How to Read Down Jacket Specs Before You Order

Read the insulation figures separately

• Fill weight (充绒量) is the weight of the down-and-feather filling, usually given in grams. Look for the figure for your chosen size. The weight of the entire jacket includes the shell, lining and hardware.
• Down cluster content (绒子含量) is the percentage of down clusters in the filling. Check the wording on the label so you know which component the percentage describes.
• Fill power (蓬松度) describes how much space a specified amount of filling occupies under test conditions. If the seller lists a fill-power number, check whether it also identifies the test method.

Testing labs measure these as separate properties. If a listing only says “90%,” ask for the label or specification that explains what the percentage refers to. IDFL’s jacket testing guide · IDFL’s overview of Chinese apparel labeling

Compare two example jackets

Imagine that jacket A lists 90 g of fill and 800 fill power in size M. Jacket B lists 150 g and 650 fill power in its size M, using the same fill-power test method. Jacket B contains more filling by weight. The filling in jacket A occupies more space per unit weight under the test. To compare likely warmth, also look at where the insulation sits, how the jacket is constructed and how much of your body it covers. These example numbers are fictional. Patagonia’s explanation of fill power and other factors that affect warmth

Ask for the label for your size

Send the seller your exact size and option. Ask for a clear photo of the filling label and the fill weight in grams for that size. If you’re comparing down and synthetic jackets, ask which insulation the chosen option uses before comparing figures. Keep the reply with your order so you can check the label against it at the warehouse. Browse the winter picks