How are down comforters constructed?

The more that down is allowed to loft, the better its ability to insulate and breathe. The best constructions maintain an even distribution of down yet allow the sleeper to adjust the comforter to their liking.

In sewn-through comforters, two outer layers of fabric are stitched together in a quilted pattern. This construction is best for lightweight down comforters because it keeps the down from shifting, but it does not allow for maximum loft. It is sewn through where a stitch goes from the top of the comforter direct through the comforter and emerges on the bottom of the comforter. It can keep the down in place and is a more economical form of construction than baffle box construction.

A baffle is a wall of fabric perpendicular to the top and bottom layers of the comforter fabric. A baffled construction features fabric walls sewn between the top and bottom of the comforter cover, which both prevents the down from shifting and allows the down to fully loft, thus providing more insulation and warmth. In other words, baffles help to give comforters the appearance of depth. Baffle box construction is of a higher quality than sewn-through stitching

User Tip: To keep the down in place the best, look for “true baffle box” or “closed baffle box” or “end-to-end” baffle construction. These indicate that the baffle boxes are fully sealed as opposed to being partially open. Partially open boxes may allow some down movement from box to box. Closed boxes do not permit the down to move.