The Best Lightweight Comforters of 2021 – Stay Cool at Night

There’s almost nothing better than getting into bed and snuggling underneath a favorite comforter even when a person lives in a warm climate (tropics) or runs hot while sleeping. Thankfully, some comforters are designed to keep you cool throughout the night. They help to regulate your body temperature, are super-sort, airy and hypoallergenic. 

Do you find yourself waking up too hot? If so, then it’s time to consider a lightweight comforter for your bed. 

Of course, trying to find the best lightweight comforter can be a challenge. There are a plethora of lightweight comforters – with all kinds of fills (down, down alternative, duck or goose). The comforters of duck and goose filling are incredibly soft and fluffy, but goose down filling comforters tend to cost more. 

Lightweight comforters with down alternative filling – be it natural or synthetic filling – are usually less expensive and better for people who have allergies. These types of comforters are easier to take care of and can be thrown into a washer. 

When you’re looking for a lightweight comforter to wrap up in, there are a few factors to help you choose the right one. The most important is the fill power, which is the volume amount an ounce of down in the comforter. The fill power lets you know how heavy the comforter is going to be. Comforters that have a fill power of 650 or less tend to be lightweight and better to use in the warmer months. Of course, if you want a comforter you can use all year long, then you need to consider comforters that have a higher fill power.  

How can you find the best lightweight comforter for you?

The Best Lightweight Comforters of 2020

LilySilk All Season Silk Comforter Review

The LilySilk All Season Silk Comforter is made of genuine silk mulberry floss that will keep you warm and comfortable without locking in any heat. The outer silk shell is made up of 400 TCI and 100% 19 momme long-strand silk that keeps its shape and protects the inner layer from damage with long-term use. This silk floss-filled quilt is lightweight and fluffy, protecting you from excess cold and heat.

The LilySilk is very soft and smooth and three times more breathable than the best cotton. It can wick moisture away, regulate your body temperature, and is ideal for people for sensitive skin. The silk material is breathable, which means you’ll stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Silk does a better job of regulating heat than polyester or down, so you won’t sweat during the night.

Thanks to the stitching design, the layers of silk filling and comforter shell ensure the material will not bunch up or move around. The LilySilk All Season Silk Comforter also has a side zipper that you can access to ensure there are no fill irregularities. Four corner taps are designed to ensure that the duvet won’t move.

Buffy Cloud Comforter Review

The Buffy Cloud Comforter is considered one of the best if you want a cooling summer comforter. It’s made of 100 percent eucalyptus fabric cover, which means it’s both soft and breathable. The manufacturer also uses a certain construction that neutralizes temperatures and helps people who sleep hot to stay cool during the night. This lightweight product uses gossamer fiber for its filling, which provides added loft and plushness.

People who suffer from allergies – be it respiratory or skin – will find relief with this summer comforter, as it is resistant to dust mites, microbes, and other allergens. It’s a hypoallergenic choice and was made via eco-friendly and cruelty-free methods. The filling is made up of recycled plastics (about 50 bottles), which protects both wildlife and landfills.

Best of all, Buffy provides a free sleep trial to their customers. The Buffy Cloud Comforter is shipped free of charge, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back without any problems or questions asked.

Climabalance Lightweight Comforter Review

The ClimaBalance technology was designed by expert sleep researchers to help with heat and humidity regulation, which often becomes trapped under covers. The design includes a sewn-in mesh fabric that will allow air to flow through and increase your chances of getting into REM sleep.

According to Prof. Dr. Zulley, the Climabalance Lightweight Comforter can increase deep sleep phases by close to 50 percent, which boosts the immune system and metabolism and improves overall mood. The hi-tech mesh fabric moves the excess heat to help you stay cool and sweat-free as you sleep. In the colder months or climates, the colder air is warmed up to your body temperature to ensure a good night’s rest.

It’s a unique technology that can be used in conjunction with cotton duvet covers. Microfiber isn’t usually breathable, which can affect the regulating effect. Using synthetic materials also increases the static charges, which is why you should only use 100 percent cotton sheets.

People who have allergies may see some benefits using the Climabalance Lightweight Comforter as well. How so? It uses only hypoallergenic materials. And, while some comforters are dry-clean-only, ClimaBalance makes sure that you can wash yours at home. Use it as a standalone comforter or a duvet insert.

Linenspa Reversible Down Alternative Comforter Review

The Linenspa Reversible Down Alternative Comforter for hot sleepers is another very popular choice. It’s filled with super-soft down alternative that’s both hypoallergenic and soft. The microfiber material feels light and cool against the skin. It’s got a 300gsm fill weight, giving it a cozy down feeling without any feathers, sharp quills, or odor. The filling remains in place thanks to the box-stitch design, which keeps a recently fluffed look. Its built-in loops ensure the comforter won’t bunch up while you sleep.

The Linenspa Reversible Down Alternative Comforter is available in eight sizes, which are also reversible. This means you have the choice of many different colors. You can also wash it easily at home, and if something should happen to it, the manufacturer offers a three-year warranty.

Downlite Luxury Lightweight Down Comforter Review

If you’re looking for natural materials, the Downlite Luxury Lightweight Down Comforter is the answer. Made of high-quality white duck down and cambric cotton, it’s hypoallergenic and has a 550 fill power.

Some people find duck down comforters uncomfortable because they usually shift. However, thanks to the Downlite’s sewn-in construction, the down will stay in place. Available in white or ivory, this cooling comforter has a one-inch satin trim that increases its softness. What’s more, you can wash it in the home washer and dryer without ruining it. Downlite makes it easy to take care of your bedding.

One of the reasons hot sleepers should consider the Downlite Luxury Lightweight Down Comforter is that it can be used alone; however, cold sleepers can also use it with other blankets to stay warm.

Zen Bamboo Luxury Down Alternative Comforter Review

If you want an all-year-long snuggle comforter, then you want the Zen Bamboo Luxury Down Alternative Comforter for hot sleepers. It’s made of hypoallergenic materials and is stain, fade, and wrinkle-resistant. The Zen Bamboo is soft, cool and can withstand damage much better than cotton. It’s eco-friendly and made of high-quality materials (double-brushed microfiber and bamboo-derived rayon).

You can take care of the Zen Bamboo Luxury Down Alternative Comforter from the comfort of your own home. Wash in either warm or cold water, and tumble dry on low heat. Make sure you remove it from the dryer right away to avoid wrinkling. Zen Bamboo offers an array of colors to their customers, which means you can easily find an option that matches your décor.

DreamTek All Season Down Comforter Review

People assume that down is a winter-only material because of how warm it tends to be. However, the DreamTek All Season Down Comforter is proof that you can use it all year long.

This is a 600 fill power lightweight down comforter, which ensures you stay warm but not too warm. The down comes from an eco-friendly source and is thoroughly cleaned, which means it’s a hypoallergenic product. Tiny compartments, with the sewn-through stitching, keep the filling in place. The DreamTek doesn’t have a lot of loft to it, as noted with another lightweight comforters. But, you don’t have to worry about constant fluffing either.

The cotton shell, with its 395 thread count, encloses the blanket and can wick away moisture. It’s super soft and durable thanks to the long-staple cotton fibers, which increases the blanket’s longevity. No need to dry clean this product, as you can easily wash and dry it in your home. What’s more, the DreamTek All Season Down Comforter has a smart snap system that lets you put multiple blankets together to produce a thicker comforter – ideal for the winter or if you are really cold.

DOWNLITE Hypoallergenic Down Blanket Review

If you want a hypoallergenic summer comforter, Downlite can give you what you need. Their DOWNLITE Hypoallergenic Down Blanket is made of high-quality white duck down filling with a 550 fill power and a 230 thread count cambric cotton shell. Though duck down is generally associated warmth, Downlite uses a lower fill power, making it ideal for use all year long. Downlite also added a one-inch satin trim that’s super soft to touch.

One of the biggest things people worry about with their down comforter is ruining it while trying to keep it clean. Downlite addresses this worry. Their comforter can be washed and dried at home, but make sure to read the recommended instructions from the manufacturer.

Another problem down comforters might have is the shifting of the material. However, thanks to the Downlite’s sewn-through design, the down remains in place. This DOWNLITE Hypoallergenic Down Blanket can be used by anyone whether they sleep hot or cold.

What You May Not Have Known About A Comforter

A comforter is one kind of bedding that has been created to help you stay warm. It is two fabrics that have been woven together using insulation materials like down or goose feathers or wool. A comforter is sold separately or in a set that includes pillowcases, bedspreads and sheets. The majority of designs are either sewn through or quilted to ensure the stuffing remains in place. 

Comforters are usually larger than the bed size, hanging down the sides. Comforters also don’t need covers. They are considered a comfortable mattress feature that can last a long time if washed and dried properly. 

Why Should You Consider A Lightweight Comforter 

Wearing thin pajamas and using thin sheets will not always keep you from getting hot as you sleep. Getting too hot can be suffocating and keep you from staying asleep. However, a cooling blanket or lightweight comforter helps hot sleepers stay asleep. These items ensure your body temperature remains stable as you’re sleeping, so you don’t wake up sweating even if the room is cold. 

There are lifestyle factors that affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm, such as working late at night, watching TV, looking at a smartphone, etc. On top of that, being overweight (or obese) and suffering from health issues such as diabetes, hyperhidrosis, thyroid issues, etc. can hinder you from getting a good night’s rest. If you suffer from anxiety, have a metabolic disorder or overheat while you sleep, staying asleep can be next to difficult. 

Most people, perhaps yourself included, love the idea of wrapping up in a thick comforter with the air conditioner blasting out cold air in the dead of summer or when you have an open window for cold air to come in during the colder months. Science has shown that people fall into a deep sleep when their body reaches an optimal temperature. 

The best sleep temperatures are anything from 55 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to create a place you want to sleep in, and this means use bedding that supports better sleep quality. After all, better sleep improves your physical and mental health.

How Can A Comforter Keep You Cool While You Sleep

If you want a cool comforter, there are a few things to look for in your search for the best lightweight comforter. 

Airy and Moisture-Wicking 

• If you’re a sweater when you sleep, you want bedding that promotes airflow and can wick moisture away. Some manufacturers use merino wool due to its moisture-wicking abilities, while other manufacturers have a unique design to spread the moisture and dry it out. With these features, you don’t have to worry about waking up with night sweats.  
• Some manufacturers produce products that they claim are naturally cooling due to their material (eucalyptus fibers or bamboo). These fibers are known as regenerated cellulose fibers called lyocell and rayon. This means the wood pulp from various plants is dissolved using a chemical solvent, which then goes through an extruder to create fibers. This means the plants are chemically-altered, and any cooling benefits there were are all but gone.   

• Special Note: While these materials can keep you cool, that’s only the case if it can wick moisture away and is lightweight. It’s not because of the material itself. 

Cooling Technology 

Some manufacturers make use of cooling technologies such as 37.5 and Outlast. Outlast will accumulate and release body heat via a phase change material. 37.5 begins when humidity and sweat are wicked away before it can develop. If you want the best cooling comforter, be sure to look for ones that use cooling technology. 

Lightweight Down

Nothing comes as close to being fluffy as down because the clusters trap it. This is problematic for people who sweat while they sleep. If you’d like to purchase real down, you want a lower fill power in your comforter (600 or less for the summer months). This means less air, which translates to less heat. There are multiple lightweight down alternative choices as well. 

What To Look For From A Lightweight Comforter

Color, Pattern

As with anything you buy, the comforter’s color should fit in with the décor of the room. If you want a lightweight comforter for an inset, be sure to find one with corner loops and go with the color white. This doesn’t show through a cover and affect the overall design. 

Fill Power

This is the measurement of how much space a one ounce of down fills up. The higher this number, the more insulation and loft you get. You get a good idea of a comforter’s quality and warmth through that fill power number. 

Fill Material

Comforter fill material has the most impact on the amount of heat the comforter keeps in. If you run hot while you sleep, this is something to be mindful of.

• Cotton – This material is cheap and isn’t as hot as down, which is why hot sleepers tend to go with comforters with this filling. 

• Down Alternative – This fill is made up of different forms but usually synthetic materials that mimic the soft and light feeling of down. Some down alternative will be loftier and retain more heat. They are cheaper, which makes them a strong contender for those who sleep hot, but with the feeling of down. 
• Down Cluster – This material is part of the down with the most insulating power. Comforters that have a high percentage of down clusters tend to be warmer and not recommended for use with hot sleepers. 

• Duck Down – This material comes from the soft underside feathers of duck. It’s not as lofty or warm as goose down, but is recommended for people who are cool sleepers (not warm ones). 

• Goose Down – This material comes from the underside of geese. It’s super-soft and lightweight and keeps in most heat. Goose down comforters are usually too hot for hot sleepers and isn’t recommended for people who have temperature-regulating problems.

• Other Feathers – Besides the small feathers that come from ducks and geese, these feathers are also soft and breathable but don’t produce the kind of loft and warmth that down does. If you sleep hot at night, then a feather fill will mimic true down. 

• Silk – Silk is ideal for hot sleepers because it’s breathable and light. Silk doesn’t produce the sensation of suffocation. The reason many people pass on silk is the cost, especially if it’s the main fill material of the comforter. 

• Wool – This material has natural temperature-management properties, making it the ideal choice for people who sleep hot. However, the weight and cost tend to be the reason people refuse to make this investment. 

Fill Warmth

Most people worry that their down comforters are going to make them sweat. However, manufacturers have wised up and designed comforters that can be used in any season. Of course, heavy, more insulated down comforters are better for winter months. A lightweight comforter is better in the summer. Most down comforter manufacturers have found the right balance, so they are usable all year long.  

Now, if you want optimal temperature control comforters, find comforters for the season you want.  

Shell Material 

How will you use this down comforter? Is it going to be a standalone piece or used as a duvet cover? If you use it as a standalone comforter, you want one that won’t pill or is lint-resistant. You want the fabric to be soft and anti-static. What are the most common comforter shell materials manufacturers tend to use?

• Cotton – Most people are familiar with cotton because it’s a material used in all kinds of products – not just bedding. Cotton is super-soft when it’s a high-quality material. It’s also very durable. Cotton does have a drawback. People who sleep hot shouldn’t use it because of its moisture-retaining property. Still, some cotton such as sateen is airy and breathable. 

• Cotton-Synthetic Blends – Some manufacturers will blend cotton with a synthetic material such as rayon or polyester, which helps to increase the moisture-wicking properties. 

• Silk – Hot sleepers can benefit from silk comforters because it won’t lock in heat and does wick moisture away. It’s soft and smooth but isn’t easy to keep clean. It’s not the typical comforter shell material.

• Wool – This material does wick moisture away, which is something people who sweat at night should consider, especially in the winter months. 

Silk, wool and cotton are easy to get ahold of, but products that use silk as its material will be more expensive. 

Size 

It’s important to know what your bed size is to find a comforter that will fit it. You want a comforter that hangs below the mattress (or flows down to the ground for a more stylish look). If your mattress is thick or you’re unsure of the size, be sure you measure it to find the right size. If your bed is a Twin XL, get a full or queen size comforter.

Stitch Design 

There are many methods used by manufacturers to keep materials inside the comforter. What are the more common methods?

• Baffle Box – The comforter upper and bottom layers are not sewn directly together, but are connected throughout with tiny fabric pieces. This is known as the baffle-box design. This ensures the material has some vertical room to move. This means more loft and fluffiness.  

• Diamond-Quilted – This method of sewn-through stitching is shaped like a diamond.

• Gusseted – A gusseted comforter is when the bottom and top have been sewn together with an extra strip of fabric around the edge of the comforter. This doesn’t affect heat so much but does increase its loftiness. 

• Sewn-Through – This method uses stitching that connects the bottom and top, creating tiny compartments to ensure the fill remains in place and inside the comforter. They also make sure the material is compact, so the fill doesn’t have a lot of insulation or loft. 

Thread Count 

This aspect of the comforter is in relation to the shell. It lets you know how dense the yarns are of a square inch of fabric. Most people don’t know a lot about textiles and sewing, so just know that the higher a thread count is, the smoother the material is going to be and the longer it’ll last. 

Bear in mind that some unscrupulous manufacturers will inflate their thread counts using the double-counting two-ply yarns for their material. This is why you need to consider only blankets with a thread count of 300 to 600. Higher counts tend to be inflated counts. 

What Can You Do To Stay Cool As You Sleep

Your comforter isn’t the only way to stay cool. There are other things that you can do to improve your sleeping environment and quality – to ensure you don’t get too hot as you sleep.

• BedJet – The BedJet hose will pump hot or cold air to ensure the bed temperature stays regulated so you won’t get too hold or cold. 

• ChiliPad – This mattress pad can heat up or cool down the bed by circulating warm or cool water via the pad. 

• Cooling Mattress Toppers – If you have a hot mattress and money is an issue, you can always use a cooling mattress topper to give you cool. This topper goes on top of your mattress and under the sheets, so you don’t get too hot or cold. 

• Lower Thermostat – Your room’s temperature is going to play a role in your body temperature. The lower the room temperature, the better off you will be in getting and staying asleep. Don’t just turn down the AC, but use a fan to circulate the cool air. 

• Pajamas – Do not wear heavy pajamas or any clothing that can lock in heat or keep air from flowing through freely. Be sure to use loose-fitting clothes to help keep yourself cool at night.

• Right Bedding – The bedding you use on your mattress will affect your body’s temperature. Do not use heavy sheets (flannel, for example) or single-piece memory foam, as they lock in heat. 

• Right Mattress – Each mattress material is not the same in how they retain heat. For instance, traditional memory foam mattresses are going to run hotter than a latex mattress. A super-soft mattress can also increase how hot you sleep. Be sure to do your homework to find the best mattress to help you stay cool.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Comforters?

Is One Type of Down Comforter Better Than Another?

The most important consideration is getting a comforter that fits the bed just right. A good comforter must hang below the mattress (perhaps down to the floor if you want a refined look). If you own a thick mattress or unsure of its size, you should purchase a comforter that’s bigger than your mattress. For example, if you have a Twin mattress, you want a Full-size comforter. 

If your goal is to purchase a comforter that can be used all year long, you want a lightweight (thin) comforter. If you get cold at night, you can always add to your bed. If a comforter is too hot for summertime temperatures, you’ll need to invest in another blanket.

Consider how you’ll be using your comforter. Will it be a lone piece or used as a duvet cover? The key is to find a comforter that uses high-quality fabric that won’t pill or attracts lint. The fabric must be pleasing to the eye and touch, shouldn’t contain static and be as quiet as possible. When buying your comforter, you want one that fits into the room décor. 

If you want to use a comforter as an insert, be sure to pick one that has corner loops or is able to be tied down. If you’re able, consider making these for yourself. If not, then go with a ready-made product. Plain white is the best color for the duvet insert, as it won’t show through and take away from any designs. 

Are Lightweight Comforters Meant Only For Summertime Use?

Most people are under the assumption that a lightweight comforter means it can only be used in the summer and won’t provide them with any warmth. However, it’s the fill material that dictates whether or not a lightweight comforter can be used all year long or just in the summer. Some materials mean lightweight comforters will keep you warm even in the dead of winter.

Will You Still Cool During The Summer?

A lightweight comforter doesn’t automatically translate to cool sleeping in the summer, but some comforters will let you sleep cooler. For instance, a lightweight comforter or down alternative comforter is airier than a heavy comforter and ensures you sleep cooler at night. Look for materials such as eucalyptus and bamboo that helps with the dissipation of heat. 

Are There Any Differences Between A Comforter and Duvet?

Both bedding items do the same thing, but there are notable differences in how they are used and designed. A comforter can have a design or be plain while the duvet goes inside a duvet cover. The duvet can be placed on top of the comforter or replace it. Comforters can be easily washed, unlike duvets. Duvets are also the same size as the bed while a comforter is bigger than the bed.  

What Material Is The Softest For Comforters?

Everybody has their own thoughts on what material is the softest, but one of the softest materials on the market is natural feather down. It’s nature-made that cannot be replicated by man. These are lightweight comforters that offer a steady temperature all year long.

Natural down comforter will ensure you stay warm without overheating. Down feathers come from the underside of ducks and goose. They are stitched, so the filling remains in place and feathers don’t fall out. Be it summer or winter; it’s a great option due to its breathable nature. 

What To Keep In Mind

Be it warm climate or cold one, there’s no reason not to enjoy a good snuggle under a comforter. Snuggling under the covers can help you to get a good night’s sleep. Thankfully, there are a plethora of lightweight comforters that you can choose from that will fit every style, décor and budget. 

You don’t have to make concessions any longer! Just do a little bit of homework to find options you like or consider any one of the lightweight comforters mention above. You are sure to find the best lightweight comforter for your bedroom.