Sleep isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for learning, memory, mood regulation and healing, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.. That’s where comfortable bedding comes in — it can help balance body temperature and facilitate a good night’s sleep.
If you want versatile bedding that’s also customized to your sleep needs, a duvet cover is your best option. Duvet covers allow you to separate, swap out and clean the outermost layer of your bedding regularly, and they come in a range of materials and weaves..
To find the best duvet covers, we spoke to a textile professor, a sleep expert and an interior designer. Below, you’ll find their shopping tips and tricks about what to look for regarding materials and important features.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best duvet covers | The best duvet covers | How to shop for duvet covers | Why trust NBC Select?
How we picked the best duvet covers
“Body temperature and comfortable bedding play a critical role in the quest for deep sleep,” says Dr. Kavita Mathur, an associate professor at North Carolina State University. As a result, while it may be tempting to choose your duvet cover based on looks alone, it’s much more important to consider the material and functionality if you want to get a good night’s sleep. Our experts recommend keeping the following in mind while shopping:
Material: Our experts recommend three primary materials for duvet covers: linen, microfiber and cotton. In short, linen is typically breathable, microfiber is generally affordable and cotton strikes a balance between the two, according to our experts. We go into more detail about the benefits of each option below (as well as which weaves are best suited for hot and cold sleepers). Each duvet cover on the list is made from cotton, linen or microfiber, and includes ties or closures and a range of color and pattern options.
Functionality: Duvets let you separate the cover from the insert for washing and customization, but this convenience can quickly become an annoyance, according to our experts. To avoid this, make sure your duvet cover is durable and machine-washable, and that it has the necessary closures and ties to prevent the insert from shifting inside of it.
Design: Your duvet cover acts as a decorative statement, so our experts recommend choosing a color, pattern and texture that you love.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
The best duvet covers to shop in 2025
The duvet covers below align with our experts’ guidance about material and functionality. We also included a range of colors to suit varying design preferences. All of the duvet covers on this list are either direct recommendations from our experts, options we’ve tried first-hand or have at least a 4.4-star average rating from 500 or more. (While some of these duvet covers come in a set that includes matching shams, none come with duvet inserts, which are sold separately.)
Best overall: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Duvet Cover
- Good for use year-round
- Breathable fabric
- Soft texture
- Nothing to note at this time
Brooklinen’s luxe sateen sheets are my go-to set for summer and this bestselling duvet cover is made from the same smooth, versatile fabric. The 100% cotton cover is Oeko-Tex certified (meaning that all included materials have been tested by independent partner institutes and declared free from known harmful substances). It also has large buttons and corner ties to keep your insert in place. Since cotton sateen is both breathable and temperature-regulating, it’s a good option for year-round use, according to our experts. This duvet cover comes in both solid colors and patterned designs.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton | Available sizes: twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 17 | Includes: duvet cover
Best microfiber duvet cover: Nestl Microfiber Duvet Cover Set
- Low-maintenance fabric
- Machine-washable
- Affordable price
- Nothing to note at this time
Microfiber is a low-maintenance material that’s often more affordable than natural fabrics (such as cotton and linen), according to our experts. This highly rated option, which has 4.4-star average rating from 94,695 reviews on Amazon, is made from a brushed microfiber that is smooth, wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable, according to the brand. Like other options on our list, the button closures and reinforced corner ties are designed to keep your insert securely in place.
Material: 100% brushed microfiber | Available sizes: twin/twin xl, full, queen, king, California King | Available design options: 30 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow shams
Best linen duvet cover: The Modern Dane European Linen Duvet Cover Set in Blåig
- Hand-sewn
- Temperature-regulating
- Floral design
Paired with a down-alternative insert from Amazon, this Modern Dane duvet cover has been my bedding of choice for two years. It’s woven and hand-sewn by Portuguese craftspeople using 100% Oeko-Tex-certified flax, according to the brand. Initially, I intended to use it as a seasonal comforter during the summer months, but I found the linen material so soft and temperature-regulating, I’ve kept it on my bed year-round. I also love the white and lavender floral design, which is unique but easy to coordinate with my existing decor. My only complaint: I wish it had more than four ties to secure the insert in place.
Material: 100% flax linen | Available sizes: twin, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 8 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow shams
Best cotton duvet cover: Parachute Percale Duvet Cover
- Available in muted tones
- Very breathable
- Crisp texture
- Not as soft as sateen
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio recommends this percale duvet cover from Parachute, made from 100% Oeko-Tex-certified cotton woven into a crisp texture. “It’s not as thick as most duvet covers I’ve tried in the past, so it’s great for all seasons,” says Godio, who’s a hot sleeper and prefers something lightweight that won’t trap body heat. “It’s also great quality and feels durable, so I know it’ll last a long time.” Buttons and four corner ties keep the duvet insert of your choice anchored inside.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 10 | Includes: duvet cover
Duvet cover with most color options: CGK Unlimited Duvet Cover Set
- Available in 25+ colors
- Affordable
- Has corner ties
- Wash in cold water only
This budget-friendly microfiber option has both corner tie closures and a zipper to secure the duvet insert. It’s also Oeko-Tex certified and resistant to pilling and wrinkling, according to the brand.
Material: microfiber | Available sizes: twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 25+ | Includes: duvet cover and pillow shams
Best organic cotton duvet cover: AizTextiles Organic Duvet Cover
- Organic material
- Easy to attach and detach
- Machine-washable
- Not many color options
“I discovered this brand years ago when I was dealing with a weird skin infection and had to overhaul a lot of my routines and products,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. This sateen duvet cover is made from organic cotton certified by The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a leading processing standard for organic fibers. This means that it’s free from toxins and allergens and dyed using only plants, according to the brand. The fabric has “just enough weight to it” for cool, comfortable sleeping and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin, according to Brown, who also says it’s easy to attach and detach inserts to this cover. It’s available in five muted colors that you can put in the washing machine.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: twin, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 5 | Includes: duvet cover
Best duvet cover set: California Design Den Duvet Cover Set
- Plenty of color options
- Affordable pricing
- Heavier weight
In my experience, California Design Den’s bedding is comparable to Brooklinen bedding: It has a 100% cotton construction and a crisp, cooling texture. This three-piece duvet cover set is made from cotton sateen and includes a comforter and pillow shams. The button closures, four corner ties and reinforced stitching are designed to keep the insert in place and boost durability, according to the brand. In addition to prints and solid colors, the brand also sells textured covers.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: queen, king, oversized king | Available design options: 19 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow shams
Best lightweight duvet cover: Peacock Alley Boutique Percale Duvet Cover
- Embroidered design detail
- Only available in white
Lauren Farrell, head of interior design for Pacaso, a company that facilitates co-ownership and management of luxury vacation homes, recommends Peacock Alley bedding for its style and comfort. (Farrell designs all Pacaso home interiors and prefers to incorporate 100% cotton duvet covers into her designs.) Because of its cotton percale construction, this is a good option for hot sleepers and hot weather, according to our experts. While the duvet itself is only available in white, the embroidery around the hem comes in 16 color options.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 16 | Includes: duvet cover
Best duvet cover for hot sleepers: Buffy Breeze Duvet Cover
- Great for hot sleepers
- Easy to wash
- Lots of wrinkles after washing
Ashley Morris, NBC Select associate SEO reporter, hasn’t used another duvet cover since Buffy sent her this one to try. As a hot sleeper, she says its cooling features help regulate her body temperature while sleeping, and that it’s extremely soft. The button closures make it easy to slip on and off when it’s time for a wash, according to Morris.
Material: 100% eucalyptus lyocell | Available sizes: twin xl, twin, full/queen, king, California king | Available design options: 25 | Includes: duvet cover
Best striped duvet cover: Bergpalm Duvet Cover and Pillowcases
- Made of 100% cotton
- Has decorative buttons
- Queen size is under $30
- Full and queen are the same
Made from 100% cotton, this duvet cover set gets softer with each wash, according to Ikea. With a 4.4-star average rating from 1,308 reviews at Ikea, it has decorative printed buttons to close and secure the duvet insert and a subtle striped design that’s more visible close up.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: twin, full/queen, king | Available design options: 4 | Includes: duvet cover and pillowcase
Best value: Quince European Linen Duvet Cover Set
- Affordable
- Shams included
- Pre-washed
- Full and queen are the same
While this European duvet cover set is more budget-friendly than other linen sets on this list, it’s still made from 100% flax that’s Oeko-Tex certified and has corner ties and button closures to secure the insert in place. Each order also includes two envelope-closure shams. The linen is pre-washed for a soft, lived-in feel and the texture gets softer with every wash, according to the brand. It’s available in both solid colors and striped patterns.
Material: 100% linen | Available sizes: twin, full/queen, king/California king | Available design options: 19 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow shams
Best duvet cover for cold sleepers: L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Cover
- Very warm
- Good for cold sleepers
- Pill-resistant
- May be too warm for some
Flannel is one of the most insulating materials for cold weather or those who run chilly while sleeping, according to our experts. During the winter, L.L. Bean’s Ultrasoft flannel is my fabric of choice, and this comforter cover is made from the same brushed cotton. In my experience, the fabric is pill-resistant and gets softer with every wash, contributing to the warm, cozy texture. It also has hidden button closures and internal ties.
Material: 100% brushed cotton | Available sizes: twin, full, queen, king | Available design options: 8 | Includes: comforter cover
Best splurge: The Citizenry Organic Cotton Gauze Duvet Set
- Handwoven
- Lightweight fabric
- Breathable design
- Pricey
This handwoven Citizenry duvet set is made from fair-trade and GOTS-certified cotton. (). The four thin layers of fabric create a gauzy effect that’s designed to feel lightweight and breathable, while also adding texture to your bedroom.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Available sizes: full/queen, king/California king | Available color options: 5 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow shams
Best budget: Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover
- Breathable
- Medium weight
- Zipper closure
- Wrinkles after washing
This cotton duvet cover is breathable, which makes it ideal for hot sleepers, and has a medium weight that isn’t too heavy or overbearing during sleep, according to the brand. To help with fastening, the cover has four corner ties and a two-way zipper closure. It’s also a bestseller, with a 4.5-star average rating from over 20,000 ratings on Amazon.
Material: 100% cotton | Available sizes: twin xl, twin, full/queen, king, California king, super king, oversized king | Available design options: 29 | Includes: duvet cover and two pillow cases
How to shop for duvet covers
While you can further customize the weight and temperature of your bedding via your insert, the duvet cover will regularly come into contact with your skin. Aside from style, you should also consider your preferences when it comes to texture, temperature and ease of maintenance, according to our experts. Our experts recommend using the following criteria to help you select a duvet cover:
Material is the most important factor to consider while shopping for any kind of bedding, according to our experts. Remember that the same material can be woven into different fabric types. (For example, percale and brushed flannel are often both made from cotton, but they have vastly different weights and textures.) These are the best materials for duvet covers, according to our experts:
Cotton: Cotton is natural, breathable, temperature-regulating, gentle on skin and relatively affordable — plus it’s used to make a range of fabrics (such as percale, sateen and flannel) that suit most sleepers and seasons, according to our experts.
Linen: Made from flax plant fibers, linen is another natural material that’s breathable and moisture-wicking, so it’s often used to make bedding for hot weather and hot sleepers, according to our experts.
Microfiber: Microfiber is usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester, and manufacturers can weave it into both lightweight fabrics (similar to sateen) and heavier fabrics (such as fleece). While it’s designed to mimic natural bedding, such as cotton and linen, it’s often significantly more affordable and easy to care for due to its wrinkle resistance and washability, according to our experts.
Washability: Your duvet cover will come into contact with (and protect the insert from) sweat, makeup and stains, so choose one that’s easy to wash regularly and retain the softness of. Keep in mind that removing and putting on a duvet can be somewhat arduous. While it’s more expensive, you can also consider getting your cover dry-cleaned to maintain it. Check the care instructions before purchasing, which will vary depending on the materials and construction, Mathur told us.
Functionality: A duvet cover should fit and stay attached to its insert. “Ensure the duvet cover matches the size of your duvet insert to achieve a snug fit,” says Holly Adorno, sleep expert and the director of player development at Bedgear, a company that studies sleep patterns and creates bedding. Additionally, look for internal ties, zippers or buttons that secure the insert inside of the duvet cover, so it doesn’t shift around while you’re sleeping, says Mathur.
Design: Finally, duvet covers come in countless colors and patterns, so it’s an opportunity to express your style. Farrell recommends “neutral calming shades to ensure a peaceful sleeping environment.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kavita Mathur, Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science, is an associate professor at Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University.
- Lauren Farrell is the head of interior design at Pacaso, a company that designs and manages luxury vacation homes. Farrell designs all Pacaso home interiors, including bedding and textiles.
- Holly Adorno is a sleep expert and director of player development at Bedgear, a company that creates bedding and studies sleep patterns to coach consumers on how to select the best bedding for their personalized needs.
Why trust NBC Select?
Maria Cassano is an e-commerce writer, editor and consultant who has covered sleep products for nearly a decade. You can find her bedding content in publications such as Bustle, Allure, CNN, Mattress Insider and MyDomaine.
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, home and kitchen and more. For this article, Cassano interviewed three experts across the textile, bedding and interior design space.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
