Review on Clara Clark Comforter - Gray King Size All Season Bedding Comforter/Duvet Insert - Ultra Soft & Box Stitched by James Wickware

Before I get into my own review, let me address a few things that other reviewers have said. A) Those who said this quilt does NOT look like down or a down alternative are correct. If you're looking for that heavy, puffy comforter? Pass this. The duvet is a bit plump (very small) and very light. B) Odor - Yes, the blanket has a strange factory smell upon arrival. Guess what? It doesn't say anywhere that this thing comes "prewashed," so let's be reasonable. I've bought blankets in stores (not ordered online) and they smelled like they were brand new from the factory. Let's be realistic folks. C) The stitching isn't as bad as most people make it out to be, but it's by no means super safe. I tugged at the seams a bit and saw how far they would stretch. I would say if I put all my strength into it I CAN rip it apart and I'm moderately strong. D) Softness is not a big deal. If you are SUPER sensitive and need very soft comforters I would probably look elsewhere. But what about someone who just can't stand the feeling of a rough/scratchy blanket AT ALL? I would say this one is quite soft, especially given the time it took to break it in. E) I haven't washed it yet so I don't know how it will be but I'll be back to edit my review if I have to share what's up. Q) As for washing and drying, people don't seem to realize that it depends on two factors: the settings you wash and dry this blanket on and the type/power of your appliances. Some people have super-aggressive devices that tear most things apart, or they don't bother turning the settings to gentle or lowering the temperature. I would recommend that you pay close attention and set your duvet on the gentlest wash and dry settings just to be safe/to spend more time with your duvet. Otherwise I have to say that this blanket is not too heavy for me. (cue for ME. Everyone is different folks) But not ultra light either. I'd say this is pretty much correct in terms of "year round", but I also have a 66 AC window unit every night except late fall/winter. Color NOT EXACTLY as shown. I ordered blue and where it looks very light (to me at least) in the picture, almost turquoise, in reality it looks more like dark blue. However, it is still a beautiful color and has not faded as can be seen in some photos. The size is just great, but I don't use it as a duvet either, just a duvet, so I can't say that for those who use a duvet cover. I ordered Full/Queen and got exactly what I ordered. Honestly I would give this duvet 4-5 stars if it weren't for the false advertising. This duvet is great for the price but trying to call it an alternative is just dodgy and very, VERY wrong. out/holds and any new designs I might have. EDIT: I bought this in September 2015, it's now April 2016. I haven't had a single tear in this thing and I've washed it. all normal settings of my washing machine many times. The color is the same, no protruding threads that I've noticed, no misaligned innards or anything. I'll say I'm VERY hot even on cold days, but other than that it's still a great comfort. Fantastic for the price. I would rate it over 3/5 if it weren't for the false advertising that it's a duvet. Months later it's still not the same. :P