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Published: 11/15/2023🏂 Winter sports
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Winter jackets – 4F compendium
Winter jackets serve their purpose only if they are properly selected. In addition, it is important to remember about choosing the right cleaning and maintenance treatments, which can vary depending on the type of jacket. We have prepared for you a compendium that contains all the necessary information about winter jackets and the technologies used in them.
In this article
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Winter jackets are essential for staying warm in cold weather.
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There are many different types of winter jackets available, including city jackets, down jackets, coats, parkas, 3-in-1 jackets, ski jackets, snowboard jackets, softshell jackets, and running jackets.
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The best time to buy a winter jacket is during winter sales, Black Friday, St. Nicholas Day, or before Christmas.
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Winter jackets should fit snugly to retain heat and provide thermal comfort.
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Accessories such as beanies, scarves, and balaclavas can help to keep you warm in cold weather.
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Trousers such as trekking, ski, or snowboard trousers are best for winter sports, while city trousers are a good choice for everyday wear.
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Synthetic down is a warm and lightweight alternative to natural down.
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A jacket for a winter mountain expedition should be protective, comfortable, and easy to move in.
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The number next to the membrane on a winter jacket indicates its waterproofness.
Short summary
Winter jackets – washing and maintenance
How to wash a down jacket?
Washing a down jacket is easy, you just need to stick to a few rules. What to wash a down jacket in? Down jacket must not be washed by hand. It should be washed separately in the washing machine, without impregnants and softeners. It’s also recommended to skip soaking. In our guide ‘How to wash a down jacket’ we answer in detail how to take care of this type of clothing. Also check: how to wash shell clothing, to avoid common mistakes.
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How to wash quilted jackets?
Usually quilted jackets are down jackets, so caring for them will involve the same steps. It is recommended to check on the label how to treat a given piece of clothing. Check out the guide: 4F compendium – how to wash sports clothing and footwear.
How to stitch a hole in a winter jacket?
Winter clothes are made of more technologically advanced materials, so a stitched hole in a jacket negatively affects its functionality. The hole can be sealed with self-adhesive patches (there are also gore-tex patches), which should restore the jacket’s waterproofness and tightness. Take a look at our tips on clothing care.
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How to take in a winter jacket?
Some jackets are equipped with a drawstring at the waist for a slim fit. When the jacket is definitely too wide, it is best to use tailoring adjustments or buy a new winter jacket in the right size.
Buying a winter jacket – what to consider?
What kind of winter jacket to choose?
There are many types of winter jackets. Among others, the following are available at the 4F store: city jackets, down jackets, coats and parkas, 3-in-1 jackets, ski jackets, snowboard jackets, softshell jackets, running jackets, and many more. The right one to choose depends on your lifestyle, personal style and other individual preferences.
When do the winter sales start?
Winter sales begin before winter sets in, usually in early November. You can also count on big discounts during Black Friday (the last Friday of November), that’s when it’s most profitable to buy a winter jacket for the current season. More promotions usually appear on St. Nicholas Day and before Christmas. After the holidays, but even before the winter break, the clearance sales begin. You can always find discounted products in the 4F outlet. Check out the ‘special prices’ tab to stay up to date!
Should a winter jacket fit snugly?
Yes, jackets and sweatshirts should fit you snugly to retain heat and provide thermal comfort. Keep in mind that in winter, we usually dress in layers, so the jacket should not restrict movement when wearing an undershirt or thermal underwear and a warming layer. A jacket that is too loose will lose its properties, as it will allow too much heat loss.
How to choose the right size of a winter jacket?
The size of the jacket is best selected based on our size chart. For this purpose, measure your height, chest, waist and hip circumference and see which size will fit your measurements.
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Winter jacket accessories
What kind of hat for a winter jacket?
4F offer includes a large selection of winter beanies, both in base colours, as well as those in intense neon and delicate pastel shades and multicoloured pieces. Your choice depends on your tastes and style. Beanies in versatile colours, such as black or shades of grey, will go well with most winter jackets.
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What kind of scarf for a winter jacket?
Winter jackets often have a high collar that provides adequate thermal comfort. However, if it is insufficient or if you want to spice up the look with additional accessories, it is best to choose a scarf. It’s worth to follow the latest fashion trends and take inspiration from them. In case you want additional protection from the wind, it’s a good idea to wear a bandana. On the other hand, during snow activities, the balaclavas, which protect not only the neck, but also the face and the entire head, will come in handy.
What to wear under a winter jacket?
In winter, we usually layer up, but it all depends on the activity we intend to do. In the article ‘Running in winter’, we describe how to dress for a running training.
What kind of trousers go with a winter jacket?
When engaging in winter sports, it is best to choose trousers dedicated to the activity, such as: trekking, ski or snowboard trousers. On the other hand, when going for a walk or to work, city trousers will be a good enough match for a winter jacket.
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Technologies and materials used in 4F jackets
Is synthetic down warm?
Synthetic down consists of silicone-coated polyester fibres that have similar properties to natural down. They retain heat just as well, plus they have greater resistance to soaking. Synthetic down jackets are lightweight, anti-allergic, mold-resistant and easier to maintain.
Which winter jacket for the mountains?
A jacket for a winter mountain expedition should not only provide protection from the cold, but also freedom of movement and ease of balance. Much depends on the route, weather conditions, individual preferences, perspiration. Usually, one wears three layers for such an expedition: thermal underwear, a fleece sweatshirt and a softshell jacket or winter jacket. We have covered more information on what a softshell is on the blog.
What technologies are used in 4F jackets?
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RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD CERTIFIED – means that the natural down used in the product was sourced in accordance with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) guidelines. RDS certification is awarded only to companies that have demonstrated responsible process management at every stage of production. A detailed audit of the supply chain verifies that animal husbandry conditions are good and that down is ethically sourced. |
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NATURAL DOWN PADDING – natural down maintains a constant temperature, making it the best insulator. It has a natural ability to expand (accumulates a large amount of warm air with little mass). It is a 90:10 mix (90% is duck down and 10% is duck feathers), which is a guarantee of the highest quality product. Its properties are: - warmth – the highest thermal comfort - compressibility – highest fiber resilience (1/3 of the volume of synthetic fill of a similar weight) - designed for low and changing temperatures, in the absence of precipitation and low humidity. |
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SYNTHETIC DOWN PADDING – synthetic down made of lightweight polyester fibres that are coated with a thin layer of silicone. Jackets that have such a fill do not lose their insulating properties even after contact with moisture. In addition, synthetic down dries faster than natural down. What is more, it is anti-allergic, mold resistant and much easier to maintain compared to the natural one. |
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WINDBLOCKER – thanks to the special structure of the material, the product guarantees full protection against wind pressure. |
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ULTRALIGHT SYSTEM – allows the product to be extremely lightweight, which greatly improves comfort. |
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4 WAY STRETCH – means that the product uses a stretchy material that provides even greater comfort and full freedom of movement. |
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PACKABLE – the product is compact, allowing it to be packed into a dedicated pocket or pouch. |
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TAPED SEAMS – taped seams are used to make shell clothing waterproof. Each seam (including, for example, embroidery) is sealed by applying a special safety tape to prevent water penetration at the seams. |
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PRIMALOFT® BATTERY GUARD POCKET – an additional Battery Guard pocket with a PrimaLoft® thermal insulation insert designed for phone storage. Thermal insulation extends the life of the phone’s battery, which is more vulnerable in cold temperatures. |
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ONE COAT – THREE POSSIBILITIES - the jacket is designed for year-round use. It can be worn in winter (in combination with an inner jacket), in autumn (without an inner jacket) and on warmer days, using the inner jacket alone. |
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3-LAYER LAMINATE – there is no lining in the product, instead the membrane is bonded tightly to the outer and inner fabrics to form 3 layers. Everything is combined into one compact structure. Three-layer laminate jackets are durable, suitable for harsh weather and terrain conditions. |
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REFLECTIVE – reflective elements sewn onto 4F clothing or accessories reflect incident light (e.g. from car headlights). This guarantees visibility and increases safety in low-light conditions. |
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4F NEODRY MEMBRANE – the durable NeoDry membrane is the middle layer of the fabric. It provides comfort even in harsh weather conditions. Moisture is effortlessly wicked away thanks to the special structure of the membrane. In addition, it is characterised by high waterproof and windproof performance, breathability and increased protection against moisture absorption. |
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4F WARM – the special structure of the material provides thermal and wearing comfort. |
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POLARTEC POWER FILL – an insulating material made with a unique method using the fitting of hollow fibres from post-consumer recycling. It guarantees better heat retention in cold conditions while keeping the weight low. Perfect for any outdoor activity that requires protection from bad weather. |
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PRIMALOFT® – PrimaLoft® insulation provides excellent performance of insulated clothing worn during outdoor activities. Useful in a wide range of environments, PrimaLoft® insulation uses a patented waterproof finish that protects against cold even after getting wet. The structure is fluffy and pleasant to the touch. Moreover, it provides warmth while the super-lightweight properties provide comfort and freedom of movement in every conditions. All these properties contribute to comfortable use of the product throughout the day. |
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PrimaLoft® Silver line – lightweight and thermally efficient insulation. It has a wide range of applications. It offers a good warmth-to-weight ratio and higher compressibility and moisture resistance than natural down. |
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PrimaLoft® Black Eco line – is a lightweight and compressible synthetic insulation. It features good insulation performance and an optimal heat-to-weight ratio. Made of 100% ultra-thin PrimaLoft® fibers. It is manufactured with the environment in mind – the production uses 60% recycled polyester. |
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PrimaLoft® Gold line – is the most advanced version of Primaloft® insulations, designed for the harshest conditions. It is distinguished by the best ratio of insulation properties to weight while maintaining very good compression. The fibres used in it are very thin, lightweight and with high elasticity. In addition, it provides high breathability, softness, and water resistance. |
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PrimaLoft® Thermoplume – synthetic fill whose properties and structure are similar to natural down. It guarantees the lightness, thermal comfort and resilience of natural down, but thanks to synthetic PrimaLoft® fibres it surpasses it in moisture resistance. The outcome is a compressible insulation with the performance of natural down, which is suitable for changing weather conditions. |
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YKK – a company that is a world leader in the production of fasteners, especially zippers. |
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TEFLON SHIELD – thanks to the use of Teflon coating, the material has properties that repel water molecules. As a result, the material is extremely soft to the touch and has an increaced dirt-repellence. |
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TORAY – is one of the world’s largest textile and plastics companies. Thanks to its unique production technology and rigorous quality control, its fabrics always remain at the highest level. |
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Dermizax™ – a membrane laminate that provides the highest level of waterproofness and breathability. Stretch laminate takes advantage of the fabric’s elasticity, giving it lightness and resilience. The material is designed for enjoying sports in harsh conditions, including outdoor sports, mountain climbing, winter sports. The fabric is perfect for very active people. The durable, flexible, non-porous membrane guarantees extremely high waterproof level regardless of the intensity of the activity. The high-performance membrane structure provides breathability and enhanced water repellency. Clothing with Dermizax™ membrane is quiet and soft to the touch. |
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DWR FINISHING – an impregnation of the outer fabric that blocks water from getting inside. The fabric is finished with a DWR treatment that makes water clump into droplets and run off the fabric. |
What does the number next to the membrane mean?
What does a 3,000 membrane mean?
The jacket’s 3,000 membrane provides protection against minor rainfall or snow while protecting against wind gusts. The 3,000 membrane jackets will optimally wick away moisture during daily activities. The higher the parameters, the better the protection. The NeoDry 3,000 membrane will handle light rainfall, and the advanced fabric structure will be an excellent barrier even against mechanical damage. It’s always a good idea to wear or have 3,000 membrane jackets on hand during autumn walks, mountain hikes or even while cycling to stay comfortable and take care of your health.
What does a 5,000 membrane mean?
The 5,000 membrane means resistance to light rain or snowfall, as well as breathability and protection from lower temperatures. Our products are always labelled with two membrane values – the first indicates moisture resistance and the second breathability. The higher the parameter values, the better the protection. The NeoDry 5,000 membrane protects against wind gusts while supporting proper airflow. 5,000 membrane jackets are valued primarily for their versatility – they are practical in the city, outside the city, as well as during long mountain expeditions and other, even intense activities.
A membrane that provides waterproof rating of 3,000–5,000 mm/m²/24h:
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Protection from minor rainfall or snowfall.
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Optimal moisture wicking during daily activities.
What does the 10,000 membrane mean?
The 10,000 membrane means resistance to medium rainfall, as well as high breathability and great insulation against low temperatures. Shell jackets available at the 4F store are labeled with two parameters – the first determines the resistance to water column pressure (moisture), and the second the degree of breathability. The NeoDry 10,000 membrane is the more advanced of the membranes available among our clothing, guaranteeing a good level of breathability during medium-intensity activities and protection from changing weather conditions. If you don’t want to give up outdoor activities in harsh conditions, you’ll be happy with this choice.
A membrane that provides waterproof rating of 8,000–10,000 mm/m²/24h:
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Protection from moderate rainfall or snowfall.
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Optimal moisture-wicking during medium intensity activities.
What does the 20,000 membrane mean?
20,000 membrane jackets are advanced products that will be appreciated especially by professionals who practice high-intensity sports, in extreme weather conditions. The 20,000 membrane resists water pressure extremely strongly and guarantees excellent breathability. The 20,000 membrane jackets creates an excellent insulating barrier to protect against cold and wind, as well as moisture. Additional parameters to improve functionality ensure that you are comfortable outdoors regardless of weather conditions.
A membrane that provides waterproof rating of 15,000–20,000 mm/m²/24h:
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High degree of protection against heavy rain or snowfall.
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Optimal moisture wicking during high-intensity activities.
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