Down Under

Where the weather's always fine

Down feathers are different from the feathers with which most of us are familiar.

Unlike exterior feathers, which have quill shafts, vanes, and a fairly rigid structure, down feathers are soft clusters of filament radiating from a central quill point. These unique feathers provide a lightweight, highly efficient layer of insulation for waterfowl, allowing them to survive cold-weather migrations. Down To You The miniscule air pockets found throughout down feathers are small enough to trap air, but just large enough to allow vaporous molecules of moisture to flow through. This evolved structure results in a lightweight material ideal for filling comforters and jackets - providing warmth in cold weather and lightweight breathability in warmer conditions. Because down feathers are densely interwoven, they provide efficient insulation without cumbersome weight. When compared to comforters with synthetic fill, down comforters deliver the same degree of warmth with less than half the amount of fill.

Softness is another aspect that makes down widely sought-after for filling comforters, pillows, and jackets. Down's softness and insulation capacity are conveyed in terms of loft and density. Loft refers to the space down will fill under certain conditions (measured in cubic inches occupied per ounce of down). Higher grades of down fill more space, resulting in the remarkably soft, cloudlike puffiness down is famous for.

Density refers to down's insulation value. It is most often referred to in terms of low-, medium, and high-density, with high density providing the most efficient insulation and moisture-wicking ability. Generally, both loft and density increase with the size and age of the waterfowl from which the feathers originate.

A Lifetime of Comfort

With proper care and maintenance, down comforters and other products can last for generations. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for each specific product. For dry-cleaning, consult only highly regarded businesses for service.

When storing down comforters, pillows, and jackets, make efforts to avoid compression. Cover with loose-fitting, permeable, non-plastic materials. Keep in a cool, dry environment. If storing for extended periods, fluff periodically to wick away moisture and to re-circulate the air sealed inside.