The Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter—Plus, Choosing the Best Option for You

As you upgrade your bedding to prepare for the season of chilly nights and cozy mornings, understanding the difference between a duvet and a comforter can help you choose the bed-covering that's best for your sleep style. From warmth and washability to fashion and construction, consider these elements when choosing the winter-ready blanket that works for you.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet consists of two parts—a duvet cover and a duvet insert. The insert is a comforter, and the cover "is a removable, protective shell for your comforter," says Ruthie Osswald, designer at Brooklinen. Duvet covers come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials; they can add texture, seasonal prints, bold hues, or neutral coziness to your space, provide an extra layer of warmth, and help keep your comforter clean. "Using a duvet cover is key," says Osswald. “You want to have a barrier between you and the comforter to ensure body oils do not reach the surface of the comforter."

The most common materials for a duvet cover are cotton, linen, flannel, and cashmere, says Osswald. Opt for flannel in the winter for extra warmth, and cotton or linen in warm weather to stay cooler (but remember that the weight of your insert plays a larger role in the resulting temperature). A duvet cover is sewn only around the edges, with an open bottom that allows you to insert the comforter and secure it with buttons, ties, or snaps.

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is a fluffy bed-covering designed for warmth; the type and amount of fill you choose creates a level of additional heat to keep you toasty (or cool) while you sleep. "Comforters are typically filled with an insulating material, like down or vegan materials, that provides warmth and loft, with everything wrapped in a basic shell fabric," says Osswald. Comforters get their warming capabilities from a fill of down—which is typically warmer and lighter, but can trigger allergies—or synthetic down alternative. "You can opt for a lighter or heavier fill power—which is the measure of the fluffiness and insulation of the down filling—depending on your warmth preference and climate," says Osswald.

When shopping for a comforter, you can choose a washable version in a color or pattern, or one intended for use as a duvet insert (which will typically be solid white). "Comforters are essential to a loftier bed, and will keep heat insulated during the colder months," Osswald says.

The most common types of comforter construction are baffle-box and sewn-through. "In a baffle box construction, the stitching that creates the pockets for the down is separated by internal fabric walls inside the comforter, creating a smooth look from the top," says Susan Lazor, associate product development merchant at The Company Store. "In sewn-through box construction, the stitching that creates the pockets for the down goes through the top and bottom layers of fabric, creating a puffy, pillow-like look from the top."

Duvet vs. Comforter

The key difference between a duvet and a comforter is that a comforter acts alone on a bed while a duvet is a two-part system that includes a duvet insert (a comforter) and a duvet cover.

Using a duvet cover allows you to change the look of your bedding frequently. "I like to think of my duvet cover not only as a functional object, but also as an added decorative element in my bedroom," says Osswald. "It's a great opportunity to bring color and pattern into a space without it being as big of a commitment as hanging art on the wall."

Cleaning and Care

One big difference is the frequency and depth of cleaning between a duvet and a comforter.

Duvet covers should be removed and laundered regularly, like sheets. "For sheets and duvet covers, we suggest washing every two weeks, [and] alternating between two different sets to increase overall longevity," says Osswald. "For some sleepers—such as hot sleepers or those living in a warm climate—washing your bedding more often can help avoid a higher dirt and sweat build-up over time."

Because of the size and construction techniques, most manufacturers don’t recommend washing a comforter in an at-home machine. "To freshen up down and down-alternative comforters, you can regularly hang them outside on a dry day or use the air fluff setting on your dryer," says Osswald.

Which to Choose: Go for Both

While you can opt for a washable comforter, most sleepers benefit from using a duvet and comforter together—especially if they are prone to allergies. "The main thing that actually creates allergens is infrequent washing, or not using a duvet cover to wash more easily," says Osswald. "Using both the insert and duvet cover results in overall better sleep hygiene and fewer allergens."