Down jacket 2022: how to choose and what to wear?

Women and men in many ways value practicality in clothes. Therefore, when choosing outerwear, the choice often falls on down jackets. What is it, how to choose them and what styles exist? You will find out about this and much more.

A down jacket is mistakenly called literally every puffy jacket. But this is a mistake, because a true down jacket is only a jacket with down inside.

If your goal is to purchase a real down jacket, then we advise you to pay attention to the label. Having found the word DOWN there, you can rejoice, because this designation indicates that there is fluff inside the jacket.

As for the fluff itself, the following types are traditionally used here:

• Swan;
• Eider;
• duck.

Someone will ask, but what about chicken? No, it does not fit here at all, and it is highly discouraged to use it. Alas, chicken down is often found in cheap Chinese down jackets. Over time, they can start to smell unpleasant, so we advise you to buy good, proven down jackets.

• Pay attention to the word FEATHER on the label. Its presence tells you that a feather was partially used when stuffing a down jacket;
• The word Cotton says that you have a padded jacket in front of you, not a down jacket;
• Polyester testifies to the filling with synthetic winterizer;
• WOOL on the label is an inscription indicating woolen batting inside the jacket.

If the feather is still allowed for use in down jackets, then models stuffed with cotton, batting and synthetic winterizer definitely do not belong to the concept of a down jacket.

Many will say that you can, with peace of mind, buy yourself a down jacket with artificial stuffing and not spend money on natural down. But the same padding jackets quickly lose their shape, become unusable, lose their thermal protective properties literally after 1-2 washes. And with proper care, down jackets with duck and goose down can last from 5 to 20 years.

Depending on the season for which you are going to buy a down jacket, you should also look at the product label. Yes, summer models are easy to distinguish from winter ones by their thickness. But to visually find the difference between the winter and demi-season models of a down jacket is quite problematic. Therefore, we look at the percentage of down and feather content.

1. Winter. In them, the minimum value of the ratio of down and feather is 75 to 25. On the label, this is indicated something like this - 75/25. That is, down here is 75 percent, and feathers - 25%. If your region is characterized by a very cold winter, and you find yourself on the street quite often, choose jackets with a ratio of 80 to 20 or 90 to 10. The warmest down jackets are made in these proportions and are ideal for winter.
2. Demi-season (spring and autumn). In early spring and autumn, when the temperature can seriously drop in the evening, it is not yet the time to give up outerwear.The category of demi-season down jackets includes models, the ratio of down and feather in which is 50 percent.
3. Summer. A down jacket is considered clothing especially for the cold periods of the year. In fact, a down jacket may well replenish your summer wardrobe. This is due to the fact that cold snaps and rains are quite possible during this season. Therefore, you need to have at your disposal clothes that will protect you from the vagaries of the summer weather. For these purposes, designers have developed down jackets, down coats with 100% down content, down vests, sports down jackets and even down jackets-t-shirts. The last version of a summer down jacket is practically an analogue of a down jacket-jacket with the difference that the first one has small sleeves.

When buying a down jacket, you think not only about comfort and warmth, but also about the fact that the clothes are fashionable, look beautiful, and do not seem like a relic of the past. Even men, despite their claims of independence from fashion trends, subconsciously think about style and current trends.

• Hooded. Comfortable, practical and very useful. The hood perfectly protects from rain, wind, snow, does not freeze the head no worse than insulated hats. In addition, the hood is able not to spoil your hair, which is important for millions of girls. The hood can be made of ordinary fabric or supplemented with fur, which looks even more attractive;

• Flared to the bottom. Another option for practicality, as it provides freedom in the legs. It is easier to walk in these down jackets, they do not cause discomfort during long walks. Plus, the flared bottom is the best solution for motorists. You can safely get into the car, and you won’t have to take off the down jacket, because it will not interfere with you;

• Short.Models of down jackets, which are in demand among motorists and autolady, do not restrict movement, give freedom to the legs and provide comfortable driving;

• Down parka. Stylish, modern model, focused more on youth. Although more mature generations have every right to wear a parka, combined with the benefits of a down jacket;

• With mink. A down jacket supplemented with mink looks expensive, solid, and emphasizes the viability of the girl. There are also male models, where the mink looks great on the collar, hood or sleeves;

• Large size for full. A down jacket is a universal thing, suitable for almost everyone. Therefore, the owners of a full figure should not be embarrassed when choosing a down jacket. Models of large sizes are able to advantageously hide flaws, not focus on excess weight. Models with a belt look good, which emphasizes the waist or highlights it against the general background;

• Down coat. Having favorably combined the features of a coat and a down jacket, the designers could not even imagine how much such jackets would be in demand. Moderately strict, practical and universal, which are suitable for almost any format of events;

• Sports. A down jacket made in a sporty style turned out to be in demand not only for sports, tourism or travel. This is a great solution for every day if you do not need to attend formal events;

• Flared. A fairly loose down jacket, which is valued due to the comfort it creates, the absence of elements that restrict movement. But the flare is not suitable for every figure, so the model should be chosen individually;

• With silver fox. Another very high quality, quite expensive, but incredibly solid fur.How actively to use it on a down jacket is up to you. It can be a simple down jacket with silver fox sleeves, or models decorated on the sleeves, collar, chest, pockets, hood with this exquisite fur;

• With short sleeves. Do not think that this is a purely demi-season decision. For the winter it is quite possible to buy down jackets with short sleeves. Sweaters, golfs, tunics, or long gloves are put on under it. This will create a very original, beautiful image;

• Without sleeves. Sleeveless down jackets are beneficial to use in spring, autumn and even summer. In winter, they can be relevant, but only if the climate is sufficiently mild. Like short down jackets, sleeveless models are well suited to drivers;

• Oversize. With the first appearance of oversized down jackets, many girls thought that someone had not managed to choose their size correctly. In fact, this is a specially designed style, the peculiarity of which is massiveness. Oversized fabrics are used for tailoring. The jacket looks like it is several sizes larger, has dropped shoulder lines, and an elongated sleeve. Wearing such a style for girls of large sizes is not worth it, as this further increases your size. But on slender girls, such a down jacket looks original, stylish. If your goal is to stand out from the crowd, then oversized will help you a lot.

An equally pressing issue is the length of your down jacket. This largely depends on personal preference, but certain concepts and differences in the length of the jacket are worth knowing.

• A long down jacket almost to the floor protects the legs well in winter, preventing cold air currents, snow drops or rain from penetrating there.But at the same time, moving through snowdrifts or a bad road will be problematic, since the length somewhat hinders movement. With such down jackets, short and high boots look equally advantageous. Plus, it doesn’t really matter what you are going to wear under a long down jacket. Of course, if you are not going to undress anywhere except at home. In other cases, the wardrobe is carefully thought out.

• Average. Many will agree that midi down jackets are the most versatile. They are able to emphasize beautiful legs, do not restrict movement, allow you to wear any beautiful shoes. In down jackets with a sun skirt, half sun or flared models, you can create a really feminine, very gentle look.

• Short. Even in winter, it is quite possible to walk in a short down jacket. Especially if the climate is not too cold. Short models do not constrain your movements, are great for girls driving, focus on the beauty of the legs. It is important to think over your wardrobe so that a long sweater does not look ugly from under a down jacket, and a worn skirt provides at least some warmth. But let's be honest, girls with beautiful legs, a slender figure look just the same great in cropped down jackets.

What is your favorite color? We are used to choosing clothes based on some personal preferences, features of the figure and outlook on life. But sometimes you wonder how much the color you once hated turns out to be yours, as they say. In it you look even more profitable, more attractive and more interesting. Therefore, you should not draw conclusions about the down jacket of your unloved color until you try to put it on yourself.

• White. At first glance, a simple, but in fact a very beautiful, delicate color.In white down jackets, girls turn into real queens of a white, snow-covered kingdom. Having diluted the white down jacket with bright accents, small prints of a contrasting palette, the model will play in a completely new way;

• Pink. Stylish, youthful, bold color. Adult, business ladies will look a little strange in a pink down jacket, but for young beauties, teenagers and even little children, pink is very to the face;

• Red. This color attracts by the fact that it is both bright and strict. You won't look frivolous or out of date by wearing a red down jacket. At the same time, you will definitely not be left without the attention of others, since red always makes you turn your eyes;

• Coral. A real hit of the season, inviting you to enjoy a unique color and become a bright spot in this gray mass. Having correctly selected the elements of the wardrobe, in a coral down jacket, you have every right to visit the office, attend an official event or go to the theater;

• Burgundy. The color of red wine especially attracts businesslike, self-confident women. Like wine, women get better with age, true beauty is revealed in them. Therefore, the color of burgundy is at the peak of popularity and is not going to give up its positions;

• Black. A classic solution that will never go out of style. Even if you create a completely dark image, you will not blend in with the crowd. If a dark bow does not appeal to you, dilute the black down jacket with bright prints and sparkling accessories. But the most beneficial addition to a black down jacket is fur. It can play in contrast or match the color of the jacket. Both options look chic;

• Blue.A sportier, freer color that will make you feel confident in everyday life, while walking. Blue has many great shades. Dark tones will perfectly fit into a business look, and blue motifs can decorate you while relaxing in the mountains or on tourist trips;

• Green. The color of life, which is able to give true pleasure, feelings of warmth and comfort. If you miss flowering gardens and trees in winter, a green down jacket can somewhat compensate for the lack of spring colors;

• Yellow. A sunny, cheerful, positive color that lends a similar touch to your look. At the same time, yellow tones are somewhat demanding on skin color.

To be not only warm, but also in trend, it is worth looking at which models of down jackets are now the most stylish and relevant.

The most stylish, relevant down jackets for the coming season, the designers called the following models. And to be honest, we fully support their decisions.

• Deceptions. Such down jackets are distinguished by the fact that they combine in their appearance the likeness of a woolen coat and jacket. The design turns out to be quite strict, which allows girls to wear them both in an informal setting and put them on for important, serious events, visit theaters, go to restaurants;

• Quilted down jackets. Quilted elements on outerwear provide it with excellent attractiveness, original appearance. When choosing quilted down jackets, designers advise choosing the most suitable colors for models - emerald, coral, blue or purple;

• With leather and fur inserts.Inserts in a down jacket can be very diverse - leather, woolen, fur, suede, cashmere. You will create a somewhat informal, but at the same time interesting, attractive image for yourself, which will set you apart from the general crowd;

• One of the most stylish down jackets this season are white. They look simply incredible, attract all eyes to themselves, and the girl herself is turned into a real queen of winter. White color is a symbol of purity and lightness, it looks perfect on girls with any figure and complexion. At the same time, you have every right to dilute the white down jacket with bright prints, original fittings or stylish accessories. From this, your image will only benefit.

• Leather down jackets. Stylish, strict, emphasizing masculinity and wealth;

• Military style. They are distinguished by practicality, original appearance, well suited for everyday life, and for tourism, hiking, outdoor recreation;

• With fur hoods. They are just as relevant for men as they are for women. Fur gives the product a special charm, but at the same time retains the masculinity of the image, which is very important for men.

• Various bright patterns. Orange, bright green, yellow, lilac, emerald and other easily noticeable down jackets are especially relevant for newborns and very young children;

• For children, you can choose a stylish down jacket, complemented by quite adult prints, an asymmetrical cut, geometric patterns;

• Camouflage-styled children's down jackets are perfect for girls and boys. Their main goal is to provide warmth, and to the mother to simplify care tasks;

• Houndstooth print is a very stylish print, thanks to which the little girl will feel like an adult, self-confident girl;

• Floral prints are more relevant than ever for the younger generation. Of course, flowers on a down jacket are the prerogative of girls;

• With contrasting sleeves. Incredibly stylish models of down jackets are now considered, which differ in the contrasting color of the sleeves, which stand out favorably against the background of the jacket itself;

• Models with tiered skirts. Something like this can describe a new variation of the hem, which the designers have developed specifically for little beauties. Looks very stylish and beautiful;

• With fur. Well, how could it be without him. Fur can complement the sleeves, collar and hood. Models with natural fur in natural colors are no less attractive than down jackets with faux fur, which allows you to achieve the most diverse, bold color palette.

• Fabrics. They must be of high quality, with smooth firmware. Fluff is not allowed to crawl out between the seams, otherwise this indicates the dubious quality of the product. Also pay attention to the fabric for the lining, windproof skirt. This "skirt" should be sewn on at the waist and fastened with zippers, buttons, to prevent wind or snow from penetrating inside. An important issue for the fabric is the quality of the water-repellent impregnation.

• Filler. We have already talked about which filler is better to give preference to and in what proportions you should choose down with a feather for different occasions. Therefore, you should rely on the climatic features of your region and personal needs.

• Manufacturer. Not the last thing in choosing a down jacket is a company that manufactures.There are a number of well-established brands whose big name doesn't necessarily equate to high value.

• Traces of emerging fluff. You understand that they should not be. On high-quality products, a double layer of material is provided, inside of which fluff is enclosed. Moreover, the new sewing technology provides for the distribution of fluff throughout the jacket due to a kind of small pouches. This allows the filler not to stray when washed, not to disturb the original shape of the jacket.

• Label. After reading the label, you can find out about the ratio of feather and down, the type of filler.

• Sample bag. Really responsible manufacturers who are confident in the quality of their products attach a small bag to the down jacket, where the filler sample is located. So you clearly see what exactly is inside the jacket.

• Color. A purely individual moment, therefore we will not give any advice.

• Trying on is an obligatory stage of the purchase. Do not take a down jacket if it fits you. Yes, it can somewhat correct the figure, give it a more favorable shape, but you can forget about the comfort in a tight jacket. It is not worth sacrificing convenience for the sake of an imaginary effect of improving the figure.

• The weight. Some people think that the heavier the down jacket, the better, warmer and better quality it is. In fact, this is not so. High-quality, warm fluff is not heavy. Therefore, for adults, 1.3-2 kg is considered normal weight, and for children's models - from 500 grams to 1 kg.

• Accessories. Before buying a down jacket that suits you in color, size, style, be sure to fasten all buttons, zippers, buttons, fasteners and unfasten them. By repeating the operations several times, you can check how well everything works without jamming.The central clasp must necessarily be protected by an additional strap and sub-bar, latches on the buttons. This suggests that this model will definitely protect you from snow, rain, wind.

• Through seams should not be. Their presence suggests that the jacket was pierced through many times. If this is acceptable for a summer model, then in winter heat will escape through many miniature holes. Therefore, the level of comfort can be seriously affected.

• Threads. Many firms use fragile threads to reduce the cost of production. It is difficult to determine this visually. But after washing, a bad thread will begin to spread, tear, the down jacket will simply fall apart, and you will have to buy a new one.

• Lining. High-quality down jackets use expensive lining materials. A cheap down jacket is easy to identify not by its price, since the seller can demand a tidy sum, but by the lining. Budget models use polyester, while really high-quality jackets are lined with silk or viscose.

• The materials of the collars and cuffs should warm, protect against the penetration of cold air and at the same time not cause discomfort when in contact with the skin.

The answer depends on what style your down jacket is and for what events it is intended. Based on this, a down jacket can look advantageous with:

• business suit;

• skirt;

• dress;

• Classic trousers;

• Jeans;

• high heels;

• boots;

• Sports and casual shoes;

• Sportswear.

• The fabrics used by themselves do not protect against moisture. Therefore, special impregnations are used to protect against it;
• To verify the effectiveness of protection, simply pour water on the down jacket;
• If there is impregnation and it is good, the water will roll off the surface without stopping, turning into small, round balls;
• After the water drains, there should be no traces left;
• If after such a test wet marks remain or water has been absorbed, you will perfectly understand the water-repellent capabilities of the jacket.

• Russian production. Sufficiently high-quality models adapted to our weather conditions. The pricing policy is democratic, although there are better products on the market for less money. They try to keep the design in trend directions, but this is not always possible.

• From Finland. They are considered the warmest, most practical and comfortable. The price is affordable, although sometimes you have to sacrifice not the most attractive design for the sake of warmth.

• Sweden and Canada. They also produce very warm models of down jackets, but everything is much better with the design. You will have to pay the corresponding amount, but it's worth it.

• Chinese. A very controversial option, since the manufacturer is different from the manufacturer. The main problem of Chinese down jackets is the active use of chicken down. The quality is not very high, the design is copied from European brands, low price. You can buy for one season with a limited budget, but it is better to choose something of higher quality and more expensive.

• Japanese. An original design that our customers may not be ready for. But advanced technologies are used, very effective protection against wind, moisture and snow. Although prices are high, if you are looking for a practical, durable and weatherproof down jacket, you should pay attention to Japanese products.

• German.High-quality, made in a rather restrained style, not distinguished by a particularly original design. You have to pay for quality, but practical people are ready for it.

• Italian. Exquisite, original, high quality and very stylish. Not surprising for a country where so many famous designers came from. But branded Italian down jackets are expensive.

• Can down jackets be stored in vacuum bags? No. Only packages made from natural fabrics that allow air to pass through are suitable. Otherwise, the down jacket will “suffocate”, start to smell unpleasant, and it will be very difficult to wash this smell;
• How to fold compactly? Folding down jackets is not recommended. It is best to use hangers for storage and place in a closet. If you fold the jacket, the fluff can go astray, the structure will be broken, and the likelihood of odors in the presence of moisture residues in the fluff is also high;
• Protect your down jacket from moths. Natural fluff is very fond of moths. In order not to face the eaten jacket before the start of the new winter season, place the down jacket in a special package soaked in anti-moth for the summer;
• Fasten all buttons, zippers, remove everything from pockets before hanging the down jacket in a closet for storage;
• Do not pinch the down jacket tightly with other things that hang in the closet. The down jacket must have access to fresh air

Fluff can start to come out only because of a poor-quality, thin lining. Good modern down jackets use double pouches where the down is placed, as well as linings with special impregnation. This structure does not allow fluff and small feathers to come out. But it happened differently.

You have three most effective options.

1. Throw away the old down jacket, buy a new, high-quality one.
2. Contact the studio, where you will sew the lining.
3. Sew a new lining with your own hands from quality material.

• A down jacket can perfectly protect even in severe frosts;
• Provides the necessary level of comfort;
• It looks no worse than expensive fur coats or coats, but it turns out to be much more practical and comfortable;
• This clothing is unpretentious in care, although it has its own nuances of proper washing and storage;
• When buying a quality down jacket, you can not think about buying new outerwear for several years;
• All the shortcomings that can be attributed to down jackets are associated only with low-quality products.