How do I determine what a good down comforter is?
Answers:
The higher the thread count, the better. Get nothing lower than a 600 thread count in sheets...you will most likely find that most comforters start at about the 220 range, but you can get a hgiher thread count comforter cover...but realize you will get feathers poking through ocassionally, if you can get a higher thread count comforter, by all means do so..it'll save ou feathers in the long run (last much longer)!
Higher thread count means more threads woven per square inch, a tighter weave & it will be softer too.
You can see daylight though 180 or 200 and they are rough as corn cobs, also they have the tendency to "pill" when you wash & use them.
As far as the feathers go...the higher percentage of down you get, the better off you will be. Feathers have the tendency to poke through any thread count due to the quills, which down does not have (or at least it's very soft tiny quills).
Some folks are switching to primaloft, which is synthetic but has the same feel as down, it's a great alternative...easier to take care of too.
Check out www.thecompanystore.com or 1-800-323-8000 where you can order or request a catalog, they almost always have something on sale or clearanced. They have great choices in high thread count comforters, comforter covers & sheets along with many other bed & bath accessories.
Also read up on the type of quilting of your comforter, there are square baffle's, no baffels & figure-8 baffels. Personally I have found the squared baffles to be better, because the down & feathers stay put in each square & do not shift around...you can easily fluff them back up by either giving the comforter a good up & down shake on your bed from each corner, so it gets fluffed up equally all around or by throwing it over the clothes line & lightly thumping it it all over on both sides...much the way folks used to clean rugs...but don't beat it to death. :-)
You'll find different kinds of feathers, but years ago on the farm, farmers used to use everything: chickens feathers & down, goose feathers & down even turkey feathers & down...I was told they preferred geese, because you'd get more from one bird! ;-)
Good Luck & enjoy!
P.S. Feather beds or toppers are also great for year round, they are warm & cozy in the winter & cool in the summer.
Other answers:
Choose anything anything natural, don't buy cheap synthetics.
Choose anything anything natural, don't buy cheap synthetics.
You'll know it when you touch it. The fluffier the better. I have one and will never buy anything else, they are so worth the money!
go to www.wakeupfrankie.com its a good website to by comforters with matching pillow cases and pillows its not to expensive but a little pricey! there is alot of kool things there 2 like diff. lamps and stuff like that its the best online store ever or if you dont like that page then go to www.dogpile.com and search down comforters and pillows and it will pull up some results!