We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding The 16 Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested by Real People The Slumbercloud Essential Duvet Cover is soft, chic, and stays in place By Olivia Avitt Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines and Genevieve Cepeda Genevieve Cepeda Genevieve Cepeda is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE. She was formerly a PEOPLE beauty and style intern and wrote about style, entertainment, and arts for four years at Northwestern University. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 7, 2024 03:25PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews More We Tried You’ll Also Need What to Know About Duvet Covers Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Henry Wortock No matter how much sleep you get, if your bedtime routine and sleep environment aren’t up to par, you won’t wake up feeling truly rested. That’s why investing in things that make your bedroom a peaceful environment is key. One of the pieces that can make a significant impact on your bedroom and sleep routine is a duvet cover. It provides easy, washable protection for your duvet and prolongs its use, and depending on the material and style, a duvet cover can add a level of comfort and style to your bedroom as well. To save you time and money, we tested over 36 different duvet covers, including ones made of bamboo, linen, flannel, percale, and more. A few things to keep in mind? The majority of duvet covers wrinkle after washing and that has to do more with laundry machines than the quality of the bedding. Also, while we tested each option to see how the material interacted with stains, even the highest quality products didn’t survive a really bad makeup or coffee stain, so keep that in mind when shopping. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover at Slumber Cloud $93 Jump to Review Best Budget: Bare Home Duvet Cover at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Linen: Quince European Linen Duvet Cover at Quince.com Jump to Review Best Waffle: Quince Organic Luxe Waffle Duvet Cover at Quince.com Jump to Review Best Sateen: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Duvet Cover at Amazon $189 Jump to Review Best for Hot Sleepers: Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Heavyweight: Southern Living Simplicity Collection Tanner Duvet Cover at Dillards.com Jump to Review Best Bamboo: Sunday Citizen Natural Premium Bamboo Duvet Cover at Sundaycitizen.co Jump to Review Best Percale: L.L. Bean Pima Cotton Percale Comforter Cover Collection at L.L.Bean $119 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Cultiver Linen Duvet Cover Set at Cultiver.com $370 Jump to Review Best Overall Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover PHOTO: Slumber Cloud $93 at Slumber Cloud Star Qualities Easily covers insert Light, soft, and smooth texture Minimal shrinkage after washing Red Flags Simple design and isn’t a highly styled duvet cover We found the Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover to be the perfect blend of value, comfort, and quality. Made from outlast viscose and cotton and secured by a combination of buttons and ties, this duvet cover was a winner from the get-go. There were little to no imperfections upon removal from packaging, and the satin beading on the top and sides gives it an understated, styled look. If you’ve ever experienced frustration from the hassle of putting on a stubborn duvet cover, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the ease with which the Slumber Cloud duvet cover goes onto any insert. We did the roll method when placing the insert, and after only five to six shakes, it was properly inserted, without any lumps or excess space. After washing, the color and texture were not compromised, and it passed our stain test with flying colors. With all this in mind, the reason that we ranked this one best overall really comes down to the price. Out of the 36 duvet covers tested, the Slumber Cloud was one of few with its perfect score. Material: 60% cotton, 40% rayon | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 6 | Sizes: Twin XL, Full/Queen, King PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock Best Budget Bare Home Duvet Cover PHOTO: Amazon $43 at Amazon $40 at Walmart $34 at Wayfair Star Qualities Soft, buttery texture has a luxurious feel Has ties on the inside and a zipper enclosure for extra security Stains wash out of the microfiber material easily Red Flags Thin; not great for the winter months We were so impressed by the quality of this duvet cover by Bare Home. It was one of the softest ones we tested — the microfiber material is comforting without being too heavy or hot, and it gets softer with each wash. Aside from that, it also releases wrinkles after washing, so you don’t have to worry about losing the smooth feel after a few laundry cycles. Another thing we love about this duvet cover is that the zip enclosure works in tandem with corner ties to keep your duvet in place and prevent it from bunching. However, if you want something that’s extra warm, this may not be the right fit. The material is quite thin and, although soft, doesn’t retain heat well. Material: 100% Hydro-brushed Microfiber Yarns | Closure: Zipper | Colors: 27 | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King/California King, Oversized King How It’s Held Up Six months later, we love this duvet cover just as much as the day it arrived. It looks brand new (no loosening hems, fading, or malfunctioning zippers) and the material is still silky soft. The corner ties sometimes need readjusting, but we think it’s worth it for how cozy the duvet cover is. People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster Best Linen Quince European Linen Duvet Cover PHOTO: Quince View on Quince.com Star Qualities Regulates temperature Easy removal and insertion Red Flags Cheap-looking button enclosure Linen fabric has many benefits: Besides being anti-bacterial and anti-static, it’s also known for its natural temperature-regulating ability. It’s simultaneously a natural insulator and incredibly breathable, meaning it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you’re a fan of linen material, then look no further for your next purchase: The Quince European is the best linen duvet cover we tested. This duvet cover came out of the packaging without any signs of snags or tears, and it feels lightweight and breathable while also high-quality and durable. One of the biggest downsides we noticed was the buttons. They’re basic and clear, which compromises the otherwise luxurious feel of the duvet cover and seems a little out of place. Upon first wash, we found that the duvet cover did shrink by a few inches and curled along the edges, though it didn’t affect the fit. On the plus side, it was free from any discoloration or fading, and it even felt softer after washing. Pro tip: For the best results, we recommend machine washing cold on the gentle or delicate cycle with like colors. Line dry, or tumble dry low and remove promptly. The More You Know Linen has a slightly crisp texture, so linen bedding won’t initially feel as soft and snuggly as cotton or other fabrics. However, linen gets softer with every wash and is more breathable than other fabrics. Material: Linen | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 17 | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Waffle Quince Organic Luxe Waffle Duvet Cover PHOTO: Quince View on Quince.com Star Qualities Waffle weave adds softness and style Well-made and has a secure button enclosure Red Flags We couldn't find any! The Quince brand has already gotten lots of love from us, but the waffle texture on this duvet cover really stood out. The textured cotton material was double-stitched and equipped with tight seams so that it felt well-made, durable, and luxurious. The buttons, plastic with a pearlescent tint, added a nice accent to the rest of the duvet on top of doing a nice job securing the insert in place. We also noted that the stitched waffle material adds an extra layer on top of the insert that makes it feel extra plush to the touch. After washing, the material withheld its softness and didn’t visibly shrink or lose any of its other qualities. It’s neither the most expensive duvet cover we tested nor the cheapest, but we found the price point to match up with the quality. Its look and feel is comparable to the kind of duvet cover you’d find in a nice hotel. If you find yourself trying to recreate that deep, luxurious sleep you get on vacation, then the Quince Organic Luxe Waffle Duvet Cover might be for you. Material: Organic cotton | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 5 | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/California King Best Sateen Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Duvet Cover PHOTO: Amazon $189 at Amazon View on Brooklinen $179 at Zola Star Qualities Extremely soft Washed well Red Flags Pricier than others on our list If your social media feed looks anything like ours, then you’ve seen ads for Brooklinen everywhere — and their Luxe Duvet Cover did indeed measure up to the rave reviews. Upon taking it out of the packaging, we noticed how soft and well-made it was. There were no visible snags or loose threads, and it was smooth and crisp. The buttons felt well-made too, and their eyeholes held them nicely in place without any fraying. We did find that the duvet cover was a little too big for the insert, but after washing, it shrunk just enough to fit perfectly. It also passed our stain test after two washes. (From the brand: For the best preservation of color and elasticity, machine wash in cool or warm water and dry on low heat with a gentle cycle.) Material: Sateen weave and long-staple cotton with 480-thread count | Closure: Corner Ties, Buttons | Colors: 4 | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/California King PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock Best for Hot Sleepers Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon View on Jellymoni.com Star Qualities Regulates temperature Easy insertion with a zipper enclosure Less expensive than others on our list Red Flags Moderate shrinkage post-wash Only comes in patterned colors Experts say that it’s best to sleep in a cool, dark environment, but if you tend to overheat at night, that’s not always so easy. The Jellymoni Cotton Duvet cover was a testing crowd favorite for lots of reasons, but its crisp, cool feel was one of the biggest. It’s made of 100 percent natural cotton, which means it’s breathable and won’t hold on to heat — a must for hot sleepers. It was also free of wrinkles and imperfections upon being taken out of the packaging, and insertion was seamless, as well. The two-way zip closure secured the insert in place, and ties on each corner provided extra security. After washing, the duvet did shrink by about five inches, which is standard for cotton, but it was already a little oversized so it didn’t compromise the fit of the insert. The overall feel of the cover also withstood the washing machine and had minimal wrinkling, which could be attributed to the fact that the pinstriped design acted as a sort of camouflage. Perhaps the only downside is that this duvet cover doesn’t come in any solid colors, which means that you’re a little limited design-wise. Material: 100% natural cotton | Closure: Corner ties, zipper | Colors: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock PEOPLE / Henry Wortock Best Heavyweight Southern Living Simplicity Collection Tanner Duvet Cover PHOTO: Dillard's View on Dillards.com Star Qualities Soft yet solid fabric keeps cold sleepers warm Buttons and corner ties work well to keep insert in place Minimal pilling or signs of wear, even during abrasion testing Red Flags Not breathable, so it’s not suited for hot sleepers This duvet cover from Southern Living is perfect for anyone who gets cold while sleeping and wants something more substantial. The cotton percale is incredibly soft, and it’s well made from the fabric to the buttons on the insert’s interior. Button enclosures and inside corner ties keep the insert in place, and during testing, when we ran sandpaper over the surface, it hardly showed signs of wear and tear. While the heavyweight material is ideal for cold sleepers, the lack of breathability could be a problem for those who sleep hot. Material: Cotton percale | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 2 | Sizes: Full/Queen, King How It’s Held Up After six months of testing, we’re impressed by the durability of this heavyweight duvet cover. This puppy-friendly pick has withstood all the scratching and horseplay you might expect with a new puppy, so we have only found a couple of loose threads. It’s soft and comfortable, easy to wash, and hides pet hair and stains. People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Bamboo Sunday Citizen Natural Premium Bamboo Duvet Cover PHOTO: Sunday Citizen View on Sundaycitizen.co Star Qualities Durable; we never noticed any imperfections, snags, or tears Soft, silky, and lightweight, so it’s ideal for hot sleepers Buttons and ties worked well to keep the duvet cover in place Red Flags We couldn’t find any Bamboo fabric is not only hypoallergenic but also sweat absorbent and antifungal, which makes it great for bedding. This duvet cover from Sunday Citizen is incredibly soft, silky, and lightweight, which not only makes it breathable but also easy to slip over an insert. While the insert did stay in place, we did notice that one button came undone after shaking it profusely during testing, so you should keep this in mind if you’re an active sleeper. It maintained its softness after washing and remained free of any major snags or tears. We were disappointed that it held onto remnants of each spill post-stain test and even bled onto the other side of the cover. But because of how silky and breathable it is, we found it to be worth the price, especially if you get hot and need something breathable at night. Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 5 | Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King How It’s Held Up This bamboo duvet cover is still soft and silky after six months of use. We find the insert tends to slide around a bit inside the duvet cover and that it’s not durable enough for pet parents (it snagged from cat scratches). However, we still love this duvet cover for the cooler months and have found it washes well. People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster Best Percale L.L. Bean Pima Cotton Percale Comforter Cover Collection PHOTO: L.L. Bean $119 at L.L.Bean Star Qualities Fabric has a nice weight and fits well, so the insert won’t shift or bunch Very soft fabric Reasonable price for a high-quality name brand Red Flags Stains don’t come out entirely, and there is some fading after washing Percale fabric comes with a lot of benefits. For instance, because it’s tightly woven, it has a crisp but soft and airy texture. It’s also pill resistant and washes nicely. This duvet cover from L.L. Bean encapsulates really captures percale at its best. One of our favorite features was its softness:It’s so soft, in fact, that you won’t even need a top sheet. It also feels well made, from the sturdy buttons that keep the insert inside, to the ample weight of the fabric. With all this in mind, we still found it to have a reasonable price considering its weight and softness. Material: 100% Supima cotton | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 9 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King How It’s Held Up We’ve had six months of improved sleep with this duvet cover. Its breathable construction means it’s hot-sleeper-friendly, and it has also impressed us with its durability. This comforter cover also washes well (we throw it in on a cold cycle, then tumble dry on low), and stains come out super easily. People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster Best Splurge Cultiver Linen Duvet Cover Set PHOTO: Lulu and Georgia $370 at Cultiver.com View on Luluandgeorgia.com Star Qualities Excellent design and quality Surprisingly lightweight fabric; isn’t too heavy for hot sleepers The insert fits nicely and doesn’t shift too much Red Flags May not be a good fit for homes with pets This linen duvet cover from Cultiver won our vote for anyone looking to make a splurge. Although it’s on the pricier side of covers we tested, it certainly measures up in its feel and quality. The linen fabric is heavy, substantial, and feels expertly made. When we took it out of the packaging, it was free of any imperfections, snags, or tears. The button enclosure and corner ties work together to keep the insert in place, and although there was about an inch of extra length at the bottom of the cover, the insert fit nicely. Although it is linen, which isn’t classically soft, we found this one not to be as rough as you may expect. Because it’s heavy, it keeps you warm, and has the benefit of linen in that it doesn’t slip and slide on the bed. The main con we noticed was the significant loss of fibers and lint as we handled it, and there was some fading after washing. Although the fading wouldn’t be as obvious if you made sure to always wash the cover and shams together, both of these things mean it probably wouldn’t be the right fit for a home with pets where you’ll have more wear and tear. Material: 100% linen, pre-washed | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 14 | Sizes: Twin, Queen, King, California King How It’s Held Up This duvet cover has aged well. Six months later, it has softened up, while maintaining a crisp white color. The lightweight fabric has also ensured we don’t overheat while sleeping. People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Henry Wortock Best Soft Riley Percale Duvet Cover PHOTO: Riley View on Rileyhome.com Star Qualities Duvet insert fits perfectly without shifting Incredibly soft fabric that didn’t pill Washes well, getting softer with each wash Red Flags Stains easily Comfort is one of the most important aspects of building the ultimate bedroom setup. If you like linens with a softer feel you’ll love this duvet cover from Riley — it seemed to get softer with each wash. Oftentimes you can tell if a fabric is low quality when it starts to show wear and tear after washing, but this one stayed free of any pilling and any other imperfections. It also fits the duvet insert perfectly, and the corner ties do an excellent job of keeping it in place. Although it removed most stains during testing, there were remnants of the makeup foundation we poured onto it, so prepare for it to hang onto more stubborn stains. Material: 100% premium long-staple combed cotton | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 17 | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King How It’s Held Up This duvet cover is in great condition after six months of everyday use. All seams, ties, and buttons are in their original condition. We also appreciate how well the duvet cover stays in place — the insert doesn’t get misaligned, even with tossing and turning. People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Flannel L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Flannel Comforter Cover PHOTO: L.L. Bean $80 at L.L.Bean Star Qualities Warm and soft feel High-quality material Red Flags Lint and pet hair sticks easily While sleeping in a cool room does have benefits, being too cold while sleeping can also interrupt your rest. If you live in an extra-cold climate (or prefer to switch up your bedding in the winter), a flannel duvet cover may just be what you need. We love this L.L. Bean flannel duvet cover for its blend of flannel and cotton that keeps you warm while also maintaining a level of breathability. The duvet cover itself is very well-made and soft to the touch — the edges fold inward and are stitched together on the inside which signals durability, and the buttons feel well-made and securely attached to the fabric. While they are a little smaller than the button holes and feel a little loose after being buttoned, the insert went into the duvet cover fairly easily. The flannel material caused it to shrink quite a bit in the wash, but the fit and overall quality weren’t compromised, and it released any staining completely after two washes. However, the velvety quality of the flannel does mean that it’s a magnet for any lint or pet hair, so this is something to consider if you have furry friends at home. Coming in at $80, which is on the low end of duvet covers we’ve tested, this is easily one of the most affordable flannel duvet covers you’ll find on the market. Material: Brushed cotton flannel | Closure: Buttons, ties | Colors: 8 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock The 7 Best Flannel Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Eucalyptus Eucalypso Heavenly Duvet Cover PHOTO: Eucalypso View on Eucalypsohome.com $126 at Verishop.com Star Qualities Lightweight and cool to the touch, this duvet cover is perfect for anyone who sleeps hot Durable, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the fabric Stays relatively wrinkle-free Red Flags We couldn’t find any Eucalyptus fabric is silky soft, environmentally sustainable, and excellent for temperature regulation. If you don’t already have eucalyptus linens in your home, this duvet cover from Eucalypso may be worth a try. We were impressed by how soft, cool to the touch, and lightweight it is, which makes it perfect for anyone who sleeps hot and prioritizes breathability. During testing, it held up well to abrasion and still kept its smooth feel. After pulling it over the insert, it stayed relatively flat and free of wrinkles so that it looked nice on the bed and not too messy. Material: 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell | Closure: Buttons, corner ties | Colors: 8 | Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King How It’s Held Up This duvet cover is still super soft after six months of testing. All seams and buttons are in tip-top shape despite frequent use. It might not be the best choice if you toss and turn, since the ties sometimes come undone, leaving the insert a bit misaligned. This didn’t bother us too much, so we’re keeping this one in our bedding rotation. People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Henry Wortock Best Reversible Crane & Canopy Edie Taupe Reversible Duvet Cover PHOTO: Crane & Canopy View on Craneandcanopy.com Star Qualities Material traps heat, so it’s good for cold sleepers Corner ties on the inside are thick and easy to fasten Zipper enclosure is sturdy and tucked away for a clean look Red Flags Material pills easily Crisp (rather than soft) feel If you just can’t decide on the style for your duvet cover, why not get one that’s reversible? This one from Crane & Canopy won our vote for best reversible thanks to its crisp white top and patterned taupe bottom, perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to choose just one design. The cotton sateen material traps heat nicely which will keep anyone who runs cold nice and warm all night long. Aside from the zipper enclosure which tucks away subtly under an extra fabric fold, the corner ties work to keep the insert in place as well. During testing, we evaluated how the fabric would be affected by abrasion and ran sandpaper over the material. We found that it caused significant pilling, which tells us it wouldn’t be ideal for a household with pets that like to claw on fabric. This also isn’t the right fit for anyone who wants something soft. Although it isn’t scratchy, it’s on the crisp side so it’s not exactly something you could snuggle into. Material: 100% cotton sateen | Closure: Zipper | Colors: 1 | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/California King How It’s Held Up After six months of use, this duvet is still in great shape. We’ve found that it washes well, and we haven’t spotted any signs of wear (like pilling, loose threads, or zipper issues). People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Henry Wortock Best Colors Piglet In Bed Linen Duvet Cover PHOTO: Piglet In Bed View on Pigletinbed.com Star Qualities Insert fits nicely and doesn’t shift Incredibly soft texture Does a good job releasing even stubborn oil-based stains Red Flags Pricier than others on our list A duvet cover is, in many respects, the focal point of a bedroom, so you want something that has a wide variety of colors and patterns that match your style. We love this one from Piglet In Bed, which comes in 40 different options. From pink to blue to stripes to gingham, you’ll certainly find the perfect duvet cover to tie your space together. Aside from that, it feels incredibly high quality — not only does an insert fit nicely inside without shifting, the button enclosures keep it secure. Though we did notice some gaps so the insert is visible from certain angles. As far as the feel, the flax linen has a crisp texture, but that doesn’t mean it’s scratchy. On the contrary, it’s very soft to the touch and almost buttery. During testing, we performed several spill tests and found that coffee and oil came out nicely (but the foundation stain lingered). Material: 100% European flax linen | Closure: Buttons | Colors: 40 | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King, California King How It’s Held Up Not only has our tester recommended this duvet cover to friends and family, but they’re even repurchasing. This duvet cover has become a beloved part of their guest bedroom, where guests have lauded it for being super comfortable. They only wish they’d sized up, since the queen-sized cover was too small for the queen bed (they’re planning on purchasing a king-sized cover for the main bedroom). People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Henry Wortock Best Cooling Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Duvet Cover PHOTO: Sijo $145 at Amazon $105 at Nordstrom View on Sijo Star Qualities As comfortable as buttery soft bed sheets Stays cool to the touch, so it’s perfect for hot sleepers Lots of extra ties inside for added security Red Flags Thick plastic snap buttons stand out in comparison to the thin fabric Wrinkles easily If you want to get good quality sleep, it’s important to do so in a cool environment, which is tricky for hot sleepers. Having a blanket with cooling features will keep you more comfortable, and this one from Sijo is a great option. The eucalyptus fabric allows for maximum breathability, and the thin,soft material stays cool to the touch even after laying on it for long periods. It has eight ties on the inside which prevents the duvet insert from shifting. Although the external snap buttons are easier to handle than buttons, they’re a little bulky compared to the thin fabric of the cover. This seems like an awkward design choice, especially considering how it makes the buttons stand out. Material: 100% TENCEL™ lyocell | Closure: Snaps | Colors: 8 | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King How It’s Held Up Over the past six months, this cover has been a blessing for hot sleepers. The soft, comfortable cover doesn’t feel heavy, making it perfect for the warmer months. It also hasn’t changed in quality at all over the months of use. People / Henry Wortock People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster People / Grant Webster More Duvet Covers We Tried Buffy Breeze Duvet Cover: The sateen fabric of this duvet cover was incredibly soft to the touch and it performed well during testing. Even during abrasion tests, there was minimal pilling or signs of wear and tear. It didn’t make our final list because the positioning of the corner ties on the inside caused the insert to fit awkwardly. It isn’t incredibly expensive at $103, so if your top priority is softness, it could be a good option, but if not, the fit and design could be deal breakers. Cozy Earth Linen Duvet Cover: We appreciated how soft this duvet cover was, as well as the zipper and snap enclosure combination. The main reason it didn’t make the cut for us was the price — at the time of writing this article, the list price is $359. That’s steep even for the highest quality duvet covers, and considering this one didn’t wow us, it isn’t worth the cost. If this one was on sale we might reconsider because of how soft it is. IKEA Bergpalm Duvet Cover and Pillowcases: This duvet has a nice feel and maintained its color vibrancy even after machine washing which impressed us. It isn’t necessarily soft, but more crisp, which is a plus depending on what you’re looking for. The main reason it didn’t make the cut for us was because it had no ties or security on the inside to keep the insert in place. This could be a problem for active sleepers or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with constantly adjusting their duvet day after day. Parachute Linen Duvet Cover: What we loved most about this linen duvet cover is how thin and breathable it is, which is ideal for summertime use or hot sleepers who need extra breathability year round. The main reason it didn’t make our main list is because it didn’t perform well during durability tests. When we ran sandpaper over the surface, threads started to come loose, which tells us this duvet cover won’t last long, especially if in a home where it will face a lot of wear and tear. At $320 at the time of writing, you’re ultimately paying for the brand name here. People / Henry Wortock You’ll Also Need If you’re shopping for a duvet cover, you may also need a quality duvet insert, a great pillow, and a nice set of cooling sheets. We’ve tested thousands of home products over the years, so keep reading for PEOPLE-Tested items to upgrade your bedding experience. Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Utopiadeals.com We loved the Utopia Bedding All-Season Comforter for its lightweight feel and smooth texture during our in-depth comforter and duvet insert test. The high quality material didn’t have any visible flaws like loose threads or tears, it’s made from recycled plastic, and it was breathable, so it kept our team cool during testing. And at just $30, it’s a really good value. Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Oliveandcrate.com While adding to the layers of your bedding, consider the Olive + Crate Tencel Eucalyptus Sheet Set. During our cooling sheets test, we were impressed with the cooling capabilities of these sheets — our testers had a noticeable difference in sleep quality. Plus, the fabric was soft, silky, comfortable, and washed with ease. As of the time of publish, you can get these sheets for $170. The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow The Company Store Buy on The Company Store A bed setup isn’t complete without fluffy pillows to rest your head on, and we decided The Company Store’s Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow was the best of those we tested. Not only does it have memory foam and gel fiber for double the softness, it helps regulate your temperature which is a huge benefit for hot sleepers. Right now, it’s $47. What to Know About Duvet Covers Texture Knowing your options and their unique characteristics is the first step to creating a cozy sleep environment, and the texture of your bedding is a major player in comfort. For example, percale bedding has a crisp and cool feel, flannel is fuzzy and heavier, and bamboo and cotton are known for their softness. Depending on your own personal preferences, the texture, and in turn material that’s right for you will change. Are you a hot sleeper and like to keep things light and breezy? If so, linen bedding or bamboo bedding is probably the best option for you. Do you want to feel snuggly and extra warm? Then flannel bedding is worth a try. If you’re somewhere in the middle, cotton bedding is a safe bet. Durability You spend a significant amount of time in your bed, so you want bedding that will withstand hours of use and lots of washes. It’s the absolute worst when you buy new bedding and within months it’s faded, worn, and pilling. You may not be concerned with your sheets lasting more than a year or two, but if you want to invest in a duvet cover that will last, the question of durability should be a top priority, which is why we stand behind our tested picks and will continue to update this story with long-term insights. Some fabrics are inherently more likely to last against stretch, pull, and the general wear and tear of prolonged use. Generally, linen is one of the most durable fabrics out there. Not only does it fare well in the washing machine, but it gets softer over time, meaning you can enjoy your linen bedding (such as our Quince pick) for longer. (But again, this can vary, depending on lifestyle.) Thread Count Quality sleep starts with a quality sleeping environment, and you can certainly feel the difference between well-made and cheap bedding. One of the most common standards by which people rate quality is through thread count, which refers to the number of threads woven horizontally and vertically into one square inch of fabric. With bed sheets and comforters, it’s a common misconception that higher thread count means higher quality, but that isn’t always the case. The material of your bedding impacts whether or not a higher thread count actually makes a difference. For example, linen is twice as thick as cotton, which means it generally has a lower thread count but still has a luxurious and high-quality feel. Value Whether you’re ready to splurge or trying to keep things budget-friendly, everyone wants to get the best bang for their buck. While the things that make something worth the price vary from person to person, we can all agree that overpaying for a product is never ideal. When looking at duvet covers and evaluating prices, we considered the dyes and fabrics to determine if the price matched the product. This factors into texture, durability, and quality, of course, but putting those in the context of the price point can be a helpful deciding factor. People / Henry Wortock Behind the Scenes In order to find the best duvet covers, we tested over 36 options in multiple rounds of testing. We tested the duvet covers in the PEOPLE Tested lab and at home to ensure our top picks held up in the real world. We scored each duvet cover on a 1 to 5 scale (from worst to best) based on quality, texture, durability, and value. Quality: We took note of the quality of the fabric, buttons, zippers, ties, and other fasteners. We evaluated quality before and after washing according to the care instructions.Texture: The best duvet covers were soft and felt comfortable against the skin. We evaluated texture before and after washing the duvet cover. The best products only got softer in the wash and didn’t pill. Durability: We evaluated how prone the duvet cover is to stains and abrasions. We tested how well coffee, oil, and foundation came out of the fabric. We also used sandpaper to evaluate which comforters would show signs of wear.Value: After our testers evaluated quality, texture, and durability, we revealed the price of the duvet cover. Our testers then decided if the product was well-priced in accordance with its quality and features. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet cover? A comforter is a thicker bedding item that is usually stuffed with a fuzzy material to keep you warm. A duvet cover is a shell that goes over a comforter or insert, either to provide protection and prolong use or solely for decoration. The main difference is that a comforter is ready for use when you buy it, while a duvet cover needs an insert placed inside of it. Can any comforter go in a duvet cover? If you already have a comforter that you want to protect from getting dirty or just no longer like the look of, it can be placed inside a duvet cover. You can also purchase an insert online. How much bigger should a duvet cover be than the comforter? This depends largely on the kind of look you want. If you want a perfect fit, opt for a duvet cover that’s one or two inches bigger than your insert. If you like a fluffier, more built-up look, go for one that’s an inch or two smaller than your insert. Why Trust PEOPLE? Olivia Avitt is a writer and content creator who has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. She has used her expertise to report on the best cooling pillows, the best mattresses, and more. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. Shopping writer Genevieve Cepeda updated this article to include long-term testing insights. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. Sources PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cleveland Clinic. What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep?