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As a helplessly hot sleeper, getting a comfy night’s rest during the chillier months is always a challenge. My 4.5 tog summer duvet simply isn’t up to the job but switching to a heavy winter design usually means waking up in a pool of sweat at 3am.
Fed up of overheating and broken sleep, I set out on a mission to find a winter duvet that would successfully keep the cold at bay, without turning my bed into a sauna. I put a few different designs to the test until I found my Goldilocks option – the Larke 13.5 Tog Nature’s Blend Duvet – perfectly warm without being too hot.
And you don’t just have to take my word for it. Our Good Housekeeping Institute panellists also curled up with this duvet, scoring it an impressive 87/100. Here's everything you need to know.
Right now, GH readers can enjoy 15% off the Larke Nature’s Blend Duvet in any size and tog. Simply use the discount code GH-TREE15 at checkout.
The Larke Nature’s Blend Duvet at a glance
Key specifcations
| Fabric | Tencel lyocell (eucalyptus tree fibre), cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
| Care | Wash at 40C; tumble dry on how heat or air-dry flat |
| Free trial | 30 nights |
| Guarantee | 5-year warranty |
Not your average synthetic option, Larke’s Nature’s Blend Duvet is crafted from 100% natural eucalyptus tree fibres, known for their moisture-wicking and breathable properties. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth. The duvet also features a 280-thread count cotton cover for added comfort and softness and is machine washable at 40C.
Free from plastics and biodegradable, it’s a more planet-friendly choice, too. It’s OEKO-TEX® and FSC® certified, which means it’s been independently tested for harmful substances and made using responsibly sourced materials.
Available in 4.5, 10.5 and 13.5 togs, I went for the 13.5 tog to see if it kept me cosy without overheating.
My verdict
I was impressed with my Larke duvet the moment it landed on my doorstep on a toe-numbingly cold January afternoon. It comes in a neat drawstring bag (handy if you want to stash it away when the warmer weather hits) and includes a tactile insert that details exactly how it’s made, from tree to fibre to finished product, which is a thoughtful touch.
I was seriously impressed at how lightweight it was for a 13.5 tog duvet – others I've tried previously have felt significantly heavier. It meant I didn’t feel weighed down or claustrophobic underneath my king size design. I was able to change the sheets on my own with minimal wrestling required.
The big question: how did it perform on the temperature-regulating front? For me, it did an excellent job – I've been using it all month and I have no complaints. It somehow manages to hit the sweet spot between insulating warmth and breathability. I was nice and cosy as I drifted off, and I didn’t get that unpleasant stuffy feeling I’m so used to.
I like that you can pop it in the washing machine to keep things fresh (although it may not fit if you opt for a larger size and have a smaller machine). It’s suitable for tumble drying, but I left it out to air-dry and it took around a day to fully dry.
The Good Housekeeping Institute verdict
Pros
- Extremely light and breathable
- Made from natural materials
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Some shrinkage noted after tumble drying
- Pricey
The duvet proved extremely popular with our Good Housekeeping Institute testers, too. They said the featherlight design felt comfortably warm, yet they still maintained a steady body temperature. "The light weight is very impressive considering it’s a 13.5 tog,” said one panellist. Another commented: “It feels very soft to the touch and provided adequate warmth during cold weather.” They also praised its even weight distribution, with no clumping or bunching, and there was no rustling if they (or their partner) moved around at night.
After conducting a series of wash tests in the GHI laundry room (imagine rows and rows of washing machines), our experts confirmed it washed well and maintained its shape. That said, they recommend air drying, as they noticed some shrinkage after tumble drying.
There’s no getting around the price tag, but the premium design feels worth the investment – especially when you consider its natural materials, sustainability credentials and, crucially, its impressive performance. Whether you’re a hot sleeper, keen to avoid synthetics, or simply don't get on with down, there’s lots to love about this Larke duvet.
The Nature’s Blend Duvet is available to shop directly from Larke. Use the code GH-TREE15 to enjoy 15% off on any duvet size and tog.
More GHI Approved winter duvets
Score: 91/100
Like eucalyptus, wool is naturally insulating, temperature-regulating and anti-bacterial. Testers liked how cosy this was and said the cotton cover was a joy to snuggle up with.
Score: 90/100
Treated with special HeiQ Allergen tech, this duvet is designed to break down allergens, including dust mites, pollen and pet allergens. Panellists said it was lightweight and didn't cause any overheating.
Score: 89/100
Another surprisingly light 13.5 tog option, this is a great-value duvet that proved soft, quiet and cosy at night. It's easy to store away in the summer months and washed well in our tests.
See our full round-up of the best winter duvets for more of our top picks, plus how to choose the right one for you.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
