The French Tail

Thoughtfully designed to minimise movement, the signature French Tail opening tucks tight underneath the mattress to keep your duvet beautifully aligned, ensuring uninterrupted comfort and a perfectly dressed bed.

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A Seamless Closure

Most duvet covers end at the foot in a plain seam, fastened shut with a zip, a row of buttons, or a line of poppers, each one a small interruption in an otherwise seamless expanse of linen. The French tail dispenses with all of it.

In its place lies an additional panel of fabric, cut to a graceful, tapering bottleneck shape that extends beyond the foot of the cover. The duvet slides in through this opening with nothing to unfasten, nothing to align, nothing to catch. Once the bed is dressed, that extra length of fabric is simply tucked beneath the foot of the mattress.

From there, the mattress does the work. Its own weight holds the closure fast, with not a single button, zip, or popper in sight, leaving nothing but an unbroken sweep of fabric, and a finish that feels less assembled than arrived at.

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Five Steps For The Perfect Duvet

1. Turn the duvet cover inside out and reach through to the two far corners, one in each hand.

2. Take hold of the two top corners of the duvet through the fabric, so your hands are gripping the cover and duvet together.

3. Shake down. The duvet cover falls over the duvet and settles. There is nothing to fasten.

4. Lay the duvet cover on the bed, allowing the tail to hang over the end of the bed.

5. Then tuck the French Tail under the foot of the mattress. Push it well in and let the mattress hold it.

The Anatomy of a Perfectly Made Bed

Step 5 - The French Tail Tuck Explained

"I've used this brand since it started and have never found the same quality anywhere else. I particularly love the French Tail feature on the duvet covers which keeps it in place and looking neat"

Jo R

French Tail Frequently Asked Questions

What is a French tail on a duvet cover?
An extra length of fabric at the foot of the cover, cut in a wide bottleneck shape. Instead of closing with buttons, a zip or poppers, the opening stays open and the extra cloth tucks beneath the mattress, holding the duvet in place and hiding the closure entirely.
Is a French tail the same as a fishtail?
Yes. The same detail goes by several names — French tail, fishtail, bottleneck, duck tail, tuck-in flap and French flap all describe the tuck-under closure at the foot of a duvet cover.
Will the duvet come out?
No. The weight of the mattress holds the tail, which keeps the duvet from sliding out or shifting overnight. There is nothing to work loose because there are no fastenings.
Does it work on a very deep mattress?
Yes. The tail is cut generously so it tucks under mattresses up to 40cm deep, including thicker US mattresses and those with a topper.
Which sizes come with a French tail?
All UK sizes. Single, Double, King, Super King and Emperor. All bespoke sizes are made to order and will also come with a French tail as standard.
Can I feel the fabrics before I buy?
Yes. Order one of our free Fabric Sample Packs to feel our collections before you purchase.