Look for a cover thread count between 230 and 500. Fabrics with this thread count are “down proof” and minimize the chances of feathers sticking out.
Fill power versus fill weight: Fill power is a measure of how much space, in cubic inches, an ounce of down takes up; For example, a fill power of 600 means that one ounce of down will take up 600 cubic inches. Higher fill power means fluffier, more efficient down. Fill power doesn’t necessarily translate into warmth, but it is an indication of the quality of the down and how much it compresses. Fill weight, on the other hand, is the amount of down that is inside the product. If something has a high fill power but a low fill weight, it won’t necessarily be warmer than if something has a low fill power and a high fill weight. It’s a little confusing. The most important factor is how the down is distributed. Look for a baffle box or construction sewn into your duvets to indicate that the down will be distributed evenly and keep you warm throughout the night. The baffle boxes stay raised but sometimes need to be shaken to reallocate the interior, while the seams keep things in place but often result in a slightly less fluffy duvet.
Goose or duck down: Goose down has a higher fill power than duck down, making it fluffier and loftier. It also smells less and is generally more hypoallergenic. On the other hand, duck down is usually more affordable. We think goose down is best unless you are on a very tight budget. Two common types of goose down are Hungarian and Hutterite. Both are considered top-notch due to the large clusters of down typical of birds that come from the cold regions of Hungary and Canada. Hutterite tends to be more affordable. You probably can’t tell the difference between the two. Hungarian down may be a little loftier and Hutterite down may be a little softer, but ultimately, neither of these factors should make or break your decision to purchase a comforter. However, when it comes to the types of birds the down comes from, you should look for all goose down or at least a mix of goose and duck. This will reduce odors and allergens and provide a fluffier, higher quality blanket.
Down comforter care tips: If you’re investing in a duvet, you may want to consider purchasing a duvet cover, which can help protect the duvet and usually improves the appearance as well (unless you like plain white). When it comes to washing your comforter, you should follow the care label instructions and wash it as infrequently as possible. You can do this at home if your washing machine is big enough; Otherwise, head to your local laundromat to use their larger machines. Use a delicate wash cycle with a high spin speed to remove as much moisture as possible and avoid using fabric softener, which can degrade the fluffy texture of the down. You should also use a small amount of detergent (though using less, not more) and consider an extra rinse cycle to make sure you rinse away all the soap. Make sure your duvet is completely dry by using a low temperature setting. A few cycles may be necessary. Fluff the duvet between rounds to ensure efficient drying and maximum softness.
