A duvet cover surrounds your comforter or duvet to keep it protected and clean. It is like a massive pillowcase for your duvet (which is an insert that is stuffed with down or down-alternative fibers) that can be washed separately. A duvet cover typically has simple loops or tabs to attach to the duvet on the inside and a button or zipper closure on the bottom to keep the duvet secure. A duvet cover can be changed with the season, temperature, or based on your mood! If you hate making your bed, a duvet cover can even replace your top sheet if you wash the cover with your fitted sheet and pillowcases regularly. 

You might be thinking that a duvet insert sounds a lot like a comforter, but they actually have some key differences. A comforter is made of a more decorative outer fabric than a duvet cover. Comforters are filled with down or synthetic fibers. Comforters do not require covers and can be washed or dry cleaned, and are commonly sold along with matching sheets and pillowcases in popular “bed-in-a-bag” sets.