A Guide to Buying Comforters for the Summer
Summer is a great time to swap your winter comforter for a new one. Options for summer bedding include goose down, synthetic down, and cotton percale comforters. Keep reading to learn more about each of these comforter types:
Goose Down Comforters
If you love a lofty look and feel, consider a goose down comforter. They come in different fill powers, which affects how warm they are. This designation refers to how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill. For winter, a 700-fill power down comforter is a good choice. For summer, you’ll likely want something with a lower fill power, such as 550.
Most goose down comforters have cotton ticking. Cotton is a light yet sturdy material. It’s also breathable—air flows through the fabric to prevent overheating. Thanks to the tight weave of these down comforter covers, you won’t have feathers poking through. Look for cotton that’s verified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means the material is free from harmful levels of over 300 substances.
Another feature you may want in a down comforter is box construction. This type of comforter construction keeps the down evenly distributed, so there are no cold areas. You may also want a comforter with top and corner ties so that you can use it with a duvet cover. Down comforters must be professionally cleaned; a duvet cover protects the comforter against spills and stains to keep it in like-new condition. Most duvet covers are machine washable, and they come in a variety of materials, colors, and prints to coordinate with your bedroom decor.
In addition to comforters, there are pillow inserts filled with goose down. They come in various sizes to suit your bed. For plenty of loft, choose a down pillow with a 500-fill power. When it comes to the cover, 230-count cotton percale ticking helps prevent feathers from escaping and has a soft, smooth feel. Change the look of your goose down pillows simply by swapping the sham or pillowcase for a different style.
Synthetic Down Comforters
Although many of today’s down comforters are hypoallergenic, some people prefer synthetic down. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it won’t aggravate allergies. Synthetic down comforters are filled with a microfiber material called PureLoft. This material is almost identical to down when it comes to compression and loft. It also has similar bounce-back, which means the comforter fluffs back up easily after being folded and/or packed.
Like goose down comforters, PureLoft comforters have cotton ticking. They also have box construction to keep the fill evenly dispersed. You can use synthetic down comforters with duvet covers since they also need professional cleaning. There are very few differences between down and synthetic down comforters; the biggest being the fill. Either one is suitable for summer, especially if you use them with a flat sheet but no blanket. If you sleep in an air-conditioned environment or want to use your comforter in the winter, add a blanket over the sheet for extra warmth.
These synthetic down comforters are also made with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® cotton, so they’re an eco-friendly option for your home. They come in Twin, Full/Queen, and King sizes to fit every mattress. These comforters are available in soft neutral hues, making it easy to incorporate them into your bedroom’s color palette.
Cotton/Polyester Comforters
A cotton and polyester comforter is another bedding option that’s great for summer. Look for a lightweight cotton comforter with a 200-thread count for a soft, smooth feel and ample breathability. Cotton percale is a popular material for comforters, duvet covers, and bed sheets because it’s tightly woven for durability. It’s machine washable, and the texture gets softer every time you wash it. To ensure your comforter lasts a long time, choose one that’s stitched with ultra-strong nylon thread.
Polyester-filled comforters are an alternative to goose down and synthetic down. They’re good for warm weather because they provide warmth but aren’t too heavy. You can layer them with sheets and blankets for the level of warmth that’s right for you. These comforters come in various colors and prints, including farmhouse-inspired plaids for a classic look.
Coordinating a Comforter with Other Bedding
The comforter you choose can serve as a stylish focal point for the bedroom. Create a layered look with cotton sheets in a matching or complementary color or print. If you love the look of an upscale resort, opt for monogrammed bedding. Tie the look together with shams that match your comforter, then add a grouping of throw pillows and a cozy blanket.
As mentioned, duvet covers can be used over comforters to protect them from spills and wear; they’re also great for changing the look of the room. When you get bored with your bedding, simply swap your duvet cover for a different color or print.