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The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review: one duvet to rule them all?
A 3-in-1 duvet bundles two separate layers you can use on their own or fasten together, giving you three tog options in one — light for warm nights, medium for in-between weather, and a thicker combo when the temperature drops. Smart, space-saving, and in theory, ideal for year-round comfort. 3 Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 The catch? At £349 for a double, Simba's version sits firmly at the premium end. I put it to the test for this Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review to find out if it's a clever investment or a costly gimmick. As someone who prefers a cooler bedroom, I was curious — should you add more just because you can? There are thoughtful touches here, from easy-to-swap layers to more eco-conscious materials, with the fill made from recycled plastic bottles and a Better Cotton cover. On paper, it's everything you need in one package. The question is whether it feels as good in bed as it looks on the spec sheet. Pros Cons Overall rating: 8/10 Comfort: 10/10 Value: 4/10 Design: 10/10 Sustainability: 8/10 How I tested the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet I'm certainly no stranger when it comes to Simba products. I've had a Simba mattress for the last 10 years, and it transformed my sleep from being an insomniac to achieving a sleep score over 80 every single night. My Simba APEX Mattress is probably one of my most prized possessions. That means I came into this Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review with high expectations. Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet review: Quickfire Q&A How much is the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet? Brace yourself — prices start at £249 for a single and rise to £449 for a superking. Simba does run regular sales, however, so you should be able to pick it up for less during sales events. Which way up does the Simba Duvet go? Either side works—choose the layer you need, pop them together if required, and keep the cover's closure at the foot. Can you wash it? Yep, it's machine washable, but good luck fitting it into your home washing machine. Who's it best for? Individuals who struggle to regulate their body temperature and sleep patterns throughout the year. With the UK's weather as unpredictable as it is, it's nice to be able to whip off a layer and still sleep peacefully. What we loved: I loved the softness and quality feel of the duvet. It's warm but still feels lightweight and non-restrictive. What we didn't: The price. And if we're nit-picking, the buttons can be a little fiddly, but it's not a deal-breaker. Simba 3-in-1 duvet review: The Nitty Gritty Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super-King Material: Cotton and recycled plastic Togs: 3.5, 7, 10.5 3 Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 First impressions Luckily, the delivery process from Simba is very straightforward. At the time of writing, Simba uses DPD Local for its non-mattress products. Unpacking the boxes is easy, and getting the duvets ready to go is a piece of cake. The duvet comes with a storage case, which I used to store the half of the duvet that I wasn't sleeping with. However, I found it wasn't much of a space saver, as it took up the same amount of space under my ottoman bed as any other duvet would. As I had hoped, though, Simba's 3-in-1 duvet felt premium right away. It's got a soft cotton cover, which still feels quality beneath a bedsheet, and the 'renew clusters' in the filling, which are made from recycled plastic, are evenly distributed and divided into pockets so they can't form clumps. Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 Does it deliver? I tested this duvet in the summer and mostly used it with its lightest 3.5 tog (blue binding), which I didn't find unbearable, even in the middle of a heatwave. That could be down to the duvet's moisture-wicking properties, which help it draw sweat away as you sleep. Simba has always been great at incorporating cooling tech into its products, and the duvet seems to be no exception. The spring/autumn duvet (grey binding) is a 7-tog covering, and I'd back up Simba's claim that it's suitable for the majority of the year. This is the one that I gravitated towards the most. Similar to the light summer duvet, the 7 tog feels luxurious and is incredibly soft. Combine the two duvets and (you maths whizzes guessed it), you get a 10.5 tog duvet designed for cold winter nights. Given the premium design and the options available, I'm surprised to find someone who wouldn't like at least one of the options year-round. How much does the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet cost? The price is the biggest hurdle for the Simba 3-in-1 duvet. At the time of writing, its RRP on the Simba website for a single is £249. That's just too much, in my opinion. A quick search of the web reveals that you can find something similar for well under £50 elsewhere. However, Simba often has discounts, so if you can nab one during a sale, it's more than worth it — we've seen it go as low as £186.75 during sale periods. Simba distinguishes itself from rival brands with its premium quality, eco credentials and carbon-neutral delivery, but even with these positives, I felt that £449 (RRP) is a steep price for a Super King duvet. In my experience, internet mattress brands are notorious for having killer sales during peak periods, so you should be able to find this 3-in-1 duvet at a discount in the near future. We'll update this page with offers on this duvet when we spot them. Can you wash a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet? Yes, the Simba 3-in-1 duvet is machine washable, and I'm reassured by Simba's claim that the duvet will retain its softness and shape even after repeated washes. I can tell from the off that it isn't going to fit in a standard drum, so it'll require a trip to the local laundrette.. Of course, I'll let you know when the time comes for a laundry cycle. Where to buy the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet You can buy Simba products from several retailers as well as the official website. I've listed some of the options we've seen below. What's the difference between the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet and the Simba Hybrid Duvet? The two duvets Simba offers at the time of writing are similar in quality. They're both made from a mixture of Better Cotton and recycled plastic, they both feel luxurious, and they're both temperature-regulating. But the standard Hybrid Duvet is a 10.5 tog cover, whereas you get three options with the 3-in-1: 3.5 tog, 7 tog and 10.5 tog. Simba 3-in-1 Duvet alternatives Not sold on the price? There are plenty of Simba 3-in-1 Duvet alternatives worth a look. For a similar mix-and-match setup, consider standard all-seasons sets (a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog that can be buttoned together) from Silentnight, Dunelm, or Dusk, which offer year-round flexibility for less. Hot sleeper? Panda's bamboo Cloud Duvet is breathable, hypoallergenic and feels light and floaty. If your temperature swings through the night, Woolroom's British wool duvets naturally regulate heat and moisture, keeping things comfy in every season. Prefer that plush down feel without feathers? Soak & Sleep's Soft As Down microfibre range offers impressive loft with an all-seasons bundle. Still like Simba tech but want simpler? The Simba Hybrid Duvet is a single-layer option with cooling tech and easy care. Premium seekers can step up to Hungarian goose down all-seasons sets at retailers like John Lewis—luxurious, warm and long-lasting if properly cared for. The Verdict: is a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet worth the money? If you're willing to spend the money on a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, I don't think you would be disappointed It does everything you'd hope it would and feels luxurious doing so. It's also incredibly practical and should last a long time. I also appreciate Simba's commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing and delivery. But would I spend my own money on this duvet? Short answer, no — but when it's on sale, I could be swayed. I'd say to keep your eyes peeled for deals on this duvet around Black Friday and Christmas if you feel like treating yourself.
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Inside Rothy's quest to create recycled velvet shoes
This week, Rothy's launches a new collection unlike anything we've seen before from the shoe brand. There are burgundy kitten heels, stacked leopard-print booties, and comfy olive clogs—all made from velvet fabric. At first glance, you'd think the cozy-looking shoes were made of cotton or wool. But in fact, they're made from the same recycled water bottles that Rothy's uses for its classic flats. When the company launched in 2016, it quickly developed a cult following for its simple ballet flats made from a textured knit material. Over the past nine years, Rothy's has grown quickly, going beyond flats to create sneakers, loafers, heels, and even handbags that feature its distinct, easily recognizable recycled plastic fabric. Now the company has a fleet of 26 stores, is profitable, and generated $211 million in revenue last year, a 17% increase from the year before. Rothy's original material—the textured, woven knit—continues to be popular. But to keep growing, the company seeks to innovate. Its in-house team of material scientists and product designers have been tasked with developing new fabrics that meet the brand's sustainability and durability standards but that look distinct in a wide range of styles. This new material, which it's calling ReVelvet, does just that. 'We built our reputation on the original [recycled plastic] material,' says Heather Archibald, Rothy's chief product officer. 'But we don't want to be limited by it. We want to be able to create any shoe you could possibly imagine.' An Iconic Material In 2012, Stephen Hawthornthwaite and Roth Martin had the idea to create a sustainable footwear startup that would produce a more feminine shoe than the sneakers that were coming onto the market (think: Veja or Allbirds). They spent four years working with manufacturers to develop a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Then they built a factory in China that would knit the shoe uppers at scale using a zero-waste 3D knitting machine. It turned out that all of this groundwork was well worth the effort. When Rothy's launched in 2016, its $129 shoes were a hit. Women loved that they were comfortable, eco-friendly, and durable (the shoes are machine washable). As the shoes became a status symbol that telegraphed the wearer's values, the instantly recognizable upper became a key selling point. Rothy's designers used the recycled material to create everything from sneakers and clogs to heels for women, and driving shoes and loafers for men. Over the years, Rothy's has dipped its toes into other materials. Felice Gunawan, Rothy's lead material developer, says it is possible to create different textures by incorporating other materials into the recycled polyester. By weaving in hemp and organic cotton, Rothy's developed a linen-like texture for summer sandals and slides. By weaving in merino wool, it created a warmer texture for clogs and boots. But these were fairly subtle changes. 'We wanted to challenge ourselves to create something that looked even more distinct,' Gunawan says. A Two-Year Quest For two years, Gunawan scoured the market for textile manufacturers who were creating interesting sustainable materials. The good news is that there's an abundance of these companies in operation. 'There's a lot of innovation happening now when it comes to sustainable materials,' Gunawan says. 'It's happening both at small startups and in large companies.' For Gunawan, it was important to find a material that would meet Rothy's rigorous standards. It has a lab in its China factory that is devoted to durability testing. And it also needed to work with a company large enough to produce the material at scale. Eventually, Gunawan found the material that would become ReVelvet, and ensured that the fibers would work seamlessly in Rothy's 3D knitting machines in China. Archibald and her design team then set out to create silhouettes that would work well with the ReVelvet. Since velvet can have a more formal aesthetic, they created a pointed slingback that looks nice with an evening dress, and penny loafers that pair well with office wear. And since velvet can also look cozy and warm, they created a clog style. As it turned out, the company's timing was perfect: Velvet is having a moment. This fall, you'll find it in blazers, evening dresses, and even trousers. 'It was entirely luck,' Archibald says. 'We had no way of knowing these shoes would be so fashionable right now.' That little bit of luck has emboldened the team to innovate further. Gunawan is constantly keeping an eye out for new eco-friendly materials coming on the market that can be used in shoes. And Archibald is excited to transform these materials into new styles. 'For a while, Rothy's was associated with a very particular aesthetic,' Archibald says. 'But as we're evolving, we want to be known as a brand that creates sustainable, durable shoes that come in all kinds textures and silhouettes. One day, we could create our own version of a leather shoe or even a satin wedding shoe.' The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Globe and Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Fashion That Lasts: Grip Eyewear's Sustainable Frames Redefine Durability
Grip Eyewear is turning heads in the fashion industry by launching the world's first eyewear crafted entirely from recycled rubber tires. The brand has just unveiled its Kickstarter campaign, promising a product that merges cutting-edge durability with striking design—all while championing environmental sustainability. Engineered to endure life's daily challenges, each pair of Grip Eyewear frames is built to be virtually indestructible. The innovative process transforms recycled rubber into a refined 2mm layer, which is then combined with carbon fiber, polystyrene, and acetate. The result is a lightweight yet resilient frame that stands out both in performance and style. Key features include: Unmatched Durability: Frames designed to withstand drops and impacts, ensuring longevity even in demanding environments. Lifetime-Ready Lenses: Premium optics with a protective rubber shield to guard against scratches, ensuring crystal-clear vision. Distinctive Design: Each frame features a unique texture derived from recycled rubber, making every pair one-of-a-kind. Versatile Style: Available in a range of striking colors and styles that cater to both men and women. The creative vision behind Grip Eyewear draws inspiration from the founder's roots in Naples and life in Dubai. The soulful, bold character of Naples fuses with Dubai's forward-thinking energy, resulting in eyewear that embodies both Italian flair and modern innovation. Grip Eyewear isn't just about sustainability," said Francesco, Founder of Grip Eyewear. "It's a lifestyle statement—a blend of resilience, style, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact." The Kickstarter campaign not only aims to fund production but also invites backers to join a movement redefining sustainable fashion. Early supporters will enjoy exclusive access and rewards, making this an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to make a statement while contributing to a greener future. For more details and to support the campaign, visit Grip Eyewear's Kickstarter page at Media Contact Company Name: Grip Eyewear City: Rome Country: Italy Website:
