Why Down is Superior to Polyester: The Facts
Our day and age sees the circulation of a lot of myths on just about every subject. It can be difficult to know what is factual and what is false. You’ve possibly heard that synthetic polyester is comparable and even a better choice than down, for instance. We’re here to correct that particular myth and set it straight with the reality and the facts.
The truth is all types of fillers are not created equal. Certain types far outstripe others in quality and other important features. Some fillers are going to be more beneficial in certain environments than others will be, and some are better for the environment as a whole.
Down Filler
Fact: Down is actually not made from feathers. It’s made from goose or duck plumage, which is the fluffy stuff found underneath the outer layer of feathers. It functions as an undercoat or midlayer for the animals, and it’s nature’s best form of insulation. Down traps air and body heat, while also maintaining incredible breathability. This breathable feature prevents moisture from gathering near your body and making you cold.
Fact: This type of filler has the highest level of warmth-to-weight ratio of any filler. This means it keeps you very warm but remains extremely lightweight and portable.
Fact: Down is the most environmentally friendly type of filler. It’s easy to gather material because it’s naturally-occurring.
That means we don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands manufacturing it. Down can also be easily recycled and used in jackets and coats.
Polyester Filler
Fact: Polyester filler is manufactured and subsequently has an impact on climate change that is 18 times higher than that of down.
Technology has improved over the years, increasing the production of poly-down (polyester replicating down).
Fact: Polyester filler is similar to down, but it doesn’t keep wearers as warm or as comfortable as down. It’s bulkier and not as easily packed and/or transported.
Fact: Polyester is cheaper than down. Because it is so easily manufactured, polyester filler is going to cost consumers less. Polyester is plastic molded into filaments that are then woven into fabric. It’s created by a chemical reaction between two types of chemicals: terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. These chemicals are derived from fossil fuels, air, and water.
Hands Down Down is Better
Down’s greatest drawback may be that it costs more than polyester replications, but it offers a sustainable solution that doesn’t impact the environment anywhere near as heavily as the production of polyester does. Add to that the fact that they’ve yet to invent a way to recycle polyester, and you’ve pretty much got the whole picture of what polyester is: from its start as a huge user and waste of natural resources to its unrecyclable end.
While Polyester-based coats and products might be cheaper, they’re only an attempt at replicating the real thing that can be found with down filler: extreme durability, most environmentally friendly, and best thermal retention.
But you don’t have to take our word for it: try out a down-filled product and experience it for yourself today.