DOWN VS. SYNTHETIC INSULATION

As a purveyor of performance outerwear, down and synthetic insulation are central to Quartz Co.’s mission. These high-performing insulators allow us to provide wearers with the ultimate in warmth and comfort through the winter seasons. These materials are also a central element in our commitment to sustainability.

The main difference between these two insulators lies in their composition: down is a natural fibre sourced from the undercoats of various birds, and synthetic insulation is usually made from polyester, either raw or recycled, and is made to mimic down’s natural softness. 

We use both natural down and synthetic insulation to fill our winter outerwear. While both fibres are known for their superior insulating properties, they also have some significant differences. Read on to learn more about both our traceable down and synthetic, and to find out which filling is right for you.

Traceable down is sourced in compliance with local
animal welfare regulations that ensure down, and feathers are a by-product of
the food industry and come from animals that have not been subjected to any
unnecessary harm. Down is a natural fine thermal insulator with an exceptional
warmth-to-weight ratio, range of warmth, and durability. Research has shown
that down has only a fraction of the environmental impact of the most
comparable petroleum-based down alternative fibres.

All of Quartz Co’s down is traceable through
TRACKMYDOWN.COM and certified Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

With TRACKMYDOWN.COM you have the opportunity to
better understand all the nuances of down and make a more-informed decision
based on the performance and sustainability of the insulation inside each product.

The Responsible Down Standard
(RDS) incentivizes the down and feather industry to treat animals humanely and rewards organizations leading the way. The standard also
gives companies and consumers a way to know what’s in the products they buy.

Synthetic insulation is usually made from polyester, either raw or recycled, and is made to mimic properties of traditional down.  

At Quartz Co., we use Recycled Isosoft and Recycled Primaloft®. Recycled Isosoft is a high-loft, performance insulation made of 92% post-consumer recycled polyester recuperated from plastic bottles. It’s hypoallergenic, and moisture and mildew resistant.
Isosoft insulation is breathable and retains its flexibility and volume over time. Its unique blend of fibres provides excellent warm air retention, offering exceptional protection against the cold.

The recycled PRIMALOFT® is a high-performance insulation made of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester recuperated from
plastic bottles. It’s hypoallergenic, and moisture and mildew resistant.
PRIMALOFT® is able to retain 96% of its insulating capability when wet by
maintaining its loft.

Weight-for-weight, synthetic insulation is less warm than down. Synthetic insulation,
on the other hand, maintains its insulating power in damp conditions.

The simple answer is: it depends. One is not better than the other in every situation.
The decision to choose a down-insulated jacket or a synthetic-insulated jacket hinges
on the conditions you’ll be wearing it in most of the time.

Down is weight-for-weight the better insulator, so it’s more suitable than synthetic down for extremely cold conditions. Very cold conditions are usually very dry, as well, and down performs best in dry rather than humid conditions.

Synthetic insulation is a very versatile insulator. It’s easy to care for, it keeps you warm in a variety of conditions, including cold and wet environments, and it’s more cost-effective than traditional down.