A tog rating is a unit of measurement that describes the warmth or "thermal resistance" of a textile product, commonly used for duvets, quilts, and baby sleeping bags. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the item will keep you because it indicates how well the fabric and filling trap heat. It is primarily used in the UK and is measured under standardized conditions, although real-world warmth can vary depending on use and quality.
Key Points about Tog Rating
- It measures thermal resistance or how effectively a product keeps warmth in.
- Higher tog values mean warmer items; for example, summer duvets have ratings around 4.5 tog, while winter duvets can be 12 to 15 tog or more.
- Tog ratings do not measure quality or weight ; a lightweight duvet can have the same tog as a heavier synthetic one if both provide similar warmth.
- The rating is based on laboratory tests on flat surfaces, so actual use (how the duvet drapes) affects warmth.
- For babies, lower tog ratings are recommended to avoid overheating, such as around 2.2 tog for winter and as low as 0.5 tog for summer.
Examples of Tog Use
- Duvets: 4.5 tog (summer), 10.5–13.5 tog (common all-season/winter in UK)
- Baby sleep bags: typically range from 0.5 tog for summer to around 4 tog for winter
- Tog ratings conform to British standards like BS4745:1990.
In summary, a tog rating helps consumers choose the appropriate warmth level for bedding and clothing, especially in climates with variable seasons.
