Needless to say, warm winter outerwear doesn't have to be heavy. The once fashionable sheepskin coats, from which the shoulders were breaking, have long gone. They were replaced by jackets with synthetic insulation (synthetic winterizer, silicone), but for the last 10 years down jackets have held the palm. The name itself already characterizes these products. Indeed, from wearing down jackets there is absolutely no feeling of heaviness. But recently, manufacturers have made another breakthrough, and the line of products in this category has replenished with ultra-light products.
Why is there such a need?
Ultralight down jackets: the history of creation
At first, developments in this direction were carried out solely for the purpose of manufacturing outer warming clothing for tourists and athletes. In recent years, active recreation (skiing, climbing, cycling) has become more and more popular, and the demand for high-quality jackets for these needs is constantly growing. So that outerwear is not at allfettered movements, designers, designers and fashion designers worked to reduce the weight of finished products to 300 grams, and they succeeded.
And in the end, the developers achieved two goals at once: ultra-light down jackets appeared, which can be put under a jacket for additional insulation, and independent elements of a winter wardrobe.
Such a breakthrough did not remain the property of only the world of sports for long: the idea was appreciated, and almost all eminent designers released their collections of lightweight down jackets. Then this trend migrated to the markets, and the initiative was taken up by such giants of tailoring as Turkey and China. In a word, now you can buy ultra-light down jackets for women and men, both from famous brands and cheaper options from Asia.
Independent wardrobe item
In total, such products differ little from traditional down jackets, except for their lower weight. As for the design, the manufacturers do not skimp on decorative elements, fur trim. The color scheme is also very diverse. There are models with and without a belt, often there is a hood. The fur is detachable in most cases: this allows you to expand the temperature range. For the top, they usually take ultra-thin nylon. Depending on the length and size, such a down jacket weighs from 300 grams to 1 kg.
Dignity
Also, almost all models of traditional down jackets had volume. And if for men or slim girlsthis was not a problem, then such products were shown in an unfavorable light by ladies with curvaceous forms. But women's ultra-light down jackets lie strictly on the figure, they do not add extra centimeters, but do not lose their thermal insulation properties.
This effect is achieved due to the fact that the fluff is fixed not in additional bags, but directly between the fabric and the lining. Most classic down jackets are stitched in wide squares, while ultra-light down jackets are stitched in narrow rectangles. This ensures that the product will return to its original shape after washing.
Insulation jacket
Its main purpose is to serve as an undergarment, but this does not mean that it cannot be worn separately. It is interesting that it can be worn both on a cold summer evening and as an autumn jacket. True, the design does not differ in any frills, and the decor elements are reduced to zero, there is no fur either - the manufacturers got rid of this as extra ballast. But the result is obvious: it weighs 120 grams or a little more, and 80% of its weight is fluff. Therefore, it looks like a regular windbreaker.
Plus, this undershirt is very compact: it also has a compression bag for storage and transportation, which, with a lightweight jacket inside, fits in the palm of your hand.
Ultralight down jackets: company overview
The Moncler brand stands out in today's market for reversible models, with one side in brighter colors and the other in more discreet. That is, buyingone down jacket, in addition you can get one more. True, pleasure is not cheap.
Fortunately, there are compromise options. These are offered by the Japanese company Uniqlo. True, the models themselves do not differ in originality, but prices fluctuate within the average market.
But whoever can afford things from a European manufacturer will appreciate such Italian brands as Violanti, Peuterey, Fontanelli.
The most popular brands producing ultra-light down jackets for men are Baon, Columbia, Salomon, Baldessarini, Peercat and the same Uniqlo.
Care
They are recommended to be stored rolled up, in those same bags. An exception is products with fur. They should hang in the closet on a coat hanger. But where down jackets are stored, there should not be dampness, because this will adversely affect the down. Washing is provided either by hand or in a machine in a safe mode with a spin at low speeds.
So, if you decide to buy winter outerwear, then you should pay attention to ultra-light down jackets. Feedback from satisfied customers is proof of this.
