How to Keep Your Down Jacket White

How to Keep Your Down Jacket White

Stylish shell, functional core—a down jacket is a winter essential.down jacket white But not all down jackets are created equal. To make sure you get the best fit and features, look at the label: the down content, down fill power, and the temperature rating. These indicators can help you determine the quality of your down jacket and whether it will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while you enjoy your favorite snow activities.

The down used in a down jacket is the fluffy under-feathers of water birds, typically geese and ducks.down jacket white The higher the down quality (measured in "cuin"), the more warmth it provides. A cuin value of 500 or more is considered high-quality down.

Down is lightweight, compressible, and warm when wet, making it a great choice for winter sports like skiing and mountain hiking.down jacket white However, it is also not as durable as synthetic insulation, so you will want to take good care of your down jacket. The key to keeping your down jacket in excellent condition is a thorough cleaning after each use. Washing your down jacket correctly will not only prolong its lifespan, but it can also help to maintain the loft of your down.

When shopping for a down jacket, you can choose from women's short down jackets in blazer- or shorter-sleeved silhouettes for effortless urban looks, to women's long down jackets in engulfing proportions and voluptuous quilting.down jacket white Some women's down jackets feature an interior self-stow pocket that allows you to flip the coat inside out and then fold it or press it into a smaller space for easy packing and travel. This feature is particularly useful for backcountry skiers and snowboarders who want to pack their gear efficiently for the trip home, or for hikers who might need to quickly shed layers during a summit attempt or other cold-weather pursuit.

In addition to selecting the best down for your needs, you will want to consider ethically sourced down and a synthetic alternative called ThermoBall, which is free of animal cruelty. Look for RDS or Responsible Down Standard certifications on online retailer and manufacturer pages -- or at the jacket tags if you are trying it on in person.

The exterior fabric of a down jacket serves one of the most important functions in a down jacket, which is to protect the insulation from the elements. Look for fabrics that are resistant to rain, snow, wind, and sleet, and that are treated with finishes like DWR (durable water repellent) or other coatings that make them water-resistant. Exterior fabrics can have varying degrees of softness, stiffness, noise, and stitching, but they are generally more robust than the interior liner and less exposed to abrasion and wear.