Wool vs feather duvet - which is best for your sleep?

Wool vs feather duvet

A good night’s sleep is a big part of our overall well-being, so it’s no wonder we spend so much time hunting for the perfect duvet. In New Zealand, we’re pretty fortunate to enjoy a temperate climate, but we still experience a fair range of seasons and temperatures. Choosing a duvet that works for our specific needs can make a world of difference to our rest. At Briscoes, we know how essential bedding is to a comfortable and cosy bedroom environment. But which filling is best? Well, there are a few factors to consider in the wool vs feather duvet debate, so let’s dive into both and see what suits you best.

Allergies and Freshness

While wool isn’t entirely hypoallergenic, it does tend to repel dust mites more effectively than many other materials. Dust mites thrive in warm, damp conditions, but wool’s moisture management helps keep these critters at bay. This is great news if you’re an allergy sufferer looking for fewer morning sneezes and clearer airways.

Durability and Ethical Appeal

Wool duvets are often praised for their longevity. Properly cared for, they can last for many years without losing their loft. Ethically, wool also has strong appeal. It’s a renewable resource (sheep grow new fleeces every year!), and buying locally sourced wool supports New Zealand’s proud farming heritage. While eco-friendliness can depend on specific farming and processing practices, wool generally holds a favourable position in discussions around sustainability. We believe it’s a standout product in our range. If you’re after a duvet that can handle the variety of conditions New Zealand throws at us, a wool duvet is a prime contender.

Feather Duvets: Luxurious Comfort

Feather duvets, especially when paired with a lot of down, are soft and luxurious, like a cosy cloud. At Briscoes we have a great range of luxury duck feather duvets.

Lightness and Warmth

Down clusters (the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese) are renowned for their lightweight warmth. A high down content typically means a duvet that feels incredibly light while offering great insulation. However, not all feather duvets are created equal. Some contain a higher percentage of actual feathers (the quill-bearing outer feathers), and those can add weight and reduce the overall loft.

Considerations for Moisture and Allergies

Feather duvets aren’t always as breathable or moisture-wicking as wool. If you tend to run hot , you could find yourself overheating beneath certain feather duvets. Further, some individuals with dust mite allergies report that they’re more sensitive to feather and down products than to wool.

Maintenance and Care

Caring for a feather duvet typically involves regular fluffing to maintain loft and distributing the filling evenly. Washing can be trickier. You’ll need a washing machine that can handle its size, and you must dry it thoroughly to prevent odours or mildew.

Why Choose Feather

If you love a light, lofty feel, or if you’re specifically after a duvet that cocoons you in that classic “hotel bed” softness, feather is the way to go. At Briscoes, you can find one that meets your comfort preferences, whether you prefer something heavier, lighter, warmer, or more budget-conscious.

What to Look For in a Feather Duvet

When selecting a feather duvet, the most important factor is the down-to-feather ratio, as this significantly impacts comfort, warmth, weight, and overall quality. A higher percentage of down (like 80/20 or even 90/10) provides luxurious softness, superior warmth, and better insulation with a lighter, loftier feel. If you're aiming for premium comfort, 80% down and 20% feathers strikes an ideal balance, perfect for year-round cosiness in New Zealand homes. Lower down percentages (such as 50/50 or less) are heavier, less insulating, and typically more budget-friendly.

Wool vs feather duvet?

Wool duvets offer excellent breathability, natural temperature control, and moisture-wicking properties, making them particularly suited to New Zealand's varied climate and sleepers who prefer consistent comfort. Feather duvets, however, deliver luxurious softness and warmth, though they tend to require more regular maintenance and careful selection to avoid overheating, so wool is the more practical, versatile choice for many households.

Here’s a quick decision-making breakdown. For more information, check out our Duvet inner buying guide.

At the end of the day, our goal is to help you sleep better, feel better, and make your bedroom the cosy haven you deserve. For more information on our range of wool and feather duvets, pop into your local Briscoes or have a browse of duvets online. We’re here to guide you towards the bedding solution that truly lets you rest easy.