Duvet Size
Duvet covers come in standard sizes, and should be the same size as your duvet. Check the label or website product description carefully to make sure that you're choosing the right size before buying.
Duvet Sets
Choosing Duvet Covers - Fabric
When buying a new duvet cover, choose a fabric that feels good. Commonly available duvet cover fabrics include:
Cotton - This has a soft, lightweight feel, and many people prefer an all-natural fabric. Cotton fiber allows air to pass through easily, making cotton covers especially comfortable in warm weather. Cotton will also take dye readily, making it very versatile. It's easy to care for too.
Cotton/polyester blends -Polyester is durable and resistant to wrinkling, but is not as comfortable as cotton, so a cover made from a blended fabric gives you the advantages of both.
Other fabrics are also available - pure synthetics such as polyester, which are cheap and easy to care for, but may lack comfort. Duvet covers made from luxury fabrics, such as linen and silk, cost more and may require extra care, but are comfortable and stylish!
The fabric's weave also affects the duvet cover's texture. Thread count is important; this refers to the number of fibers woven together in one square inch of fabric. Higher thread count fabrics are softer and more durable.
Another factor is the fabric's ply - this refers to the number of fibers that are woven together before being made into a fabric. A higher ply equals thicker, heavier fabric.
Duvet covers made from high ply fabrics with high thread counts are thick, heavy and good for warmth. High thread count, low ply fabrics are the softest but also more expensive. Fabrics with lower thread counts and plys are less durable, but are lightweight and economical.
Many high quality duvet covers are made from percale. This term refers to the way in which the fabric is woven, and applies to both natural and synthetic fibers. Percale has a tighter weave than standard bedding, is of medium weight and easy to care for.
Other duvet cover fabrics include sateen, which is usually cotton woven for a satiny feeling, and flannel, which is a very thick, cozy fabric that is ideal in cold weather.
Style
Many colors and patterns are available. You may prefer a plain, single color, a bold funky pattern, or the ornate look of embellished or embroidered duvet covers. For children, there are many printed d-covers with cartoon and other characters to choose from.
Choosing Duvet Covers - Accessories
You might wish to buy accessories to match your duvet cover. Matching pillow cases are normally available, and some manufacturers provide curtains, cushions and other items to match the duvet covers that they sell.