Picking a duvet with a higher tog rating may be the obvious choice for winter, but you will want to ensure that you or your children do not get too hot at night – if you kick off your covers, you may instead end up too cold. Finding the right duvet for you requires considering your sleeping situation and environment.

In the following guide, we will do exactly this, outlining which tog ratings may be better for different sleepers for the coming winter months.

What are tog ratings?

The level of insulation of bedding is measured in tog ratings, which range from 2.5 to 15. Factors that may affect a duvet’s tog rating include the matierial it is made from and its thickness. It is important to consider that, while a thicker duvet may seem to offer more warmth, a thinner one made from better insulating materials might actually do a better job.

The purpose of a duvet is to make you warmer by helping to regulate your own body heat. Lower tog duvets will be not as good at this, allowing for more breathing, while higher togs will be more insulatory. The ideal duvet will allow for breathability without causing too much heat to be lost, so you can sleep with a comfortable balance of temperature.

Which tog ratings are best for winter?

Typically, duvets with a tog rating over 10 are ideal for winter, but lower ones may be suitable for sleepers who get hot at night. The following breakdown details the different tog ratings:

• 1, 3 and 4.5 tog – ideal for use in summer and for those who get hot at night
• 10.5 and 12.5 tog – for use in colder seasons
• 13.5 and 15 tog – for those who need the most insulation during the colder seasons

If you live in an old house, you are likely to be subject to more drafts, weaker insulation and thinner walls. Due to this, a thicker duvet may be required, such as a rated 13.5 or 15. Alternatively, if you live in a new-build, your house may have better insulation around the windows, doors and skirting boards, therefore a lower tog duvet may be better, such as a 10. 

How else can I keep warm in winter?

From wearing socks in bed to pulling thick curtains across your windows, there are many ways you can reduce the infiltration of cold, night air into your room. In our cold sleeping guide, we covered many different ways you can do this in detail. Read the full guide on How to Avoid Getting Too Cold at Night for more information. 

Prepare for the colder months by shopping for duvets at Linens. Our selection of bedding comes in different materials and sizes, so you will be able to find the best solution for you. Visit our store today.