Are coverless duvets a good idea? We've got the GHI verdict
Changing your bedding can sometimes feel like a real workout and even the best duvets will leave you wrangling them into a fresh cover. But, here to take the hassle out of this weekly (or fortnightly if we're being honest) chore are the best coverless duvets.
Relatively new to the market, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute were keen to see if they really deliver the convenience and comfort they promise. So, we recruited a panel of readers to try some of the market-leading brands at home and also put them to the test in our lab.
Here are our top picks at a glance but scroll on for everything you need to know about these bedroom game-changers.
What is a coverless duvet?
These all-in-one solutions come with a soft cover sewn in, so you never have to worry about changing your duvet cover again.
Unlike traditional duvets, which usually have to be dry-cleaned every few months, they're machine-washable for maximum convenience. Many can also be popped in the tumble dryer as well.
Are coverless duvets worth it?
If you struggle with changing your bedding, or it's simply one of those chores you're always putting off, they're certainly worth it. In fact, they have multiple benefits:
They're more hygienic as they can be washed regularly, removing any allergens.
They're also more cost effective, saving on trips to the dry cleaners and spending on new duvet covers.
They're space-saving, as you can say goodbye to piles of duvet covers in your cupboards. Some even come with their own bags for easy storage.
They're particularly handy for younger children and teenagers who may be prone to spillages, as well as for camping trips and travel where bedding can often get muddy, or for anyone who just needs a helping hand with their laundry (read: students). Some people also like to use them in guest bedrooms, as they can be easily freshened up before visitors arrive.
Can you get different designs and togs?
Yes, there are a wide selection of colours and designs available on the market, from florals to ginghams. Just bear in mind that you'll want to hold onto your duvet for a couple of years, so avoid anything you'll think you'll tire of quickly. A classic stripe or neutral block colour is always a safe pick.
Many coverless duvets also come in a range of togs – a light 4.5 tog one will make the best summer duvet, while a weightier 10.5 tog option will make the best winter duvet. They also come in a range of sizes from single to super king. Note that higher tog, super king options will be more of a squeeze for your washing machine, so read the manufacturer's advice before buying.
How often should you wash a coverless duvet?
When it comes to washing, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but generally, you should wash your coverless duvet every one to two weeks, in the same way as the rest of your bedding.
“We’d recommend more frequent washing compared to a regular duvet as it comes into direct contact with the skin,” says Danielle Mason, Head of Product Development at The Fine Bedding Company. “We’d therefore advise washing your coverless duvet every two weeks (or weekly, depending on how often you like to wash your bedding) to ensure a hygienic bedroom environment (avoiding the build up of dirt, dead skin cells, dust mites and makeup).”
Most brands recommend washing between 30 and 40C.
How we test
We asked a panel of 12 testers to put three market-leading brands to the test at home, sleeping with them for four weeks and feeding back on comfort, design and breathability.
In the GHI lab, each duvet is first assessed for overall quality, construction and size. We then wash and dry them three times, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, checking for any shrinkage or change in appearance. Finally, we measure any colour fade using our specialist DigiEye machine. You'll find our list of tried and tested duvets below.
We've also included a selection of duvets that have picked out by our homes team, to offer you plenty of choice, depending on your décor and budget. These are listed below our tried and tested duvets. They haven't been tested in the lab, but our team know what they're looking for when it comes to quality.
Keen to put those weekly wash-day struggles to bed? Read on for our verdicts.
All prices listed are for a standard double duvet.
Tufted Dots Coverless Duvet, 10.5 Tog
Score: 97/100
Available in a choice of warm sand or dusk blue shades, with a dotted textured finish, our experts found this coverless duvet well made and sturdy, with secure stitching. It didn't fade in the wash and our experts noticed minimal shrinkage.
The built-in cover is crafted with peachskin microfibres for a silky soft finish and it has a 100% Smartfil® Polyester filling from recycled PET bottles, which, as well as being more eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, is designed to hold its shape wash after wash.
Our panel found it lightweight, yet warm (we tested the 10.5 tog option, but there is also a 4.5 tog version available), and liked that it came with its own duffel storage bag. The design proved a little divisive – some would have preferred a smooth finish and there are only the two colour options – but otherwise, it was soft to the touch, straightforward to wash and quick-drying.
Coverless Duvet and Pillowcase Set – 10.5 Tog
Score: 94/100
This Silentnight duvet comes with matching pillowcases and a choice of navy or grey marl finish. Crafted from soft-touch fabric for a luxurious feel, it's machine-washable and dries in 90 minutes.
Our testers liked that it didn't fade during washing and it fitted our test mattress snuggly. The filling was well distributed, even after we put it through a few wash cycles, and it retained its shape well.
Our panel thought it was a well constructed duvet, finding it lightweight, but still cosy. It also didn't rustle at night when they moved around. “I liked the ease of no cover and the tog level was cosy for winter but not too hot,” said one delighted tester. Not everyone liked the dark colourways, but this is a good all-rounder at a great price.
Coverless Duvet Double 10.5-Tog
Score: 93/100
Another hypoallergenic pick, you get two designs for the price of one with this reversible Slumberdown duvet and matching pillowcases. Whether you opt for grey stripes or the embossed waffle design, both can be flipped for a plain, but stylish block colour reverse.
Our testers found this duvet lightweight and airy, and it comes generously stuffed with hollow fibres for added softness and bounce. It was also easy to unpack, had clear washing instructions and dried quickly.
It did shrink a bit in our wash tests and some of our panel raised concerns about the long-term durability of the fabric. However, it's a solid pick for comfort and convenience. We think it would work well for spare bedrooms.
Editors' picks
Leopard Coverless Duvet & Pillowcase Set
We wanted to include another duvet from our winning brand as it offers so much choice – and we're fans of this pretty pink leopard print. The duvet features shape-retaining Smartfil® filling and a super soft microfibre cover.
It comes with a reusable duffle bag for storage and two matching pillowcases, making it a stylish and practical addition to any bedroom.
Cosy Cord 6.5 Tog Coverless Comforter Duvet
With cord on one side and a soft, tufted finish on the reverse, this coverless duvet will add some cosy texture to your bed.
It’s made of polyester, a material that’s durable and typically easy to clean. And at 6.5 tog, it’s lightweight, so you can use on its own throughout the year or layer it up with blankets in the colder months. We also like the striped, quilted design, which is available in silver grey, natural and navy shades.
Grey Lightweight Coverless Duvet – 7.5 Tog
Made with a mix of cotton and polyester, this is another lightweight coverless duvet, this time with a stylish soft grey graphic print . It’s also tumble-drier friendly, which will make laundry day even easier, but note, the brand recommends washing it at 30C.
Supremely Washable 7.5 Tog Duvet
A white duvet is a timeless addition to any bedroom and with this coverless version from M&S, it should be effortless to keep fresh and all year long. You can wash, dry and have it back on your bed in the same day.
It also comes in three different togs, so you can find the best level of warmth for you, and has a soft, breathable microfibre cover. Plus, it's made in the UK and its filling contains 30% recycled fibres.
Reversible Coverless Duvet with Baffle Box Design
HIG’s microfibre, lightweight duvet has a sleek box-stitch design and is reversible for extra versatility, with one darker and one lighter side.
It's perfect for those who like a pared back look in the bedroom or it would make the perfect base for colourful pillows and throws. It's also available in green, navy and white. And at 10.5 togs, it's a good all-round option.
7.5 Tog Double Size Duvet Set
After something with a bit more character? This duvet (which comes with two matching pillowcases) comes in a range of patchwork designs. We like the muted, country feel of this botanical print. It's 7.5 togs, and has a brushed microfibre cover for comfort and warmth.
7.5 Tog Double Size Duvet Set
Proving that coverless duvets don't have to be dull, this deep green design with a tufted 3D jacquard pattern will add a touch of elegance to your bedroom.
The duvet contains clusters of microfibre filling to mimic the sensation of real down but also comes with the bonus of being machine washable and dryer friendly.
Coverless Seersucker Duvet - 10.5 Tog
Another pick from our runner-up brand in testing, this microfibre duvet has a super soft design with a seersucker exterior that should help keep you cool in hot weather.
And because it’s 10.5 togs, it will provide warmth in the winter too, making it a fantastic year-round duvet. The duvet is reversible as well, so you can alter your room’s look instantly.
Colour Temperate Synthetic Duvet
With beige, grey and blue colourways, this coverless duvet can match any design scheme. It’s 6.7 togs, offering a lightweight design for warmer weather and homes.
And if you’re typically a hot sleeper, it’s definitely worth considering as you can easily wash and tumble dry it come morning so it’s ready for nighttime again.
The verdict on coverless duvets
Our GHI winner, the Night Lark Tufted Dots Coverless Duvet, ticked all our boxes – it’s washable, stylish and functional, helping our panel enjoy a great night’s sleep. It earns bonus points for its eco-credentials with a polyester filling made from recycled PET bottles, too.
Our other two tried and tested coverless duvets were difficult to separate on test. Both washed and dried quickly but the Silentnight Coverless Duvet faded a little in the process, while the Slumberdown Coverless Duvet shrank slightly. Those were small niggles though, when considering their affordability, softness and convenience. And both scored highly with our panel, so should serve you well.
Why you should trust us
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for 100 years, scrutinising hundreds of products each month so you can shop with confidence.
Our head of content, Alison Lynch, is responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink and has over 15 years’ experience in the industry. She's always on the lookout for the latest innovations that make life that little bit easier. So when she heard about coverless duvets, she knew we had to give them a try.
Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, has reviewed thousands of sleep products and oversaw all the testing for the GHI's inaugural Sleep Awards, so she knows exactly what she's looking for when it comes to your bedroom basics.
20 March 2025: Updated headlines and checked stock levels and prices to ensure they reflect the latest and best deals.
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