How to choose a down jacket: useful tips

In the expanses of our country, due to the special climatic conditions, the down jacket perfectly “caught on” and proved itself. Under outerwear of this type refers to the jacket, which is based on bird fluff. A warm enough product that does not let in the cold, regulates body temperature and is ideal for winter. But because of such wide distribution, many unscrupulous manufacturers supply poor quality down jackets to stores. Therefore, the difficulty with the choice there are definitely.

Down jacket marking

1. In order to reduce the pricing policy for their products, outerwear manufacturers dilute down with feathers. If so, then the label will be the corresponding mark «feather».
2. In cases when on the jacket tongue you see the inscription “cotton”, in such clothes there is nothing from the down jacket. This is a regular padded jacket, which is not suitable for everyone.It is heavy and of lower quality.
3. The designation "polyester" says that the product is 100% filled with padding polyester. If there is a “wool” mark, you will know that there is wool filling in the composition.
4. It should be understood that a synthetic winterizer is understood as an artificial filler, which is a synthetic fiber. Because of this structure, after the first wash, the product loses up to 30% of its ability to regulate body temperature. Quality fluff, in turn, serves 15-20 years, throughout this period, retaining its main characteristics and properties.
5. To date, a special distribution of jackets, which are called none other than synthetic padded jackets. This is a modern solution, which has 1.5 times better heat regulation than ordinary synthetic padding. In addition, these puffers are cheaper than real ones, but not at all worse. Synthepon fluff is a 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.

Down Jacket Selection Rules

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. The ideal option is considered a square / rhombus, the size of which does not exceed 20 * 20 cm. If the block is larger than this, it is quite possible that during operation the down will roll down inside, leaving bald spots. This will lead to a deterioration in the preservation of heat and lack of protection from the wind.
3. If the jacket is of high quality, for the most part it will consist of down (80%). Accordingly, this bona fide manufacturer indicates the information on the label. 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. Under the first indicator refers to the amount of filling fluff, under the second - pen. Modern products, developed for spring and late autumn, are filled 50 to 50. If the down jacket is planned to be used in conditions of high cold, 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 elastic. It is enough to squeeze the jacket, to see how quickly the fluff from the crumpled state will return to its original direction. The faster the forms are restored, the better quality in front of you thing.
6. Down jackets can be multi-layered, made of several pads down feather. The more of these layers, the higher the quality of the product. Also, if you notice the designation “DIN EN 12934” on the label, you should know that there is a thing in front of you whose feather and feather were thoroughly treated with hypoallergenic means.
7. Inspect the jacket carefully before paying for it. If a down or a feather protrudes through the fibers, the product is of very poor quality. This feature suggests that the “filling” is distributed incorrectly inside the down jacket (in some places it is more, in others less). Such a down jacket will blow and get wet.
8. To determine 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 pen, rather than the little thing indicated on the tongue. Accordingly, the pen will be much worse to isolate heat.
9. The jacket of high quality will necessarily have a sample of the filler, which is mounted separately in the form of a key fob on the zipper tongue. Also a good down jacket will contain several labels, which contain information about the proper care of the product, manufacturer, possible tests.
10. If the jacket is really standing, each of its buttons or other accessories will have an embossed logo of the manufacturer. Additional buttons and spare replaceable buttons are attached to the jacket.

additional characteristics

1. If you have knowledge of some important characteristics, the procedure for selecting a down jacket can be greatly simplified. Women should always notice some details. For example, the filler should not roll down and stray in one place.
2. Down jacket should be well stitched. Consider, the size of the cell in which the down is full should not exceed 20 by 20 cm. Also, the number of layers that has insulation deserves special attention.
3. If you live in a temperate climate, one layer is enough. If you often encounter harsh winters, and you have to be in the cold for a long time, then you should give preference to a two-layer down jacket when you buy.
4. To check a thing for quality and whether it will be warm in you, squeeze the sleeve and release it sharply. He must quickly acquire the original form. When viewed, special attention should be paid to the wrong side of the jacket. Lining should be stitched.
5. At the bottom of the jacket and sleeves should be cuffs. Well if they are presented in the form of an elastic band. This addition will not allow the cold to pass under the jacket. Consider, if the down jacket has a knitted or fur lining and a hood, all this should be unfastened.
6. Over the zipper there should be a special valve or patch that will not allow cold to penetrate through the teeth. Quality products always come with a special bag that holds a sample of the filler. Do not buy other down jackets. They may be of dubious quality.

Choose a down jacket on the figure

1. If you wish to not emphasize a wide waist, it is recommended to purchase models of the direct type with a free cut. If you do not have problems with overweight, then the waist opposite can be emphasized with a belt or strap.
2. To fix a straight silhouette, you can make diagonal inserts. With short stature, try to avoid long models. These jackets will visually reduce growth. If you still prefer practicality, and you are comfortable with the length of the knee, you should wear a belt. This addition will emphasize the silhouette.
3. If you wish to emphasize the lush bust is strongly recommended to give preference to models with horizontal stripes. Consider, in this case, you risk to hide the waist. To prevent this from happening, use a belt.
4. If you belong to the owners of wide and lush 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. Such jackets taper to the bottom. All the flaws are hidden, remaining at the top. Therefore, do not worry if you have some minor problems with the figure.

When choosing a quality down jacket, there are many factors to consider. Approach the procedure with full responsibility. Decide exactly what you want. How can you emphasize the shape.Be sure to look at the quality of the material and the work performed. Watch out for your own height. If you have made your choice, do not forget about timely washing or dry cleaning. It is recommended to give the jacket in the hands of professionals.

Video: how to choose a quality down jacket