Will My Comforter Fit into a Duvet Cover?

In Europe, and most American hotels, a comforter is called a duvet, thus the cover is called a duvet cover. A similar analogy: what we call 'soccer' is called 'football' everywhere else. A duvet cover is an article of bedding that covers and protects your filled comforter (duvet). Not only do duvet covers help protect your investment, but they also help add a touch of color and design to your bedroom.

We advise you purchase a comforter that is the same size or a bit bigger (~1-2 inches) than the duvet cover. Duvet covers are meant to be washed and will experience fabric shrinkage. So even if your duvet cover measures the same as your comforter, it will likely shrink 3-5% and fit more snugly over your comforter. Your comforter will also likely shrink 3-5% when washed. It most likely contains cotton to be classed as 'down proof' to keep fill inside. Other materials can be used inside, but 95% of all down comforters use cotton fabric or a blend of cotton.

Duvet covers may feature internal pieces of fabric called ties. These ties are meant to be attached to a loop on the comforter, if available. Most comforters you find in department stores do not have corner loops unless they are labeled as hotel-style comforters. If you do not have a comforter with corner loops, or a duvet with ties, there's no need to worry. The friction of the comforter fabric and the duvet cover fabric will help keep the comforter in place. The exception would be a duvet cover with silky fabric. This will cause less friction and allow the comforter to move more freely (which could be adjusted as needed).

Common comforter sizes sold at department stores:

• Oversized Queen: 90 x 96 to 90 x 98
• Oversized King: 106 x 96 to 108 x 98

Common comforter sizes used in hotel bedding:

• Queen: 90 x 90
• XL Queen: 90 x 95
• King: 104 x 90
• XL King: 104 x 95

Always check the law label of your comforter to be sure of the size. Then pick a beautiful duvet cover that has the same, or just a bit smaller, dimensions to ensure it stays snug and keeps your comforter protected.