Well      04/04/2019

How to choose and buy a quality down jacket. Really warm. What fillers and membranes are used in down jackets

Very warm down jackets for women: 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 is easy to catch a cold.

  • Filling (80x20), that is, 80% natural down or wool.
  • Length that covers all female organs.
  • Dense lining and external impregnation, eliminating blowing.
  • The presence of valves in the sleeves to prevent blowing.
  • Hood and fur to keep your head and face warm.
  • Positive feedback from customers.

Nowadays, sewing a good women's down jacket is not so easy - there is enormous competition in technology and materials. Synthetics are gaining a very strong presence on the market - 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 purchasing, if you carefully consider the above criteria, you may well 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, Krasnoyarsk, and Moscow. This particular model has one drawback - there is a small hole in the front, since this is a down jacket for walking and an active lifestyle. For those who are afraid that they will blow through the hole, the Trilluim model is suitable for 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. The jackets are very well thought out, stylish, with double cuffs. The company uses real fur on the collars, mostly from 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. Counterfeits are cheap, do not heat well, and are of worse quality.

The original Canada Goose jacket gives the feeling of expensive clothing. Of course, you 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 lightweight, and it is almost impossible to sweat in them. All moisture is removed outside, so even after transport you won’t get cold outside.


Another advantage of this down jacket is that it can be worn in March, when it is already a little warmer, but in the mornings it is frosty. 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 boutiques don’t have a very large selection of down jackets for the fair half of humanity. Only in Lately They began to import more of these jackets.

Wellensteyn is a recognizable design and high comfort. The Abendstern model covers the butt, has a nice hood and a fur collar. So - second place in the warmest rating.

Bomboogie: third place

Italian Bomboogie long down jackets cannot boast of a fur collar and a large number of pockets and flaps, but they have two huge advantages: the Italians do not regret in them good fluff, and very high quality sewing. The layer of filler 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 item is expensive and branded. The shell is synthetic, it is not blown at all, but there is a drawback - it is easily burned, 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.

Sivera 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. Longer model in full height- “Vargalasya”.


The manufacturer claims heat retention in frosts down to -35, and with high activity up to -50. Filling: goose down with waterproof treatment. Eat big sizes for large women.

The good thing is that Sivera is focused on expeditionary equipment for winter hiking, 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 filling - the cost of such clothing is rather high.

Conso down jackets: fifth place

Conso down jackets are popular due to their large collections, including coats, dresses, and “lucky suits” with trousers. In expensive Konso, the fluff content reaches 90%, which is very worthy. Quality at high level, and in terms of the ratio of beauty and warmth, this brand can be safely put in first place. Not “expedition” heat, but very suitable for the city.

The company uses polyester for wind protection, but inside the clothes are 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 valves in the sleeves allows you to wear thick jackets and sweaters.


The birthplace of this brand is Italy, development outerwear is carried out at a modern level, using electronic cutting, accessories are selected from trusted manufacturers.

Konso also has a lot of 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 get yourself a jacket of the most fashionable style inexpensively.

The main thing to remember is that a very warm Conso women's down jacket cannot cost less than 15-20 thousand rubles.

Down jackets with artificial filling

Artificial filling in down jackets is not uncommon, and such “filling” does not at all mean that the item is of poor quality, will not keep warm and does not deserve attention. Of course, insulation is different from insulation, and in good down jacket There should not be the usual padding polyester. It has been replaced by high-tech materials, which in their heat-protective properties are practically not inferior to natural down*.

Inexpensive models use insulation as filler holofiber, polyfiber, fiberskin, fibertek. Unlike padding polyester, in which the layers were simply glued together, these insulation materials have a fibrous-spring base; the fibers have the shape of balls, spirals, do not touch each other and form cavities filled with air. Therefore, even after repeated washings, the down jacket retains heat well, retains its shape and does not cake. In terms of price-quality ratio, models with fillers made from the listed materials are very attractive.

Belgian insulation materials Izosoft have approximately the same fiber structure and characteristics. Products made from it are more expensive only due to the fact that this material is imported.

Valtherm is produced by Italians. The material consists of many microscopic cells and forms a kind of air pad that retains heat and at the same time provides a kind of “ventilation” - releases steam and sweat. Plus, it has all the listed qualities of synthetic insulation.

Primaloft is an American invention, a material that does not absorb moisture, is light and warm, breathable, quickly restores volume and is very durable.

In more expensive products, the filler is Thinsulate. This material has many advantages - it is durable and does not cause allergies, ultra-light and very soft, durable, and does not absorb moisture. Due to the special structure of the thinnest fiber, Thinsulate perfectly maintains the volume and the given shape and immediately restores it after compression. It surpasses natural down in heat-protective properties, but unlike it does not require complex care. This down jacket is easy to wash; it will not lose its shape, elasticity, or its excellent heat-protective qualities.

There is also such a filler as synthetic down(or artificial swan down). Be careful! It has nothing to do with natural down; it is an artificial microfiber filler. It is durable, does not cause allergies, and in its properties occupies an intermediate place between inexpensive fillers and Thinsulate.

Ideally, the specific insulation should be indicated on the label, but it is often indicated as 100% polyester, especially on imported products. This designation only indicates the fibers from which the material for the insulation is made, so be sure to find out from the sales consultant what the name of the insulation is and what technology it is made of. The top of a high-quality down jacket is made of light, durable material that should not allow moisture to pass through, not require special care, be easy to wash and not shrink.

The choice of brand depends on the style you prefer. If you feel comfortable in sports-style clothes, you can choose a jacket from one of the well-known sportswear manufacturers - Umbro, Nike, Adidas, Sportmaster. As a rule, leading brands release new women's and men's collections every year. If you prefer more elegant clothes, take a closer look at the collections of the Russian company BASK (produces both urban clothing and sportswear), Blackdaffodil, and jackets with artificial insulation are offered by leading fashion houses - Versace, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Moschino.

* Despite manufacturers' claims, down jackets with artificial filling are still inferior to natural down in their heat-protective properties. The exception is Thinsulate - this insulation has proven itself well even in the harsh conditions of the Far North. As for other types of insulation - in mild frost (up to -7 degrees) or if you are outside for a short time and are constantly moving - you will not freeze in such clothes. But at lower temperatures they will not keep you warm, and for severe frosts it is better to choose clothes filled with Thinsulate or natural down.

Over the past decades, down jackets have been considered the most versatile clothing. And this is quite justified, since jackets and short coats with natural or synthetic filling are very comfortable to wear, do not get wet and retain heat well. There are many down jackets on sale in various colors and models. But harsh winter makes its own demands on outerwear, so a down jacket should not only be stylish and beautiful, but also light and warm. When choosing a winter jacket, you need to pay attention Special attention on the insulation used for sewing the model.

Manufacturers use natural or synthetic fiber as a filler in the manufacture of winter outerwear. Natural materials retain heat well, but require special care. The latest synthetic fillers are close to natural fibers in their heat-protective properties, but in addition, they are hypoallergenic and easy to care for.

Down jackets with natural filling

The most reliable and warm filling for down jackets, even in our time of the latest technology, is natural material. It has incredible thermal insulation properties, preventing cold air from penetrating into clothing and preventing heat from escaping. The only drawback of products with natural filler is the high cost.

Pooh


Down is a popular down jacket filler.

Down is one of the most popular winter clothing insulators. It can be duck, swan or eider down, which is considered the warmest and most expensive and is used to make down jackets for people living in harsh climatic conditions.

A jacket stuffed with down lasts more than 10 years. The advantages of this filler are lightness, softness, durability, and high ability to conserve heat. Among the disadvantages, one can highlight the significant cost of the product, which consists not only of the cost of insulation, but also depends on the quality of the covering fabric, lining and brand. Such clothes require special care; in addition, natural fluff can cause allergies.

The most common option for insulating jackets is duck or goose down. It is often combined with synthetic fiber to reduce the cost of the product.

Feather, fluff

Another popular insulation for jackets and coats is a mixture of down and feathers. By adding a feather, the product becomes more voluminous, reducing the cost of clothing. Down jackets filled with down and feathers can be machine washed, which makes caring for such products much easier.

Wool

Sheep or camel wool can be used as filling for a winter jacket. It is difficult to call such a product a down jacket, since there is no down in it at all. Items filled with wool retain heat well and are inexpensive, but they weigh a lot and shrink when washed.

For people sensitive to natural wool, such filler may cause allergies. Recently, synthetics have been mixed into wool, which makes the product much lighter and allows washing at home.

Here are some tips for those who decide to buy a jacket or coat with natural filling.

  1. If the down jacket is really stuffed with down, then the label will say English word down. Since clothing made from fluff alone is extremely rare, the word feather will be present nearby, translated as “feather”. Next, you need to pay attention to the ratio of these components. A truly warm jacket made from 80% down and 20% feathers. For average winter When the air temperature rarely drops below -10°C, a down jacket with a ratio of 60/40 or 50/50 is suitable.
  2. The designations polyester, cotton or wool on the product tag indicate that cotton wool, wool or padding polyester was used as a filler.
  3. When choosing a down jacket, you need to make sure that the material is stitched in even blocks small sizes. If the cells are too large, the fluff will quickly fall off and form lumps, which will spoil the appearance of the product and reduce protection from the cold.
  4. They produce both single-layer down jackets and two-layer ones. For a city dweller who does not have to spend a long time on the street, a single-layer model is sufficient, although two-layer ones are much warmer.
  5. High-quality filler quickly restores its original state after deformation. This property of the product can be easily checked by squeezing a part of the jacket with your hand and abruptly releasing it. In addition, the manufacturer usually indicates the compression ratio on the label, which is designated by the letters F.P. High-quality clothing corresponds to an indicator of 550 or more.
  6. The properties of the filler directly depend on how well the down and feathers are processed. A conscientious manufacturer does not hide information about processing. If the label says DIN EN 12934, it means that the down and feathers have been disinfected, washed and dried properly.
  7. When choosing a jacket with natural filling, you need to carefully inspect the lining and make sure that the feathers do not pierce the fabric. Otherwise, wearing such clothes will be uncomfortable.

Each manufacturer that respects the reputation of their company supplies products with a small transparent bag with filler samples and detailed instructions care instructions in the form of a small book.


Jackets with artificial filling

Can be used as fillers for winter clothes artificial materials, produced by the latest technologies. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. The coldest of the synthetic fillers is considered to be padding polyester - a material consisting of polyester fiber.

Thinsulate

One of the highest quality artificial insulation for winter jackets - invented by the Americans in 1978 specifically for the clothing of astronauts and polar explorers. The thin, light and elastic fiber of this material provides excellent thermal insulation and does not cause an allergic reaction. The manufacturer assures that Thinsulate is 2 times warmer than natural down.

Isosoft

Isosoft

The filler is an improved copy of padding polyester, unlike which it can be used not only for autumn, but also for warm winter clothing.

The thermal insulation properties of isosoft are higher than those of synthetic winterizer, although they lag behind many modern insulation materials.

Holofiber

There are a number of synthetic insulation materials made from 100% polyester in the form of balls, spirals, and springs. In addition to holofiber, this type includes fiberskin, fibertek, polyfiber and others. The fibers in such materials are not interconnected and contain voids, which allows the product to retain its shape well and retain heat.

Sintepukh

Has properties similar to natural material. This non-woven insulation consists of small polyester threads shaped like a spring. Closely intertwined with each other, synthetic fluff fibers form a strong structure with air cavities. The threads themselves also have microscopic holes that trap air. The filler does not absorb moisture and can retain heat even when wet. The material easily returns to its original state after deformation, does not pill during washing, and is convenient to use.

How to choose winter clothes with synthetic filling

Manufacturers, trying to attract the attention of buyers to their developments, are coming up with new trade names for fillers. In fact, all synthetic insulation materials are similar in their properties and characteristics.

When choosing a winter jacket with synthetic filling and looking at the label, you can see full information about the material of the outer fabric and lining. As for the insulation, it will only be noted that it is made of (or polyester). But almost all synthetic insulation materials are made from polyester fiber, so more detailed information you need to check with the seller.

The sales consultant must tell you exactly what filler is contained in the product and explain the technology for its manufacture. Reputable companies attach a booklet to their products, which describes in detail the materials and care rules.

Many manufacturers claim that clothes with synthetic padding are warmer than those with natural down. But from practice it is clear that artificial fillers are suitable for mild winters, when the air temperature is not lower than -10°C. It is uncomfortable to be in such clothes for a long time in severe frost; it is better to give preference to insulation made from natural materials.


The cold wind is intensifying, the frost is getting stronger, and the wet snow “delights” 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 truly high-quality item that will keep you warm even in severe frosts, it is worth understanding what types of down jacket fillings there are, their advantages and disadvantages. This is exactly what we will talk about in our article.

Pooh

The best natural insulation is considered to be 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 first place is eider down, followed by goose, then duck and swan.

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 sizes, and after shaking return to the 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, outerwear indicates the ratio of feather and down in the insulation, which helps 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 feather.

Flaws:

  1. Expensive.
  2. When washing, it may clump into lumps (you need to beat it to return the product to its original position) - it is better to take it to the dry cleaner.
  3. An allergic reaction may occur.

Important! To look really beautiful, fashionable, and feel comfortable in new winter clothes, pay attention not only to the quality of the filling. See our articles for information useful for smart purchasing:

Wool

Wool is a durable, wear-resistant and hypoallergenic filling for down jackets, which provides excellent warmth in temperatures down to minus 25 degrees.

Important! It is often used in shoes and clothing for children, as well as for linings in products such as parkas.

Advantages:

  • Heat retention in frosts down to -25 degrees.
  • Hypoallergenic.
  • Durability.

Flaws:

  • Heavy weight.
  • When washing, deformation is possible (it is better to take it to dry cleaning).

Bio-fluff Sustans

This is an innovative insulation material created using a patented biopolymer. It has excellent thermal insulation properties and light weight, as well as the material is easy to use.

Important! Sustans filler is the first high-tech bio-based material to receive US Department of Health approval. Agriculture“bio-based product.”

The spherical shape of the particles of this filler gives it a pleasant silky structure, exceptional fluffiness, and compression resistance (you can wash it yourself).

Advantages:

  • Durability.
  • Preservation of shape.
  • High heat-retaining characteristics.
  • Resistance to deformation.

Flaws:

  • Expensive.

Important! How long your outerwear will please you with its beautiful appearance, warmth and comfort depends on how properly you take care of it. Bookmark our useful articles and use the information from them if necessary, so that you don’t have to think about buying new clothes every season:

Polyfiber, fibertek, fiberskin and holofiber

These synthetic fillings for down jackets are made of fibers twisted into 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 hold 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:

  1. Affordable price.
  2. Moisture resistance.
  3. Durability.
  4. Retains heat in frosts down to minus 25 degrees.
  5. Retains shape after washing.

Important! There are no downsides 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 down, has unique thermoregulating properties, does not absorb moisture, and also retains its shape perfectly after washing and subsequent drying. This material is in great demand for sewing sportswear and special uniforms.

Advantages:

  1. Small thickness and weight.
  2. Preservation of shape.
  3. Heat retention down to minus thirty degrees.
  4. Can be washed at home.

Flaws:

  • Expensive.

Waltherm

This - thermal insulation material new generation, which was developed by the Italian research laboratory Valtherm. Micropores created from thousands of small cells form a honeycomb structure of this material. Thanks to this, it has the property of an air seal.

Also, the structure of this filling for down jackets makes it possible to freely release sweat and steam without any change in the condition 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 washing and subsequent drying, the material does not deform.

Important! Primaloft fibers have water-repellent properties that help liquids drain or evaporate.

Primaloft has the softness of goose down, thanks to which products with it take the necessary shape - clothes fit well to the figure, and if it is a blanket, it fits the body of a sleeping person.

Important! It was selected as a strategic material for the US Army.

Advantages:

  1. Durability.
  2. Permeability of moisture and air.
  3. Resistance to deformation.
  4. Good thermal insulation.
  5. Light weight.

Flaws:

  • Expensive.

Sintepukh

The nonwoven fabric created from many very small 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 stripes.

Important! All holes are microscopic, so the user does not have to worry about moisture getting inside.

This filling for down jackets does not absorb moisture at all, so clothes with it do not get wet and retain heat perfectly even when wet. Synthetic down is the most popular material for insulating winter outerwear, as it has remarkable 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 low weight and volume.
  • Quickly regains shape after washing.
  • Affordable price.

Due to the constant increase in the number of people in whom natural down and wool cause an allergic reaction, many options have been created to replace them. They perform their functions perfectly, without yielding anything natural materials. Some artificial fillers turned out to be much better than natural ones. They easily replaced their predecessors. Moreover, their price is lower than the cost of natural analogues.

Types of artificial fillers

Manufacturers of down jackets, pillows and blankets have long introduced new developments in the field of fillers in their products.

Types of artificial substitutes similar to natural down:

  • holofiber;
  • nanometer - artificial swan down;
  • synthetic down;
  • Thinsulate.

Holofiber is 100% It is twisted into balls in the form of springs. The material does not cause allergies and does not absorb odors. It is moisture resistant. The filler is a bit like cotton balls, but when compressed it returns to its original shape. It is used not only in down jackets and regular bedding. Holofiber is used in orthopedic products and even in furniture. This filler provides complete and healthy sleep, practicality and safety of things.

Nanometer, Thinsulate and synthetic down are similar in structure and properties. They are closest to the down of birds.

Thermal insulating materials similar to natural ones have long been used in space industry, army and in those areas in which the user may find himself in extreme conditions.

Properties

In terms of its properties, artificial down has surpassed its predecessors. For a long time they were natural swan down and padding polyester.

Advantages:

  • environmentally friendly fiber that does not use glue, emulsion or harmful chemical components;
  • high thermal insulation rates;
  • does not get wet;
  • pleasant to the touch;
  • easy;
  • restores its original shape after washing;
  • "breathes";
  • rot does not occur on it;
  • no harmful insects appear.

House dust mites are the main culprit in allergic diseases. 85% of people diagnosed with bronchial asthma", have an increased sensitivity to such insects. This leads to the development of the disease.

The structure of synthetic down

Artificial down has unique properties due to the structure of the material. The fibers have a spiral shape. Due to this, they are fluffy and can absorb more air, which makes the material a good heat insulator. Microscopic holes are made inside the fibers that prevent water from getting inside. In addition, the material is treated with silicone. This makes it smooth. The fibers do not roll down, do not cling to each other, and when compressed, easily return to their previous shape.

User reviews

Buyers who use products filled with artificial down confirm the excellent properties of the material. This is evidenced by the growing demand for the entire range.

Artificial down is successfully used in warm jackets, blankets, bedspreads, and pillows. Reviews about it say that this material is much warmer and more practical than padding polyester. Those people who used it instead of real fluff due to an allergic reaction note that the new material combines all the unique properties. This allows the product to reliably retain heat and dry quickly. Moreover, products with artificial down are very light.

It is very easy to wash products with synthetic down. They feel great in an automatic car. The rules are the usual: fasten the buttons and zippers and wash, first turning them inside out. Maximum temperature- 30 degrees. If all conditions are met, the product can be washed many times. Appearance and the quality of the filler does not deteriorate.

Blankets and pillows

Artificial down is widely used in duvets and pillows. Customer reviews of these products are only positive.

Asthmatics and allergy sufferers have found salvation in purchasing bedding with such fillings. You won’t even immediately understand that the inside of such a blanket or pillow is artificial swan’s down. These products are light and pleasant to the touch. Excellent and washes quickly. Can serve for a long time. Very often, products that use artificial swan down are purchased for children. Since they are hypoallergenic, wash well and dry quickly, they have become in great demand among young parents.

with artificial down

Products using artificial swan down can be washed in hand or delicate wash modes. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. Afterwards, the blanket or pillow must be laid out on a horizontal surface, giving it a natural shape. In this position, the product should dry. Since faux down is a synthetic fiber, it should not be exposed to high temperatures. Although some substitutes are quite resistant to such tests. In any case, if there is a need to use an iron, set the temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. Each product comes with manufacturer's care instructions. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them before cleaning and ironing.

We can conclude that artificial substitutes do not always correspond to natural ones. In the case of down, new technologies have made it possible not only to recreate the material with the most best characteristics, but also eliminate all its negative properties.