The Summer Quilt Guide: How to Choose a Quilt That Won't Cook You

For most Australian summers, the right quilt is a light one — around 150–250 GSM — filled with a natural fibre that breathes, like silk or summer-weight down. Get those two things right and you can keep a quilt on the bed all summer without waking up at 2am kicking it off.

Getting this right matters more than it sounds. A Flinders University study of more than 165 million nights of sleep found that when night-time temperatures rise from 12°C to 27°C, people lose an average of 15–17 minutes of sleep a night, and their odds of sleeping under six hours rise by about 40%.

Here's the part most buying guides miss: heat is only half the problem. Your body cools itself overnight by releasing moisture, and that only works if the moisture can evaporate. Sleep researchers have found that humid heat disrupts sleep more than dry heat, because high humidity "does not allow the sweat to evaporate, causing the skin to remain wet." A quilt that traps moisture recreates that humid layer right against your skin. A breathable fill lets it escape.

So choosing a summer quilt is less about "thinner" and more about the right fill at the right weight for where you live. This guide walks you through both.

Do you actually need a summer quilt?

Your body is designed to cool down at night. Core temperature starts falling about two hours before sleep and keeps dropping until the early morning, which is why the Sleep Foundation recommends a bedroom of 15.6–20°C. Most Australian bedrooms sit well above that in summer, so your bedding has to do more of the cooling work.

Not everyone needs a summer quilt, though. One earns its place if any of these sound like you:

• You sleep hot, or wake up damp even when the room feels fine.
• You live somewhere humid, or your bedroom holds the day's heat.
• You sleep without air-conditioning, or turn it off overnight.
• You share a bed with someone who runs warmer or cooler than you.

You may not need one if your summer nights regularly drop below about 15°C — think Hobart, Canberra, the Blue Mountains or the high country. There, an all-seasons quilt usually covers the whole year. Our Organic Mulberry Silk Quilt in All Seasons warmth is rated for 10–25°C, which handles most of those swings on its own.

And at the other extreme — a still, sticky night in the high 20s — you may not want a quilt at all. A flat sheet in a breathable natural fabric is often all you need: enough coverage to feel tucked in, without the warmth. More on that below.

If you run hot and your summers are warm or sticky, a dedicated summer quilt will make a noticeable difference to how well you sleep.

What GSM is a summer quilt?

A summer quilt is usually 150–250 GSM. GSM stands for grams per square metre: how much fill sits in each square metre of the quilt. Less fill means less trapped air, and less warmth.

Our Organic Mulberry Silk Quilt in Summer warmth sits right in the middle of the summer band at 200 GSM, rated for 15–25°C nights.

Two things worth knowing before you compare numbers:

• GSM only compares like with like. 200 GSM of silk sleeps cooler than 200 GSM of polyester, because silk breathes and polyester doesn't. Use GSM to compare weights within one fill, then choose the fill first.
• Down isn't measured in GSM. Down quilts are rated by fill weight and fill power instead. A summer-weight down quilt simply uses less down — our Hungarian Goose Down Summer Warmth quilt is rated TOG 5.0 for nights around 18°C and up.

One summer quilt, three seasons

A summer quilt doesn't have to go in the cupboard come May. Our silk quilts are designed to layer: the Summer (200 GSM) and All Seasons (300 GSM) quilts tie together with interior loops to make a 500 GSM, 12 TOG winter quilt. That's one system for the whole year instead of three separate quilts — see the Organic Mulberry Silk 3-in-1 Winter Bundle.

The exception is goose down. Two down quilts layered together would be too thick and bulky, so our summer-weight down quilt is made to be used on its own.

For TOG ratings and temperature ranges across every fill and season, see our full Quilt Warmth Guide.

Why fill matters more than weight in summer

In summer, the best fill is the one that moves heat and moisture away from you, not the one that weighs least. When sleep is going well, the air under your covers sits at around 32–34°C and 40–60% relative humidity. Push that humidity higher and you start waking up.

How well a fibre manages that comes down to moisture regain: how much water it can absorb from the air while still feeling dry.

Source: Abedin & DenHartog, Fibers (2023). Cotton absorbs more than 20 times as much moisture as polyester; wool and bamboo viscose, more than 40 times.

Silk: the hot sleeper's pick

Mulberry silk is a natural protein fibre, like wool, so it absorbs moisture rather than leaving it sitting on your skin. Unlike wool, it's a fine, smooth filament that traps relatively little air, which is why a silk quilt feels light without feeling warm. That combination makes it forgiving when one partner runs hot and the other doesn't.

For most hot sleepers, this is where we'd start: the Organic Mulberry Silk Quilt in Summer warmth (200 GSM, 15–25°C).

Summer-weight goose down: for people who love down

Down isn't only for winter. A summer-weight down quilt uses far less fill, so it stays airy and light while keeping the soft, lofty feel down lovers want. High-quality goose down also breathes better than cheaper duck down or feather blends. Our German Made Hungarian Goose Down Quilt — Summer Warmth is rated TOG 5.0 for nights around 18°C and up.

Bamboo, cotton and wool: the other natural options

Plant fibres like bamboo and cotton breathe well and feel cool to the touch, which makes them a good fit for warm climates and anyone who wants an easy-care option. They don't regulate in both directions the way silk does, so they're best where nights stay consistently warm. Our Organic Bamboo Quilt is an all-seasons weight (300 GSM, TOG 7.5) — a good one-quilt-all-year choice in mild climates. Wool breathes well too, but it runs warmer, so it suits cooler regions better than humid ones.

What to avoid in summer

Skip polyester and microfibre fills. They're cheap and light, but synthetic fibres absorb less than 1% of their weight in moisture, so warm, damp air builds up under the quilt. That's why a cheap "summer quilt" can still leave you sweating.

The best summer quilt for your climate

Australia doesn't have one summer; it has several. The right quilt depends less on your postcode than on what your nights actually feel like: sticky, hot and dry, mild and changeable, or cool.

Humid and sticky

In the tropics and along the subtropical coast, overnight temperatures often stay in the 20s and humidity stays high — the combination sleep research links to more waking and less deep sleep. Choose the lightest breathable quilt you can: our 200 GSM silk quilt in Summer warmth is built for exactly this. Pair it with French linen sheets, which dry fast and never cling. On the heaviest nights, fold the quilt back and sleep under just the flat sheet.

Hot and dry

Inland heat is different. Days can top 35°C, but dry air lets nights cool off sharply, especially in the country. You want something light enough for a hot 10pm and still comfortable at 4am. Silk in Summer warmth works for most people; if you love the feel of down, the Hungarian Goose Down Summer Warmth quilt gives you that loft at a summer weight.

Mild and changeable

Coastal Sydney and Melbourne nights can swing 10 degrees from one day to the next. Rather than swapping quilts every time a southerly comes through, many people here are better off with one all-seasons silk quilt (rated 10–25°C), a flat sheet for the hottest stretches, and a summer quilt to layer on top when winter arrives.

Cool summers

In Tasmania, the ACT, the tablelands and the mountains, summer nights regularly dip into single digits. A dedicated summer quilt often isn't warm enough here. An all-seasons silk or our 100% Organic Alpaca All Seasons quilt (rated 5–20°C) is the better year-round choice.

Also worth considering

• Units, upstairs rooms and rentals without air-con hold heat long after sunset, wherever you live. Size down one warmth level from what your region suggests.
• Caravans, camper trailers and holiday houses swing hard between hot days and cool nights. An all-seasons silk quilt packs light and covers both.
• Kids' rooms — children run warmer than adults. A summer-weight quilt usually suits them even in mild climates.

Summer quilt vs coverlet vs flat sheet

First, a summer quilt and a summer doona are the same thing. Australians use "quilt" and "doona" interchangeably for a filled bed covering that goes inside a quilt cover; "duvet" is the European name for it.

A coverlet is different: a thin, unfilled or lightly padded layer that sits on top of the bed, usually without a cover. It's lovely on the hottest nights but offers almost no warmth once the temperature drops at 3am. If your summer nights vary at all, a light summer quilt in a breathable quilt cover gives you more range.

On the very hottest nights, even a summer quilt can be too much. That's when a flat sheet comes into its own. Sleeping under a flat sheet in a natural fabric gives you light coverage and that tucked-in feeling while letting heat and moisture straight through. Any of our natural fabrics work: French linen for the driest feel, mulberry silk for smooth and cool, organic bamboo for soft and breathable, or Egyptian cotton and organic cotton for a crisp classic. Keep your summer quilt folded at the end of the bed for when the night cools down.

Build a cooler bed around your quilt

Your quilt is one layer of a system. Get the layers under it wrong and even the best summer quilt can't keep you cool.

• Sheets. Choose natural fibres that breathe and dry quickly. French linen is the classic hot-weather choice; mulberry silk feels smooth and cool against the skin; organic bamboo is soft and moisture-wicking; and Egyptian cotton and organic cotton stay crisp and breathable.
• Pillow. Your head and neck release a lot of heat. Our Organic Latex Pillow is made from natural latex, which is highly breathable, so air keeps moving around your head and neck instead of building up into a hot pillow at 2am.
• Mattress topper. Some mattresses, especially memory foam, hold body heat. A breathable topper adds airflow between you and the mattress.

Caring for a summer quilt

Summer is when quilts work hardest: more sweat, more humidity, more washing. A few habits keep yours fresh for years.

• Use a mattress and quilt protector. In summer this matters more than any other season, because it stops moisture and body oils reaching the fill. See our toppers and protectors.
• Air it weekly. Hang it outside in the shade or drape it over a chair for a few hours. Avoid harsh direct sun on silk.
• Wash the cover, not the quilt. Wash your quilt cover every week or two; the quilt itself only needs occasional care.
• Follow the fill's care label. For our silk quilts: air regularly, spot clean with warm water and a non-biological detergent, line dry in the shade, and never tumble dry (dry cleaning is fine). For our goose down quilts: warm hand wash, dry without delay, and a warm tumble dry is fine.

Summer quilt FAQs

What does GSM mean in a quilt?

GSM means grams per square metre: the weight of fill in each square metre of the quilt. A higher GSM means more fill and more warmth. Summer quilts are usually 150–250 GSM, all-seasons 300–400 GSM, and winter quilts 450 GSM and above.

What GSM is best for a summer quilt?

Around 150–250 GSM suits most Australian summers. Hot sleepers and humid climates should aim for the lower end. Our silk quilt in Summer warmth is 200 GSM, rated for 15–25°C nights.

What TOG is a summer quilt?

A summer quilt is typically around TOG 4.5 to 5. TOG measures how well a quilt holds heat, so a lower number means a cooler quilt. Our silk and goose down Summer Warmth quilts are rated TOG 4.5 and 5.0.

What is the best quilt for summer?

For most hot sleepers, a lightweight silk quilt is the best summer quilt, because silk manages moisture as well as heat. If you prefer the feel of down, choose a summer-weight goose down quilt rather than an all-seasons one.

Can I use a summer quilt in winter?

Yes, if you layer it. Our silk Summer and All Seasons quilts tie together to make a 500 GSM, 12 TOG winter quilt, so you get three warmth levels from two quilts. Down is the exception: two down quilts together are too bulky, so down is best used one weight at a time.

Are wool quilts good for summer?

Light wool quilts can work in summer, because wool breathes well. They do feel warmer and heavier than silk at the same weight, so our Australian Wool Quilt suits cooler regions better than humid ones.

Are bamboo or cotton quilts good for summer?

Yes, both breathe well and feel cool to the touch. They suit consistently warm climates. They don't regulate temperature in both directions as well as silk, so they're less forgiving when nights cool down.

Is a microfibre quilt good for summer?

Generally not. Microfibre and polyester absorb well under 1% of their weight in moisture, compared with 7–19% for natural fibres, so damp heat builds up under the quilt. They're light and cheap, but they're the fill most likely to leave you sweaty.

Are silk quilts warm, or cool enough for summer?

Both. Silk regulates temperature, so a summer-weight silk quilt feels light and cool on warm nights, while heavier silk quilts are warm enough for winter. Weight, not fibre, decides which you get.

How do you wash a silk quilt?

Don't put it in the washing machine. Air it regularly, spot clean with warm water and a non-biological detergent, and line dry in the shade. Our silk quilts can also be dry cleaned. A quilt cover and protector mean you'll rarely need to do more.

Is it OK to sleep with just a sheet in summer?

Yes. On the hottest, most humid nights, a flat sheet in a natural fabric like linen, silk, bamboo or cotton is often all you need. It gives you light coverage without trapping heat. Keep a summer quilt within reach for when the temperature drops before dawn.

Is a quilt or a coverlet better for summer?

A light summer quilt is better if your nights cool down at all; a coverlet suits only the hottest, most stable nights. Many people use both: coverlet early in the night, quilt within reach.

Find your summer quilt

Still unsure? Start with how you sleep: if you run hot, go silk; if you love down, go summer-weight down; if your summers are mild or cool, go all-seasons — and layer up when winter comes. Shop our quilts — and Better Sleep Club members get a 120-day trial to make sure it's right.

Sources

• Lechat B, Toson B et al., Flinders University. Heat and sleep across 165 million nights of sleep-tracker data. SLEEP (2025).
• Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. "Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm." Journal of Physiological Anthropology 31:14 (2012).
• Sleep Foundation. "Best temperature for sleep."
• Abedin F, DenHartog E. "The Exothermic Effects of Textile Fibers during Changes in Environmental Humidity." Fibers 11(5):47 (2023).