Too hot to sleep? These are the duvet alternatives you'll want on your radar during the heatwave
These lighter layers are your shortcut to a cooler sleep
It's hot outside and predicted to get hotter, and whilst many of us might enjoy the sunshine during the day, most of us are less keen on the sticky, humid nights that go hand-in-hand with a UK heatwave.
I sleep warm anyway, and, whilst I've already invested in one of the best duvets for hot sleepers, on nights like these, even the most breathable duvet can still be far too warm.
Personally, I think there's nothing worse than tossing and turning in a sweaty bed when the mercury soars, which is why I've made it my mission to track down the best duvet alternatives for hot weather.
As I've learned during the past five years as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, when it comes to how to stay cool in bed, it's all about choosing cooling bedding materials, and the experts agree that these are your best bets if you're looking to swap out your duvet for a cooler sleep this summer.
1. Cotton throw
First up, cotton. Whether you opt to sleep under a simple flat cotton sheet during the sky-high temperatures, or a slightly thicker cotton throw, this natural fabric is the ideal duvet alternative for hot summer nights.
'A cotton throw is such a good swap for a duvet when the nights get warm,' agrees Molly Freshwater, co-founder of bedding brand Secret Linen Store. 'Cotton is breathable, soft, and naturally good at soaking up any overnight warmth or moisture.' And that's exactly what we need in the UK, when high temperatures tend to mean sticky, humid, moisture-filled nights.
'Because most cotton throws have a looser weave than a duvet cover, they let air move around you rather than trapping it,' explains Molly. 'You still get that comforting “I’m covered” feeling, just without the heat. Bliss when the temperature doesn’t drop outside and the open window doesn’t help one bit.'
'A cotton throw or even a flat cotton sheet is an excellent alternative to a duvet in hot weather,' agrees Charlotte Hill, technical manager for homeware at Marks & Spencer.
'Cotton is naturally breathable and lightweight, helping air to circulate and preventing heat from becoming trapped overnight. For many customers, it offers just enough coverage without the weight or warmth of a traditional duvet.'
2. Flat linen sheet
Next up, and probably one of the most breathable options I've tried, is linen. Again, either in the form of a flat linen sheet or a more weighty linen throw.
'A linen throw or flat linen sheet is my personal favourite for hot weather,' agrees Molly. 'it's the fabric I always come back to, and for good reason. The fibres are super clever, so they wick moisture away quickly and let air flow beautifully.'
'Linen feels cool the moment you get into bed and stays that way,' explains Molly. 'A flat sheet is the lightest option; a linen throw gives a little more weight without adding warmth. Linen also has the bonus of looking amazing. If someone asks me what I use at home in summer, it’s always always 100% linen.'
'Linen is a particularly strong choice for warmer nights,' agrees Charlotte at M&S. 'Its fibres are highly breathable and naturally temperature-regulating, meaning it feels cool against the skin while helping to dissipate heat. Linen is also very effective at wicking away moisture, making it ideal for those who tend to overheat. A linen throw or flat sheet can provide a relaxed, airy layer that still feels premium and comfortable.'
After testing every bedding material under the sun during the past five years, it's certainly now become the only fabric I choose for hot nights. And it's genius fibres somehow also work brilliantly to keep me cosy without overheating in winter, so although the best linen bedding is expensive to buy, I do think it's a great long-term investment, as it isn't a material that's just for hot weather.
3. Muslin throw
Muslin is another useful warm-weather option. 'A muslin throw is a great option for hot weather, especially for those looking for something ultra-lightweight,' agrees Charlotte at M&S.
'Typically made from loosely woven cotton, muslin allows for maximum airflow and creates a soft, lightweight feel,' explains Charlotte. 'It’s ideal for the warmest nights where a customer still wants a light layer for comfort, without adding any noticeable warmth.'
'Muslin's open-weave structure promotes continuous ventilation and heat dissipation during sleep, making it a great alternative to duvets during hot weather,' agrees Dony Wang, senior director of product development at bedding brand Bedsure.
'A muslin throw can be a lovely, very lightweight option because muslin is loosely woven and airy, agrees Molly, 'soft, breathable, and great if you want the lightest possible layer.'
In fact, muslin is increasingly growing in popularity as a summer bedding fabric, with brands such as Simba launching muslin bedding sets, and even a muslin dressing gown that's perfect for hot weather.
4. Cooling blanket
Whilst all of our experts suggestions so far have been for natural fibres, such as cotton or linen, there are also synthetic options which have been designed to offer a cooler sleep, such as cooling blankets.
'Unlike a traditional duvet, which is designed to trap warmth, a cooling blanket helps draw excess heat away from the body, creating a cooler and more comfortable sleep environment,' explains Dony. They're designed with 'fibres that feel cool to the touch, and help transfer body heat away from the skin more efficiently than many conventional bedding materials.'
These can be a good option if you're someone who struggles to sleep without a certain amount of weight on top of them, as all the options we've tested at Ideal Home tend to be more weighty than a cotton, linen, or muslin throw.
'Delivering a noticeably cooler sensation on contact, a cooling blanket also helps wick moisture away from the skin,' says Dony, 'promoting a drier, fresher sleep environment throughout the night.'
Whichever duvet alternative you opt for, all of these options will deliver a cool and breathable sleep compared to your standard duvet, which is exactly what's needed in this hot weather.
