Do You Have the Right Quilt Tog?

Choosing the right quilt tog isn’t just about staying warm (or cool); it’s about getting the perfect night’s sleep. But if you’ve ever stood in the bedding aisle staring at numbers like 4.5, 10.5, and 13.5, wondering what on earth they actually mean, you’re not alone. 

So, we decided to break it down to make it more understandable so that you can decide if your current quilt is up to scratch — or if it’s time for an upgrade. 

What is a Tog? 

First of all, let’s explain the basics. A tog is basically a measure of how warm and insulating a duvet is. Think of it as being a bit like a cosiness scale — the higher the tog number, the warmer the duvet. 

Here’s a general overview of the different quilt togs available and the scenarios they’re suited to: 

• 4.5 tog: Light and breezy for summer months and warmer nights. 

• 7.5-10.5 tog: A comfy middle ground that’s ideal for night times during the spring and autumn months. 

• 10.5-13.5 tog: A warm haven for those chilly winter nights (or if you’re a cold sleeper). 

While it all sounds simple enough, finding the “right” tog for comes down to more than just the seasons. 

How to know if you’ve got the right tog duvet 

When it comes to working out whether you’ve got the right tog quilt for your sleep needs, there are a series of questions you can ask yourself to confirm this either way. We’ve lined them up below: 

1. Are you waking up too hot or too cold? 

This one’s a little obvious, but worth mentioning all the same. If you’re waking up freezing in winter or sweating buckets in summer, your duvet tog could be to blame. A quilt that’s too warm can disrupt your sleep just as much as one that’s too cold. 

Top tip: If your house is naturally warmer or cooler than most (hello, draughty Victorian terraces!), you might need to adjust your tog choice. 

2. Do you share a bed? 

Sharing a bed with someone who’s always cold when you’re always hot? (Or vice versa?) Instead of fighting over the thermostat, consider getting two separate duvets with different togs. Yes, it’s a thing — and it could be what’s needed to help you both sleep better and even save your relationship. 

3. What’s the weather like? 

This is another obvious one: match your tog to the seasons. If you don’t want to buy multiple duvets, consider an all-seasons quilt. These come as two separate layers —typically a 4.5 tog for summer and a 9 tog for autumn — that you can snap together for a cosy 13.5 tog winter duvet. It’s a bit like having three duvets rolled into one. 

4. What kind of sleeper are you? 

Some of us are always cold. If that’s you, you might prefer a 13.5 tog duvet all year round. Others sleep hot even in winter and might benefit for a 9 or even a 4.5 tog duvet year-round.  

Being honest with yourself about your sleeping style is a good start when it comes to choosing duvet tog. And remember, if you’re the cold type, don’t let your partner guilt you into going too light. Invest in two separate duvets instead. 

5. What’s your bedtime routine like? 

Do you pile on extra blankets? Perhaps you sleep in layers of cosy pyjamas? Or maybe you stick with just the duvet?  

If you tend to pile on extra bedding, you might not need as high a tog. But if you sleep more like a minimalist (just the duvet, thanks), make sure your quilt can handle the job solo. 

Choosing the right duvet filling 

Your duvet’s tog isn’t the only factor in how warm or cool it feels — the filling matters, too. 

Here’s an overview of the two types of fillings so that you can make a more informed decision: 

• Natural fillings (like down or feather): Natural duvet fillings tend to be super warm but breathable. This means that they don’t trap too much heat. Duvets with natural fillings are great for people who tend to overheat but still crave warmth under the covers. 

• Synthetic fillings: Synthetic duvet fillings are often cheaper. They’re also easier to wash and feature hypoallergenic qualities that make them great for allergy sufferers. Synthetically filled duvets can feel slightly less breathable – though technology is constantly evolving – but can be great for year-round use. 

Quick tog cheat sheet 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on the right quilt tog for your needs year-round: 

• If you sleep hot: Stick with 4.5-7.5 tog year-round or choose a duvet with a breathable natural filling. 

• If you’re always cold: You’ll need to choose a 10.5-13.5 tog quilt year-round, and you can always layer up with extra blankets in winter. 

• If your home is well-heated: A 4.5 or 7.5 tog duvet should be fine, even in winter. 

• If your home is chilly: You’ll need something heavier — think 10.5-13.5 tog — for the colder months. 

Choosing the right quilt tog: final thoughts 

Your duvet tog can make a massive difference to how well you sleep, so it’s worth getting it right. If you’re not sure, an all-seasons duvet is a brilliant option — it’s like having a duvet wardrobe that adapts to your needs. 

So, give your current duvet a think: are you too hot, too cold, or just right? If it’s not working for you, now’s the time to swap it out and reclaim your perfect night’s sleep.