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The Kitchen Table

A question about down duvets and coats

15 years ago

Last year I bought a nice down coat at a sale near the end of winter. We had one more blast of cold weather and I wore my down coat. I had my regular winter attire underneath, which is a camisole, shirt and a fleece zip up hoodie. I was quite surprised to find that I was still cold, considering I had bought a good quality down coat.

Later I switched to my old parka and it felt warmer than the down coat. My question is, did I ruin the insulating capacity of the down by wearing several layers of clothing under it, causing the down to be further away from my skin? Likewise, would one be warmer sleeping under a down duvet in boy shorts and a camisole than in long fleece p.j.'s?

It's getting quite cold here now, and I'm wondering if I should just wear my camisole and shirt under the down coat, skipping the fleece hoodie. I have yard duty outside in a schoolyard on and off during the day and I was really counting on my down coat being warmer than my parka.

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Comments (11)

Cherryfizz
15 years ago
I've had a down coat and a duvet and I didn't find them any warmer than my usual winter coat or jacket or even a fibre duvet. Depending on how the coat is made the down will settles in it's pockets. Even if your coat is down in our climate dressing in layers is still the best thing.

Anne
jannie
15 years ago
When I was younger, all winter coats had a quilted lining. Those two layers made them very warm. Now you never see a lined coat for sale. Right now my favorite winter coat is my "Fake Fuh" . It looks like an old-fashioned raccoon coat. And I always get compliments when I wear it.
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During the winter we have a heavy duvet and heavy duvet cover -- along with the usual sheets. Plus a satin comforter (I collect these old beauties) Then in summer heat (we live near Dallas) I remove the duvet (and its cover) and replace it with a light summer-weight comforter (Ralph Lauren' Sussex Gardens pattern) and a lightweight satin comforter is folded at the end of the bed. There is also a matching matelasse cover that can be used on really sticky nights too. We do have various duvet covers that I can use over the comforter for a different look too. The bed is always dressed with a mattress cover -- then the bottom sheet -- then the top sheet. In very cold weather we use a mattress warmer under the mattress cover (which is removed when the bedding is switched around in the spring) Oh! and at least one or two of the cats usually camp out with us each night too!
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Sounds like your jacket has princess seams, so, yes, you have to take in all the seams equally. The back of the jacket probably also has princess seams, and may or may not have a center back seam. You should have six or seven seams to rip out and take in. If you do all that, you may also have to adjust the shoulders. Two sizes is a lot to take in. Alterations are a big pain, in my opinion, so it would have to be one gorgeous jacket to justify all that work. It's often harder to alter a garment than it is to start from scratch. I sure hope it isn't also lined! There! Was I discouraging enough? Sorry to be such a downer. If I were you, I'd take it to a shop and ask what they'd charge for the job, and perhaps even their opinion on how the finished project will look, then decide if it's worth it. This sounds like a big deal to me. I wish you well. Sherry
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I'm the opposite - am not crazy about down comforters, really comforters in general. I do like a top sheet, although many don't. I prefer that and a light blanket - supplemented or changed to a quilt/heavier blanket in colder temps. I have used a duvet without an insert folded at the end of the bed. Just for looks. I like the fact that you can use a fluffier insert or a thinner one - depending on the look you want. I rarely wash my bedcovering - prefer to have it cleaned - and I don't have pets that get on the covering. I know people who have made duvet covers from flat sheets but most I've seen to purchase are heavier than an actual sheet. But as someone responded, they come in all weights. I really like duvet covers. tina
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sunnyinwisc
15 years ago
Hi,
I just bought 2 new down coats and they are each rated for the outdoor temps. One from Pennys said 39 to 25 degrees, and the other was from Lands End and rated for 25 to -15. The rating is determined by the type of down fill. The one from Lands End is actually thinner and lighter, but it sure is warm.
mariend
15 years ago
I look for items with thinsalite. Both Lands End and LL Bean have a pricy for good selection. Since we run below 0 alot we do layer, but do watch quality. REI has good outwear and I try to find it from USA or Canada. That is where my boot are from Toe Warmers are great.
blitzyblond_protege
15 years ago
I have found flannel sheets and my usual covers are warmer and nestle around me better then a down duvet.

Watching a local Search & Rescue team several years back, I learned that humans lose 80% of their lost body heat through their scalp. The volunteers were strongly advised to wear warm caps. This is in line with the old practice of wearing "Night Caps" to bed before there were self-regulating heaters.

I felt silly the first winter it tried it, but I stay warmer and the heater can be set lower. Just like the "Old days" I bought a satin night cap, and it actually helps my hair not to be so tangled. Good luck. l.marie
jannie
15 years ago
I knitted my husband a ski mask. He took to wearing it to bed. We used to keep our thermometer low at night to save on our energy bills. He said the hat kept his head and neck warm. I also sewed him a winter hat out of fake fur. It had ear flaps. It got dirty and matted, but he still wore it. I haven't seen it in a while. He may have lost it.
chisue
15 years ago
It depends on the weight (amount) of the down and its composition; also the stitching. If there's not enough stitching, down will settle, leaving parts of a coat or duvet without 'insulation'.

Our present duvet is almost TOO warm!

I can't see what difference it would make to have the down garment or duvet closer to your skin, unless there's a big air gap between you and the down. I use a light blanket under our duvet.
OklaMoni
15 years ago
I used to have a down coat. Man, was it ever nice and warm. Unfortunately when I started having allergy problems I had to give up down as well as feather beds like the ones I had as a child in Germany.

It really depends on the down, on how warm you will be.

Moni
joyfulguy
15 years ago
They use many down coats in (cold) Saskatchewan.

I'm surprised that you felt that yours did a poorer job than your parka.

I don't have one - have never had, so can't give advice leavened by experience.

ole joyful
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
May not be real down, but a synthetic.
chisue
15 years ago
Does the coat need a good shaking to redistribute the down? Hold it by the hem and *shake* for a minute.

(Our king size down duvet gives my arms a workout every time I make the bed. LOL)

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