A season tog guide: which tog to use depending on the weather
The duvet originated in the colder regions of the Scandinavian countries and is filled with eiderdown from birds, feathers or synthetic stuffing. This is why the tog rating (see definition below) matters and with the weather changes happening across the U.K., it is important to pay attention to the climate variations. Having your bedroom too cold or to hot can lead to a poor night sleep which affects your quality of life so it is a good idea to give our duvet tog guide a read to make sure you’re knowledgeable on the best tog for each season.
What is tog rating?
The rating to determine the proper weight of the duvet needed for the desired amount of warmth during the seasonal weather is known as the tog rating. It is a means of measuring the insulating value of various materials such as cotton, wool, silk and other fabrics used in the manufacture of duvets.
Duvets are the coverings for bedding; everyone uses a duvet, from babies to adults so it is important to use the proper weight of duvet for the weather and comfort level of the individual. The Shirley Togmeter method of measurement is used by the Shirley Institute to measure tog rating and it consists of a set of metal plates that measures the air pressure difference between the plates and the air above the duvet.
Tog ratings are also applied to the material that underlays carpeting for homes and garments in the textile industries. As the range of temperatures varies with seasonal changes and geographical location, the need for accurate tog ratings of bedding, clothing and other items are well known. After all, who wants to be shivering under a lightweight duvet of a 3.04 to 4.5 tog rating when the rains of spring are pouring down and the wind has a banshee howl? Better to choose the spring and autumn weight of 7 to 10.5 for warmth during these seasons.
The heaviest rated tog duvet is that of the winter weight, which ranges from 12 to 15 tog. Interestingly enough, the rating of the Shirley Togmeter is designed to measure the thermal units assuming that no clothing is worn underneath the duvet. When pyjamas or other clothing is worn during sleep along with the duvet, the tog rating naturally will be increased.
The materials used in the construction of the duvet and mattress material can also make a difference in the weight and thickness of the duvet needed for sleeping. It is important not to have babies or young children under a duvet that may be unsuited for the temperatures during that season because it can result in illness. Having the right tog rating and duvet set can help your family to sleep well and obtain the rest they need to remain healthy. However, for young ones you should consider function in terms of duvet inner as well as the fun and quirkiness of childrens duvet covers.
For those not familiar with duvets and tog ratings, this can be quite confusing. It is also important to remember the temperature conversions may be very different from someone from the Americas to become accustomed to. The best bet is to pay attention to the tog ratings recommended for each season. The use of duvets and the basic understanding of the tog rating system is important because if you are too hot or too cold you won't get a good night's rest.
Therefore the best choices in duvets are those that can be used together, which is why a number of manufacturers are selling them in pairs, so that two may be combined to provide a higher tog rating for the really cold weather, without having to resort to turning up the heating in the bedroom or wearing layers of night clothes in order to keep warm.
Spring and autumn
The seasons of spring and autumn are similar because they have wind, rain and fog, to name a few of the weather conditions to contend with. A duvet with the lightweight thermal rating will not work as well as ones rated at 7.5 or 10.5. These are designed to keep more warm air between your body and duvet covers.
One of the things that can change the feel of the tog rating is the amount of night clothes worn during the night. The rating of 10.5 gives a wonderful warmth for chilly nights when the season is changing yet it isn't sufficiently cold to warrant a high tog rating.
Winter weather and temperatures
With the coming of the winter months, the temperatures plummet and rain, snow and icy weather can cause problems both indoors and out. The duvet with the highest tog rating of 13.5 gives your bed a comfortable cosy place to sleep or just cuddle with your favourite book and hot beverage. As mentioned, paired duvets give you the opportunity to have two lighter weight duvets together to form one higher tog rated one.
You simply use the lightest 4.5 tog during the warmer months and add the second, 9.0 tog during the colder months. When used together paired duvets have a combined tog rating of 13.5 tog, which is usually more than sufficient to keep you warm on even the coldest of nights.
Sensitive to the cold?
It is important to remember that the duvet tog guide is just that; a guide, so listen to your body when it comes to feeling the cold. For those that really feel the cold it is possible purchase 15 and even 20 tog duvets for extra cosy warmth. In a similar way for those who become too warm when sleeping very lightweight 1 tog and 3 tog duvets can be purchased, but these are not the norm, so to speak. Duvets are a great choice for bedding. They offer lightweight warmth that can be adapted or swapped to suit the seasons and the person's needs. They are easy to maintain, a simple shake each morning is all that's needed to fluff them back up.
You can use them on their own, with a duvet cover, or add a quilted bed throw for appearance and warmth if you want to. Altering the tog rating of your duvet means that you shouldn't have to increase the temperature of your bedroom, which is an effective way to save money on your heating bills. Finding the most comfortable tog rating for your needs may be trial and error to begin with, but by and large most people find that the lightest. 4.5 tog are suitable for summer and a 13.5 tog perfect for the winter.