The Best Comforters: Wrapping You in a Cloud of Luxury

The Top 4 Comforters of 2023 Tried and Tested for Ultimate Coziness

2023’s top 4 comforters tested and reviewed

An assortment of comforters we tested for our guide to the best comforters folded and laid out on a bed. The best comforters are durable, plush, and can be used all year round. (Connie Chen/Insider)

Oh, comforter, comforter, wherefore art thou? Have you been searching for that ultimate cloud-like comfort to cradle you in a cocoon of luxury? Look no further, fashionistas! The answers to your dreamy slumber are right here. We’ve scoured the land for the most sumptuous, cozy, and stylish comforters around. Get ready to transform your bedroom into a five-star hotel suite!

Our Top Picks: Where Fashion Meets Coziness

Best Overall: Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter

A folded Brooklinen All Season down comforter sitting on a bed.
  • Material: Duck down filling with a cotton sateen shell
  • Sizes and dimensions: Twin/twin XL (90” x 64”), full/queen (90” x 90”), king/CA king (90” x 106”)
  • Fill power: 700
  • Care instructions: Spot clean with gentle soap and dry on air fluff, or hang it outside on a dry day.

Is there anything dreamier than being wrapped up in a cloud? Meet the Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter, your ticket to cloud-like slumber. With its baffle-box construction, this fluffy wonder keeps the filling perfectly distributed, ensuring an even, heavenly sleep. The soft sateen shell adds a touch of elegance and serenity to your bedroom, while the lightweight feel keeps you cozy without making you feel like you’re trapped in a sauna. It’s a versatile dream come true for all sleepers, although hot sleepers might want to keep an ice pack nearby.

Best Budget: Room Essentials Down-Alternative Comforter

A folded Target Room Essentials comforter sitting on a bed.
  • Material: Polyester filling with a cotton percale shell
  • Sizes and dimensions: Twin/twin XL (94” x 68”), full/queen (94” x 90”), king (94” x 108”)
  • Fill power: N/A for down-alternative products
  • Care instructions: Machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low.

Who says luxury has to break the bank? The Room Essentials Down-Alternative Comforter from Target is here to prove that you can have both quality and affordability. Don’t be fooled by its budget-friendly nature—the substantial, cushioned construction and super soft outer shell make this comforter a clear winner in the softness department. It’s like sleeping on a cloud woven by angels! While it may not be as airy as down comforters, it still offers a cushy, cozy experience—perfect for warm and mild seasons. Plus, the shell is so soft, you won’t believe it’s not made of unicorn fluff!

Best Down-Alternative: The Company Store Conscious Down-Alternative Comforter

The Company Store Down Alternative comforter laid out on a bed.
  • Material: Polyester and Tencel lyocell filling with a cotton-Tencel lyocell sateen shell
  • Sizes and dimensions: Twin (90” x 70”), full (90” x 84”), queen (96” x 90”), and king/CA king (96” x 108”)
  • Fill power: N/A for down-alternative products
  • Care instructions: Machine wash cold on gentle with a mild detergent. Tumble dry low.

Are you a compassionate sleeper who wants a comforter that’s both ethical and cozy? Look no further than The Company Store Conscious Down-Alternative Comforter. This eco-friendly gem is crafted with love from recycled bottles and Tencel lyocell, giving you all the fluffy, cloud-like comfort of traditional down without the guilt. The smooth, silky sateen shell adds a touch of glamour to your bed. It’s the perfect option for those seeking warmth, comfort, and a clear conscience. And the best part? No geese were harmed in the making of this dreamy piece!

Best Cooling: Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter

The folded corner of a Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter.
  • Material: Duck down filling with a cotton sateen shell
  • Sizes and dimensions: Twin (86” x 66”), full/queen (96” x 88”), king (96” x 107”)
  • Fill power: 550
  • Care instructions: Spot clean with gentle soap and dry on air fluff, or hang it outside on a dry day.

Are you a hot sleeper in search of a comforter that won’t turn your bed into a sauna? Look no further than the Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter. With a lower fill power than average, this cooling wonder provides temperature regulation that keeps you cozy without turning your sleep into a fiery ordeal. It’s like an air conditioner for your bed! The responsible down filling ensures a guilt-free slumber, while the cotton sateen shell adds a touch of elegance. Say goodbye to sweaty nights and hello to your newfound sleep paradise!

What’s Your Comforter Personality?

Comforter Fashion Factor Coziness Level Breathability
Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter High Heavenly Plushness Airy and Breathable
Room Essentials Down-Alternative Comforter Affordable Luxury Cushy and Soft Moderate Breathability
The Company Store Conscious Down-Alternative Comforter Ethical Elegance Fluffy and Soft Hypoallergenic Breathability
Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter Cool and Comfy Cushiony and Breathable Cooling Breathability

Choose Your Comforter Based on Your Personality!

What to Look for in a Comforter

Let’s dive into the world of comforters and uncover the secrets to choosing the perfect one for your beauty sleep.

Filling Options: From Wool to Down

Comforters come in various fillings, each with its own magical properties. Let’s take a peek at your options:

  • Wool: Perfect for cuddle aficionados and those who love to layer during winter.
  • Down: Heavenly, insulating, and as soft as a cloud. Look for Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification for an ethical choice.
  • Synthetic materials and down alternatives: Animal-friendly and allergy-friendly options that mimic the properties of natural down. Ideal for those with allergies or a desire to save our furry friends.

Fill Power: The Lightness of Fluffiness

When it comes to down comforters, fill power is the key to finding your ultimate fluffiness level. Here’s the scoop:

  • Low Fill Power: Lighter, less insulating, and perfect for hot sleepers. It’s like floating on a whispering breeze.
  • High Fill Power: Fluffier, warmer, and gives you that luxurious, cloud-like experience. Snuggling in is like being embraced by an angel.

Shell Material: The Fabric of Dreams

While some may prefer to cover their comforters with duvet covers, others might want a shell material that provides ultimate sleeping pleasure. Let’s explore your options:

  • Percale: Matte, crisp, airy, and breathable—a.k.a. pure sleeping bliss.
  • Sateen: Smooth, silky, and slightly less breathable—perfect for those who crave a touch of glamour.

Construction: The Foundation of Comfort

The way a comforter is constructed can make all the difference in its durability and warmth. Here are two common types:

  • Baffle-box construction: The crème de la crème of comforter structures. Keeps the filling evenly distributed and ensures consistent fluffiness throughout the night.
  • Sewn-through construction: A more basic design where the top and bottom layers are sewn together. Can lead to uneven filling distribution and chilly spots, so aim for baffle-box construction if possible.

Laundering or Maintenance: Keep It Fresh and Fluffy

Cleaning your comforter should be a breeze. Consider these tips depending on your comforter’s material:

  • Synthetic materials: Machine washable with a gentle detergent.
  • Down comforters: Air dry or tumble dry on air fluff mode for extra fluffiness.

Expert Testing: Ensuring Your Beauty Sleep Satisfaction

We’ve gathered insights from four comforter experts to bring you the cream of the crop. Meet our dream team:

  1. Chelsea Nightengale, General Manager of The Restoration Hotel
  2. Dale Fox, Founder and CEO of Foxden Hospitality
  3. Sarah Abitbol, CEO of Riley
  4. Katie Elks, Director of Design and Product Development at Brooklinen

With their expertise and our rigorous testing, we evaluated each comforter based on the following criteria:

  • Performance: We danced in dreamland with each comforter for a minimum of three nights, noting their comfort, breathability, and sizing. Our testers also offered their personal insights.
  • Cleaning and Durability: We put these comforters to the washing and drying test, ensuring they stayed intact and fluffy throughout the process. Long-term durability is our priority.
  • Return Policy: We made sure the brands stood behind their products, only considering those with a minimum 30-day return policy. You deserve the freedom to return if it’s not your perfect match.

Comforter FAQs: Unveiling the Secrets to Your Dream Slumber

Three comforters rolled up side by side on a bed.

Let’s address those burning questions about comforters that have been keeping you awake at night. Rest assured, enlightenment is just a scroll away!

What’s the difference between a comforter and a duvet? The lines between comforters and duvets have blurred, but traditionally, a comforter is a complete bedding package, while a duvet is an insert that requires a cover.

What’s the best comforter for couples? Go big or go home! King-sized comforters offer ample coverage for two people and ensure a night without blanket battles. If blanket hogging persists, consider getting two separate, smaller comforters for a personalized slumber party.

How do you put a duvet cover on your comforter? We highly recommend the “burrito” method: Turn your duvet cover inside out, lay your comforter on top, fasten the ties, and roll it all up like a burrito. Then, fold the duvet cover opening around each corner and zip or button it. Voila—you’re all tucked in!

What is down? Ah, down—the soft, fluffy fibers found beneath the feathers of ducks and geese. It’s highly insulating, breathable, and lightweight—a dream come true for bedding and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is goose or duck down better? Both are fabulous choices, but goose down tends to be fluffier and warmer due to its larger clusters. However, duck down offers effective insulating powers at a more affordable price. The choice is yours—fluffy paradise or cozy affordability?

Is down ethical? Rest easy, animal lovers! Down is a sustainable byproduct of the food industry. Look for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) logo to ensure ethical sourcing, animal welfare, and a guilt-free night’s sleep.

What’s the difference between down and down alternative? Down is natural, while down alternative is made from synthetic materials like polyester. Down alternative mimics the feel and insulation of natural down, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a cruelty-free option.

Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets of comforter perfection, it’s time to embark on your quest for the ultimate beauty sleep. Choose a comforter that reflects your personality, wraps you in a cloud of luxury, and transports you to dreamland every night. Happy sleeping, my fashionable friends!