Feather vs down: what the blend on the label means

The blend on a bedding label tells you exactly how a duvet or pillow will feel. More feather means more support and a weightier feel. More down means a lighter, softer and fluffier feel. Once you know how to read those numbers, picking the right bedding is easy.

What's the difference between feather and down?

Feathers and down both come from ducks and geese, but they're quite different things.

• Feathers are the outer covering of the bird. They're flat with a firm quill running down the middle. That quill gives feathers their bounce and support.
• Down is the soft, fluffy layer that sits underneath the feathers. It has no quill. Instead, it's a little three-dimensional cluster of fine filaments that traps air and holds in warmth.

So feather brings body and support, while down brings softness, lightness and warmth. Most natural bedding uses a mix of the two to get the balance just right.

How to read the blend on the label

Blends are usually written as two numbers, like 85:15 or 70:30. The first number is the feather and the second is the down. So an 85:15 blend is 85% feather and 15% down.

When the label talks about down first, it means the opposite. A pillow described as "70% down" is mostly down with some feather mixed in. It's worth reading slowly, because 70:30 feather and down and 70% down feel very different.

Common blends compared

Which blend suits you?

Choose a feather-rich blend if...

You like a pillow that holds your head firmly, or a duvet with a cosy, reassuring weight. Feather-rich bedding is also kind on the wallet. Our duck feather and down pillow (70:30 blend) is a comfy all-rounder, and the duck feather and down duvet (70:30 blend) gives you that natural feel at a friendly price.

Choose a down-rich blend if...

You want bedding that feels light and floaty, or you're a front sleeper who likes a soft pillow. Down-rich bedding also needs less filling to keep you warm, so a duvet feels less heavy on top of you. Try our European goose down pillow (85% down) for a soft, lofty feel.

Choose pure down if...

You want the lightest, softest bedding you can get. A 100% European duck down duvet is lovely if you want to feel snug without feeling weighed down.

Duck or goose?

Both make great bedding. Goose feathers and down clusters tend to be larger, which often means a slightly softer feel and a higher fill power. Duck is usually the better value pick. If you'd like to understand fill power in more detail, our guide to fill power breaks it down.

Feather, down and allergies

Some people worry that feather and down bedding isn't a good idea if they have allergies. Often it's house dust mites rather than the feathers themselves that cause trouble. Bedding with a tightly woven cover helps keep mites out. Our Luxury Duck Feather and Down Pillow, for example, carries the NOMITE mark, which shows it's suitable for people with a house dust mite allergy. If you have a known allergy to feathers, though, a natural filling won't be the right choice, so check with your GP if you're unsure.

Caring for feather and down

• Shake and plump your pillows and duvet regularly to keep the filling evenly spread.
• Air them on a dry, breezy day now and then.
• Always use a cover or pillowcase to keep them clean.
• Check the care label before washing, and make sure everything is fully dry before you use it again.

Feather vs down FAQs

Is down warmer than feather?

Weight for weight, yes. Down traps more air, so it holds in more warmth. But a duvet's tog rating tells you how warm it actually is, so a feather duvet and a down duvet with the same tog will keep you about as warm as each other.

Why does my feather pillow feel firmer than my down one?

Feathers have a quill, which gives them a springy, supportive feel. Down has no quill, so it squashes more easily and feels softer.

Is a feather-rich blend lower quality?

Not at all. It's just a different feel. Lots of people prefer feather-rich pillows because they hold their shape and give firm support through the night.

What does 85:15 mean on a duvet?

It means the filling is 85% feather and 15% down. It's a supportive, great value blend with a little down added for softness.

Ready to find your perfect blend? Browse all our bedding, with free delivery to England, Wales and most of Scotland.