Synthetic jackets have been a revolution in the outdoor clothing industry as they allow you to stay warm and lightweight, whatever activity you’re doing. Synthetic jackets for men and women made from polyester and nylon offer excellent levels of insulation and mimic the natural effects of down by trapping heat while allowing moisture to escape. This makes them ideal for damp conditions where down doesn’t perform as well, making for an excellent choice when you want to get active outdoors in British winters.

Warm jackets and coats are dependable and durable, so you can count on them when the weather is fair and dry or cold and damp. With so many styles of insulated jacket to choose from, browse the entire collection of Columbia Sportswear® synthetic down jackets and puffers available today in sizes XXS to 6X.

Top benefits of synthetic jackets

There are numerous advantages to choosing a synthetic down jacket over a natural down jacket:

Warmth

Even though real down has higher insulation values, synthetic down acts in much the same way to trap the heat, and in addition, it is also resistant to moisture. This means insulated jackets with synthetic material perform well even if it is exposed to a light drizzle, whereas natural down can clump quickly in contact with water.

Easy care

It’s easy to put a synthetic men’s jacket in the wash to remove stains, just remember that light settings and low heat are key to maintaining it in the best condition. It will also dry quicker too so you can hang it up after a wet walk and it will be ready to go again when you need it.

Lightweight

Compared to a natural down jacket, synthetic jackets are surprisingly light even though they offer excellent heat retention. The recycled fibres that fill the jacket are packed into baffles, but they weigh altogether a lot less than feather down.

Compressibility

If you need a men’s jacket that you can take on and off easily, and pack away for travel or day trips, then a synthetic jacket is perfect. Although you shouldn’t leave any jacket compressed tightly for too long, it can bounce back to full loft when you open it again.

Versatile

A synthetic coat will work equally as well in cold and dry weather as it does in damp weather, so it is a go-to item built to perform in colder environments whether you’re commuting, climbing an alpine mountain, or going for a walk in the nippy evening air. In contrast, down coats can be bulky to carry when not worn, and are not ideal for long hikes.

Technology

Natural materials are limited in their design, and even though they are effective, synthetic insulation has lots of technology behind it. Whether it’s Omni-Heat™ reflective interior lining or Thermarator™ insulation, Columbia Sportswear® jackets are designed for a specific purpose.

With so many excellent reasons to buy a synthetic jacket, browse the range today for both men and women and find the perfect one for you! There are multiple colours, types, and patterns for you to experience, and all of our products are designed without the use of PFAS.

FAQs

What is a synthetic down jacket?

Synthetic down is engineered from fibres like polyester which is created to act in a similar way to feather down to create warm insulation. Unlike regular down-type insulation, it is animal-free and works in conditions where down doesn’t perform well. The synthetic material is created and packed into baffles in quilting for even distribution across the body.

Is synthetic down as warm as down?

Down feathers are known for their warmth in winter, and synthetic down aims to replicate the structure. Down is compressible and an excellent insulator in the coldest of weather, but when it gets damp, the effectiveness is greatly reduced, so it needs to be used with a waterproof shell. Synthetic performs well and delivers high levels of warmth.

Are synthetic jackets stain-repellent?

Our jackets feature our patented Omni-Shield™ technology which not only repels moisture but offers protection from stains too. It does this by stopping water from absorbing into the fabric, so even if you want to sit down on the trail for a breather or just to enjoy the view, you can rest easy knowing that most stains will wash off easily. If you want to enhance this effect, choose a darker colour.

How do you wash and dry a synthetic down jacket?

These jackets are designed to be washed clean, however, if you wash at too high temperatures or on a rough cycle, the insulation can be affected. You should zip up all the pockets and fasten all the buttons, then wash it on a gentle cycle to prevent the insulation from clumping. Don’t use too much detergent, and let it tumble dry on a low heat.

How to fluff up a synthetic down jacket?

Over time, it’s natural for the insulation in a synthetic down jacket to clump together, especially after washing it. But to get the loft back into your jacket and fluff it up, the first step is to tumble dry on low heat, and you can even add dryer balls to make sure the insulation doesn’t clump. Hang it up and give it a shake so the insulation can fill the baffles more evenly to original fill levels.