Looking at modern down jackets, it is hard to believe that the ancestor of such a diverse style of product is the uniform of climbers and polar explorers of the first half of the 20th century. Even in the 90s, women's models of down jackets were monotonous and boring: a down jacket is not a fashionable top for you, but good warm clothes!
Fortunately, those days have sunk into oblivion, and modern down jackets amaze with a variety of models and colors. Classic styles, trendy oversized coats, sports jackets and overalls, glamorous ponchos and vests. Fashionistas have a place to turn around!
And this is confirmed by celebrities walking around in down jackets in the cold season.
Fashionable women's down jackets 2017
Designers annually offer a lot of styles of different styles and colors of women's down jackets. The most popular model is still long down coats wonderfully warming in frosty winters. And if there is a hood, then this the best option protecting from wind and cold.
Long down jackets can be made in a classic elegant style under the belt, with fur trim, or oversized voluminous style.
Short down jackets also in trend. They emphasize the beauty of the legs and look wonderful on slender women, complete with insulated skinny trousers and leggings. Most often, light short jackets and down vests are preferred by active sports ladies and driving women.
The cuts in the trend are different: fitted, loose, waist length and below.
Down jackets with short sleeves three quarters still do not give up their positions. Perhaps such a model is impractical, but few people can resist an unusual down jacket in combination with long gloves and mitts. Models with short sleeves great option for autumn, spring and warm winter.
Unusual transformer models with detachable sleeves and other details. Thanks to the transformation, one down jacket can look interesting in different ways.
Combined models of down jackets lovers of experiments will appreciate. Such products are attractive with their unusual appearance: inserts of knitted elements, leather, fur and other materials that are different from the base. Some models are similar in cut to elegant dresses. It's hard to believe what an airy coat is besides unusual look also reliable protection from wind and cold.
How to choose the right down jacket
In addition to the aesthetic appearance, the down jacket must combine comfort to wear and high quality.
A high-quality down jacket has properties that are indispensable for outerwear:
- High ability to retain heat (due to the composition, which has a percentage of down and waterfowl feathers).
- Comfort and lightness (the weight of products, depending on the length and size, can range from 600 grams to 2 kg).
- Waterproof. Manufacturers of quality down jackets use materials with water-repellent coatings.
- Ease of maintenance.
Looking at and feeling the down jacket you like, pay attention to the label indicating information about the composition of the filler and its features. A certain ratio of down and feather is designed for a specific climate and region of residence. Down jackets are filled with down and feathers of Hague ducks (such products are the lightest, warmest and most expensive), swan and goose.
Features of down jacket fillers
Percentage of down and feather affects the heat retention: the more fluff, the warmer the product. Therefore, take into account the temperature in the cold season and the humidity of your region: hardly for winter middle lane need a down jacket, designed for forty-degree frosts.
The first digit of the percentage indicates fluff with the English word "down", and the feather "feather".
- 50/50 - an equal ratio of down and feather, which will be comfortable for light down jackets for spring and autumn.
- 70/30 is the standard ratio that is most often found on the label. Such a down jacket will warm you in frosts up to 20 degrees.
- 90/10 - this filler ratio will help you comfortably survive harsh winters from 20 degrees and above.
important moment t: the heat saving of a down jacket also depends on the density of down and feather in the product. For example, light jackets, jackets, down vests can have 90% down. However, due to the thinnest layer, create a slight warming effect, similar to a light windbreaker. But such down jackets look unusually attractive: airy and weightless.
The width of the squares of the down jacket no more than 20 cm is desirable. The lines of down jackets, in the form of squares, rectangles and other shapes, in addition to the decorative function, also have practical significance: they evenly distribute the fluff. The filler, which is not separated by lines, will begin to stray over time and make the down jacket lumpy and blown.
Elastic coefficient (fill power) talk about the ability of down to quickly return to its shape after compression. The quality indicator should be not less than 550.
- FP from 700 - the highest quality down is used in the down jacket;
- FP 500-700 - a standard indicator of good quality;
- FP 400-500 - medium quality;
- FP below 400 - low quality
Not all manufacturers indicate this information, but it can be verified experimentally: crush a small section of the product. Instant restoration of shape means a high coefficient of elasticity.
The higher the Fill Power, the lighter your down jacket. For example, let's weigh the same models of down jackets in turn. One will have down with FP 800, the other with FP 400. A product with FP 800 will weigh 2 times less than a product with FP 400. But both jackets will keep warm equally.
What is artificial down?
Separately, it is worth mentioning the artificial filler. Often, manufacturers and sellers of down jackets without a twinge of conscience call a product stuffed with synthetic filler a down jacket. In the people it is called a little ridiculous - "artificial fluff"
However, this is not a simple synthetic winterizer. Manufacturers of synthetic down claim that it has a number of advantages: environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, light, fluffy, with a high coefficient of elasticity, does not roll or climb.
Syntepuh received such positive characteristics due to the peculiarities of production. Its coiled fibers are treated with silicone and have cavities inside. This technology gave sintepuh great combination heat-shielding and ventilating properties.
What should be the fabric of a quality down jacket
The choice of down jacket fabric is no less important than the filling of the product. The fabric gives general form product and protects from rain and wind. Usually polyester is indicated on the label, although each type of fabric has its own name (Duspo, Taslan and others).
The main requirement for the material for a down product is waterproofness. Therefore, fabrics for down jackets made of polyester microfiber are usually soft, do not rustle, have a water-repellent and at the same time breathable effect. Some have a shiny coating that gives the down jacket a catchy look.
Waterproof fabric is labeled Gore-tex. Fabrics with water-repellent impregnations are indicated by the abbreviation DWR. The word ripstor refers to a super strong lightweight fabric with nylon threads woven into the base of the material.
Separately, it is worth paying attention to the lining fabric of the down jacket. In high-quality products, the lining is made of natural strong fabrics, such as viscose with weaving of nylon or cotton threads. In down jackets with poor-quality lining, pockets are quickly torn and seams diverge.
Trying on a down jacket
A low-quality down jacket already in a new form begins to lose down and feathers. Therefore, measure the down jacket on dark clothes, it will immediately show fluff and feathers that have seeped through the lining.
It is better to try on a down jacket on insulated clothes. Fasten all zippers, put on the hood, tighten the drawstrings as you feel comfortable. Raise your arms up, forward, spread apart. You should be comfortable, nothing should hinder your movements.
Branded packaging with a sample of fluff, strong fittings, even seams will confirm the quality of the product.
If you like a down jacket with natural fur trim, pay attention to its attachment. A product with non-removable fur parts will have to be dry-cleaned periodically, and this is expensive and not always convenient.
How to wash a down jacket in a washing machine
If the down jacket can be washed in a machine, this information and temperature conditions are indicated on the label.
The down jacket should be washed carefully:
- Wash stains and dirt first.
- Fasten the button locks, turn the product inside out.
- Wash the down jacket separately from other items without powder (may leave streaks), using a liquid detergent for delicate fabrics.
- To prevent sticking and lumpiness of down, put special balls for washing in the machine. The impact of the balls will evenly distribute the fluff. If there are no special balls, you can use tennis or children's cubes (after making sure that they do not stain the product).
- Rinse the down jacket thoroughly, 2-3 times. Spin - gentle.
- You can dry the down jacket on a hanger, or in a horizontal form, spreading it on the floor. Regular shaking of the product (every 3 hours) will prevent the formation of rotten lumps and ensure the distribution of fluff. If you don’t feel like shaking the down jacket, spin the already dried product without water with balls in the washing machine on the spin cycle.
The cold wind intensifies, the frost grows stronger, and wet snow “pleases” us with dampness and dankness. Such weather conditions are very inspiring for the main purchase of the winter season - warm outerwear. But in order to purchase a really high-quality thing that will warm even in severe frosts, it is worth understanding what types of down jacket fillers are, their advantages and disadvantages. This is what we will talk about in our article.
fluff
The best natural insulation is the down of waterfowl that live in cold climates. This natural material not only the warmest, but also the most expensive, since it is assembled by hand. In the first place is eider down, followed by goose down, then duck and swan down.
Important! Chicken down is not used as a filler for outerwear.
Unique feature natural filler is that it can be reduced in volume to minimum dimensions, and after shaking, return to its original position.
Important! A small feather protects the fluff from rolling into lumps and settling.
Advantages:
- Excellent thermal insulation.
- Minimum weight.
Important! As a rule, the ratio of feather and down in the insulation is indicated on outerwear, which helps to determine the quality of the product. For example, a value of 80/20 indicates that the insulation contains 80 percent pure down and 20 percent feathers.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
- When washing, knocking into lumps is possible (you need to beat it to return the product to its original position) - it is better to take it to dry cleaning.
- Possible manifestation of an allergic reaction.
Important! To look really beautiful, fashionable, and feel comfortable in your new winter clothes, pay attention not only to the quality of the filler. See our articles for useful information for a competent purchase:
Wool
Wool is a durable, wear-resistant and hypoallergenic filler for down jackets, which perfectly warms in frost down to minus 25 degrees.
Important! It is often used in shoes and clothes for children, as well as for liners in parka-type products.
Advantages:
- Preservation of heat in frost up to -25 degrees.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Durability.
Flaws:
- Big weight.
- When washing, deformation is possible (it is better to give it to dry cleaning).
Biofluff Sustans
This is an innovative insulation that is created using a patented biopolymer. It has excellent thermal insulation properties and light weight, and the material is easy to operate.
Important! Sustans fill is the first high-tech bio-based material to receive approval for the new USDA bio-based product label.
The spherical shape of the particles of this filler gives it a pleasant silky structure, exceptional fluffiness, resistance to compression (you can wash it yourself).
Advantages:
- Durability.
- Save the form.
- High heat-preserving characteristics.
- Deformation resistance.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
Important! How long your outerwear will delight you with its beautiful appearance, warmth and comfort depends on how well you take care of it. Bookmark our useful articles and use the information from them if necessary, so that you do not have to think about buying new clothes every season:
Polyfiber, firetech, fiberskin and holofiber
These synthetic fillings for down jackets are made from fibers twisted in the form of springs or balls, which have cavities and do not communicate with each other. It is thanks to this that products with such a filler perfectly keep their shape and retain heat.
Winter outerwear that uses this filler is not very expensive. All of the materials listed above have similar thermal insulation characteristics.
Advantages:
- Affordable cost.
- Moisture resistance.
- Durability.
- Preservation of heat in frosts up to minus 25 degrees.
- Keeping shape after washing.
Important! There are no cons as such.
Thinsulate
Thinsulate is also called artificial down. This is a super-resistant elastic fiber that retains volume under any conditions. It is the lightest of all synthetic fillers.
Important! According to the manufacturer, thinsulate is 1.5 times warmer than even natural fluff, has unique thermoregulating properties, does not absorb moisture, and also perfectly retains its shape after washing and subsequent drying. This material is in great demand for tailoring sportswear and special uniforms.
Advantages:
- Small thickness and weight.
- Save the form.
- Preservation of heat up to minus thirty degrees.
- Washable at home.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
Walterm
This - thermal insulation material new generation, which was developed by the Italian research laboratory Valtherm. Created from thousands of small cells, micropores form a honeycomb structure this material. Due to this, it has the property of an air gasket.
Also, the structure of this filler for down jackets makes it possible to freely release sweat and steam without any change in the state of the material, which distinguishes it from those products that use natural down.
Advantages:
- Subtlety.
- Excellent thermal insulation.
- Effective moisture removal.
Flaws:
- Used exclusively for sportswear.
- Expensive.
Primaloft
This insulation has a long-fiber structure, thanks to which it can quickly restore its shape. Even after repeated washes and subsequent drying, the material does not deform.
Important! Primaloft fibers have water-repellent properties that help the liquid drain or evaporate.
Primaloft has the softness of goose down, thanks to which products with it take the necessary shape - clothes sit well on the figure, and if it is a blanket, it fits the body of a sleeping person.
Important! It was chosen as a strategic material for the US Army.
Advantages:
- Durability.
- Passage of moisture and air.
- Resistant to deformation.
- Good thermal insulation.
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
Sintepukh
The nonwoven fabric created from many very fine polyester fibers. The filler is made of crimped fibers that look like springs. Intertwined with each other and impregnated with silicone, they form a dense structure. Inside these fibers are strips.
Important! All holes are microscopic, so the user does not have to worry that moisture will get inside.
This filler for down jackets does not absorb moisture at all, so clothes with it do not get wet and perfectly retain heat even when wet. It is sintepuh that is the most popular material for warming winter outerwear, since it has excellent qualities at an affordable price.
Important! A winter jacket with synthetic down looks voluminous, like a down jacket, but at the same time contains artificial filler.
Advantages:
- Moisture resistance.
- Good thermal insulation.
- Combination of light weight and volume.
- Quick recovery after washing.
- Affordable cost.
Very soon, the vast expanses of our Motherland will be covered with snow and a bitter frost will come, but we still have a little time left to choose and purchase the best option for protection from the cold. What is the warmest, lightest, most beautiful and practical piece of winter wardrobe that is the most popular today? Everyone knows the answer, well, or almost everyone, is it a down jacket or just down jacket.
Down jackets today are littered with all the counters: from clothing markets to showcases of expensive boutiques. Customers can choose from a huge range of down jackets for every taste, color and wallet, of any manufacturer and design. But there is a huge difference between a real down jacket that will keep you warm and comfortable all winter, and that “feather bag” that is often brazenly sold to us under the guise of a down jacket. So, so that you don’t become a “miracle in feathers” and waste your hard-earned money, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our guide, where we will try to briefly but concisely analyze all aspects of choosing and acquiring a truly high-quality and practical down jacket.
So, a down jacket is an item of outerwear, a jacket or coat designed to be worn in the cold season. To protect the body from the effects of low temperatures, only natural down and feathers of waterfowl are used as a heat-insulating filler (eider down and down of geese grown at low temperatures in the northern countries and the Siberian part of the Russian Federation are especially valued). The surface of the down jacket is made of light, durable and breathable fabric (membrane), the seams must be taped for better tightness and thermal insulation. For uniform distribution of down over the volume of the jacket, it is placed in special down bags, separated from each other by sealed seams. The design of down jackets should provide maximum protection against heat loss by the human body. Some down jackets can provide warmth even in frosts down to -85 ° C. The first down jackets appeared in the 16th century in Norway and were stuffed with eider down, but it is officially believed that the patent for the modern classic down jacket (parka) was received in 1940 by Eddie Bauer, an American designer and founder of the Eddie Bauer casual clothing brand of the same name.
The main advantages of down jackets include - excellent heat-insulating properties with low weight, providing air exchange without heat loss, thanks to the properties of membrane fabrics, versatility and practicality, durability with proper care, all kinds of design.
Perhaps the only drawback of down products is their rather high price. But we must not forget that the optimal time for the "life" of fluff is calculated for a period of 7 to 10 years, and with proper care for it, even twenty. Synthetics will last you only 3-5 years. It follows that down is more than twice as durable as synthetics, which is why it costs more.
Some of our sellers and buyers mistakenly believe that a down jacket is a generalized name and that any jacket with a heater that is similar in design can be called that. It's a delusion. Which, by the way, is used by not quite clean-handed businessmen. Down jackets use only natural down, any synthetic analogue turns a down jacket in an ordinary jacket with insulation.
A real down jacket will become an indispensable winter thing for you and will delight you for many years, but in order to choose the “right” down jacket, you need to know the fundamental points. We tried to collect the main practical tips and we really hope that they will help you choose and purchase the perfect down jacket.
1. Down(down), the most important thing in a down jacket. The principle of thermal protection of down is simple - it creates an air gap between the body and the external environment. Air is a poor conductor of heat and the actual air layer created by down is the main heat insulator. And how well the material holds this very layer is an indicator of the quality of this insulation. It is well known that the down of waterfowl (first of all, goose down) as a thermal insulation is an unsurpassed material: it is light, airy and perfectly retains a large number of air. But fluff fluff is different. It can be large, small, caked, airy, rotten, etc. and so on. and the properties of a particular batch of fluff depend on these parameters. There are many options, but when it comes to thermal insulation properties, then to evaluate them all over the world, such an indicator of elasticity as Fill Power is used, which reflects the ability of the down to recover after compression - this is the main indicator of the quality of the down. Elasticity is determined as follows: take 1 ounce of fluff, compress it, remove the load and determine to what size the fluff has recovered. In a good down jacket, the Fill Power value should be at least 550, its best performance reaches 950 units.
- up to 400 - poor quality fluff.
- 400 - 450 - medium quality fluff.
- 500-750 - excellent quality fluff.
- 750 and above - down of exclusive quality.
The point of using goose down with a high Fill Power is as follows: the heat insulator in clothing is essentially an insulating air gap of the same thickness, called loft. Down with different Fill Power can produce the same loft at different weights. So, for example, using 550 insulation requires 40%-50% more weight than using 800 down to create the same degree of insulation. The Fill Power indicator is a generally accepted indicator of the quality of down stuffing and for any quality down jacket this indicator is indicated on the tag or label, so when choosing a down jacket, pay first attention to this indicator.
Down jackets use down mixed with feathers, the "golden ratio" is considered 80% down (down) and 20% feather (feather), in down jackets for extreme conditions, this ratio can be 90% down and 10% feather. The description indicates through a fraction, for example - 80/20. A larger percentage of the feather indicates the low quality of the down jacket and such a down jacket will not warm you in cold weather, and the hard feather rods will come out, piercing the fabric.
2. Down jacket weight, speaks about the quality of the filler and the product as a whole. After all, another clear advantage of down as a winter clothing insulation is its lightness. For example, a regular men's 550 Fill Power down jacket weighs less than 1 kg, while The North Face extreme jacket, a model called Supernatural, with a Fill Power 950 rating, weighs only 370 g (!) and is designed for high-altitude climbing. In addition, natural down is so soft that it allows you to move freely without restricting your movements. The use of membrane fabrics and various elements can significantly increase the weight of a down jacket.
3. Material the outside and the lining must be waterproof, because the down is highly hygroscopic and it easily accumulates moisture and requires quick drying. If this is not done, it may simply deteriorate. Also, the material must be durable and waterproof. With all this, it must have breathable properties, i.e. provide air exchange without heat loss. All these properties are possessed by modern membrane materials, this is a type of fabric that, due to its special structure, has water-repellent or windproof properties and at the same time passes water vapor through itself. Manufacturers of such fabrics call them differently, but they have the same principle, the most famous membrane is gore-tex.
Synthetic materials with special impregnations are also used, which provide all the qualities necessary for down jackets. In the description, fabrics with water-repellent impregnations are indicated as DWR (Durable Water Repellent).
Fabrics are very popular with manufacturers Ripstop with a special reinforcing structure due to the weaving of nylon threads into the thickness of the main fabric. While maintaining lightness, the strength of such a fabric is comparable to the strength of a parachute fabric.
4. Construction down jacket, very important condition when choosing a real, high-quality product. It is the design that allows you to distribute the fluff as efficiently as possible and ensure the optimal heat / weight ratio. In most down jackets, the inner and outer fabric of the down jacket is simply sewn together, forming sections, and each section is filled with down. A huge disadvantage of such down jackets are the cold seams between the sections, through which a huge amount of heat is lost. Such down jackets are called single-layer and they will warm you only in frosts down to -10 -15 C °. The size of the down sections (packages) plays an important role, their size should not exceed 20 cm, otherwise the down will simply fall off at the bottom of the package and all the qualities of the down jacket will be reduced to zero. If you want to buy a down jacket for severe frosts, then you should consider some features of their tailoring. Such down jackets are called two-layer, due to the fact that the upper part of the down jacket is practically separated from the down lining, and at the joints it is stitched through an intermediate tape - a “warm” seam. A design is also used when the down bags themselves have two layers - outer and inner, and they are offset relative to each other and overlap the outer seams. Such down jackets are able to retain heat in extreme frosts down to -30 to -70 ° C.
The main zipper on a down jacket should have two-way fabric protection to prevent heat loss. At chin level, the zipper should be protected by a fleece insert. Zippers on pockets should also have external protection. To keep the neck warm and the wrists not cold, a real down jacket should have warm collars and cuffs made of materials such as Polartec or knitted fabric.
5. Temperature rating. When choosing a down jacket for yourself, ask yourself the question - at what lowest temperature will I wear it, how much time will I spend on the street, how to get to work or place of study? Indeed, for the inhabitants of central Russia and the inhabitants of Siberia, Mother Nature has prepared quite different conditions winter period of the year. To facilitate the selection of down jackets based on the outside temperature, some manufacturers of down jackets (and other winter clothing and footwear) use a so-called temperature rating. This value is usually indicated in the description of the down jacket on the labels, and shows that the manufacturer guarantees comfortable conditions at a given temperature below zero.
But not all manufacturers provide such data. For an approximate definition of this indicator, you can use the binding to the Fill Power value. Clothing that uses down Fill Down 550 or Fill Down 600 Designed primarily for daily use at temperatures down to -25 C°, this down is already an excellent quality down and creates a good degree of insulation. down jackets Fill Down 700 have a lower weight of the product and are comfortable in them up to -25 -30 ° C. Exclusive Down Fill Down 800- allows you to achieve a very high ratio of heat / weight and is used to lighten clothing and achieve the highest degree of comfort in frosts down to -35 ° C and below.
6. Style downy products do not differ in variety. For men, it is preferable to choose classic parkas (parka) and voluminous bomber jackets (puffer, bulk), for women, along with unisex parkas and women's jackets, elongated down coats (coat) are very popular. For people living and working in conditions of extremely low temperatures, as well as for travelers and hunters-fishermen, down suits are sewn, consisting of a jacket and trousers sewn together. The choice of the style of a down jacket must be approached with all responsibility, since, first of all, a down jacket is designed to protect against the cold, and not to walk on the catwalk. Remember that a down jacket for frosts from -15 ° C and below must necessarily cover your lower back and have a hood, therefore the best option is a classic down parka with a hood. Otherwise, diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys are guaranteed. When choosing a down jacket for children, also consider the degree of protection of the child's body, only you are responsible for the health of the child.
If in winter you prefer to travel by car, then you should take into account that down jackets are quite bulky, and it is problematic to drive in long women's down coats.
A distinctive feature of the "parka" jacket is the fur trim on the hood. Some manufacturers use only natural fur - coyote, red and black-brown fox, raccoon, while others are content with artificial analogues because of the rhetoric of animal welfare societies. The fur trim has not only a decorative function, but a purely applied one - protecting the face from the frosty wind. Pay attention to the parkas of the Eskimos and their fur hoods - these tough guys know a lot about winter clothes.
Before buying, carefully measure your dimensions and compare with the size chart ( size chart) of a specific brand. Also pay attention in the description to the product to fit things fit - regular(go size to size) slim(skin-tight), relaxed(loose fit, oversized for a size or more).
7. Choosing a manufacturing company quality clothing with the use of down is of paramount importance. We advise you to give preference only to well-known and proven clothing manufacturers with a rich history in the production of down jackets, focusing on the development and production of down jackets for low temperatures, with good reviews about product quality. Companies - committed to the use of natural and safe materials, but not lagging behind the development and application of innovative approaches in production, with a wide range and adequate prices.
Of course, today almost every more or less well-known brand has down products in its collection, but these clothes are not very suitable for use in our conditions and are more decorative, design role. From hundreds of manufacturers, we offer you to opt for time-tested and conditions-tested harsh winters This: Canada Goose, Pajar, Bask, Bogner, Joutsen, Hallie Hansen, Peak Performance, Fjallraven, The North Face, Marmot, mountain hardwear, Patagonia, Columbia, Jack Wolfskin, Lands" End, LLBean, Eddie Bauer, cabelas, Woolrich, Parajumpers, Moncler, Haglofs, Halti, Rossignol. As you can see from this list, most of the companies represented are from the Nordic and Scandinavian countries, where they know what real frost is.
8. The price of a down jacket, ranges from $120 for a simple down jacket to $1,000 and up for luxury brand down jackets. Reasonable price for good down jacket eminent foreign brand will be the amount of $200-600 depending on the materials used and subject to purchase on well-known Internet sites in the USA and Europe. Of course, the same down jackets can be found in Russian retail, but then prices will have to be boldly increased by 2-3 times. And at all sorts of sales and seasonal discounts, an excellent down jacket can be purchased at huge discounts for only $100-250, not to mention eBay.com and Amazon.com with their truly amazing opportunities snip off wonderful things at ridiculous prices.
Well, buy down jackets for $ 1000 and more from fashion couturiers, for whom appearance is of paramount importance over the main property of a down jacket, it is a purely individual matter. The main part of the price tag here is the payment for a high-profile brand. Often, such down jackets are simply categorically not suitable for use in harsh climates, as they are created by designers from France and Italy, where the climate is much milder.
Here we will not consider Chinese-Turkish consumer goods for $ 50 -100 with a "swing" under Moncler and Canada Goose, wagons offered on the Chinese sites Aliexpress.com and Taobao. It is foolish to assume for such a price to get real goose down, at best it will be chicken, at worst - cotton wool. After all, downy raw materials pass special treatment: it is cleaned of grease and dust, passes veterinary and radiation control, is treated with special antibacterial and water-repellent agents, and only after that it is allowed to the production of down clothing and it is simply impossible to imagine that for all those millions of down jackets with which our markets and stores are littered, there was so much goose down!
9. Where can I buy a real down jacket? There are 2 answers to this question: in the near future mall or in a foreign online store. We advise you to direct your eyes towards the second option, because there are at least 6 huge positive points when buying a down jacket abroad:
- Adequate prices due to very strong competition (similar down jackets in our stores are offered at a price one and a half to two times higher, and the price for the luxury segment simply reaches cosmic values, there is no need to pay rent and staff salaries to our sellers, there is no customs fee clearance and duties, no VAT). Plus honest discounts up to 30-70%!
- It is far from always possible to buy goods in a company store or from an official dealer of a particular brand. There are not so many of them so far with us, and those that are mainly located in large cities. It's much easier to do this online. On the site of each trademark you will find a list of company stores and official dealers incl. and on the Internet.
- Confidence in the authenticity of the goods (the ability to buy goods directly from the manufacturer, and large foreign online stores value their reputation very much and will never sell you a fake, which cannot be said about our dealers, who can easily hand over Chinese Woolrich, Moncler or even in a respectable shopping center even Canada Goose for $1000.
- A huge selection of manufacturers, models and sizes is available for you to choose from without having to leave your home.
- There is always an opportunity to find reviews and reviews about the product from ordinary buyers.
- The goods can be returned or exchanged without any problems (without going through the 7 circles of hell)
Perhaps the only sensible manufacturer of down jackets in Russia is the Bask company, whose down jackets can be purchased at the Bask.ru online store. In any case, you should pay attention to Russian Bask down jackets.
Important note: If large foreign online store invites you to choose a regional site, for example in Russia, then be sure to compare prices before choosing. Many foreign stores believe that only millionaires live in the Russian Federation and significantly increase the price tag. The images show two women's down jackets for the winter 13/14 season from the official Moncler online store, offers for Russia and Germany (the price tag is the same for the rest of Europe). Comments are superfluous.
Screenshot from Moncler.com
Where to buy down jackets online
In the official online stores of manufacturers. But here a "surprise" may await you, because. far from all such stores accept payment from residents of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and offer international delivery, and even at an affordable price.
- Bogner (Germany)
- Fjallräven (Sweden)
- Hally Hansen (Norway)
- Haglöfs (Finland)
- Halti (Finland)
- Jack Wolfskin (Germany)
- Moncler (France)
- vest– sleeveless down jacket
Insulation(goose down, duck down, 550-850 Fill, 80/20, 90/10, 60/40) - insulation (goose, duck down, the value of the elasticity of the down, the ratio of down and feather in%).
body liner(Lining) - lining material.
Shell- fabric, the top cover of a down jacket, both from natural and synthetic fabrics or mixtures thereof.
- membrane- multilayer membrane fabric, has a high density and weight, can have different brand names - Gore-Tex, HyVent, etc.
- DWR treated/covering - coating the upper fabric with a waterproof compound.
- ripstop- fabrics with a special reinforcing weave structure.
wind proof(block wind) - windproof.
Waterproof- waterproof.
Hood- hood.
Cuffs(soft, rib-knit inner) - cuffs (from the inside with a soft, knitted insert).
Detachable(hood, ruff, skirt, fur) - removable part (hood, collar, skirt, fur).
Adjustable(hood, gaiter / throat, cuffs, cord waist & hem) - adjustable / tightening parts (hood, neck, cuffs, drawstring at the waist and along the bottom hem).
Fur(natural / genuine or faux) - fur (natural or artificial), as an element of decoration.
Zipper(external, internal, two-way) - a zipper (outside, inside, in both directions), give preference to YKK locks.
VELCRO closure - Velcro
Pockets(external, internal, security, hand warmer, dual entry, zip-off) - pockets (external, internal, secret, for warming hands, with double access, with a zipper)
fit(regular, slim, relaxed) - fit, cut (regular, tight, loose fit - usually oversized).
Bulky- voluminous, baggy.
Overall length- the total length of the down jacket.
Weight(light, medium, heavy) - weight (light, medium, heavy).
wash(machine or hand) - washing (machine or hand).
Quality down jackets can last more than a dozen seasons if properly cared for. No supernatural care conditions are required, just try to keep the fluff in the down jacket from getting wet, and if this happens, dry it as soon as possible. It is necessary to store a down jacket in a straightened form on a coat hanger. Read care labels carefully!
Pay special attention to the washing process. We will give some practical tips for washing in the washing machine.
- For washing, we set the most soft and delicate program.
- Be sure to fasten all zippers and buttons
- Use special liquid detergents for down jackets
- A washing temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is sufficient
- Turn on the extra rinse mode for better rinsing of the powder.
- Minimum spin speed: when wet, some down jackets become very heavy and the machine simply cannot cope with the spin. In this case, it must be pressed manually.
- Place 3-4 tennis balls in the washing machine drum.
- The down jacket is dried in a straightened form in warm and sunny weather on the balcony or bathroom
- During the drying process, periodically fluff the down jacket, straightening the fluff.
- After complete drying, you can put the down jacket again in washing machine together with 3-4 tennis balls and turn on the spin mode (no wash and no rinse). The centrifuge with balls should beat the filler a little more and make the clothes more voluminous.
As soon as the first cold weather comes, most of the population puts on down jackets. These clothes "came" from Canada and are becoming more and more popular every year. It does not constrain movements, perfectly retains heat and looks stylish. But it’s not so easy to figure out how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women. How warm it will be depends primarily on the filler.
A few years ago, products from a Canadian manufacturer were considered the best down jackets. But today, "native" ideas and technologies are used very widely, so it is not necessary to buy goods directly from Canada. To choose a quality item and determine the strength of the product, it is enough to carefully study the information on the label and carry out a few simple manipulations.
Fluff or artificial "stuffing"?
So, how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women? It is necessary to decide what the filler will be. One of the main rules - the more fluff, the warmer the jacket. Its presence can be determined by the inscription on the down label. The word feather indicates that the filler contains a feather. If the manufacturer combines these two "fillings", then he puts a fraction on the label. The first value indicates fluff, and the second indicates feathers. For severe frosts, a product that contains at least 80% fluff is suitable.
Whose fluff to choose?
The answer to this question depends on personal preferences and climatic conditions. Most often, down jackets are filled with duck, goose, eiderdown or swan down. It is worth noting that with proper operation and proper care, the goose "insulation" will last at least 20 years, but the duck one - no more than 5 years. If you decide how to choose a warm down jacket, you need to consider this fact.
Important little things
If the product is of high quality, a small bag with filler and spare accessories will be attached to it: buttons, buttons and a piece of similar fabric. The distribution of the filler is an important nuance. It should be located in medium-sized blocks, then the fluff will not settle at the bottom of the product. Sometimes it is not easy to notice these blocks: the manufacturer hides them behind a decorative layer of fabric. Therefore, a thing must be studied closely in order to notice all the little things.
All fasteners, rivets and zippers must be branded and of high quality.
Inspection and fitting
Of course, you can’t buy down jackets without trying them on. It’s not enough to look at a photo, you need to put it on, fasten it and spin in all directions. After that, you need to remove the thing and carefully examine your sweater: are there any feathers or any spools on it.
Also check out the jacket. Feathers or fluff should not stick out of it. It is worth being alert if lumps and seals are felt.
There is a little-known but effective test for those who do not know how to choose a down jacket for women for the winter. It must be rolled up into a tube. When he straightens out, dents and creases should not remain on him. If such an insignificant load led to deformation, then the quality of the product leaves much to be desired.
It is difficult to determine synthetics by touch, so you need to read the data on the label. About availability artificial materials such inscriptions as polyester, cotton and wool testify.
Compression ratio and layering
When thinking about how to choose a warm down jacket, you need to know that products can be single-layer and multi-layer. The latter keep heat better and are suitable for winter sports. But for a city dweller, a single-layer model will be enough.
The filler of the down jacket should quickly return to its original position after compression. This can be checked by strongly squeezing the material. If this method seems not reliable enough, then it is better to look at the label. As a rule, the compression ratio is displayed there, it is denoted by F.P. In the event that the thing is of high quality, the number 550 or more will be indicated there. Don't know how to choose the size of a down jacket? First you need to study the data indicated on the label.
It also provides information on the level of down treatment. If there is a designation DIN EN 12934, then the filler was thoroughly washed, dried and disinfected.
Seams and lining
A high-quality one has only even and neat seams, from which the insulation does not “stick out”. All threads must be strong and not damaged.
So that the fluff does not fall off, the gasket is sewn. The sleeves and bottom of the jacket are made with an elastic band so that the cold does not penetrate inside. In practical models, you can unfasten the down jacket and fur insulation. This allows not only to wear the product in warmer weather, but also facilitates cleaning and washing things.
Some manufacturers provide a "undershirt" - a knitted vest that comes unfastened.
How to care for a down jacket?
In order for the thing to last for quite a long time and not lose its appearance, you need to know not only how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women, but also how to properly care for it. All information is indicated on the label, but there are generally accepted rules. You can wash the down jacket at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees, setting the gentle mode.
For owners similar products it is worth remembering that in no case should they be soaked: prolonged exposure to water causes irreparable damage to things. Also, you do not need to dry the down jacket on the battery.
Dry the jacket should be unfolded in a room that is well ventilated. You can take the product to the balcony. The thing must be laid out on a clean large terry towel so that it absorbs moisture. Periodically, the down jacket needs to be turned over.
All detergents should be selected with great care so that they do not harm the product. Well, if they are antibacterial, then microorganisms will not multiply in the filler.
So that adverse factors, such as rain, snow, do not spoil the original appearance of the down jacket, it is worth purchasing. It must be applied before going outside.
In order not to go astray, you can put small balls in the washing machine, for example, for ping-pong. They will not allow fluff to fall into lumps or cake.
Today, models are presented in a wide variety, so it is not so easy to choose down jackets. The photo will help to study the possible assortment and choose the best option.
Very warm down jackets for women: a rating of the best and hottest models that will not let you freeze even in fifty-degree frost. Women's health is a very fragile thing, saving on which is more expensive for yourself, but today you can even see quite expensive down jackets, in which it's easier than ever to catch a cold.
- Filler (80x20), that is, 80% natural fluff or wool.
- Length covering all female organs.
- Dense lining and outer impregnation, excluding blowing.
- The presence of valves in the sleeves that prevent blowing.
- Hood and fur to keep head and face warm.
- Positive feedback from customers.
At present, it is not so easy to sew a good women's down jacket - there is tremendous competition in technologies and materials. Synthetics are getting stronger on the market very well - you can already find models that weigh no more than a summer windbreaker, but allow you to comfortably endure 50-degree frosts. Therefore, mainly at the top of the ranking are women's down jackets from Europe and the USA, as well as ambitious Russian manufacturers.
It should also be noted that when buying, if you carefully build on the above criteria, it is quite possible to find a very warm model that is not listed in the rating.
Canada Goose Kensington: First Place
Canada Goose Kensington is one of the warmest jackets, which is equally warm in Surgut, and in Krasnoyarsk, and in Moscow. Specifically, this model has one drawback - there is a small hole in the front, since this is a down jacket for walking, an active lifestyle. Those who are afraid that they will blow through the hole, the Trilluim model will suit those girls, although they feel about the same.
Canada Goose in women's down jackets uses 85% down, which is processed using a special technology, and another 15% is feather. Jackets are very thoughtful, stylish, with double cuffs. The company uses real fur on the collars, mostly from the coyote.
The main disadvantage of Canada Goose in Russia is a large number of fakes. The price of a good down jacket in a company store reaches 40 thousand rubles. Fakes are cheap, they heat poorly, and they are worse in quality.
The original Canada Goose jacket has the feel of an expensive garment, . You, of course, can’t buy a good fur coat for that kind of money.
Wellensteyn Abendstern: second place
Wellensteyn Abendstern is a very expensive women's down jacket, the cost of which is over 30,000 rubles. The German company Wellensteyn mainly uses mega-cool synthetics in its down jackets, such as specially modified isosoft, polyester, all sorts of different membranes and other technologies. These down jackets are really very warm, but at the same time they are light in weight, and it is also almost impossible to sweat in them. All moisture is brought out, so even after transport on the street you will not catch a cold.
Another plus of this down jacket is that it can be worn in March, when it is already a little warmer, but it is frosty in the mornings. The jacket adapts to any weather.
Wellensteyn also has other women's models of very warm down jackets, but very few of them are feminine. Mostly men are fans of this brand, so the boutiques do not have a very large selection of down jackets for the beautiful half of humanity. Only recently have they begun to import more of these jackets.
Wellensteyn stands for recognizable design and high comfort. The Abendstern model covers the butt, has a good hood and a fur collar. So - the second place in the ranking of the warmest.
Bomboogie: third place
Bomboogie Italian long down jackets cannot boast of a fur collar and a large number of pockets and valves, but they have two huge pluses: Italians do not regret them good fluff and very high quality stitching. The filler layer here is one of the most generous, so it is not cold even in severe frosts. The design is exquisite, it is clear that the thing is expensive and branded. The shell is synthetic, it is not completely blown, but there is a drawback - it is easily burned through, so it is better for smoking beauties to quit the addiction.
The price of a very warm Bomboogie down jacket is 25-27 thousand rubles, while the models are more practical than many expensive down jackets from Italy.
Siver Shuya: fourth place
The Russian company Siver sews very decent things, these are the warmest domestic down jackets. The Shuya model does not have a full-fledged cap - this is a minus. But there is a good collar with fur, the shoulder area is insulated. The longer model full height- "Vargalasya".
The manufacturer claims heat retention in frosts down to -35, and in high activity up to -50. The filling is goose down with a waterproof treatment. Eat big sizes for large women.
The good thing is that Sivera focuses on expeditionary equipment for winter trips, so clothing production technologies are being “tested” in arctic conditions.
The prices are quite high, but if you want a very warm down jacket, then you will have to pay for the filler - the cost of such clothes is rather big.
Down jackets Conso: fifth place
Conso down jackets are popular because of the large collections, there are coats, dresses, and “happiness suits” with trousers. In expensive Konso, the down content reaches 90%, which is very worthy. The quality is at a high level, and in terms of the ratio of beauty and warmth, this brand can be safely sent to the first place. Not "expeditionary" heat, but for the city - very suitable.
The firm uses polyester for wind protection, but the inside is typically urban. Therefore, for long walks, for example, with a child, it is better to find something more thoughtful. On the other hand, the absence of several flaps in the sleeves allows you to wear thick sweaters and sweaters.
The homeland of this brand is Italy, the development of outerwear is carried out at the modern level, with the help of electronic cut, accessories are selected from trusted manufacturers.
Konso also has enough fakes, but since the prices are more affordable, there are fewer problems with the availability of the original in stores and boutiques.
Another big plus of this manufacturer is the frequent updating of collections, you can almost always take a jacket of the most fashionable style for an inexpensive price.
The main thing to remember is that a very warm Conso women's down jacket cannot cost less than 15-20 thousand rubles.
