Down, wool and silk are the three duvet fills worth taking seriously, and in New Zealand homes you will find all three. They behave very differently once you are under them. Here is how silk, down and wool compare on the things that actually affect your sleep, so you can pick the right one.
Down duvets
Down is the classic warm duvet: light, lofty and very good at trapping heat. That is its strength and its weakness. It is wonderfully cosy in winter and often too warm the rest of the year, so many people end up owning a summer one as well. Down can also trigger allergies, it clumps over time, and it is difficult to wash at home.
Wool duvets
Wool is a natural favourite here, and for good reason. It regulates temperature well, wicks moisture and resists dust mites, which makes it a solid all-rounder. The trade-offs are weight and care. Wool duvets are heavier, they can feel dense rather than light, and most cannot go in a home machine, so cleaning usually means a specialist.
Silk duvets
Silk aims to give you the best of both without the downsides. It is naturally temperature regulating, so one all-seasons silk duvet works through summer and winter instead of two. It is naturally hypoallergenic and resists dust mites, which suits allergy and asthma sufferers. It drapes closely around you rather than sitting up like a cloud, and because ours is box-quilted, it is machine washable at home.
Down wins on pure winter warmth. Wool wins on weight and value. Silk wins on balance: all-seasons temperature, hypoallergenic, and washable at home.
Find your all-seasons silk duvet
Silk vs down vs wool at a glance
| Silk | Down | Wool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool and warm, all seasons | Very warm, can overheat | Regulates well |
| Allergies | Naturally hypoallergenic | Can trigger allergies | Resists mites |
| Weight | Light, drapes closely | Very light and lofty | Heavier, dense |
| Washing | Machine washable (ours) | Hard to wash | Usually specialist |
| Lifespan | Years, holds shape | Clumps over time | Long, if cared for |
Which duvet is best for you?
If you sleep hot, or share a bed with someone who does, silk is the easy pick, with wool a close second. Down is the one most likely to leave you too warm.
If you have allergies or asthma, silk and wool both resist dust mites, and silk is the gentlest of the three. Down is the one to avoid.
If you want maximum cosy warmth for a cold room, down is hard to beat, as long as heat and allergies are not a concern.
The verdict
For most people who want one duvet that works all year, stays hypoallergenic and can be washed at home, silk is the most versatile of the three.
Build your silk sleep set
Everything you need for the full silk difference, made from 100% Mulberry silk.
Frequently asked questions
Is a silk duvet warmer than down? Not warmer, but smarter. Down traps more heat, which is great in winter and too much in summer. Silk regulates, so it suits more of the year.
Is a silk duvet better than down? For temperature control, allergies and washability, yes. For sheer lofty winter warmth, down still leads. It depends on how you sleep.
One duvet for every season
All-seasons Mulberry silk, hypoallergenic and machine washable at home.
Shop silk duvetsFor the full story on silk, read why silk bedding.