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How to Buy Comforters

Comforter comparison shopping can be a tad overwhelming – there are tons of options and a lot of jargon. Do you need a comforter that’s low or high fill power? Natural or synthetic fill? Insulating or snuggly? Baffle-box stitch or a sewn-through?

Fortunately, there are only a few terms to understand to select a comforter that will both meet your needs and look fabulous. The five features to know are fill type, fill power, fill weight, construction and thread count. Not all comforters are stuffed with the same material. Down comforters are filled with the soft fluff from ducks and geese. Some very affordable options use a blend of down and feathers. Allergy sufferers can choose hypoallergenic comforters filled with either natural or synthetic fibers. Down alternative comforters mimic the soft and snuggly feeling of down without the allergens. Down is measured in ounces, and fill power measures how many cubic inches are filled with an ounce of down. For example, a comforter with 500 Fill Power occupies 500 cubic inches of space.

Comforters with higher fill powers have greater loft, meaning they are fluffier. The additional thickness creates additional warmth. If you’re always freezing cold and want to stay toasty warm, select a higher fill power. Fill weight is how many ounces of down are actually in the comforter. This may sound a lot like fill power but it explains the comforter’s heaviness, not its warmth.

Comforters can have a high fill weight and a low fill power, which may be an ideal combination for people in warmer climates. A high fill weight makes the comforter heavy, but a low fill power prevents it from being uncomfortably warm. Different sewing techniques are used to prevent bunching and keep the down evenly distributed throughout the comforter.

Box-stitch comforters – use stitched grid patterns to trap the down into a box

Baffle-box stitch comforters – use strips of fabric (called baffles) to connect the front and back of the comforter on the sides and keep them at their fullest loft

Sewn-through comforters – do not have a baffle and are less expensive than baffle-box stitch comforters

Like bed sheets, a comforter’s thread count is the number of thread woven into a square inch. The finer the thread, the higher the thread count, and the smoother and lighter the fabric will feel.

Also like bed sheets, a comforter’s thread count indicates its quality and texture. Luxury comforters have high thread counts so their weaves are tighter and stronger. This protects the filler from escaping the comforter and prevents dust from entering. Blankets can be used to decorate a room permanently or provide additional warmth when needed. They’re made in a range of fabrics, including micro fleece, cotton, down, down alternative, bamboo and other natural and synthetic materials.

Personalize a room and add color and texture with a comforter, quilt, bedspread, coverlet, or throw.

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