Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Summer Quilt

Summer is here, and while it’s the season for sundresses, beach days, and sweaty iced coffee runs, it’s not the season for tossing and turning under a suffocating, overly warm quilt. Picking the right summer-down quilt isn’t just about avoiding those night sweats—it’s about turning your bedroom into a sanctuary of cool, breathable comfort. And let’s be honest: with so many options out there (some good, some... questionable), finding "the one" can feel impossible.

Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting to guide you through the process. Whether you’re after feather-light luxury or an ethical, long-term investment, this step-by-step guide will help you make an informed choice.

Step 1: Choose the Right Brand

Let’s start with the basics: not all quilts are created equal, and the brand you choose can make all the difference in quality, durability, and comfort.

At Eiderdown Australia, we pride ourselves on crafting premium quilts tailored to the Australian climate. With decades of expertise, our products are designed to keep you cool and comfortable during those sticky summer nights. Plus, our ethical sourcing practices ensure that every quilt meets the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), so you can sleep easy knowing your bedding is as humane as it is luxurious.

Step 2: Pick the Perfect Fill Material

The quilt’s filling is what determines its weight, breathability, and overall feel. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

• Goose Down: Goose down is considered the gold standard for bedding, thanks to its lightness, breathability, and exceptional insulation. Hungarian goose down, in particular, offers larger clusters that trap air efficiently, providing the perfect balance of warmth and airflow.
• Duck Down: While slightly more affordable than goose down, duck down isn’t as luxurious, but still makes a great option for summer nights.
• Alpaca Wool: Alpaca quilts are hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, but they don’t offer the same lightness and cloud-like comfort as down.

For summer, goose down is the ultimate choice. Its natural ability to regulate temperature makes it perfect for hot Australian nights, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable without compromising on luxury.

Step 3: Decide on the Warmth Level

When it comes to warmth, we’re sure you know that not all quilts are suitable for summer. Here’s what you need to know:

• Summer Quilts: These are ultra-lightweight and breathable, designed to keep you cool when the nights stay warm.
• All-Season Quilts: These versatile quilts often feature layers that can be combined for winter or used separately during summer. They’re a great option if you want year-round use.
• Winter Quilts: Heavy and ultra-insulating, these are best saved for frosty nights—definitely not summer-friendly.

A great option is our 90% Hungarian Goose Down Summer Quilt is specifically crafted for warm-weather use. It’s light, airy, and provides just the right amount of comfort without overheating. 

Step 4: Factor in Maintenance

No one wants a quilt that’s fussier than their houseplants, and thankfully, both goose down and alpaca quilts are surprisingly easy to care for. Here’s how to keep your quilt looking and feeling its best:

• Air it out regularly: Hang your quilt in a shaded, breezy spot every few weeks to freshen it up naturally.
• Spot-clean small stains: Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent to gently clean spills or marks.
• Professional cleaning only when necessary: Overwashing can compromise the structure of down clusters or alpaca fibres, so only take your quilt to the pros when it’s truly needed.

For those considering duck down, it’s worth noting that it can have a slightly stronger odour due to the higher oil content in duck feathers. While we at Eiderdown do our best to mitigate this, those with sensitive noses or a preference for minimal upkeep might want to lean towards goose or alpaca options.

• Goose Down: A fantastic middle ground, offering lightweight luxury and breathability with easy maintenance. It’s less prone to odour than duck down, making it a reliable option for most sleepers.
• Alpaca Wool: The maintenance dream team. Alpaca fibres are naturally antimicrobial and odour-resistant, meaning they stay fresher for longer and require even less upkeep. If you want bedding that practically takes care of itself, alpaca is your go-to choice.

Step 5: Consider Ethics 

Choosing a down quilt doesn’t have to come with ethical compromises. Look for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures humane and sustainable practices in sourcing.

Eiderdown Australia proudly adheres to RDS standards and uses Oeko-Tex® certified materials, guaranteeing a quilt that’s both luxurious and ethically made.

Make the Right Choice 

The perfect summer quilt isn’t just a purchase—it’s an upgrade to your nightly routine. Whether you’re drawn to the airy luxury of goose down or the low-maintenance brilliance of alpaca, your choice should reflect both your needs and your lifestyle. At Eiderdown Australia, we believe in crafting quilts that don’t just tick boxes but transform your sleep experience.

From ethically sourced materials to expert craftsmanship, our summer quilt range is designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish through the warmest nights. Ready to sleep better and wake brighter? Explore our premium collection today.