PrimaLoft
Premium synthetic insulation originally developed for the US Army. Ultra-fine polyester fibers that mimic down performance while maintaining warmth when wet.
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
Products with primaloft
We don't have any garments containing primaloft in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from primaloft. 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 primaloft 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
Excellent warmth (90) and durability (72) for cold weather
Excellent durability (72) and comfort (70) for office wear
Good comfort (70) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good moisture wicking (60) and durability (72) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Retains warmth even when wet — unlike down
- ✓ Hypoallergenic alternative to down
- ✓ Compressible and packable
- ✓ Lighter and warmer than most synthetic fills
Cons
- ✗ Not as warm per gram as high-quality down
- ✗ Petroleum-based and not biodegradable
- ✗ Loses loft faster than down over time
- ✗ More expensive than basic polyester fill
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+6 vs PrimaLoft · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+5 vs PrimaLoft · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+4 vs PrimaLoft · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Use mild detergent
• Tumble dry low to restore loft
• Machine washable unlike most insulations
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle with mild, non-detergent soap
- • Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls to restore loft — similar to down care
- • Do not dry clean — solvents can damage the ultra-fine insulation fibers
- • Store uncompressed in a large breathable bag — prolonged compression reduces insulation performance
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener which coat and degrade the fine polyester fibers
- • Spot clean the outer shell for minor stains to extend time between full washes
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact