Wool comforters deliver a high level of quality and comfort, as well as being hypoallergenic, fire-resistant, and biodegradable. It’s not surprising they’ve been used for decades, and continue to be popular today.
With the rising popularity of organic wool, we’re also finding more eco-friendly and cruelty-free wool comforters on the market.
Our top pick for the best eco friendly wool comforter is the PlushBeds Luxury Handmade Wool Comforter as it is versatile, comfortable, and handmade in the USA. However, we’ve also included several others that are worth a look for their extra features and value for money.
Looking for more eco-friendly bedding options? Check out our posts on the best eco-friendly cotton comforters and organic baby bedding.
Best organic and eco-friendly wool comforters reviewed for 2024
In deciding on the best eco friendly wool comforters available right now, we considered how the wool is sourced and treated, the quality of the finished product, and how easy it is to care for. We also looked for products that are made in the USA from US wool if possible, as a more eco-friendly option for US consumers.
Read on for our top pick, runner up, and other great options for the best eco friendly wool comforters!
1. Top pick: PlushBeds Luxury Handmade Wool Comforter
The wool comforters from PlushBeds are handmade in the USA with eco-friendly materials and processes. Each comforter is tufted and stitched by hand to keep the filling even and avoid bunching or shifting.
It contains eco-wool batting that the brand guarantees is sourced in the USA, and is completely chemical and cruelty-free. PlushBeds has a responsible wool assurance policy, which involves working with their wool growers to ensure they treat their sheep humanely throughout the entire wool growing and gathering process.
They also avoid using the chemicals, dyes, and harsh scouring agents used by conventional wool manufacturers, meaning that even people with allergies and chemical sensitivities will be able to get a restful nights’ sleep. The company also sends their wool for regular third-party laboratory testing to check the quality, cleanliness, and integrity of the fibers.
The cover is also 100% certified organic cotton sateen, which is not only eco-friendly but also soft and comfortable. This is backed up by the reviews on PlushBed’s website, which are entirely positive and praise this comforter for its softness, temperature regulation, and overall quality.
However, you need to be careful that you order the correct size comforter, as PlushBeds does not accept return. You’ll also need to allow time for your comforter to arrive as each product is made to order so it can take up to 14 days to arrive after you place your order, though we think this is a small price to pay for a handmade product!.
What we like:
- Hand-made- Each product is tufted and stitched by hand, so the batting won’t shift around within your comforter.
- Made in the USA – This comforter is made in the USA from wool grown in the country, assuring high standards and minimizing carbon emissions through shipping.
- Cruelty free – The brand only works with wool growers who use humane processes.
- Certified eco-friendly – PlushBed’s’ wool is certified eco-wool and the cover is made from 100% organic cotton, so you can be confident that this purchase won’t damage the environment.
What we don’t like:
- No returns – the company has a no-return policy so you’ll need to double check the sizing and specifications before ordering your comforter.
This PlushBed comforter is well-made, soft, and comfortable, and so is the best eco-friendly wool comforter on the market in our opinion. Sourced and made in the USA, this product is certified eco-friendly and cruelty-free, so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep without harming animals or the environment.
2. Runner up: Nest Bedding Washable Wool Comforter
This lightweight wool comforter is designed to be comfortable and breathable so you won’t overheat even if you’re a warm sleeper. Online reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive – confirming that it is comfortable in a range of climates, from warmer California temperatures to Canadian winters.
It is washable, being made from superwash wool – you can wash it by hand in cold or warm water, squeeze out by hand, and hang to air dry. Unlike some other organic wool comforters, Nest Bedding’s washable comforter doesn’t come with a heavy “woolly” aroma.
It is made in the USA from US wool that follows premium eco-wool standards, meaning it is:
“hand-selected from Domestic Wool Growers who adhere to our high standards for purity and managing their flocks in a humane, chemical-free, and environmentally thoughtful manner.”
The brand also says that most of their wool comes from family farms in Oregon and California.
Premium eco-wool is also combed into batting on a rare three-breaker carding machine that stretches and combs the wool into thick batting that is less likely to shift or clump in your comforter.
What we like:
- Versatile- This lightweight, natural wool comforter is suitable for a range of climates and body temperatures.
- Made in the USA – It is made in the USA from US-sourced wool.
- Eco-friendly – The wool comes from sheep who are treated humanely, and is not treated with chemicals.
- Even fill – The manufacturer uses a special carding machine to comb the wool into batting that is not likely to shift or clump.
What we don’t like:
- Not machine-washable – Although washable, you will need to wash this comforter by hand and air dry.
Though not machine-washable, this comforter is still easy to look after, without the expense or hassle of taking it to the dry cleaners.
Overall, this is one of our top picks for the best eco-friendly wool comforter, because it is high quality, easy-care, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Made in the USA from US wool that meets strict eco-wool standards, you’ll enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep while looking after the environment.
3. Best on a budget: Down Under Washable Sheepskin Wool Duvet
This medium-weight wool comforter is suitable for all seasons, being warm enough for cold winters, and breathable enough for warmer weather or hot sleepers. The duvet is filled with Australian wool that is made without the use of chemicals or cruelty to animals.
It is also made with an advanced ventilated box stitch pattern to avoid the fill shifting or bunching, meaning that you’ll enjoy consistent warmth and comfort across the entire comforter.
The cover is made of 100% cotton, making it soft and comfortable. As an extra handy feature, the comforter comes with eight corner ties to securely attach it to the inside of a duvet cover.
The entire duvet is washable: thanks to advanced technology you won’t need to have it dry-cleaned, saving a lot of time and expense. However, the manufacturers recommend only washing it in a commercial scale Laundromat due to the amount of water it soaks up.
The duvet is oversized, with the queen size measuring 90 by 90 inches, meaning you’ll have plenty of coverage for your bed and won’t have to fight over the comforter in the middle of the night!
On the downside, the comforter is designed in Australia and made in China, so shipping it to the US involves more carbon emissions compared to a locally-made product.
What we like:
- Affordable – This is one of the most reasonably-priced wool comforters you’ll find on the market that is chemical and cruelty-free.
- Washable – This easy-care comforter can be washed in a commercial size washing machine.
- Box stitching – The ventilated stitch pattern means the fill won’t bunch or shift, giving you even coverage.
- Oversized – The large size gives you extra coverage so you’ll never struggle to keep warm on cold nights.
What we don’t like:
- Imported – This Down Under comforter is made in China, involving unsustainable carbon emissions in shipping.
This Down Under comforter offers excellent value for money, being a quality product made from eco friendly wool for an affordable price.
4. Premium pick: Holy Lamb All-Season Organic Cotton & Eco-Wool Comforter
If you have a little more to spend, this Holy Lamb comforter offers a high level of quality. This is actually two comforters in one – you get two lightweight comforters that can be tied together.
This makes it an all-season product as you can use both comforters together in cold weather, or take them apart and just use one for a comfortable night’s sleep in spring or summer.
The comforters are handmade in the USA from eco-wool and certified organic cotton. The entire perimeter is hand-stitched with organic cotton thread and the comforter is hand-tufted at six to eight inch intervals to prevent the fill shifting.
The wool itself comes from farmers in the Northwest of the USA, and Holy Lamb only works with producers who are part of the Sustainable Wool Program. This means that the wool is certified as clean, high-quality, and sourced from flocks that are managed humanely in a chemical-free environment.
What we like:
- Versatile – With two cool comforters in one, you can easily adjust the weight depending on the weather and your requirements.
- Handmade in the USA – Hand stitched in the USA from US eco-wool and certified organic cotton, you can be assured of the quality as well as avoiding carbon emissions through international shipping.
- Certified cruelty-free and sustainable – The wool has been certified through the Sustainable Wool Program, guaranteeing it is eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
What we don’t like
- Expensive – This is a great product, though we’re not sure if it warrants such a high price given there are more affordable alternatives available.
Though more expensive than most wool comforters, you may find this investment worth it for the level of quality and comfort it delivers, while being certified as eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
5. Best heavy-weight comforter: OrganicTextiles Natural Australian Wool Filled Bed Comforter
If you live in a cold climate, this Organic Textiles comforter will keep you warm even on the chilliest winter nights. With 400 GSM (grams per square meter)/13 ounces per square yard, this is a heavy-weight comforter that is designed for extra warmth.
The brand claims that the comforter can be used year-round thanks to the breathability of the wool fibers, but you may find it too warm in summer.
It is filled with Australian wool, so complies with strict national standards for quality and ethical treatment of animals. The wool has not been treated with harmful sprays or chemicals and is treated with natural enzymes instead.
Although Australian wool is well-known for its high quality, this also means the material has been shipped long distances, involving carbon emissions that are damaging to the environment.
The cover is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and has a 350 thread count, so is extremely soft, silky, and comfortable. The comforter features corner ties to securely attach it to a duvet cover.
You can also wash the comforter in your regular washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle, and dry in your machine dryer on low heat. Additionally, because it is naturally treated with enzymes you don’t need to worry about the wool shrinking when washed.
What we like:
- Washable – This comforter is not only washable, but it can be washed in your regular sewing machine and dried in a machine dryer.
- Extra-dense – With 13 ounces per square yard, the wool filling is denser than most comforters, making it warm and cozy even in the coldest conditions.
- Silky cover – the cotton cover has a thread count of 350, making it silky soft and comfortable.
What we don’t like:
- Not all seasons – This comforter will likely be too warm in hotter weather.
This comforter may not be a versatile choice for all climates, but it makes a great choice for a warm, heavy-weight duvet. Made from natural wool with an organic cotton cover, you’ll also find it is comfortable and breathable.
6. Best merino wool comforter: Nest Bedding Organic Merino Wool Comforter
Another great product from Nest Bedding, this comforter is made from merino wool that is USDA and WOOLMARK certified as organic. The comforter is sewn in unique quilting patterns to keep the wool batting in place and avoid shifting.
Merino wool is known for its fine fibers that make it even more breathable and temperature-regulating than other types of wool. This makes it suitable for just about all seasons and body types – according to online reviews, it is ideal for hot sleepers as well as cold climates.
It also has a 400 thread count cotton sateen cover that is comfortable and perfect for sensitive skin.
However, unlike the Nest Bedding Washable Wool Comforter, this product is dry clean only, making it more difficult and expensive to clean. The natural fibers also have a woolly scent at first, but the manufacturer says this will dissipate within a few days and this is confirmed by online reviewers.
What we like:
- Breathable – Being made from merino wool, this comforter is extremely breathable and suitable for all temperatures and hot sleepers.
- Comfortable – The even batting and 400 thread count cover makes this product soft and comfy.
- Unique quilting patterns – Help to hold the fill in place without drifting or bunching.
What we don’t like:
- Not washable – This comforter is dry clean only, making it a little more difficult to care for.
Being made of merino wool, this comforter does need some extra care compared to its washable counterparts. However, this type of wool is particularly breathable and will help you achieve the perfect temperature for a good night’s sleep.
Things to consider when buying an eco-friendly wool comforter
There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when you buy an eco-friendly wool comforter, from the type of wool to its certifications.
First, we’ll take a look at the general advantages of wool comforters, before moving on to the things you should keep in mind in order to buy the perfect product for you.
Why choose a wool comforter?
Wool is a fantastic natural fiber that is perfect for a range of purposes, from sweaters to upholstery.
Wool is particularly well-suited to making comforters thanks to a number of its properties:
- It is breathable: Natural wool fibers naturally regulate temperature. The properties that keep sheep cool in summer and warm in winter can do the same for you while you sleep!
- It is moisture wicking: Wool fibers naturally channel moisture, eliminating moisture build up and keeping you dry.
- It is hypoallergenic: This moisture wicking also makes wool resistant to bacteria and dust mites.
- It is anti-static: Wool generates less static electricity and so attracts less lint, dust, and dirt compared to other comforters.
- It is fire resistant: The texture of wool fibers combined with its lanolin coating means it needs more oxygen to be set alight, so it is less likely to catch fire and will burn much more slowly if it does.
- It is biodegradable: Wool will naturally break down and decompose, unlike synthetic materials. It can also be recycled and repurposed into new products.
Naturally-produced wool is also much better for the environment compared to most synthetic materials, which are often made from petrochemicals and use harmful chemicals as part of their production. However, not all wool is sustainable, so it is important to look for a wool comforter that is eco-friendly and/or organic.
What does this mean exactly? We’ll break this down in the next section.
Is eco-friendly the same as organic?
Eco-friendly wool can have different definitions, but it generally means that it is sourced from farmers who graze their sheep naturally in the fields, and is produced without chemicals or harmful factory waste. This should consider every part of the process, from how the flocks are managed to how the wool is treated.
Conventional wool is generally treated with a range of chemicals and bleaches, whereas eco-friendly wool is processed with natural soaps or enzymes instead. There are various labels, such as eco-wool certification, that show the wool complies with these standards.
The eco-friendly nature of a product also extends to how it is packaged and shipped. Truly eco-friendly products should be shipped in sustainable packaging and ideally produced locally to minimize carbon emissions generated through shipping.
Organic products share many of these characteristics but need to comply with certain standards, specifically around how agricultural products are produced. For wool to be certified as organic in the US, it needs to come from sheep that are free from synthetic hormones and genetic engineering, are fed with organic feed, and are grazed on land free from chemical pesticides.
How do I know if wool is cruelty-free?
While organic and eco-friendly wool means the product is not harmful to the environment, cruelty-free wool implies that no animals have been harmed in its production.
Conventional wool producers often use practices that can be harmful to the sheep and the environment, including:
- Mulesing – growers cut off patches of skin to avoid infection.
- Dipping – sheep are given harsh and unpleasant pesticide baths for pest control.
- Harsh shearing – harmful shearing methods can injure the sheep.
On the other hand, when you buy a wool product that is certified cruelty-free, you can be assured that it hasn’t involved the above practices. Instead, wool growers rely on more natural practices to look after their flocks, control pests and infections, and shear their sheep, as well as managing their flocks humanely overall.
To be sure that the wool is truly cruelty-free, it is important to check if it is certified. There are a range of certifications that guarantee the wool is either cruelty-free, eco-friendly or both.
Every country has its own certifications and these can have slightly different criteria. Some of the certifications to look out for are:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – this international organization sets standards and requirements for organic textiles.
- USDA (US Department of Agriculture) – this US governing body sets standards for all facets of agriculture, including organic wool production.
- Organic Trade Association – An international association of organic producers and manufacturers, whose members pledge to meet certain organic standards.
What’s the best type of wool for a comforter?
There are various breeds of sheep, and the wool of each breed has its own distinct properties. For example, wool from merino sheep has particularly fine fibers ideal for temperature regulation and moisture-wicking.
Image source: Wikimedia
Some sheep breeds have certain characteristics that make them easier to manage without harmful practices such as mulesing, making such unethical treatment unnecessary. On the other hand, other types of wool are easier to care for, such a machine-washable wool.
Some people are allergic to lanolin, a by-product of sheep wool, so a comforter made from sheep wool will not be suitable. In this case, alpaca wool is the next best thing – it shares many of the benefits of sheep wool, as well as having hollow fibres that make it lightweight but warm.
What are you planning on using the comforter for?
When buying a comforter, it is important to consider its intended use. For example, are you planning to use it for sleep, or to take with you while camping or keep you cozy on the couch?
You also need to think about temperature – not just the climate you’ll be using it in and whether you want to be able to use it in all seasons, but also your normal body temperature. Some people are hot sleepers, while others naturally have a cooler body temperature.
As a natural fiber, wool is extremely breathable and so helps to regulate body temperature. In general terms, wool comforters will keep you warm in cold weather, and help you to stay cool when it is warm.
However, comforters come in a range of weights, from light, summer-weight comforters to heavy comforters like the OrganicTextiles Natural Australian Wool Filled Bed Comforter, that is perfect for very cold weather.
Some comforters, like the Holy Lamb All-Season Organic Cotton & Eco-Wool Comforter, come with two comforters snapped together, so you can remove one layer in warmer weather, or use both when it’s chilly.
Who would benefit from a wool comforter?
Wool comforters are a great choice for many people. Eco friendly comforters are a top pick for environmentally conscious consumers, letting you enjoy comfort and warmth without damaging the environment.
Wool comforters are also a great choice if you’re allergic to down, being a great non-synthetic alternative to natural down. Natural wool fibers are very soft and comfortable, making them ideal for people with health conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.
Wool’s natural characteristics also make it perfect for people with allergies.
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic because it is resistant to common allergy triggers such as bacteria, mold, and mildew.
The moisture-wicking nature of wool fibers means they minimize irritation, easing allergies. Another characteristic that makes wool useful for people with allergies is that the material can absorb harmful pollutants from the air without re-emitting them, promoting better air purity.
Finally, wool is less likely to attract dust mites because it channels moisture away from the fibers, and so doesn’t create a positive environment for these microscopic creatures. This helps to minimize allergies, as well as asthma, as dust mites are a common trigger for allergies and asthma attacks.
Furthermore, organic wool is also free from chemicals, dyes, and bleaching agents that can irritate sensitive skin and trigger allergies.
FAQ
With so many considerations to keep in mind when buying an eco friendly wool comforter, it can be a little difficult to know which product is right for you. Let’s clear up any lingering doubts by answering some frequently asked questions.
What’s the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
Generally speaking, a comforter has a built-in cover, while a duvet needs to be inserted inside a separate duvet cover. Another key difference is that comforters usually feature quilting or tufting that keeps the wool batting from shifting and bunching during use or washing.
Is organic wool the same as eco-friendly wool?
Although organic and eco-friendly share many of the same characteristics, they are not exactly the same thing. Eco-friendly is a general term indicating that the product does not damage the environment at any time during its production cycle, whereas organic products need to meet specific requirements in terms of agricultural processes.
Is wool or down better for bedding?
Wool and down are both natural materials that have their own advantages when used as bedding. Down is lightweight and extremely warm, making it an efficient way to keep warm in cool temperatures.
On the other hand, wool has superior temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties that keep you comfortable while you sleep, as well as being hypoallergenic and fire resistant. Some people are allergic to down, and so are unable to use down bedding entirely.
Final thoughts
Wool comforters have many advantages, from reducing allergies to helping you to regulate your body temperature and get a good night’s sleep. There are a range of quality wool comforters that are also kind to the environment and cruelty-free.
Our top pick is the PlushBeds Luxury Handmade Wool Comforter, while we also love the Nest Bedding Washable Wool Comforter and the Down Under Washable Sheepskin Wool Duvet as a budget-friendly choice.
An eco-friendly or organic wool comforter is one thing you can do to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Take a look at our other articles, from hemp toilet paper and energy-efficient TVs to solar refrigerators, for more ideas for living well without harming the planet.
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