10 Best Quilts for Summer to Beat the Australian Heat | Catch

Imagine soaking up the sun on a perfect summer day, toes in the sand, sipping on a chilled drink, while the playful laughter of children fill the air. But then comes nighttime, and the sticky, oppressive heat makes sleep seem like an impossible dream. 

Well, lucky for you, we've got just the thing to keep you cool and comfortable when you go to sleep—summer quilts! These cosy wonders are your secret weapon against the relentless Aussie summer heat, promising you nights of cool, blissfully uninterrupted sleep.

In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of our top picks for summer quilts, carefully chosen for their breathability and cooling magic. From smooth silky blends to crisp cotton and sustainable Tencel, we've rounded up the best of the best to ensure you stay cool, fresh, and comfy through those steamy nights.

So, ready to say good-bye to restless tossing and turning?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: How to Choose the Best Summer Quilt

• Summer quilts are lightweight and breathable bedding options designed to keep you cool and cosy without weighing you down.
• Different types of summer quilts include cotton quilts, duck down quilts, silk quilts, bamboo quilts, eucalyptus quilts, wool quilts, and blended quilts—each of which offer unique benefits.
• The best summer quilts include Ramesses Mulberry Silk Breathable Summer Quilt and Ramesses Tencel Quilt. Both offer temperature regulation, hypoallergenic properties, and durability.
• Factors to consider when choosing a quilt include the climate, possible allergies and who the quilt is for (for example, young kids vs teenagers).

What Is a Summer Quilt?

A summer quilt is a lightweight and breathable bedding option that's perfect for staying cool during the hot months. When the temperature rises, you want to feel comfortable and at ease in your own bed. That's where a summer quilt comes in. Unlike heavy comforters or duvets, a summer quilt is designed to keep you cool and cosy without weighing you down.

Often, but not always, made from natural fibres like cotton or linen, summer quilts are incredibly soft and gentle against your skin. They allow air to circulate, preventing you from feeling sweaty or sticky during those humid summer nights. With their lightweight construction, you won't feel trapped or suffocated underneath them.

Another great feature of summer quilts is their versatility. They can be used on their own as a lightweight cover during warmer months or layered with other bedding options for added warmth during cooler nights. This makes them a practical and cost-effective choice for anyone looking for comfort and convenience.

Difference Between Summer Quilts, Doonas, Duvets, and Coverlets in Australia

You hear about summer quilts, doonas, duvets, and coverlets all the time, but what are they exactly? Is there any difference between these bedding options at all?

In Australia, summer quilts, summer doonas, and summer duvets all mean the same thing! They refer to the (quilted) inserts that go inside a cover. The cover is simply known as a quilt cover, doona cover, or duvet cover.

Coverlets, on the other hand, are decorative bed coverings that are typically used as a top layer. They're lighter than quilts and doonas, providing a touch of style and elegance to your bed. Coverlets are often made from luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet and are perfect for those who want to create a sophisticated and polished bedroom look.

Note: Doona®is also the trademarked property of The Tontine Group, a company which has been in the bedding business for over 100 years.

Types of Summer Quilts

Summer quilts come in a variety of materials. The most common are:

• Cotton quilts are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for hot summer nights. They're soft and provide a cool and comfortable sleep experience.
• Duck down quilts are known for their excellent insulation and breathability. They're lightweight and can regulate body temperature.
• Silk quilts are luxurious and offer excellent temperature regulation. They're lightweight, hypoallergenic, and perfect for those who love a soft and silky feel.
• Bamboo quilts are made from natural bamboo fibres and offer excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. They're also hypoallergenic.
• Eucalyptus quilts, also known as Tencel quilts, are made from eucalyptus fibres and offer excellent moisture-wicking and cooling properties. They're also eco-friendly.
• Wool quilts are naturally breathable and can also regulate body temperature.
• Blended quilts, made from a combination of the fabrics above (like cotton and bamboo or microfibre and bamboo), offer the benefits of each.

Choose the type of summer quilt that best suits your needs and preferences for a comfortable and cool night's sleep.

Best Silk Blend Summer Quilt: Ramesses Mulberry Silk Breathable Summer Quilt

Looking for the best choice in quilts to beat the heat during summer? Look no further than the Ramesses Mulberry Silk Breathable Summer Quilt.

This luxurious quilt is designed to regulate temperature effectively and provide a luxurious sleeping experience. Made with a combination of microfibre and silk, it offers exceptional breathability, keeping you cool on hot days and warm nights.

The quilt is also hypoallergenic, which means it’s suitable for those with allergies or asthma. With a thread count of 1000 and a fill weight of 280GSM, it's extra soft, durable, and smooth. The quilt is available in queen and king sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your bed.

Experience ultimate comfort and indulge in a restful night's sleep with the Ramesses Mulberry Silk Breathable Summer Quilt.

Best For: Those looking for a luxurious and breathable summer quilt, but without the exorbitant price that comes with 100% mulberry silk.

Pros:

• Effective temperature regulation for all-season comfort, but especially good for hot summer nights
• Hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite, suitable for allergy and asthma sufferers
• Extra soft, durable, and smooth with a high thread count of 1000

Cons:

• Fill weight may not be suitable for those who prefer a heavier quilt
• Silk blend, so may not work for people looking for 100% mulberry silk duvets
• May be too smooth for some

Note: If you’re looking for a quilt with pure silk filling, check out the Royal Comfort 100% Silk Filled Eco-Lux Quilt.

Best Eucalyptus Summer Quilt: Ramesses Tencel Quilt

For a truly luxurious night's sleep, the Ramesses Tencel Quilt is the perfect choice to beat the heat this summer. Made from eucalyptus wood pulp, which is especially eco-friendly, this quilt is designed to provide you with the utmost comfort and relaxation.

Tencel fabric is naturally gentle on your skin, giving you a silky hand feel and a natural sheen. Its high moisture absorption capacity helps your body feel pleasantly cool and dry throughout the night, ensuring a comfortable sleep. The quilt is also extra durable, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for those hot summer nights.

If you’re looking for an easy care option, this Tencel quilt could be it! All you have to do is pop it in  your washing machine on a cold cycle, and you’re good to go. So, what are you waiting for? Why not try the Ramesses Tencel Quilt?

Best For: Anyone who wants a luxurious and eco-friendly quilt, but without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Made with eco-friendly materials
• Gentle on the skin with a silky hand feel
• High moisture absorption for a cool and dry sleep

Cons:

• May be too smooth or silk-like for some
• More expensive than cotton

Best Lightweight Wool Summer Quilt: Dreamaker Lightweight Australian Wool Quilt

Another duvet to try is the Dreamaker Lightweight Australian Wool Quilt. Associate wool with long winter nights? You’re in for a surprise!

Wool could be a lightweight and breathable bedding option that could help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

In fact, this quilt features a lightweight 250 GSM wool weight, making it suitable for all seasons and ideal for year-round use. Filled with 100% Australian wool, it helps regulate your body's temperature, ensuring blissful and uninterrupted snooze time even in the heat of summer.

The quilt also features a natural cotton japara cover that is luxuriously soft and comfortable. It’s skin-friendly and allergen-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities.

Not only is the Dreamaker Lightweight Australian Wool Quilt comfortable, but it’s also machine washable, making it a convenient and hassle-free option.

Best For: People who need a temperature-regulating fabric that’s perfect for all seasons

Pros:

• Available in a range of sizes
• Unlike other wool products, this quilt is machine washable
• Wool is naturally flame retardant

Cons:

• Wool compresses very easily
• More expensive than other fabrics

Best Organic Cotton Summer Quilt: Tontine Organic Cotton Anti-Allergy Quilt

Want to go with a classic? Experience the ultimate comfort and breathability of organic cotton with the Tontine Organic Cotton Anti-Allergy Quilt, perfect for those with allergies.

With a cover made from soft and breathable organic cotton and filled with ultrafibre polyester, this quilt is designed to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

It features anti-microbial protection that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould, and dust mites, so you can enjoy a fresh and clean sleep environment.

You can’t go wrong with the Tontine Organic Cotton Anti-Allergy Quilt this summer.

Best For: Anyone with allergies or sensitivities

Pros:

• Made from soft and breathable organic cotton
• Features anti-microbial protection against bacteria, mould, and dust mites

Cons:

• Excess washing may affect the comfort of this product

Best Down Summer Quilt: Giselle 800GSM Goose Quilt Feather Down Duvet Blanket

Want to cool down with down? The Giselle 800GSM Goose Quilt Feather Down Duvet Blanket is perfect if you need a lightweight and cooling bedding option. Made with high-quality goose feather down, this quilt provides the ultimate comfort and breathability. Its 800 GSM filling ensures that you stay cool throughout the night, while still providing enough warmth for a comfortable sleep.

Say goodbye to sweaty nights and hello to a blissful, cool sleep with the Giselle 800GSM Goose Quilt Feather Down Duvet Blanket.

Best For: People who want an ultra-lightweight option

Pros:

• Baffle construction prevents the shifting of filling, ensuring even warmth distribution and quilt durability
• Goose down feathers are light, offering genuine warmth without feeling heavy
• Mite and mould-resistant

Cons:

• Requires occasional fluffing
• The luxury and quality come at a cost, making it a higher-end investment compared to basic quilts

Best Microfibre Summer Quilt: 200GSM Luxor Summer Microfibre Doona

Too hot with a regular quilt, even summer quilts but too cold without one? Why not try the super lightweight 200GSM Luxor Summer Microfibre Doona?

This ultra-soft, ultra-light quilt is perfect for warm Australian summers. Made with high-quality microfibre filling and casing, it provides clean, hygienic, and odour-free comfort while you sleep.

The microfibre 'peach skin' cover gives it a luxurious feel, and the quick-drying texture ensures it stays fresh even during sweaty nights. It's also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and fresh.

So, why not try the Luxor Summer Microfibre Quilt to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish this summer?

Best For: Individuals looking for a lightweight and comfortable summer quilt

Pros:

• Only 200GSM, so quilt is super light
• Made with high-quality microfibre filling and casing, which not only ensures you stay fresh and hygienic even when it’s hot, it’s also really good for the hair and skin
• Machine washable and quick drying

Cons:

• Unless you’re a really hot sleeper, this is strictly a summer quilt

Best Bamboo and Cotton Blend Summer Quilt: Dreamaker Summer Bamboo & Cotton Quilt

If you're looking for a blended fabric option, why not try the Dreamaker Summer Bamboo & Cotton Quilt? Made with a 50% bamboo and 50% cotton blend, this luxurious quilt provides the ultimate comfort for warmer nights.

The bamboo material not only offers health benefits but also ensures breathability, allowing air to circulate freely. Its cotton cover helps reduce moisture retention, which keeps you cool and dry throughout the night. Plus, the quilt is treated with antibacterial protection against common allergens.

So, if you want to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish this summer, then the Dreamaker Summer Bamboo & Cotton Quilt is the way to go.

Best For: Those who want a breathable and lightweight quilt that blends the softness of bamboo with the durability of cotton

Pros:

• Made with a soft and natural bamboo blend for ultimate comfort
• Cotton cover reduces moisture retention while the bamboo acts as a natural deodoriser
• Treated with antibacterial protection and is naturally hypoallergenic, so great for people with allergies

Cons:

• Hand wash recommended, so less convenient than machine washable quilts

Best Nylon and Polyester Blend Summer Quilt: DreamZ Blanket Cooling Summer Quilt

Get ready to stay cool and comfortable all summer long with the DreamZ Blanket Cooling Summer Quilt. This cooling blanket is the perfect choice for those who need a cover during those hot nights, but get too sweaty under a regular summer quilt.

Made from 100% nylon, the DreamZ Blanket is smooth and cool-to-touch. The cotton backed quilt isn't only breathable but also soft, providing you with the perfect combination of comfort and functionality.

Because it’s not heavy, you can take it with you even when you’re travelling.

Don't compromise on quality sleep this summer—choose the DreamZ Blanket Cooling Summer Quilt and feel the difference in comfort wherever you are.

Best For: Those who want a portable and ultra-lightweight quilt to cope with hot summer nights

Pros:

• Smooth and cool-to-touch
• Circle stitching to stop the filling from shifting
• Versatile for naps, leisure, sleep, or travel

Cons:

• Only available in one colour
• May be too cooling for some, making it strictly a summer only item

Best Microfibre and Bamboo Blend Summer Quilt: Bedra Microfibre Bamboo Quilt 400GSM

Need something a little fluffier but still let you stay cool and comfortable all summer long? Try the Bedra Microfibre Bamboo Quilt 400GSM. Its sustainable and hypoallergenic blend of bamboo and microfibre filling ensures a cosy and yet breathable sleep experience.

Its box-stitched design means you won’t have to worry about shifting filling and its 100% microfibre cover adds a heavenly soft feel. Plus, it's machine washable, making maintenance a breeze.

Choose the Bedra Microfibre Bamboo Quilt for a blended summer quilt that keeps you fresh and cool.

Best For: Those looking for an easy care summer quilt that they can also use in spring and autumn

Pros:

• Sustainable and hypoallergenic
• Box-stitched design prevents filling from shifting
• 100% microfibre cover for a soft touch and feeling

Cons:

• A touch on the cosy side, so may be too warm if you’re a hot sleeper

Best Weighted Blanket for Summer: Dreamz 5KG Anti Anxiety Gravity Blanket

Technically a blanket, rather than a quilt, the Dreamz 5KG Anti Anxiety Weighted Blanket Gravity Blanket is nevertheless an option you need to check out if you need the comfort of  Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation, but without the heat.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it offers a revolutionary cooling sensation while providing the cocoon-like experience of being swaddled, promoting feelings of security and relaxation. The breathable natural cotton fabric ensures a cool and comfortable sleeping environment, optimising your restorative sleep experience even during the hottest months.

Best For: People looking for the reassuring experience of being held

Pros:

• Crafted from breathable natural cotton for optimal airflow and comfort
• Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation promotes relaxation and restful sleep
• Cooling technology keeps you comfortable during hot summer nights
• Removable duvet cover allows for easy cleaning and maintenance
• Versatile design suitable for use at home or while travelling

Cons:

• May not provide enough warmth for colder months
• Some users may find the weighted sensation uncomfortable initially

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Quilt: Top Tips

Choosing the perfect quilt involves considering several key factors tailored to your specific needs. Let's dive into some top tips to guide you through the process.

First, think about the climate you want the quilt for. Is it for hot summers, cold winters, or something in between? This will help you choose the right material, weight, loft and GSM for your quilt.

Then, take into account any allergies or sensitivities you may have. Look for hypoallergenic options and avoid materials that may trigger allergies.

Next, consider who the quilt is for. If it's for kids, durability may be the most important factor to consider. If it's for guests, a mid-temperature quilt could strike the perfect balance to meet various preferences.

Lastly, don't forget about bed size. It's recommended to purchase a quilt one size larger than your mattress for a luxurious look and ample coverage.

Note: Feeling overwhelmed by the variety of bedding choices? Read up on different materials and their qualities to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing the Correct Filling for Your Summer Quilt

If you want to understand the importance of a quilt's filling for a comfortable and cosy sleep, let's take a closer look at how it contributes to insulation and personal preference.

Quilts are designed to trap air pockets that warm up from your body heat, providing insulation. Unlike blankets, which only act as a barrier, quilts are more effective insulators. In other words, the filling material plays a crucial role in determining the quilt's insulation properties.

So, when choosing a quilt filling, consider your sleep preferences. Do you prefer a quilt that's breathable, warm, lightweight, or moisture-wicking? Different fill materials offer different benefits.

For example, bamboo is an eco-friendly option that's hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and breathable. Cotton is a classic choice also known for its breathability, but it sticks to the skin, while bamboo does not. Feather & down fillings are loved for their warmth but lightweight feel.

Choosing the Right Loft and GSM for Your Summer Quilt

When picking out a quilt, it's helpful to grasp the concepts of loft and GSM to ensure you get the perfect blend of thickness and warmth.

Think of loft as the fluffy factor—it's all about how thick and plush the quilt appears. A higher loft means it'll look fuller and feel cosier, adding that inviting touch to your bed.

GSM (or grams per square metre), on the other hand, tells you how warm the quilt will be—the higher the GSM, the toastier the quilt. So, for those frosty winter nights, aim for a quilt with a GSM of at least 500 to keep you snug as a bug. But if you're after something lighter (for especially hot summers, for example), a GSM under 300 will do the trick.

Of course, if you're someone who likes a bit of weight to their quilt, choosing a higher GSM will give you that comforting heftiness you crave.

Choosing Allergen-Free Summer Quilts

If you have sensitivities or allergies, finding an allergen-free option for your summer quilt is as important as a cooling one. You want to make sure that your bedding doesn't trigger any reactions that can leave you feeling stuffed up, sneezy, and itchy-eyed. Animal-derived fibres like feather and wool can sometimes cause these reactions, even if they’re hypoallergenic, so it's best to avoid them. Instead, consider filling options like cotton, bamboo, silk, or even synthetic materials, as they're known to be allergen-free. These materials are gentle on your skin and won't cause any discomfort.

Also remember to address the issue of dust mites, which can be just as problematic as animal fibres. To combat this, you might want to consider using a dust-mite-resistant mattress topper and washing your bedding frequently to keep dust mites at bay.

Choosing the Right Size Quilt

When it comes to selecting the perfect quilt size for summer or otherwise, there are a few top tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, consider upsizing your quilt. Purchasing one that's a size larger than your mattress not only provides a luxurious look but will also drape over the sides of your bed, ensuring better coverage and preventing any draughts that may disrupt your sleep.

If you sleep with a partner who likes to steal the covers, opting for a larger quilt is also a wise choice. A bigger quilt will provide enough room for both of you to sleep comfortably without any tugging or pulling.

Another advantage of buying a quilt one size up is that it future-proofs your bedding. If you decide to eventually upsize your bed, you won't need to purchase a new quilt immediately.

Finally, if you have an Australian mattress, remember to buy bedding from Aussie stores to ensure the dimensions match. International bed sizes often differ, and you’ll want to have a quilt that fits your mattress perfectly.

Choose the best quilt for summer from our curated collection—only here at Catch!

And there you have it—when it comes to beating the Australian heat during the summer season, choosing the right quilt is essential. The Ramesses Mulberry Silk Breathable Summer Quilt and Ramesses Tencel Quilt are two highly recommended options.

If you want to take a look at more options, check out our Summer Quilts Collection, and stay cool yet cosy with the perfect summer quilt.