Selection of winter clothes. Down jacket or synthetics of the 21st century? Which is better - a down jacket or a synthetic jacket?

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 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 in their heat-shielding properties to natural fibers, but in addition, they are hypoallergenic and easy to care for.

Down jackets with natural filling

The most reliable and warm filler For down jackets, even in our time of the latest technology, natural material is used. 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- high price.

Pooh

Down is considered one of the most popular insulation materials for winter clothing. 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 filled 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.

In those sensitive to natural wool This filler can cause allergies in people. 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 filled 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 of 80% down and 20% feather. 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 appearance products and will reduce protection from the cold.
4. They produce both single-layer and double-layer down jackets. 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. 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 synthetic fillers Sintepon is considered to be a material consisting of polyester fiber.

Thinsulate

One of the highest quality artificial insulation for winter jackets is 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 allergic reaction. The manufacturer assures that Thinsulate is 2 times warmer than natural down.

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.

Sintepooh

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. For a long time It is uncomfortable to be in such clothes in severe frost; it is better to give preference to insulation made from natural materials.

With the arrival of cold weather, it’s just the right time to think about the question of how to choose a down jacket. And how can you do without this warm and light outerwear if you are young and active, prefer a jacket that does not hinder your movements, and dress in a sporty style?

Well, it's time to go to the store. Just think carefully first - what criteria are you going to choose a down jacket for?

The main thing when choosing a down jacket for the winter is the filling. In Russia, for some reason, any jacket equipped with insulation is called a down jacket, even if it artificial origin. But the amount of heat that this jacket can retain directly depends on the degree of naturalness of the filler.

We have selected the most important tips how to choose a down jacket for the winter:

1. If there is an English word written on the tag down(fluff) - everything is in order, in front of you is a down jacket that has every right to be called that. In addition, the word most often present next to it feather, that is, feather, because jackets made from just down are very rare. Pay attention to the percentages of these two filler components. For colder climes, it is recommended to purchase a truly warm jacket, that is, 70% down and 30% feather. If your winter is warm, or you don’t plan to spend a lot of time outside, or you have a fur coat, then you can opt for a down jacket with a 60/40 or 50/50 ratio. By the way, they will cost less. If you are going to use a down jacket for outings or skiing, choose the warmest jacket, 80/20.

2. Not going to wear synthetics? This means that you should immediately discard products that have the following symbol on the label: polyester, cotton or wool. Under the guise of a down jacket, they are trying to “sell” you a jacket made of cotton wool, batting or synthetic padding.

3. The down should be stitched in even small blocks. Ideally, sections do not exceed 20x20 cm. In larger ones, the fluff will mat and deprive you of much-needed protection from the cold. Inside each block, the fluff should be distributed evenly. Feel the jacket and make sure there are no lumps.

4. For a city dweller who is not into skiing, a single-layer down jacket is quite enough. There are also two-layer ones - they store heat better and allow cold to pass through more slowly.

5. The filler should recover easily and quickly after compression. Therefore, it would be useful to check. Squeeze part of the jacket in your hand, then quickly release it and observe - did the fabric straighten out quickly? There are more reliable way: check the tag, the compression ratio should be indicated there, it is indicated by the letters F.P., that is fill power. On a quality down jacket you will see the number 550 or more.

6. When trying on a jacket, make sure that the feathers do not pierce the fabric. If you feel a tingling sensation, walking in this down jacket will be very uncomfortable!

7. And look at the label again. Look for the designation DIN EN 12934 - it indicates high-quality processing fluff. This means that the down and feathers have been properly washed, dried and disinfected before being filled into the jacket.

We checked the most important thing – the “filling”. But there are still other details that also affect the quality of the jacket.

The fittings should be strong and reliable; ideally, a bag with spare buttons or buttons is included with the jacket.

- The seams on a high-quality down jacket are smooth and strong, without any loose threads. The lining is also stitched, which prevents fluff from matting.

The cuffs of the sleeves, the bottom of the jacket or the belt at the waist should be in the form of an elastic band - this ensures that no cold will get under the down jacket.

It is very good if the down jacket has a detachable hood and fur trim. This will make the washing or cleaning process easier. It's even better if the product is equipped with an "undershirt" - a sleeveless knitted "second jacket" that can also be detached.

Product High Quality must be supplied with a small bag containing a sample of fluff. This is what all self-respecting manufacturers do.

If you cannot find the information you need (country of origin, cleaning methods, down to feather ratio, etc.) on the label, refuse to purchase! Such a product definitely cannot be called high quality.

How to care for a down jacket

But finally, all the stages of a meticulous check have been completed, you are convinced of the quality of the down jacket, you have bought yourself reliable protection from winter cold. Now, in order for the jacket to be worn as long as possible, you need to properly care for it.

Wash should occur at temperatures up to 40 degrees, in gentle spin mode. Down jackets should not be soaked! Exposure to water should be brief. Drying a down jacket on a radiator means mercilessly shortening its life. Experts advise drying the jacket unfolded, in a ventilated room or on the balcony. You just need to lay the down jacket on a thick terry towel and wait for the towel to absorb all the moisture. From time to time the jacket needs to be turned over.

Detergents Down jackets for washing must be selected carefully. Special powders and liquids have antibacterial properties, do not allow microorganisms to multiply in the fluff, and prevent rotting. If you want your down jacket to not absorb water and remain just as warm and cozy, don’t skimp on your purchase special means to wash it. We also advise you to spend money on the purchase water repellent spray, with which you need to spray your down jacket after each wash - then even the rain won’t be able to spoil your pleasure from your walk!

These care rules are quite simple, and the pleasure from a purchased branded down jacket will last at least 5 seasons. So, go ahead to the store for such a fashionable, beautiful, warm and comfortable down jacket!

Down jackets are popular, practical, comfortable, and do not get wet. You should take their choice seriously, because you will have to wear them for at least three months. The article contains tips on how to choose a down jacket so that it will keep you warm for more than one season.

How to choose a down jacket?

Down - 100% waterfowl down, expensive and rare;

Feather – a feather has been added to reduce the cost;

Cotton – padded jacket, filling – fluffed cotton fibers;

Wool - wool batting;

Polyester - padding polyester.

What's good about a real down jacket?

How to choose a down jacket for the winter

1. The ratio of down and feathers in warm winter clothes is 80/20, or better yet, 90/10 (indicated on the label). Light jackets with a 50/50 feather to down ratio are only suitable for spring and autumn.

2. The length and width of the blocks over which the filler is distributed should not exceed 20 cm. Otherwise, the fluff will fall off and allow the cold to pass through. If the down jacket meets this requirement, its down block immediately restores its shape after creasing without the appearance of lumps.

3. The quality standard “DIN EN 12934” indicated on the label means that the fluff has been washed, disinfected, and dried.

4. There is no tingling sensation when worn, which means there are few feathers inside, and the fluff is placed in a bag with impregnation.

Choosing the right down jacket

5. Important details: a bag with a sample of the filling is attached to the inside, there is a manufacturer’s logo on the fittings, spare buttons and snaps are included. There are knitted cuffs that protect against inflation.

6. The lines are straight and do not unravel. The threads are the same color and do not stick out.

This general tips when choosing a down jacket, now let’s look at the nuances of choice depending on gender and age.

How to choose a men's down jacket

Accessories. Manufacturers of high-quality men's jackets use high-quality, durable fittings; plastic is inappropriate here.

How to choose the right down jacket

Color. The assortment is large: classic black, gray or dark blue will suit everyone, white - great option for the neat ones. However, any other color will be good for stylish men, not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

How to choose a women's down jacket

How to choose the right down jacket. Part 2

Who, if not women, should experiment with styles, textures, colors! Many people choose dark, muted colors for reasons of practicality. But a bright down jacket, complemented by an unusual print, will add mood to the winter cold.

How to choose a down jacket for a child

Consider the mobility of the baby. Buy a super baby warm down jacket for comfortable walks in a stroller. An active child needs a lighter model, otherwise he will jump, get wet and get sick. Perfect solution− down jacket with isosoft filling. Clothing with membrane insulation is thin, light and at the same time warm.

Also remember the importance of color and pattern. A non-staining down jacket can also look bright.
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If you are freezing from October to April, and when the snow appears you don’t even want to go outside, then in most cases the problem is not the time of year at all, but that you are dressed too lightly.

A classic coat or jacket cannot protect against biting wind or wet snow. While the models from modern materials designed for any weather. In this article we will tell you how to choose the right, warm and comfortable women's down jacket for the winter, we will talk about the cut, size and little things that you need to pay attention to when purchasing.

What styles are trending this year?

There is so much insulated clothing on the market that it’s impossible to choose. suitable model impossible. Those with an elegant, strict style and lovers of sports and life-affirming colors will find something to suit their taste.

In the Stayer online store – big choice bright jackets for an active lifestyle.

Transformers. This is the most convenient model. You can unfasten the hood, fur, pockets. There are unusual double-sided options on sale. The inside is one color, the outside is another. But both sides are “ceremonial”. By purchasing this product, you get a two-in-one coat. It can be either long or short.

Oversized. The second name is down jackets-blanket. An excellent solution for girls and women who do not want to leave in the morning home comfort. The models look a little casual and cute if worn correctly. Since the products themselves are voluminous, it is better to combine them with skinny jeans and not very bulky shoes.

Asymmetrical. This cut looks fashionable and attracts attention. An uneven hem or zipper, or interestingly shaped fasteners can serve as a key element.

Sports. Distinctive features– comfort, convenience, many pockets, details, detachable hood or non-removable stand-up collar, pockets. These jackets are often made from brightly colored fabric. They are equally comfortable for walking in the park, playing sports or playing with children on the street.

With short sleeves. Feminine and stylish option. But such a coat requires a mandatory addition - long gloves.

Classic. Conventional, well-known, but still relevant, quilted, elongated models. Options with inserts made from other materials: leather or denim look very nice.

How to choose the size of a women's winter down jacket

At the fitting stage, the main thing to remember is that you are looking for clothes for the cold season. This means that buying size-to-size is a bad choice. On a long walk or on a particularly cold day, you'll want to wear a thicker sweater. This is why the extra half-size comes in handy.

This is the first reason. The second is that in a loose-fitting product, the fabric does not fit closely to the body; an air layer is retained, which makes being in the air a little warmer and more comfortable.

No matter how beautiful the item looks on you, do not rush to go to the checkout. Turn around a little, raise your arms. Imagine that you are already walking down the street in this jacket or riding in crowded transport. If everything is still comfortable and the buttons don’t come undone, and your shoulders don’t feel tight, you’ve found what you were looking for.

Which women's down jacket is better to buy for the winter: down, feather or padding polyester?

You learned about what models there are and how to try them on correctly outerwear. But this is the second stage of selection. First you need to decide what will be inside the product, what fabric will keep you warm in cold weather.

Some argue that only natural materials will keep you warm in chilly weather. Some people advocate the hypoallergenicity and practicality of artificial fabrics. There are a lot of options for stuffing and their combinations. But one way or another their qualities intersect. Therefore, we will tell you about the main types on sale.

Down and feather

This is one of the most popular fillers. On the label it is indicated by the words down and feather. The best ratio is 80/20 or 70/30.

There are three types: duck, swan, eider.

The last one is the most expensive. The thermal protection of the material is explained simply - all fluffs have complex structure and retain heat, thus creating an air gap between the human body and the street.

Advantages

If you live in harsh conditions, it will perfectly warm you even in bitter frosts down to -40.

Another advantage is the weight of such a women's down jacket. It is very light, almost weightless. An ideal option for those who do not like the heaviness and clutter of things on themselves.

An important indicator is the density of the filler. It is also indicated on the tag. To determine this value, look for the inscription – Fill Power. If the index is 400-450, the product is of average quality. The higher the indicator, the more uniform and better the thermal protection.

The Stayer online store offers membrane jackets for cold winters with natural insulation.

Sintepon and its analogues

In terms of their thermal protective properties, modern artificial materials are not much inferior to down. And in some cases they even surpass it.

Let's tell you more about the advantages

Easy to wash and dry.

The filler does not cake.

Affordable price.

Many models are suitable for different temperatures.

• Holofiber. It is soft and light.

Does not lose volume when washed and steamed. This means that the clothes after it look new and neat, just like after purchase.

Does not absorb water, allows air to pass through well.

Does not cause allergies, so dust and mites do not accumulate in the material.

Can be ironed and soaked with regular powder.

Swansdown. New to materials. As good as other types: wear-resistant, elastic, resilient, not susceptible to fungus, dries quickly and does not absorb odors. The disadvantage is that it electrifies and does not absorb moisture.

Isosoft. Porous, elastic filler. It has the same properties as the previous insulation, but a lower degree of thermal protection.

Thinsulate. This is the highest quality and new option fibers for winter coats and jackets. It is very thin, light and elastic. Excellent thermal insulator

Choosing a down jacket for the winter: what nuances to pay attention to

It happens that a thing seems ideal and beautiful. And then, a week later, before going to work, the zipper gets stuck. Or you have to clean the feathers from a jumper after taking off your outerwear. To prevent this from happening, don’t skip annoying little things.

Make sure that the product fastens without problems. Don’t think that it’s just now that the lock in the store is jamming, and that in a week everything will be fine. It’s easier to buy something that will be comfortable right away, without additional steps.

Take a good look at the seams. They must be smooth and well stitched. A bad, crooked stitch means that the filling will come out of the down jacket already in the first season of wear.

It is important that winter jackets and coats have elastic cuffs - internal or external. This is necessary to prevent the wind from blowing through the sleeves.

It is desirable that the collar be high and close to the throat.

Drawstrings with adjustable hem, hood and waist.

A quality product usually comes with a bag of additional fittings and a filler sample.

The fur should also come off without problems.

Summarize

From our review, you learned how to choose the right winter down jacket that will keep you warm in any frost. Don’t forget to evaluate the condition of the fittings, the quality of the lining (filling should not come out of it), choose a style that matches existing items, and take your time when trying it on. remember, that perfect option one in which it is not only beautiful, but also warm and cozy.

The Stayer company produces and sells just such clothes for skiing and simply active life in nature and in the city.

Which jacket is better to buy? Should I give preference to a down jacket or buy outerwear with synthetic insulation? Each option has its pros and cons.

Buyers have many requirements for a winter jacket; it must be warm, light and comfortable. But most people don’t know which filler to give preference to. Each manufacturer praises its products, talks in detail about its advantages, while remaining silent about its disadvantages. However, it should be noted that high-quality men's jackets Regardless of the insulation, they will be comfortable and durable.

Advantages and disadvantages of down jackets

In fact, it is impossible to say that any option is better. You just need to choose outerwear in accordance with your lifestyle and financial capabilities. Winter jackets down are suitable for men who, due to the nature of their work, are forced to spend a lot of time on outdoors. They are often warmer than synthetic winterizers, but they are also much more expensive.

In addition, down jackets are often not down jackets at all; the manufacturer adds bird feathers to the insulation, which significantly reduces the heat-saving properties. It is quite easy to distinguish such a jacket from a real one; next to the word down there will be the prefix feather. With a down/feather ratio of 80 to 20, the outerwear will be quite warm, but if there is less down, the jacket will be cold and suitable only for cool autumn.

It is more difficult to care for a down jacket; at the end of the season it is advisable to dry clean it. After washing it in washing machine, the fluff may clump together. Return previous state the jacket is quite difficult. Therefore, if you are willing to put up with the high price and difficulty of care for the sake of additional comfort, then a down jacket is your choice. The main thing, remember, is that you cannot skimp on the quality of jackets; cheap fabric is not dense enough and after a couple of months the fluff can “climb”, and the jacket looks sloppy.

A down jacket from a famous brand will look perfect for many years and will last much longer than any synthetic padding jacket. Therefore, if you do not like to change outerwear every season or two, then feel free to buy a down jacket. And even if you like to buy a lot of things, no one forbids having two, three or even four jackets with natural insulation in your closet.

Jackets with padding polyester insulation

In the case of padding polyester, everything is much simpler. The insulation tolerates numerous washes well and retains its properties for many years. But it is important to remember that synthetic padding can also be different. This insulation can be warm and light, or it can be completely useless, and the jacket will be blown through. Much depends on the manufacturer, e.g. Fred Perry jackets It is produced with insulation, which is as close in properties as possible to down, but does not have the disadvantages of natural filler.

A padded jacket is suitable for active person who moves a lot and is not forced to spend a lot of time in the cold. All other things being equal, such clothes retain heat worse than a down jacket. But often, insulation is enough to make a person feel comfortable. Its price is lower, but it will wear out much faster. After three or four seasons you will need to buy a new jacket.

But for many, this can even be a plus, because the monotony gets boring; having bought an inexpensive model, you can safely exchange it for another. And it’s not a pity, and not a lot of money was spent. And the style changes, you want to change your wardrobe, and enjoy purchasing new clothes. And in the case of branded products, there will definitely be joy from new things.

Activewear

Separately, it is worth noting jackets for active recreation. Great value has not only the choice of filler, but also its quality. Professional athletes mainly choose down, but its content must be at least 90 to 10 in relation to feather. Such clothing remains light, warm and does not restrict movement. If you prefer synthetic winterizer, then it is important that the fabric is dense. A membrane that allows you to use a minimum of insulation, creating the effect of a thermos, is perfect. A person is not hot in a warm room and not cold outside when sub-zero temperature. The combination of well-chosen fabric ensures comfort regardless of the weather. And the weight turns out to be no more than that of a high-quality down jacket.

Video.
Because now it's very Cold winter, I suggest watching a video about how not to freeze in winter.