If you're in the market for a new duvet (also commonly known as a comforter), you've probably come across the dilemma of wool vs. down. To clarify, wool comes from the coat of animals such as sheep, goats and llamas. Down is typically derived from duck or goose feathers. If you're not sure which is right for you, keep reading.

Wool has several advantages over down which makes it the better choice for your duvet bedding. Before you leave, make sure you check out our new Comfort Temp Duvet and it's perfect compliment; our hugely popular  A50 Duvet Cover! Both are domestically made in the USA from Seed-to-Stitch®. And designed for your perfect sleep.

Better for Temperature Control

Wool’s natural insulating qualities trap dry, warmer air near the skin when it's cold and helps to pull away moisture and heat from your body when it's warm. This ensures quality sleep during the bitterest of Winter nights or even the most blistering Summer night. 

If you have a bed partner, you will definitely want to go with a wool duvet. According to Dr. Ningtao Mao of England's University of Leeds, wool can help individuals maintain their own comfortable temperatures even if under the same duvet as their partner. So even though most people produce body heat at different rates, wool better maintains one's microclimate, ensuring a great night of sleep for everyone.

Antimicrobial & Antibacterial 

You can rest easy at night knowing your wool duvet will typically be cleaner and fresher than any down or synthetic alternative. Lanolin is an all-natural, waxy substance found on the exterior of wool fiber. It contains fatty acids and other properties that help avert the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.

Easy to Care For

The popularity of the duvet really took off in the 1970's. It was marketed as the "10 second bed" and appealed to many as an easy and fast way to make the bed. With wool's natural antimicrobial & antibacterial properties mentioned above, caring for a wool duvet is just about as easy as making the bed in the morning. 

To freshen your duvet, you can hang outside during a slight breeze or lay outside in the sun. Wool is resistant to odors, so you don't have to worry about your duvet picking up any smells. To keep your duvet in the best of condition, we recommend pairing it with our  A50 Duvet Cover - simply wash the cover 1-2 times a month or as needed.

Hypoallergenic

Dust mites, mold and other aggravating allergens typically need a warm and moist environment to thrive. Wool tends to stay drier and cooler than its surrounding environment. The exterior of wool is hydrophobic, which repels liquid, while the interior of wool is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. A key difference in wool and other fibers like cotton, is that wool can hold up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet. Those with allergies can sleep better and fresher under wool. 

Ethical, Sustainable Manufacturing

Last but certainly not least, are the ethical & sustainable benefits of choosing a wool duvet over down. According to a  report by CBS News, feathers used in down bedding come from ducks and geese which are often obtained through a painful process called "live-plucking" where the feathers and undercoating are pulled off the animal's skin while still alive. Wool on the other hand, is obtained humanely, by farmers shaving the excess coats of the lambs, goats and llamas - causing no harm or pain whatsoever to the animal. This grooming process can be compared to a person getting a haircut. It’s a painless event and the wool coat of the sheep will grow back.

We work with a mill that utilizes wool from certified Climate Beneficial ranchers - the sheep used are guaranteed to receive proper treatment, and are able to graze naturally in open pastures in California (see photo above.) Climate Beneficial ranchers take pride in providing quality wool and respect for the land - creating a wool source that is both sustainable and responsible. These sheep are provided with the utmost in care so that they can continue to provide the highest quality wool for years to come. And the farm uses sustainable carbon farming practices, ensuring our product is climate beneficial and better for the environment.

At Authenticity50, we take our ethical manufacturing commitment to another level by ensuring all of our products are 100% Made in the USA from Seed-to-Stitch®. We support small towns and local communities every step of the way. Our Comfort Temp Duvet is made with the highest quality materials and is designed for your perfect sleep. You’ll be able to enjoy this heirloom product for many years to come.