Is it true that even the most expensive down jacket won't keep you as warm as a natural fur coat? How do you choose a winter jacket that will genuinely keep you warm? These questions were answered by a scientist from the Perm State Polytechnic University, as reported by Tengri Life referencing DoctorPiter.
Even the bulkiest and warmest down jacket can lose its insulation properties quickly. Therefore, the material of the insulation is crucial when selecting a winter coat, experts say.
Currently, synthetic materials are most commonly used for insulation. Among them, there are cheap and less durable options, as well as more advanced alternatives.
Sintepon
"Sintepon is made from polyester fibers that are interconnected. This creates a uniform insulating layer. It is cheaper than its counterparts, retains heat well, is lightweight, moisture-resistant, and dries quickly," explains Sergey Kotelnikov, a scientist from the Perm State Polytechnic University.
However, over time, sintepon clumps together and loses its ability to retain heat. Therefore, a sintepon jacket is unlikely to last long.
Hollofiber
A more advanced insulation material. Hollofiber is often used for filling pillows or winter blankets, but it is also used as insulation for jackets.
"Hollofiber is made from hollow fibers, which allows it to trap more air and heat," says Sergey Kotelnikov.
Isosoft
If you're looking for a warm but not overly bulky jacket that won't visually add extra pounds, isosoft is the perfect insulation.
"Isosoft is made from siliconized fibers that are evenly distributed throughout the material. It has excellent thermal insulation properties, is lightweight, does not clump, retains its shape well, and allows air to pass through," explains the expert.
Synthetic Down
There are insulations that mimic natural materials. For instance, Thinsulate, often referred to as artificial swan down.
"Typically, such fillers consist of fine polymer fibers. The most expensive ones are often used in high-quality clothing," says the scientist.
Which Insulation to Choose
According to Sergey Kotelnikov, all synthetic fillers are just different types of polyester. What sets them apart is the size of the air layer between the fibers.
"Air is the main insulator in down jackets. Among the synthetic fillers listed, synthetic down and isosoft are considered the warmest," says the scientist.
Natural Down
When it comes to natural insulations, bird down is the best at retaining heat. The expert highlights goose or swan down, which, due to its microstructure, traps more air.
Down Jacket or Fur Coat?
Advocates of natural materials insist that no down jacket can warm you like a fur coat. However, science has disproven this claim.
"Modern high-quality insulations surpass natural furs in their thermal insulating properties. For instance, Thinsulate was originally used as insulation for astronauts' suits. The material has unique heat-retaining properties and can keep you warm in extremely low temperatures — up to -70 degrees," says the expert.
As for the outer fabric of down jackets, it is most often made from polyester or nylon. Polyester retains heat better, making it ideal for freezing temperatures. However, nylon is lighter and stronger. Additionally, nylon effectively repels moisture and dries quickly, so for rainy weather and sports activities, it is better to choose this material for your down jacket.