Soft underfeathers from ducks or geese. The gold standard for insulation, offering the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any fill material.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from down. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same down feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good warmth (98) for cold weather
Good comfort (85) and breathability (70) for sleeping
Good breathability (70) and comfort (85) for undergarments
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Best warmth-to-weight ratio
- ✓ Very compressible
- ✓ Long-lasting if maintained
- ✓ Natural and breathable
Cons
- ✗ Loses insulation when wet
- ✗ Ethical concerns
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Requires special washing
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+20 vs Down · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
+14 vs Down · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
+10 vs Down · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Use down-specific detergent
• Tumble dry with clean tennis balls to restore loft
• Ensure completely dry before storing to prevent mildew
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with down-specific detergent (never regular detergent — it strips natural oils)
- • Tumble dry on low heat with 2-3 clean tennis balls to break up clumps and restore loft
- • Ensure completely dry before storing — trapped moisture causes mildew and odor
- • Store uncompressed in a large breathable cotton bag; never in a stuff sack long-term
- • Avoid dry cleaning — the solvents can strip the natural oils from down clusters
- • Spot clean minor stains with a damp cloth to extend time between full washes
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives