When To Replace Your Insulated Jacket (2024)

FAQs

When should you replace a jacket? ›

The insulation has started to wear out.

You can often tell your jacket's insulation is wearing out if it seems to have lost some volume or fluff or if it doesn't easily rebound when you squeeze it. If it's no longer up to the job, the best thing to do is replace it with one of our super-tough cold weather jackets.

After all, as Franch explains, a quality wool coat should last a lifetime, while you can expect a good-quality parka to last three to five years.

Pay attention to signs of damage, such as rips, tears, or excessive feather leakage. While some minor damages can be repaired, extensive or irreparable damage may indicate the need for a new down jacket.

Over time, the synthetic fibres or down lose their lofting ability and insulation power, although the rate at which this happens depends on frequency of use and how well the jacket has been cared for.

When it comes to rain jackets, the average lifespan is about 3 years. However, with consistent use and proper care, some brands can last even up to 7 years!

When shopping for down coats or jackets, you might notice they feature a “fill power” rating. The higher the fill power rating, the cosier your new purchase will be. The numbers vary from 400 for medium warmth, all the way up to a super snuggly 900.

Fleece and synthetic insulation will lose loft over time, thereby decreasing their insulating qualities. Feathers retain their loft for a lifetime if cared for correctly, providing reliable warmth throughout the years.

A great quality wool coat can last 3-5 years with average use and potentially 10+ years if you treat it well.

Down jackets are very useful garments for keeping you warm during the cold winter months. However, prolonged use and exposure to dirt can cause your down jacket to lose its quality and efficiency. To avoid this, we recommend that you use a mild detergent to clean your down jacket from time to time.

When should you stop wearing a winter jacket? ›

While January and February are the coldest months of the year, most people will be wearing their winter jackets well into Spring. March and April still see chilly days, and a winter coat will be an essential part of your wardrobe alongside your transitional outfits.

For coats made of natural materials, such as down, wool, leather and suede, hang them on sturdy wooden hangers (like these natural ones from Ikea), to help them retain their shape and remain wrinkle-free.

In really cold temperatures, an insulated jacket will keep you warm with fewer laters. They're great for throwing on and getting out the door quickly.

800-900 fill down is considered premium insulation with that desirable cloud-like feel, while down in the 500-600 range will require more down (making them feel heavier and bulkier) to achieve the same level of warmth.

Can a jacket be let-out (made roomier) in the midsection? Sure, if there is fabric available. If the jacket is just a touch snug in the belly, you can also cheat it by moving out the front button a 3/8″ or so.

Sweaters: up to 6 wearings, if worn with an undershirt; 1-2 wearings if worn without an undershirt. Suits/blazers/casual jackets: after 5-6 wearings. Workout clothes: after 1 wearing.

Your suit jacket should cover about 80% of your butt and crotch. Generally, the bottom edge of a jacket should end between the two knuckles on your thumb. This rule can be pushed a little bit when wearing a casual sport coat because they tend to be a little shorter.