As summer draws to a close, you're probably thinking about adding some warm layers to your wardrobe. Perhaps you're considering a men's down jacket or a women's down jacket to keep you well protected against the cooler temperatures — whether in the city, out hiking, or travelling. Here are our tips on how to choose a men's or women's down jacket: what criteria matter and what to look out for.
Which insulation should you choose for a down jacket?
The insulation in a down jacket can be either natural down (made from goose feathers) or synthetic material. Some down jacket models occasionally combine both, though this is less common. Each option naturally has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we describe below.
Natural down in a down jacket: it has the advantage of being naturally warm and rather cosy. It is also fairly lightweight and compressible. On the downside, it does not handle moisture well and can leak at the slightest tear in the fabric.
Synthetic down in a down jacket: it is easy to care for and handles moisture and humidity well. It does, however, remain heavier and bulkier than natural down, and less breathable.
Finally, it's worth noting that natural down is expensive — often very expensive.
Are there alternatives to natural or synthetic down for a down jacket?
Technology has made enormous strides in recent years, leading to the development of new technical materials that eliminate the drawbacks of both options mentioned above.
For example, Primaloft® is a material originally developed by NASA for military and space applications: it delivers an immediate sensation of warmth, similar to goose down, with a windproof effect and a breathability that natural down simply cannot match.
Furthermore, the thermal properties of Primaloft® are barely affected by moisture — unlike natural down, which compresses when wet and can lose up to 40% of its insulating capacity.
In fact, Primaloft® is the warmest and lightest synthetic insulation in the world. Its exceptional compressibility means a Primaloft-insulated jacket can pack into a single pocket — making it the material of choice for effective, reliable protection whatever the weather.
What fabric should a down jacket be made from?
The fabric used in your men's or women's down jacket also matters a great deal — particularly in terms of weight and compressibility. The finer the fabric, the lighter and more compressible the jacket. However, with a lightweight fabric, you need to pay close attention to its durability and resistance to abrasion and tearing. A tear in the fabric of a synthetic down jacket is not necessarily irreparable, but in a down jacket filled with natural feathers, it means feathers will escape — and over time, your jacket will lose its insulating properties.
When it comes to weather protection, choosing a men's or women's down jacket also means looking for a model made with a water-repellent fabric to provide at least some protection against the elements. A windproof effect is also a welcome feature. Some down jackets are made with fabrics that can withstand winds of up to 60 km/h.
Other factors to consider when choosing a men's or women's down jacket
When choosing your down jacket, it's important to select one with baffling. This ensures the insulation cannot clump together over time and remains evenly distributed — something that can unfortunately happen quite frequently under the pressure of a backpack or in damp conditions. Baffling is achieved either with through-stitching (which passes through the jacket from inside to outside) or with box stitching (forming square chambers). Through-stitching is ideal for down jackets worn as a mid-layer under a shell (making the jacket lighter and thinner) or for activities such as walking.
A hooded down jacket
A hood is often a welcome addition to a down jacket. It's a genuine asset in terms of warmth, and head protection becomes essential as temperatures start to drop. The head is in fact where the body loses the most heat — and therefore where the temperature differential is greatest.
Pockets with closures
It's also important that the pockets on your down jacket have a closure (such as a zip) to prevent heat loss and to keep your belongings more secure.
A down jacket that packs into its own pocket
One of the key features of a down jacket is its compressibility. It should therefore come with a stuff sack or be able to pack into its own pocket. The pack-into-pocket option is preferable for active users, as it avoids having to carry a separate stuff sack that can easily get lost. It's also quicker and easier to pack away when you're out hiking or on a walk.
