Materials

Vegan substitute for Down feathers

Down is plucked from ducks and geese, sometimes live. Synthetic insulations now match its warmth-to-weight and beat it when wet.

Options, ratios and best uses

PrimaLoft / synthetic fill

n/a

Keeps insulating when damp, unlike down.

Best for: jackets, sleeping bags

Kapok fibre

n/a

Silky plant fibre from the kapok tree pod.

Best for: duvets, pillows

Recycled polyester fill

n/a

Affordable and washable.

Best for: duvets, cushions

Tips

  • Check fill power equivalence, not just weight
  • Wash synthetic fills cool and tumble low
  • Layer for cold rather than one heavy coat

Avoid

  • Trusting "responsible down" to mean no live plucking in every case
  • Buying oversized fills that compress flat

Questions people ask

Is synthetic as warm as down?

Slightly heavier for the same warmth, but far better in wet conditions.

What about second-hand down?

Some vegans accept it; no new demand is created, but it still normalises the material.

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