How to choose the right down jacket: useful tips

In the open spaces of our homeland, due to the special climatic conditions, the down jacket “took root” perfectly and established itself. Underwear of this type means a jacket, the basis of which is bird fluff. A warm enough product that does not allow cold, regulates body temperature and is ideal for winter. But because of this widespread distribution, many unscrupulous manufacturers supply low-quality down jackets to stores. Therefore, there are definitely difficulties with the choice.

Down jacket marking

1. In order to reduce the pricing policy for their products, manufacturers of outerwear dilute the down with a feather. If this is the case, then there will be a corresponding “feather” mark on the label.
2. In cases when you see the inscription “cotton” on the tongue of the jacket, there is nothing from a down jacket in such clothes. This is a regular quilted jacket, which is not suitable for everyone. It is heavy and of lower quality.
3. The designation "polyester" indicates that the product is 100% filled with padding polyester. If you have a “wool” mark, you will know that the composition contains a wool filler.
4. It is worthwhile to understand that synthetic winterizer refers to artificial filler, which is a synthetic fiber. Due to this structure, after the first wash, the product loses up to 30% of its ability to regulate body temperature. High-quality fluff, in turn, lasts 15–20 years, retaining its main characteristics and properties throughout this period.
5. To date, jackets, which are called nothing more than synthetic winter jackets, are especially popular. This is a modern solution that has 1.5 times better thermoregulation than conventional sintepon products. In addition, such down jackets are cheaper than real ones, but no worse. Sintepon fluff refers to high-tech, environmentally friendly, non-allergenic material. It is quite possible to consider such a down jacket if you want to save, but not lose in quality.

Rules for choosing a down jacket

1. Feel the product with your fingers, taking the edge of the jacket inside and out. In the process of palpation, you should not feel clumping, sharp particles, tingling and other unpleasant sensations. If any, the down jacket is of poor quality.
2. Pay attention to the firmware blocks. The smaller they are, the longer the jacket will last. An ideal option is a square / rhombus, the size of which does not exceed 20 * 20 cm. If the block is larger than the specified, it is quite possible that during operation the fluff will slide inside, leaving bald spots. This will lead to poor heat storage and a lack of wind protection.
3. If the jacket is of high quality, it will for the most part consist of down (80%). Accordingly, the bona fide manufacturer indicates the information on the label about this. The remaining 20% ​​is allocated to small feathers. Typically, these figures on the label are marked with a fractional value.
4. For example, you saw the designation 80/20. The first indicator refers to the amount of fluff filling, and the second refers to the feather. Modern products designed for spring and late fall are filled with 50 to 50. If you plan to use the down jacket in high cold conditions, then it is better to give preference to products filled with 80 to 20.
5. There are many more factors that will tell you about the highest quality of the jacket. In particular, the product must be resilient. It is enough to squeeze the jacket, to see how quickly the fluff from the crumpled state will return to its original course. The faster the forms are restored, the better the thing in front of you.
6. Down jackets can be multi-layered, made of several puff-feather pads. The more of these layers, the higher the quality of the product. Also, if you notice the label “DIN EN 12934” on the label, you should know before you a little thing, the fluff and feather of which have undergone thorough hypoallergenic treatment.
7. Inspect the jacket carefully before paying for it. If fluff or feather protrudes through the fibers, the product is of very poor quality. This feature suggests that the “filling” is not correctly distributed inside the down jacket (in some places there is more, in others less). Such a down jacket will blow and get wet.
8. To identify the protruding feathers, it is enough to squeeze the product with your palm and evaluate your reaction. If there is a tingling sensation, then there is a lot of feather rather than indicated on the tongue of the thing. Accordingly, a feather will isolate heat much worse.
9. A high-quality jacket without fail will have a sample of the filler, which is attached separately in the form of a keychain to the zipper tongue. Also, a good down jacket will contain several labels that indicate information about the proper care of the product, the manufacturer, possible tests.
10. If the jacket is really worthwhile, each of its buttons or other accessories will have an embossed logo of the manufacturer. Additional buttons and spare interchangeable buttons are applied to the jacket.

additional characteristics

1. If you have knowledge of some important characteristics, the procedure for choosing a down jacket can be greatly facilitated. Women should always notice some details. For example, the filler should not roll and stray in one place.
2. The down jacket should be well stitched. Keep in mind that the size of the cell in which the fluff is full should not exceed 20 by 20 cm. Also, the number of layers that the insulation has is worthy of special attention.
3. If you live in a temperate climate, one layer is enough. If you often encounter harsh winters, and you have to stay in the cold for a long time, then when buying, you should give preference to a two-layer down jacket.
4. To check a thing for quality and whether it will be warm in it, squeeze the sleeve and release it sharply. He must quickly become pristine. When examining, special attention should be paid to the wrong side of the down jacket. Lining must be stitched.
5. Cuffs should be on the bottom of the down jacket and sleeves. Well, if they are presented in the form of gum. Such an addition will not allow the cold to pass under the jacket. Keep in mind if a down jacket has a knitted or fur lining and a hood, all this should be unfastened.
6. On top of the zipper should be a special valve or patch that will not allow the cold to penetrate through the teeth. Quality products are always supplied with a special bag containing a sample of the filler. Do not purchase other down jackets. They may be of dubious quality.

Choose a down jacket on the figure

1. If you wish not to emphasize a wide waist, it is recommended to purchase straight-cut models with a free cut. If you do not have problems with overweight, then the waist can be emphasized on the contrary with a belt or strap.
2. To fix the straight silhouette, you can make diagonal inserts. With low growth, try to avoid long models. Such down jackets will visually reduce growth. If you still prefer practicality, and you are comfortable with the length to the knee, you should wear a belt. Such an addition will emphasize the silhouette.
3. If you want to emphasize the lush bust, it is strongly recommended to give preference to models with horizontal stripes. Keep in mind that in this case you run the risk of hiding your waist. To prevent this from happening, use a belt.
4. If you belong to the owners of wide and magnificent hips, it is strictly forbidden to purchase fitted or straight down jackets. In this case, preference should be given to models with a silhouette in the form of a cocoon. These down jackets taper to the bottom. All flaws are hidden, remaining at the top. Therefore, do not worry if you have small problems with the figure.

When choosing a quality down jacket you should consider many factors. Approach the procedure with all responsibility. Decide what exactly you want. How to emphasize the figure. Be sure to look at the quality of the material and the work performed. Do not lose sight of your own growth. If you have made a choice, do not forget about timely washing or dry cleaning. It is recommended to give the down jacket to the hands of professionals.

Video: how to choose a quality down jacket