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The 12 Best Duvet Covers You Can Buy Online

Including cotton, linen, and cooling options.

The Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover fixed on a bed
Photo:

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

A good duvet cover should be a staple of your ideal bed if it isn’t already. Duvet covers provide added comfort and coziness all night long, and they protect your duvet insert, preventing damage or staining that could cut its lifespan short. Plus, they’re a fun way to change up the decor in your room on a whim: All you have to do is pop a new cover on your duvet insert to freshen up your space. 

To find the best duvet covers for a variety of sleeping preferences, we tested 56 duvet covers and evaluated them based on their material, quality, durability, and ease of use. We also consulted Amy Hoban, COO of Parachute, and Sean Cormier, Professor of Textiles at the Fashion Institute of Technology, for expert tips on how to shop for duvet covers and inserts.

What Stands Out
  • It's impressively soft and temperature regulating.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s bigger than average, which could be annoying for some people.

The Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover impressed us with its super soft touch and flawless design. It’s made of a cotton viscose blend, which feels buttery soft and is temperature-regulating, helping to prevent overheating at night. Whether you sleep with a partner who sleeps hotter or colder than you, this cover should be comfortable enough for you both.

We appreciated subtle details like polished seams and sateen edges, which give this cover a finished look that elevates the rest of your bed. The buttons fit well, and the stitching is flawless and durable—even around the buttons, which didn’t pop off during the testing period. One thing to note, though, is that this cover is designed for the Slumber Cloud duvets, which are slightly larger than average. So, this duvet cover might feel a tad too big for your comforter, especially if you have a full.

Overall, this duvet cover is one of the less expensive options on our list, yet the quality of its fabric and construction is certainly splurge worthy. After two months of use, we still can't get over the buttery-soft texture. Its simple design allows it to match a variety of rooms and decorating styles, bringing comfort to your bed for years to come.

Material: 60% cotton, 40% Outlast viscose | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king

What Stands Out
  • This duvet cover is extremely soft and repels stains, plus comes in 27 colors.

What Could Be Improved
  • The thin fabric isn’t ideal for hot sleepers.

This duvet cover impressed us throughout our tests and is available at a fantastic price. After just running our hand over the duvet cover, we could tell its microfiber construction made it one of the softest duvets we've ever touched. Despite the relatively thin material, it held up better in the washer compared to some of its higher-priced competitors, with no signs of pilling or fading after six months of use. We also appreciate that this pick prevented the insert from bunching up inside, one of the main difficulties often associated with duvet covers. What impressed us most, though, was its performance during our stain tests—it repelled the coffee and oil we spilled, and the foundation stain was hardly visible after washing. 

While polyester is known for its durability and soft feel, it's not the best option for hot sleepers, as it's prone to trapping heat. However, since the construction on this duvet cover is rather thin, we didn't heat up while using it. That said, very hot sleepers may still want to look elsewhere. This pick comes in 27 vibrant color and pattern options, and has fabric ties on all corners and sides to secure your duvet and prevent it from twisting in the middle of the night. Reasonably priced, durable, and easy to use—this duvet cover has it all.

Material: Microfiber | Closure Type: Zipper | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king/Cal king, oversized king

What Stands Out
  • It has hidden buttons that give it a luxe look.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s slightly oversized, so your duvet insert may shift around if you don’t secure it properly.

There’s no better way to pamper yourself than by splurging on bedding, and this duvet set is just the ticket. Made with 100% long-staple organic cotton, this cover is soft and smooth with a satin-like finish, and it’s reversible so it’s extra easy to make your bed each morning. It also features a button closure with a tuck-in flap that conceals the buttons, and corner fabric ties that hold your duvet in place while tossing and turning, creating a neat look. 

In terms of fit, we found that this cover could comfortably encase our duvet insert with some extra room to spare, even after shrinking a couple of inches in the wash. We did have to make some adjustments to ensure that the duvet insert laid flat in the cover, but once it was secured, it stayed in place. After six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality, a testament to its well-made construction—and we haven't had to readjust the insert, either.

This cover has a nice weight that’s not too heavy or slippery, and it didn’t show any signs of wear and tear after multiple washes. While the price may be steep, we think it’s worth the splurge given its buttery-soft touch, hidden buttons, and reversible design.

Material: Organic cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin XL, queen, king

What Stands Out
  • It feels cool to the touch, and the duvet inserts slide right in thanks to its smooth fabric.

What Could Be Improved
  • The fabric is prone to wrinkles and has a flat, sheet-like appearance.

For hot sleepers who still crave the comfort of a soft duvet cover, consider the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Duvet Cover from Sijo. This cover is made from Tencel, which is moisture wicking, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent material for hot sleepers and people with allergies. It wowed us with its soft feel and ability to stay cool to the touch. The fabric is moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic, but less stain-resistant and durable than other options we tested. 

This duvet cover washed nicely and didn't pill at all during testing. Even after six months of use—including biweekly washes—the cover has retained its high quality. The one flaw we noticed is that it does wrinkle easily, even when we immediately removed it from the dryer. Due to the wrinkles and flat finish of the fabric, it has a bit of a crumbled appearance, which may leave your bed looking a little unfinished. 

Still, this duvet cover exceeds in other areas, making it a worthy purchase. The duvet insert slipped right inside the cover thanks to its smooth fabric, and it comes with a total of eight ties to keep it secured. It's a great option for those who want a simple, fuss-free duvet insert to keep you cool and comfortable all night. 

Material: Tencel lyocell | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king

What Stands Out
  • This high-quality duvet cover is made from Supima cotton, which creates an incredibly soft touch.

What Could Be Improved
  • Some stains may require extra effort to remove.

The craftsmanship of this ultra-soft duvet cover from L.L. Bean is apparent right out of the box. The stitching is flawless, and the fabric feels substantial but not too thick. We noticed it felt softer and smoother than most options we tested—likely because it's made with Supima cotton, one of the finest cotton varieties in the world. It also has a percale weave, which means that it's crisp and breathable compared to other cotton sheets.

This duvet cover held up exceptionally well in the washer and didn't shrink, so the insert slid in easily and stayed secured thanks to the corner ties. While there were some visible stains after spilling makeup foundation and oil on the cover in our lab, we were able to easily remove dog stains during long-term testing. It also performed flawlessly in the durability department—even after six months of use, it has held up beautifully.

Because this duvet cover is so soft and breathable, we think it could adapt to all kinds of climates and seasons, especially if you're a cold sleeper. We also like how it has a heftier weight, which laid nicely on our bed and created a polished look. 

Material: Supima cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king

What Stands Out
  • The sateen weave gives it a lustrous finish and creates a smooth touch.

What Could Be Improved
  • It shrunk slightly in the wash and came out quite wrinkled.

For people who like the look and feel of a lustrous bedspread, go with a sateen duvet cover, like this one from Parachute. Sateen weaves are known for their silk-like feel and heavier weight. This cover is made with long-staple Egyptian cotton, which is known for its soft touch, but it “doesn't have an overly shiny appearance—it’s more of a subtle, luxurious luster,” according to Hoban. We noted that it has a silky smooth texture and standout features like detailed stitching and hidden buttons, which add a little luxury to this duvet cover. 

In addition to the button enclosure, this duvet cover uses fabric ties to keep everything in place, and we found that they did a surprisingly good job of holding things together. While we noted some shrinkage in the wash (3.5 inches in width and five inches in length, to be exact), we could seamlessly fit the cover over the duvet insert. Plus, we didn’t notice any other flaws that occurred with washing—after two months, we've noticed no significant changes in quality. However, it was quite wrinkled after taking it out after the dryer, so if you want crisp, smooth bedding, this isn’t for you. 

This duvet cover has a satin-like feel, so while it may not be ideal if you’re looking for bedding that’s fuzzy and cozy. Still, we found it to be cool enough for warmer days, but not too cool for colder ones. While it may be pricey, we think it’s worth it for the quality; plus, Parachute also has a free 60-day return policy, so you can always return it if it doesn’t work out.

Material: Egyptian cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king

What Stands Out
  • This duvet cover is lightweight and breathable, and it holds up remarkably well in the wash.

What Could Be Improved
  • The button enclosures were tricky to secure.

This duvet cover is made with a blend of cotton sateen and bamboo rayon, resulting in bedding that’s soft, silky, and cool to the touch. Both cotton and bamboo are breathable and temperature-regulating materials, which we noticed right away, especially since this cover is impressively lightweight and airy. While we felt that the button enclosures were a bit difficult to use, they did feel sturdy and held our bedding in place throughout the testing process. However, since the buttons are a bit spaced out, the insert may be visible at times.

When we washed this duvet, we found that it did shrink three inches in length and one inch in width, but it still fit over our duvet insert with ease. Furthermore, we found that this cover held up exceptionally well in the wash—after two months of use, all buttons and seams remained intact, and no threads came loose. 

This duvet cover comes in several neutral hues and can be further personalized with a monogram. One downside is that the cover features a border around it, which not everyone might be a fan of. However, if you don’t mind the extra flair it brings to your bedding, this cooling duvet cover makes a great choice for your bed.

Material: 70% rayon made from bamboo, 30% cotton sateen | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king

What Stands Out
  • It's reasonably priced compared to other linen duvet covers, and arrives already soft.

What Could Be Improved
  • Hot sleepers may find it too warm during the summer.

Linen bedding sometimes gets a bad rap for being harsh and scratchy, but this beautiful duvet cover from Quince will put the naysayers to rest. It’s made with top-notch European flax and is pre-washed, so it arrives at your doorstep as soft as can be. While linen is a breathable material that can keep you more comfortable at night, we found this duvet cover to be on the warmer side, yet still lightweight and durable. 

Right out of the box, this duvet cover was free from pills, snags, and other imperfections. It did remain a bit wrinkled after being washed, but that rumpled look is part of the charm of linen bedding. To secure the duvet insert, we found that the hidden button enclosure and corner ties held everything together, but there are also additional fabric ties in the middle to be on the safe side. Unlike other duvet inserts, the closures were easy to button and unbutton, and the ties stayed intact as we tossed and turned.

After washing this duvet cover, we found that it shrunk slightly, but we could still get it on the bed with no problem. It became even softer and comfier over time, and we were highly impressed with its overall quality, especially for the reasonable price point—even after two months of use and multiple washes, it maintained its shape, color, quality, and texture. Plus, it comes in a variety of color and pattern options (21 in total!), making it a good fit for all types of bedroom styles.

Material: European flax | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal king

What Stands Out
  • It's soft and cozy on one side and smooth on the other.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s tricky to fit it over the duvet insert and tends to bunch up.

There’s something that’s just extra cozy about waffle knit bedding, especially when it’s made from ultra-soft organic cotton, like this duvet cover from Quince. On one side, it features a classic honeycomb pattern that brings some texture to your bed, and on the other side, it has a percale lining that feels soft and smooth on your skin. 

We appreciated the high-quality construction of this duvet cover, noting its perfect seams and pearlescent buttons, which add a nice decorative touch. It also comes with two spare buttons as a just-in-case, plus a reinforced hem that looks extra polished. However, we struggled with fitting it over our duvet insert, and we think it could benefit from some extra ties along the lengths of the cover to keep the insert evenly distributed and prevent bunching. After six months of use, we did notice a few small rips, but other than that, the cover retained its size and texture.

The feel of this duvet cover is soft yet crisp, reminiscent of the kind of bedspread you’d find at a fancy hotel, and the fabric has a beautiful finish that makes your room look more classy. All in all, this is a top-notch duvet cover that’s perfect if you’re looking to bring a little more luxury to your life.

Material: Organic cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal king

What Stands Out
  • It didn’t show any signs of wear during our durability tests.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not the most breathable, so it's best for cold sleepers.

The Southern Living Simplicity Tanner Duvet Cover stands out for its durability and heft. During our testing, we spilled makeup foundation, oil, and coffee on it, and all stains virtually disappeared after one round of treatment—so we think it would make a great choice for households with messy kids or pets. Plus, the slight pattern hides pet hair and other subtle stains. It also performed very well in our durability tests and didn't pill or fade after we abraded it with sandpaper. We did notice a few loose threads throughout the six-month testing period, but there were no other visible changes.

This duvet cover is made from cotton, but the fabric feels more similar to antique linen. It's still comfortable but doesn't feel as soft or smooth as other cotton options we tested. It also has a substantial weight, which is ideal if you run cold at night, but may be too stifling for hot sleepers. But because this duvet cover held up so well in our durability tests, we still think it's a good choice if you want a warm, heavy duvet cover.

Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Full/queen, king

What Stands Out
  • It has a unique zippered design that makes it easier to fit on a duvet insert.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s only available in striped patterns.

This reasonably priced duvet cover was a crowd favorite during testing. It’s made with 100% cotton and is breathable enough to keep you comfortable at night. While it isn’t as soft or as silky as other choices on our list, the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily, making it ideal for people who prefer smooth, crisp bedding. 

For those who loathe wrestling with their duvet cover, the Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover features a double-zippered design that could not be easier to put on. Plus, it allows the duvet insert to stay fully concealed, creating a streamlined look that we love. 

This duvet cover ranges in size from twin to Cal king, though we found that it shrank five inches in width after washing, which created a snug fit around the duvet insert. Despite the shrinkage, this cover held up well throughout six months of use, with no differences in color or quality. While we wish that this duvet cover came in some solid color options in addition to stripes, its quality is excellent for its price.

Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Zipper | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king, Cal king, super king, oversized king

What Stands Out
  • Stains practically vanished after washing it.

What Could Be Improved
  • It wrinkles easily and may be too warm for hot sleepers.

The Riley Percale Duvet Cover has it all. Made from 100% cotton, this duvet cover has a smooth feel that's crisp and comfortable—in fact, we felt that we didn't need a top sheet since the fabric felt so nice against the skin. The fabric also held up well in the wash, and we found no loose threads or pilling during testing. It was surprisingly stain resistant and didn't show a trace of our coffee or oil stains after washing it. Plus, the fabric held up to abrasion with sandpaper, which indicates that this duvet cover will last. After six months of use, the cover looks just as good as it did on day one.

This duvet cover fits perfectly over our duvet insert without any leftover fabric. The four corner ties kept everything in place even after shaking the duvet and rolling around while sleeping. We found it slightly warm, but we never felt stuffy or uncomfortable during the night. Our only real complaint is that this cover is on the wrinkly side, which may be frustrating if you prefer perfectly smooth bedding. But given the durability, ease of use, and overall comfort, we will happily deal with a few extra wrinkles. 

Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover because it offers high quality for a lower price point. The fabric is buttery soft and cozy, showing no signs of wear and tear after multiple washes. It has a button enclosure and fabric ties, which keep the duvet insert firmly in place, and is breathable enough to keep you comfortable throughout the night. If you're seeking a more budget-friendly choice, you can't go wrong with the Bare Home Duvet Cover, which is impressively soft and stain resistant.

Our Testing Process

We put 56 duvet covers through a series of tests in our lab and at home to determine the best options. First, we inspected each duvet cover for any imperfections, including loose threads, uneven stitches, and irregularities in the dye or pattern. We then examined each duvet cover's texture and quality, knowing that sateen is known for its silky smoothness. Using a measuring tape, we measured each duvet cover's length and width and compared it to the manufacturer's dimensions.

Next, we laundered each duvet cover, following the manufacturer's instructions and removing promptly from the dryer. Afterward, we measured each cover again to check for any shrinkage. We then examined once again for texture and quality, noting if there were any differences post wash.

Then, we put each duvet cover on a duvet insert and noted how difficult or easy the process was. Placing each covered duvet on the bed, we evaluated how well the insert stayed in place within the duvet cover. To do this, we put the duvet through a series of tests: First, we folded the duvet down to the foot of the bed and pulled it back up again; then we got in the bed under the duvet, pushed it off the bed, and pulled it back up again by a corner; then we got out of the bed and spread the duvet over the bed again.

Finally, we did a stain removal test. For spot-clean-only duvet covers, we poured one teaspoon of coffee on the cover and let it stand for 30 seconds. We then blotted the area with a cool, wet towel, and treated the spot with a stain remover. For machine-washable covers, we did the same process but put each cover directly in the washer without pre-treating it with a stain remover.

After laundering a second time, we thoroughly evaluated the cover for signs of wear or damage, including stains, missing buttons, loose threads, pilling, snags, or irregular seams. We then evaluated the overall value of each duvet cover by taking all these insights and comparing the quality and performance to the cover's price. For long-term insights, we took the duvet covers home to evaluate them after two months, three months, and six months of use.

How to Shop for Duvet Covers Like a Pro

Material

Duvet covers come in a variety of materials, with the most popular being cotton and linen. Both fabrics are known for their breathability, which can help you stay comfortable under a duvet insert. Cotton is a popular choice for a reason: “Cotton is a natural fiber that everyone knows and loves,” says Cormier. “Soft, durable, and washable—what is not to like?” 

The other alternative is linen, which is “a natural fabric made from the flax plant,” says Hoban. It has temperature-regulating properties that make it a better choice for hot sleepers, though it may feel a bit rough when you first purchase it.

While linen is typically more expensive than cotton, Hoban says that it's a stronger and more durable alternative to cotton, so it may be a good choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting duvet cover. If you’d prefer to stick with cotton, know that the texture of your cover will depend on the type of weave you get; for instance, a sateen duvet cover will have a silky smooth touch while percale will feel crisp and cool. 

You may also see duvet covers made from Tencel, which is the brand name of lyocell, a fabric that’s created by pulverizing tree pulp—usually eucalyptus or birch—into fibers. Cormier calls lyocell a “durable and washable” fabric, and it’s moisture wicking and breathable for hot sleepers. You may also see duvet covers made from bamboo rayon, though Cormier warns that this isn't as natural of a fiber as many think. Bamboo rayon has a silk-like texture and is quite breathable, making it a good choice for hot sleepers and warmer temperatures. 

If you want to spend as little as possible, polyester duvet covers are a solid option, as they're durable and very budget friendly. But, they aren't great for hot sleepers because they tend to hold in heat and could cause night sweats. This is especially true if you have a microfiber or polyester-filled duvet insert. While a breathable duvet cover won’t totally counteract the stuffiness of those duvet inserts, it might help.

A person holding up the Riley Percale Duvet Cover

Real Simple / Grant Webster

Closure Type

Typically you find either buttons or zippers on the bottom of the duvet cover. Since the point of a duvet cover is to protect your duvet insert, you want to make sure that your cover has a sturdy closure that will prevent its contents from spilling out while you’re sleeping. 

A zippered cover is the best option to keep your duvet secured, and they’re often quicker and easier to put on. However, Hoban says that buttons are easier to maintain and are more gentle on the fabrics when washed in a laundry machine, so they also make a great way to secure your duvet cover. Cormier prefers duvets with velcro closures, but they aren’t as common as zippered or buttoned options.

Dimensions

In general, you’ll want your duvet cover to have dimensions that are about 2 to 3 inches larger than your duvet insert, depending on whether you prefer a snug or loose fit. If the duvet cover was the same size or smaller, it would be very challenging to stuff your duvet insert. In addition to its functionality, an oversized duvet cover may also offer aesthetic appeal. "A little extra fabric creates a beautiful drape, giving you an elegant look in the bedroom,” says Hoban. 

More Duvet Covers to Consider

Sunday Citizen Natural Premium Bamboo Duvet Cover: This airy duvet cover feels soft and silky, is comfortable to sleep under thanks to its breathable fabric, and it didn't show any signs of wear during our durability tests. The one area it did not exceed in was our stain test: The coffee and oil stains bled to the back side of the cover and didn't budge after treating them. 

Buffy Breeze Duvet Cover: This duvet cover is one of the softest we've ever tested, and it has a smooth, silk-like texture that's very comfortable to sleep under. However, the fabric is thin and wears quickly, and we found it difficult to remove makeup foundation stains from it.

Person testing a Sunday Citizen Natural Premium Bamboo Duvet Cover on a bed

Real Simple / Grant Webster

Questions You Might Ask 

Is a duvet cover necessary?

Technically, you can sleep with just your duvet insert, but using a cover will make life so much easier. For one, a duvet cover will protect your insert from dust, spills, and stains, so you can just wash your duvet cover instead of the heavy and fluffy insert. By protecting the insert from dirt and keeping the feathers in better shape, Hoban says a duvet cover help prolong the life of your insert. 

A duvet cover also allows you to tailor your duvet to your sleep preferences: If you like the feeling of smooth sateen against your skin while falling asleep, a duvet cover can help you feel more comfortable at night so you can catch some quality Zzz’s. If you don’t like dealing with the duvet cover and separate insert, Hoban suggests getting a comforter instead: “It’s a one-and-done to make your room and sleep heavenly.”

Can you use a duvet cover with any comforter?

If your comforter is the right size, there’s no reason why you can’t use it, though most duvet covers were not designed for this kind of use. While you can add a duvet cover to any comforter, Hoban stresses the importance of pairing a duvet cover with a properly sized insert. This will not only keep the insert in place, but will also prevent it from looking like there is too much or too little fabric.

A person measuring a tear in the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Duvet Cover

Real Simple / Grant Webster

How can I make putting on a duvet cover easier?

Hoban says practice makes perfect. She recommends that you start by placing the duvet insert flat on the top of the bed and turning the cover inside out. Next, grab the top two corners of your cover before taking the top two corners of the insert into your hands, and tie the insert and duvet cover to secure them. Then, flip the duvet cover right side out and shake and fluff so the duvet cover is covering your insert. Finish up by securing the ties in the bottom corners, buttoning the closures, and giving your duvet a final fluff.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To write this article, we tested 34 duvet covers in our lab and at home, evaluating them based on material, quality, durability, and ease of use. For expert insight on how to shop for duvet covers, we spoke to Amy Hoban, COO of Parachute, and Sean Cormier, Chair of Textile Development & Marketing Department & Associate Chair Home Products Development at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

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