyed by comforters with shifting or clumping fill.

Cuddledown backs the comforter with a full satisfaction guarantee, and buyers do not need to receive customer service authorization before returning or exchanging it. The company ships throughout the U.S. and Canada, and also delivers to select international destinations.

Best HeavyweightRoyal Egyptian Bedding Heavyweight Goose Down Comforter

Best Heavyweight – Royal Egyptian Bedding Heavyweight Goose Down Comforter

Highlights

  • 700 fill power
  • 100% Egyptian cotton shell
  • Lofty fill delivers excellent insulation
  • Attractive stripe design
  • 30-day return period
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Best HeavyweightRoyal Egyptian Bedding Heavyweight Goose Down Comforter

royalegyptianbedding.com

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Royal Egyptian Bedding offers a wide range of down comforters that vary in terms of weight and warmth. The Heavyweight Goose Down Comforter is a standout pick for anyone who wants more insulation, as well as those who reside in more temperate climates that become significantly colder in the fall and winter months. This comforter is constructed with ultra-lofty 700 fill power down encased in a shell of smooth, luxurious Egyptian cotton. Oversize dimensions add to the cozy feel.

The shell is decorated in a stripe pattern that adds charm and elegance to any bedroom decor. The comforter also excels at fill distribution thanks to deep stitching between the baffles and thick piping along the border to prevent rips and tears. Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes are available, making the comforter compatible with any standard mattress size. Owners should only dry clean the comforter, and avoid machine washing.

Given the premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship, the comforter is very reasonably priced. Royal Egyptian Bedding also ships throughout the contiguous U.S. at a low flat-rate cost. Comforters returned unused and unwashed within 30 days of the original order will qualify for a full refund.

Buying Guide – How to Shop for a Down Comforter

Considering how often we use comforters, it can come as a surprise when purchasing one seems to require a whole new vocabulary. In our guide to buying a down comforter, we’ll walk you through all the crucial details. By the end, you should understand the subject better and feel confident choosing the right comforter for you.

Fill Material

Goose Down vs Duck Down

Down can be derived from either ducks or geese. Goose down tends to be somewhat warmer than duck down and may be more expensive. This is because geese are larger than ducks and thus tend have bigger, fluffier down that offers more loft.

However, not all goose down is from large, mature geese, so the down fill is not inherently larger in goose down than duck down. In addition, down clusters offer more warmth, so a duck down comforter with a high percentage of clusters may be as warm or warmer than a goose down comforter made with a lower percentage of clusters.

Sometimes down materials will specify where the goose or duck was raised. While there are trends in terms of the down that comes from certain places (such as duck down from China, which tends to be made up of smaller feathers), the geographic origin of the down is not a guarantee of its size or quality.

The bottom line, though, is that despite the differences, both types of down can be very effective at insulating you and keeping you warm.

Other Materials

Besides just general duck and goose down, there are other types of fill materials that may be used in down comforters and other terminology that can be useful to know when selecting one.

Down Cluster

While both the cluster and feather are down, they are distinct. The cluster is underneath the feathers and is puffier and has more loft. As a result, if a down comforter has more fill derived from clusters, it generally is warmer.

Down Alternative

These are synthetic materials that try to mimic the feel and warmth of down but without any allergenic issues and with lower cost. Some are very low-cost and offer minimal warmth while others, like gel-fiber and Primaloft, are softer and loftier.

Other Feathers

There are feathers from ducks and geese that can be used that are not down (e.g, not from the underside of the plumage). These feathers are still light but are not warm like down. Sometimes they are mixed in with down in the fill.

Cotton

To help make a comforter more affordable, occasionally cotton may be mixed in as part of the fill. While soft, cotton does not offer warmth like down, so don’t expect a blend like this to perform like 100% down.

Wool

This material can retain warmth well while at the same time wicking moisture. However, it is heavier and also expensive to produce. As a result it is rare to find it blended with down in the fill.

Silk

Given its airy composition, silk has the lightness of down but nowhere near its warmth. It is more commonly used in comforters intended for summer or warm weather use.

 

Fill Power

Fill power is determined by measuring how much space (volume) is taken up by 1 ounce of a type of down. If it takes up more space, then it will have more loft and warmth. The fill power has a direct impact on expected heat provided by a comforter.

  • Up to 400: Comforters below 400 fill power will lack the ability to deliver real warmth. They can help some, but they won’t be hefty enough to really trap heat and are better as a summer blanket.
  • 400-599: Comforters in this range of fill power are still usually best for summer, but those that are near 600 can work in winter as well. The fill power is better, but it still won’t be the source of substantial warmth.
  • 600-799: Comforters in this range are ideal for people who want serious warmth without having to break the bank. Comforters between 600-700 may be better suited for hot sleepers or places that aren’t quite as cold, while those between 700-799 are great in winter.
  • 800+: If the fill power is 800 or more, it’s a serious blanket. This amount of loft goes a long way in insulating heat and can be expected to keep you warm and to last for many years.

Shell Material

The outside of a comforter is known as its shell, and it can be made from a range of different materials.

  • Cotton: This is the most common shell material thanks to its softness and blend of durability and affordability. Some people prefer this feel while others find that cotton sleeps hot and is not breathable.
  • Silk: Silk has long been known for its smoothness, and it also tends to guard against overheating. However, it is more expensive and harder to maintain, so it is not used as frequently.
  • Wool: Wool is an all-purpose textile thanks to its softness and warmth combined with moisture-wicking properties. But it is also heavy and expensive and thus less commonly found as the shell for down comforters.
  • Blends of Cotton and Synthetics: To give cotton more breathability and less moisture retention, some shells blend it with polyester or other synthetics.

Thread Count

You will often find a thread count listed in the description of the shell of the comforter. This is calculated by looking at the density of yarns inside of a square inch of the fabric.

In general, higher thread counts are smoother and last longer, but sometimes thread counts are manipulated to seem higher by double counting two-ply yarns. Look for thread counts of 300-600 as these should deliver plenty of quality and enough strength to hold in the down material. Thread counts higher than this range likely represent double counting.

Stitch Design

One variation among down comforters is how they are stitched as several potential methods may be used.

  • Sewn-Through: This describes a technique of stitching the top and bottom of the comforter together to create tiny compartments to hold the down in place. As a result, the fill won’t move much, but its loft is a bit restricted.
  • Diamond-Quilted: Usually constructed using the sewn-through method, diamond quilting uses a diamond-shaped stitch pattern to connect the top and bottom layers, creating pockets for the fill.
  • Gusseted: This refers to having the top and bottom of the comforter joined together with an additional piece of fabric around the outside of the comforter which helps give it more loft and a fluffy feel.
  • Baffle Box: In this construction technique, the top and bottom layers of the cover are connected by smaller pieces of fabric throughout. This increases the size of the compartments that hold the down, keeping loft levels higher while still holding the down in place. This leads to more warmth and even fill distribution.

Pros and Cons of Down Comforters

  • Excellent Warmth: The nature of down and its loft makes it pound-for-pound the warmest option for a comforter.
  • Lightweight: Because it is derived from feathers, down can provide its warmth without having to weigh a lot. This makes it easier to move around on the bed and to store away if necessary.
  • Softness: Down has a plush, soft feel that is inviting and makes for a cozy blanket for your bed.
  • Durability: If properly maintained, a good down comforter can potentially last for decades.

Cons

  • Allergenic: Some people are allergic to down feathers, which makes using a down comforter or a down pillow impossible.
  • Too Warm: Those who sleep hot might find the warmth of a down comforter stifling. Others might find they work in the winter but are too warm for the summer.
  • Harder to Maintain: In order to protect the down fill, these comforters require more specific and careful maintenance than most synthetic or cotton comforters.
  • Usually Require a Cover: While some cotton or synthetic comforters are designed to be used as-is, most down comforters need a cover (such as duvet cover), and the comforter may move around within the duvet cover.

What Else Should You Consider When Buying a Down Comforter

Price

Down tends to be more expensive than other comforter fillings due to demand and the long process of harvesting, cleaning, and preparing it. However, down also earns its price tag with unparalleled comfort, warmth, and loft. Budget-conscious shoppers should keep an eye out for sales or consider affordable multi-fill options like our value pick above.

Cruelty-Free Supply Chain

Since down is an animal product sourced from geese and ducks, some people may be concerned about ensuring their down has been humanely harvested. The good news is that down is a sustainable byproduct of animals raised for consumption, and as standards in that industry change it has become more common to see down which comes from a cruelty-free supply chain.

If humanely sourced down is important to you, look for down comforters advertising their supply chain (like several of our top picks above). Certification by the Responsible Down Standard is another excellent marker, though the certification is voluntary and not all humane down manufacturers have been certified.

Organic Materials

Choosing organic products is important to some people for a variety of reasons, but the two most common are avoiding irritants and allergens, and supporting sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturers.

Conventional cotton production uses large amounts of pesticides, but organic cotton comforter shells are becoming more common and easier to find every year. The cost is usually higher, but worth it if organic products are important to you.

If you’re choosing an organic comforter for allergy or sensitivity reasons, remember to look for hypoallergenic down which has been carefully cleaned of irritating dander.

Size

Although the general size of down comforters is standardized, the exact dimensions can vary. For example, one brand’s queen-size comforter might be sized to fit a queen-size bed exactly, while another will be made to hang far over the edges. Double-check sizes to ensure your new comforter has the dimensions you’re looking for.

Color/Pattern

Most down comforters are only available in white since they are meant to be used with a separate duvet cover. These covers are available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns and can easily be switched if you want to change up your bedroom’s look.

Caring for Your Down Comforter

A down comforter is an investment, and with the proper care you can get many years of excellent use from it. Here are three key tips to caring for your down comforter.

First, shake it out regularly. This helps to redistribute the down and maintain the loft of the comforter. If you notice any material coming out of the shell, make sure to repair it quickly.

Second, clean it properly. Follow any instructions from the manufacturer. If it can be washed in a machine, don’t use hot water, and only use a light or mild detergent. Top-loading washing machines should be avoided because they tend to put more twisting pressure on the fill. Dry cleaning is controversial as some manufacturers recommend it, but it can in some cases damage a down comforter.

Third, store it cautiously. Down should never be stuffed tightly in a box or in a plastic bag as this will compress the down and trap in any moisture or dirt. Instead, if you need to store it (such as in the summer), fold it up and keep it in a dry place (such as a closet). Ideally, you can fold it and store it in a cotton bag that keeps it contained but allows airflow through the bag and the comforter to keep it fresh.

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