Down vs. Feathers: What’s the Difference in Jacket Insulation?

When shopping for a warm winter jacket, you’ll encounter two main types of natural insulation – down and feathers.

Both come from ducks and geese, yet have distinct differences when used in jackets and coats.

If you’re trying to decide between a women’s down jacket or a feather jacket this winter, understanding the unique properties of each will help you choose the best option to stay toasty warm.

Down and feathers may seem nearly identical at first glance – they’re both fluffy filling from waterfowl.

But don’t be fooled by their similarities.

Down and feathers vary greatly when used as insulation material for jackets.

Here’s an in-depth look at what sets them apart:

Down Insulation

Down refers to the soft, fluffy underlayer of feathers found on ducks and geese underneath the exterior feathers. Prized for its exceptional insulation properties, down is commonly used to make women’s down jackets as well as comforters and pillows.

The structure of the down allows it to effectively trap air and body heat. Down clusters have fine filaments that interlock to form a three-dimensional structure with lots of loft and space inside. This provides top-notch thermal insulation and warmth without heavy weight.

Down insulation pros:

• Extremely warm for its low weight
• Compresses easily to provide warmth even when packed down
• Provides excellent heat retention in very cold temperatures
• Breathable and moisture-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting if cared for properly

Feather Insulation

Feathers are the exterior plumage that covers a duck or goose’s body. They have a more complex structure than down with a central quill and web-like strands extending out from it.

When used in jackets, feathers don’t provide the same level of insulation. The quill and webbing prevent feathers from lofting as efficiently. Air pockets between feathers are smaller, resulting in less trapped body heat.

Feather insulation pros:

• Less expensive than a down
• Still provides reasonable warmth for the cost
• Sturdy, making feathers useful as outer shell fill
• Moisture resistant

Compare Down vs. Feathers