If you are asking yourself, "what is a down comforter?" You've come to the right place! These comforters provide warmth in the winter, but is also a natural, lightweight, and breathable material ideal for year-round use. They are available in many styles and price ranges, from high-end goose down comforters to hypoallergenic polyester-filled options. Read our guide to learn how to pick a down comforter.

In this guide:
What Is a Down Comforter?
How to Choose a Down Comforter
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Down Comforter?

A down comforter is a type of bedding that is filled with down - the undercoat of the bird - and is known for its super soft, fluffy, and lightweight quality. While they are lightweight, they have excellent insulating abilities. Typically, these comforters have chambers - most commonly a baffle box stitch - that are filled with the down feathers to keep them from shifting or clumping.

Types of Down

Goose: Goose down is the most commonly used type of down for down comforters. It is most popularly found in white and gray, but white goose down is usually used with white comforter shells so you can't see through it.
Duck: Duck down is very similar to goose down except the feathers are plucked from a duck. It is slightly less insulated than goose down, making it somewhat more affordable.
Down & Feather Blend: This combines both down and feathers into one fluffy blend. A reminder that down is the lush undercoat of a bird, so the addition of feathers will create a similar softness to that of a feather-filled pillow. These blends are typically more affordable.
Alternative Down Fill: Avoid allergy issues and get the luxury of down with down-alternative fills. These comforters utilize a mix of synthetic fibers for a quality loft that's hypoallergenic. Popular down alternatives include polyester, cotton, wool, and more.

How to Choose a Down Comforter

When choosing a comforter or duvet, consider fill power, fill warmth, thread count, and construction.

Pick a Fill Power

Fill power is the measure of the amount of space one ounce of down takes up. The higher the fill power, the better the insulating ability and loft (fluffiness) a down comforter will have. Fill power typically ranges from 600 to 900, with higher numbers indicating a lighter, loftier and more luxurious feel. Wayfair uses the following fill power measurements:

Choose a Fill Warmth

You may be thinking, “do down comforters make you sweat?” The truth is, they are often specialized for the changing seasons. Heavier and more insulated down should be saved for the winter months, while lighter, more breathable down is best for summertime. The majority of down comforters are a perfect balance, so you can use them throughout every season. However, if you want optimal temperature control, we recommend buying down comforters for the proper season(s).

Choose a Thread Count

Thread Count: Think thread count is only important for your sheets? Think again! Just as with other bedding, a higher thread count means a tighter weave to the fabric. In a down comforter, a higher thread count and a tighter weave will determine how well it contains the down fill, making it softer and longer lasting. There are four options: up to 200, 201-300, 301-600, and 601 and Up.

Tip!

When you bring your new comforter or duvet home, keep in mind it can take up to 72 hours after unpacking for it to expand and achieve maximum loft and fluffiness. For more information on the difference between duvets and comforters, read our guide The Age-Old Debate: Duvet vs. Comforter.