Santa Fe Apparel

Material Things: All About Down

Last month we taught you everything you ever needed to know about wool. So this month we thought we’d follow up with a lesson on down!

A puffy and fluffy down feather-filled jacket may take up a bit of room in your coat closet, but put it on on a cold winter day, and it won’t just be super warm, it’s sure to be super comfortable too! Here, the top four things you need to know to get the most out of your down coat:

It’s a great insulator. People have been using down feathers for insulation for thousands of years because the actual structure of the feather traps air and prevents heat loss.

It’s lightweight. The feathers are light as air, so down coats are light as air. (Bonus: they’re ideal for traveling since they’re easy to pack flat.) If taken care of, down can retain its fluff and loft three times longer than most synthetic alternatives.

It can’t get wet. When moist, down loses its thermal properties so it’s best to wear it after the snowstorm, not to brave the elements. If your coat does get damp, it can grow mold or mildew if not dried properly so be sure to take the time to air it out before stuffing it back into the closet.

It can retain odor. Down feathers can absorb and hold on to stinky smells. To ensure your down-filled coat stays fresher longer, keep it as clean and protected as possible.

About Our Collections

Santa Fe Apparel Inc. was founded in 1995 by Joseph DeGaetano and Victor Rousso, of Rousso Apparel Group.  The company was formed to create an outerwear collection that would lie on the cutting edge of the fashion industry. Read More