Down Truths & Myths:
What’s Real and What’s Just Fluff? Think you know down? Let’s separate fact from fiction, because being warm shouldn’t mean being misinformed.
Wet down is useless
TRUTH:
Untreated down loses loft when wet, but modern innovations like hydrophobic coatings and proper outer fabric design help down perform better in damp conditions.
Duck down is lower quality than goose down
TRUTH:
It depends. High-quality duck down can and does outperform low-quality goose down. The size and maturity of the bird, as well as processing, matter more than the species alone.
You can’t wash down
TRUTH:
You can and should! Just use a down-specific detergent and dry it thoroughly with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to restore loft. Many people overwash or use the wrong products, damaging it.
Down is always warmer than synthetic
TRUTH:
Not always. High-quality synthetics can be effective in wet, fast-paced, or short-use environments. But for weight-to-warmth ratio and longevity, down still leads.
Down breaks down quickly
TRUTH:
Good down, properly cleaned and cared for, can last decades
Down is feathers
TRUTH:
Down and feathers are different. Down is the fluffy underlayer without quills; feathers have stiff quills and are mostly used in lower-end products or blends.
You need the highest fill power possible
TRUTH:
Ultra-high fill power (like 900+) is great for ultralight use, but for most people, 700–800 offers excellent performance and value. Balance with fill weight and construction for best results.
All down products are hot and bulky
TRUTH:
Today’s down gear ranges from ultralight summer puffers to expedition-ready parkas. Modern construction techniques allow sleek, breathable, and versatile designs.
You can’t recycle down
TRUTH:
Down is highly recyclable. Labels like ours at SOFTIE include QR codes to assist with sorting and reprocessing, keeping down out of landfills and in circulation.
If it’s labeled "down," it must be good
TRUTH:
Not necessarily. Labels may say “down” but contain low percentages blends with feathers, or poorly cleaned materials. Look for certified quality and transparency.
Down always leaks through fabric
TRUTH:
Leaking is typically caused by poor fabric or construction not the down itself. High-quality down-proof fabrics minimize shedding while remaining breathable.
You should compress down as much as possible when packing
TRUTH:
Occasional compression is fine, but long-term storage should be in a breathable bag to preserve loft. Constant compression damages clusters over time.
Vegan = better than down
TRUTH:
Ethical down is sustainable, biodegradable, and long-lasting. Many “vegan” fills are made from plastics. Choose what aligns with your values and the planet’s needs.
TRUTH:
Not even close. Down quality varies greatly depending on species (e.g., goose vs. duck), region, climate, and how it's processed. High-quality down has larger clusters with more loft and better insulation.
More fill power means more warmth
TRUTH:
Higher fill power means better quality of down, but not necessarily more warmth unless there’s enough of it (fill weight). Warmth depends on both fill power and how much down is used.
Down is unethical
TRUTH:
Down from certified supply chains like RDS (Responsible Down Standard) ensures no live-plucking or force-feeding, and birds are treated humanely. Ethical down is real and traceable.
Down causes allergies
TRUTH:
It’s usually dust, mold, or poorly cleaned down that causes reactions, not the down itself. Properly processed, hypoallergenic down like SOFTIE’s is cleaned to exceed hypo allergenic levels.
Synthetic insulation is always more sustainable
TRUTH:
Most synthetics are petroleum-based and non-biodegradable. Down is natural, renewable, biodegradable, and a byproduct of the food industry, making it inherently more sustainable.