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7 Best Duvet Covers, Tested by Bedding Experts
From cotton to linen, sateen, and more, these bed covers look luxurious and feel super soft.
The duvet cover just might be your bed’s unsung hero. After all, it’s the most visible item on your bed, and it’s used nightly. It also protects your duvet insert so you won’t have to wash it as often. Needless to say, a good duvet cover should look neat on your bed, feel cozy, and be easy to clean.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: The Company Store Premium Smooth Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sateen Duvet Cover
- Best value: California Design Den Luxury Duvet Cover
- Most popular: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Duvet Cover
- Best patterns: Pottery Barn Greenwood Percale Duvet Cover
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate duvet covers for durability and performance features like fabric strength and wrinkle-resistance, and we consider functional features like how easy it is to put on a duvet cover and how secure the corner ties feel. Plus, we share them with consumer testers who rate them for properties like softness and temperature regulation. In recent years, we’ve tested more than 60 duvet covers, and our top-tested cover is The Company Store’s Premium Smooth Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sateen Duvet Cover, which earned some of our highest softness scores.
Best Deal
The Company Store Legends Hotel Premium Smooth Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sateen Duvet Cover
Pros
- Testers said it looked and felt like nice hotel bedding
- Material proved shrink-resistant and durable in our tests
- Buttons stayed securely fastened, according to testers
Cons
- Some wrinkles in our tests, despite wrinkle-free claims
Why we love it
This duvet cover is exceptionally soft, thanks to the smooth sateen weave and the Supima cotton fibers, which are longer and finer than standard staple cotton and higher quality overall.
How it performed in our tests
When compared side-by-side with other cotton fabrics, our consumer testers gave this material higher scores for softness, describing it as "buttery soft" and "very luxurious." Testers said the duvet cover made their bedrooms feel like a nice hotel, including one tester who shared, “I love how smooth and substantial the fabric is. The duvet cover has a sheen that makes my bed feel premium.”
We were impressed by how shrink-resistant and strong the material was in Lab tests but did notice pilling during pilling resistance testing and some creases after washing, although the brand claims the material is "wrinkle-free.” Still, testers said the fabric looked smooth without wrinkles when they placed it on their beds. Testers were pleased with the hidden buttons, which they said stayed securely in place, and they found the corner ties easy to use, as well.
| Material | Cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Twin/TwinXL, Full, Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | 16 options |
Pros
- Material performed well in our tests for pill resistance
- Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal
- Testers liked the smooth feel of the fabric
Cons
- Testers felt the design was "plain"
Why we love it
A Good Housekeeping Seal holder that’s available for a fraction of the price of other picks, this duvet cover from California Design Den stood out in both Textiles Lab and at-home tester evaluations.
How it performed in our tests
Testers described the 100% cotton sateen as “smooth” and “soft.” When asked about the material, one tester shared, “I love the gentle sheen of the fabric. It looks and feels luxurious.” During our Lab tests, the material held up to repeated rubbing and resisted pilling and major wrinkling, meaning the fabric should look and feel great with regular use and laundering.
One thing to note: Testers said the duvet cover was a little plain, emphasizing that the buttons didn’t feel as nice as those on other covers they’ve tried.
| Material | Cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King, Oversized King |
| Colors | 16 options |
Pros
- Testers highlighted the sheen, sharing that it looked high-end
- Generous year-long return policy
- Material felt breathable, according to testers, so they didn't overheat
Cons
- Fabric wrinkled in our Lab tests
Why we love it
Brooklinen is one of our favorite bedding brands for stylish bedding that’s high quality but not a total splurge, and we’re fans of the brand’s Luxe Sateen Duvet Cover. A top performer in our tests, the fabric proved to be strong and pill-resistant, and it washed well with minimal shrinkage.
How it performed in our tests
Our consumer testers said the cotton sateen weave felt nice and smooth, and they were particularly impressed by the fabric’s sheen. Nearly every tester pointed out how shiny the sheets looked, sharing that it made them feel high-end. Plus, Brooklinen carries a lot of bedroom staple colors like tan and light blue, but the brand is constantly introducing fun new colors and patterns for those who want something bolder.
During our Lab tests, the material was wrinkled when we pulled it out of the dryer, but this isn’t abnormal for 100% cotton. Testers were pleased with the large buttons and longer ties for easy fastening to a duvet insert, and they said the material felt breathable, allowing them to maintain a comfortable temperature as they slept. On top of that, Brooklinen offers a generous year-long return policy (minus a small return fee), so there is little risk in trying this one out on your bed.
| Material | Cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | 26 options (some low stock) |
Pros
- Percale is breathable to help prevent overheating
- Tons of beautiful patterns to choose from including florals, toiles, and nature scenes
- Fabric held up well to repeated rubbing without notable pilling
Cons
- Material didn't perform as well in our shrinkage tests
Why we love it
This is the duvet cover I personally use: This pick from Pottery Barn possesses my winning combination of traits: breathable, comfortable, and maximalist. I’m a sucker for interesting patterns, and Pottery Barn carries a wide variety of them, including lots of toiles, holiday themes, florals, and landscape scenes like the featured nature design (sometimes the landscapes feature adorable animals like birds and foxes).
How it performed in our tests
It’s a cotton percale material, so it’s crisp but still feels soft, and it doesn’t feel too stuffy or warm at night. A tester described the fabric as “thicker, sturdier, and crisper” than other percale she has slept with. Another tested shared, “It was a good balance between the stiffness of percale and the silkiness of something softer, but they still stayed cool.”
In our Lab tests, Pottery Barn’s percale earned high scores for pilling resistance, meaning it looked great after being rubbed back and forth repeatedly, but its shrinkage scores were just fair, so it’s important to follow the care instructions and only tumble dry on low. I haven’t experienced any major shrinkage in the wash, and the color has held fast to the material, so the pattern is still just as striking as it was the day I removed it from the package.
| Material | Cotton percale |
| Sizes | Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | Variety of prints and patterns available on brand's site |
Pros
- Chic embroidered design looks like hotel bedding
- High scores for pilling-resistance and strength in tests
- Crisp, breathable feel
Cons
- Some shrinkage in our evaluations
Why we love it
For a true, traditional hotel look and feel in your bedroom, you’re going to want to consider this chic duvet cover from Crane & Canopy. The fabric is a crisp white percale made with long-staple Egyptian cotton fibers, which are known for their durability.
How it performed in our tests
In our Textiles Lab tests, the material performed well, earning top scores for not pilling after being rubbed repeatedly by our abrasion tester and also for strength. However, it earned lower scores for shrinkage than similar materials we’ve tested, so it’s important to follow the brand’s care instructions for optimal performance.
In addition to being durable, Egyptian cotton is known for its smooth feel, which we found to be the case with this duvet cover. One tester shared of the fabric, “It’s smooth and luxurious while still feeling lightweight and crisp.” She added, “It has the look and feel of an upscale hotel bed. The style is also very polished and elevated.” The classic look of the duvet cover is elevated by the embroidered border, which comes in four colors: ivory, taupe, navy, and the featured eucalyptus. A tester highlighted that the embroidery was “gorgeous” and “exquisite.”
| Material | Egyptian cotton percale |
| Sizes | Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | 4 options |
Pros
- Stonewashed for a lived-in look and feel
- Linen is breathable and airy
- Earned high softness scores in blind comparison
Cons
- Testers noted fabric is prone to linting
Why we love it
Made with premium French flax, this linen duvet cover from The Citizenry looks and feels luxurious. Linen is notoriously stiff and can feel scratchy, but this linen is stonewashed, which gives it a softer, more lived-in feel.
How it performed in our tests
When testers rated linen fabrics for softness in a blind comparison, this material stood out as being the softest of the bunch, earning the highest scores for its comfortable, cozy feel.
My team and I have found that while not every tester wants to sleep with linen sheets because of the texture, testers often love to pair a cotton sheet set with a linen duvet cover like this one because it adds a natural, airy look to their bedrooms. This linen in particular has beautiful drape, and testers said it grows softer with each wash. One shared, “I loved the feel.. soft yet substantial and natural. I can't wait to get in bed and don't want to get out.” Know that some testers said the fabric created more lint than expected in the wash, but we were impressed by its shrink-resistance during Lab tests.
The duvet cover comes in a variety of earthy colors like olive green, brown, and grey. And it stays attached to a duvet insert with the help of hidden buttons and internal ties.
RELATED: The Best Linen Sheets
| Material | Linen |
| Sizes | Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | 15 options |
Pros
- Tons of fun color options and reversible designs
- Easy-to-use zipper closure
- Looks great with regular washing, according to GH analyst
Cons
- Sateen isn't as soft as other styles we've tested
Why we love it
Placing a duvet insert into a duvet cover is a challenge in and of itself, and having to fasten a row of buttons at the end of the experience can add to the frustration. Plus, the buttons are prone to unbuttoning on their own the longer you leave your cover on and the more you toss and turn (a huge problem for me!). With Hommey’s duvet cover, you can skip the buttons entirely and secure it with a convenient zipper closure.
How it performed in our tests
One tester shared, “The hidden zipper makes it easier to take the duvet cover on and off compared to buttons.” The brand is known for its colorful striped styles, but there are some solid options if you prefer something simpler. A GH analyst who has this cover shared, “I love that it’s reversible, so I have the look of two different bedspreads in one.”
Our analyst said, “I've been using it as my duvet cover for a year, and it still is in great condition.” She described the fabric as having, “a crisp, substantial feel,” which is more commonly a trait of percale, so know that this may not be the softest sateen option. If you prefer linen over sateen, Hommey carries a linen option, but it’s only available in a limited range of colors.
| Material | Cotton sateen or linen |
| Sizes | Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King |
| Colors | 33 options (including 5 linen options) |
How we test duvet covers
At Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate bedding of all kinds, including sheets, pillowcases, and, of course, duvet covers. When duvet covers are analyzed in the Lab, we use our standardized equipment to test the fabric for characteristics like strength and abrasion resistance. We also consider washability and launder each duvet cover according to its care label instructions to analyze how well it resists shrinkage and to see if there are any notable changes in appearance.
Outside of testing in the Lab, we share duvet covers with consumer testers who try the covers out at home on their beds. They provide us with real user feedback, rating their thoughts on properties like overall comfort, ease of use, temperature regulation, and appearance.
We also choose covers from popular brands whose sheets we have tested—made of the same materials that have performed well for pilling, strength, washability, and comfort.
What to look for when shopping for the best duvet covers
A duvet cover is meant to protect your duvet insert or comforter and should be able to withstand regular use while also remaining comfortable to sleep under. Here are some characteristics you can consider when shopping for your next duvet cover:
✔️ Fiber content: Fibers have unique properties that impact the performance of the final product. Typically, you should be able to find the fiber content in the product description online or on the product's fiber content label.
• Cotton: Cotton is commonly used in bedding because it has a soft feel and it is breathable and durable. Longer staple cottons like Egyptian and Pima cottons are higher quality fibers that feel smoother to the touch and are more durable, but they come at a higher cost.
• Polyester: Duvet covers made of polyester fibers are typically more affordable than those made with natural fibers and are also more wrinkle-resistant and durable. However, polyester is less breathable than cotton and can feel less comfortable.
• Regenerated cellulose: Also known as rayon, lyocell, or viscose, regenerated cellulose is a fiber made of wood pulp that undergoes chemical processing. It's smooth, cool, and lightweight.
• Linen: Linen is made of flax fibers and is crisp and airy with a relaxed, textured look. It's a popular pick for warmer months because it's breathable.
✔️ Fabric construction: You can skip out on a top sheet if you're using a duvet cover, so it's important to pick a fabric that you feel is cozy enough to sleep under all night long.
• Percale: One common fabric weave is percale, which is tightly woven with a crisp feel, and it's breathable.
• Sateen: Another popular option is sateen, a satin weave made of cotton for a smoother feel that our testers tend to love.
• Brushed: A popular fabric finish, brushing raises fibers on the fabric's surface for a soft, fuzzy feel.
• Microfiber material: A fabric made with synthetic microfibers tends to feel soft and buttery but may not be as breathable as other natural options.
✔️ Care instructions: Most duvet covers are machine washable, but there are some differences in washing. Some require more gentle care than others, like a delicate wash cycle or hang dry. Be sure to choose a duvet cover that's easy enough for you to maintain.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst and has tested bedding products, including sheets and duvet covers, in the Lab with standardized equipment. For this article, Constantine reviewed both bed sheet and duvet cover testing, digging into Lab data and reviewing consumer surveys. Picks were selected based on test results, and she consulted with her fellow GH Textiles Lab analysts to discuss which duvet covers they use on their own beds.
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