Down jacket - how to choose the best model and cut?

Buying a down jacket is a challenge, because it is difficult to find a model that is at the same time warm, comfortable and fits many styles. The so-called “down jacket” is a favorite of ladies who value versatility and high quality clothing. This type of outer garment is usually filled with natural feathers and down, in addition to which it has a characteristic quilting and amazing heating properties. In many cases, the appearance recedes into the background, as it is the composition that is most important.

Down jacket – characteristics

In winter warm jackets are an absolute must. In stores you will find a variety of products of different lengths and cuts, in addition, they differ from each other in composition, and therefore in properties. Typical “down” coats are lightweight, warm, moreover, they perform well even in extreme conditions. As a rule, this type of outer garment is an outdoor variant (clothing designed for active outdoor activities), although it easily finds its way into everyday life, for example, in urban styling. “Puffer jacket”, i.e. a jacket with down filling, is distinguished primarily by its spatial structure, and it is this structure that is responsible for retaining and storing air. This is what makes these mountains so warm and provides proper insulation. The natural agent of animal origin can be replaced by artificial fibers, but it is the former that is strongly associated with “down”, hence the origin of the name itself. Feather down is softer than duck down, in addition to being more lightweight and better elasticity. Synthetic is a cheaper solution, but with much weaker heating properties.

How to choose the best jacket for cold days?

Low temperatures, snowfall and strong winds – this is often the winter weather. The jacket for this period should be warming and effectively protect the body from the cold, so it is good for it to have a hood, sleeves finished with cuffs, as well as a longer cut. All these details will significantly increase the comfort of use, and the composition of the garment itself is also key. The top layer made of waterproof fabric is mandatory, in addition, it should be wind resistant. Very often you can see the characteristic quilting on the material, which also affects the maintenance of the insulating layer, so this detail not only decorates the garment, but also directly affects the functionality. The center of the outer garment, that is, the filling, is also an important aspect, because it affects the thermal insulation. The natural ones definitely dominate, although many companies use high-end synthetics. There is no denying that each type has its pros and cons.

When buying a winter jacket, you need to think carefully about a couple of issues, first of all, what the outer garment is to be used for. This is a basic parameter, thanks to which the circle of search will automatically shrink. Sometimes one model is so versatile that it will work in really different situations, from trips to the mountains to urban styling. Long variants are not always the most favorable, as they can make it difficult to move in high snowdrifts, so length and cut are other details that need to be chosen consciously. Very fitted forms can restrict movement, while loose ones are better suited to layered combinations, for the so-called “onion“. The visual appearance for most, after all, seems to be the most important, and this is a big mistake, because sometimes the least visible details have the strongest impact on functionality. All this makes the choice of the ideal model of winter “down” a real challenge, and the huge assortment of brands does not help at all.

Jacket filling – synthetic down vs. natural down – which is better?

As a rule, the composition of “down boots” is dominated by natural filling. This is definitely a more expensive option than synthetics, although the raw material of animal origin has a considerable advantage over them, as it provides adequate thermal comfort. Down is lightweight, durable and takes up little space, so the jacket, when folded, will fit even into a small suitcase or bag. However, it should be remembered that duck and goose feathers are fillings that require proper care, besides, they lose their elasticity when exposed to moisture. “Down” with a natural center differ from each other in a number of parameters. The springiness of down directly affects the level of warmth, so the higher the parameter the better. 550 cuin is the lowest value used by reputable clothing companies, while the highest is as high as 900 – it appears mainly in professional outdoor models. The ratio of down to feathers sometimes varies, and the half-and-half type is nevertheless associated with poor quality. Not without significance is the type of down, for example, goose down shows much better properties than that of duck down, but it is used primarily for technical clothing. Analysis of the label is, therefore, important, because not every “down” is the same, even if it looks identical at first glance.

Winter jackets are increasingly hiding synthetic down, so they are definitely cheaper than variants with natural filling. The composition is dominated by polyester or other synthetic fibers. On the “down” label, there may be numerous markings indicating the use of innovative solutions. PrimaLoft is a moisture-resistant fiber that insulates warmth superbly, while also being lightweight and soft. Thermolite has similar properties, as does G-Loft. Synthetic outerwear dries quickly, on top of which it is extremely hard wearing and does not lose its properties quickly. Importantly, it’s ideal for allergy sufferers and those on a tight budget. Unfortunately, however, there are also some downsides. The disadvantage is, first of all, the fact that synthetics are not able, with the same amount of filling as the natural type, to heat as effectively, so more fiber is used. This makes the outer garment thicker, on top of that heavier, so it takes up more space when folded in luggage. An artificial interior will never be able to 100% replicate the natural version, but it still has quite a few pluses to appreciate.