Polyester – jacket filler: at what temperature?

Polyester is a material that is frequently used as jacket filler, particularly for people who want to stay warm without adding extra bulk. However, how well does it function in real cold conditions? For anyone selecting the appropriate outerwear for cold weather, this question is essential.

The quality of the fill and the thickness of the material can have an impact on how effective polyester is as a jacket filler. Knowing what temperatures this material works best in will help you stay comfortable in a variety of weather situations.

This post will discuss the ideal temperature for polyester jacket fillers so you can choose wisely for your winter attire.

History of origin and manufacturing technology of filler

When industrialists in Great Britain learned how to produce non-woven materials, it all began in the 1930s. The first polyester fibers were produced about the same time, and these fibers later proved to be ideal for fillers used in jackets and other warm clothing. Russia adopted this knowledge a little bit later: p/e fiber production started in 1949, and heaters made of it didn’t start until after 1960.

In general, the following is how jacket insulation is made:

• Preparation of raw materials (fibers from polyester).
• Formation of the basis.
• Fiber fastening in this basis with each other.
• Finishing of the finished filler. Depending on its type – fiber rolling into balls, laying into layers, an overlay on these layers of calendars (protective layers from non -woven matter).

As you can see, since the second is a byproduct of the first, the question of whether polyester or synthetic winterizer is superior is incorrect. Actually, it’s the same.

Note that the type of fiber (regular, spiral, hollow, or solid), the process used to bond the base fibers, and the type of final finish all directly affect the performance characteristics of the finished insulation. In our previous post, we discussed the potential attributes of fabric made entirely of polyester.

Because it can withstand a range of temperatures and retain warmth, polyester is a popular material for jacket filler. In mild to cold weather, it acts as insulation to keep you warm without adding bulk. This adaptable material is perfect for jackets intended for a variety of climates because it is lightweight, strong, and moisture-resistant.

Description of the fabric, cost

What exactly is polyester used as a filler in jackets, then? Without going into specifics, this is a loose mass of countless tiny polyester fibers that are movably attached to one another. The heat that the human body emits is retained in the air that is held inside it. Furthermore, the amount of this air in the thickness of the polyester insulation directly affects how effective the latter is.

• Simple polyester fillers for jackets, “working” on the principle of “the thicker the layer – the more air cavities in the interweaving of the fibers – the heat is retained better”. These are synthetic winterizer, synthetic fluff, holofiber, etc. . They will not cost much at all. The thinnest synthetic padding, for example, will cost about 200 rubles. per linear. meter.
• More modern insulation materials made of polyester. They are more difficult to manufacture and are more expensive, but more efficient in operation. Manufacturers have achieved a reduction in the required thickness of the filler due to the special structure of the fibers and the addition of calender layers on one or both sides. The lower price range for such materials is 250-350 rubles (various fleeces) per 1 linear. meter., the upper range is 2500 rubles (branded Polartec, USA).

Types of polyester insulation and their characteristics

Polyester insulation is produced in a multitude of varieties today to meet a wide range of applications. However, we will limit our discussion to polyester fillers for jackets and discuss their properties, design temperature, and design attributes.

• Synthetic fluff. Consists of PE fibers twisted into a spiral, divided into grades according to the level of elasticity and homogeneity. Minimum comfort temperature -30 C°.
• Synthetic padding. Layers of polyethylene fibers, without a calender (protective non-woven layer) on both sides. Filler density varies from 100 to 300 g./m2. Works best at temperatures up to -20 C°.
• Hollofiber. Ecosoft, Volumetric and Soft types are more suitable for winter jackets. Produced in layers with a density of 70 to 300 g / m2, with a calender. Minimum temperature -30 C°.
• Isosoft. Thin (from 0.7 to 2.2 cm) layers of spiral microfiber, polymer calender on both sides. Minimum density 80 g / m2, maximum – 250 g / m2. Jacket operating temperature up to -25 C°.
• Thermofinn. Similar to isosoft, but 85% of the fiber in the mass is hollow. Layers can be from 1.2 to 2.7 cm thick, density from 100 to 200 g / m2. Up to -25 C°.
• Thinsulate. Crimp siliconized microfiber, insulation sheets are produced with and without a calender. Density from 101 to 420 g./m2. The operating temperature of most depends on the grade, from +5 to -60 C°.
• Fleeces. The simplest types of insulation – a base with a short pile, without coatings. When used independently – comfort temperature up to +10 C°. More advanced, multi-layered (Polartec), supplemented with moisture and wind protection, minimum temperature -20 C°. Density from 100 to 600 g / m2.

Note that it is impossible to predict the temperature at which a jacket with a specific insulation level will be comfortable. The thickness of the material layer, the characteristics of the top layer of fabric, and human activity all affect how warm a polyester down jacket is.

Properties, pros and cons

The thermal conductivity of polyester insulation is all very low. The most crucial thing is this. The technologies employed in the creation of this material will determine its other characteristics. For instance, extra layers added to some polartec varieties offer wind protection and hydrophobicity. Furthermore, thinsulate can even be used as insulation when sewing shoes because it is such a resilient filler to repeated creasing. Since we are unable to include everything, we will only discuss the general benefits and drawbacks of polyester fillers for jackets.

Benefits of using polyester as a filler in winter jackets:

• Low thermal conductivity, so much that you can argue on the topic "polyester or fluff, which is warmer, and not the fact that natural material will be better.
• Light weight.
• Plasticity, convenience in sewing.
• Quick return to the previous form after crushing.
• A wide price range.

• Still, it will not work to save hard, since cheap types of polyester – filler for winter jackets can quickly crush during operation, having lost some of the heat -shielding qualities.
• At high temperatures (from +40 ° C), it can be deformed.
• Polyester insulation that is not protected by a calendar or fabric of a jacket, easily get wet, and before drying they cannot meet their direct purpose.
• Afraid of high temperatures and exposure to benzene, gasoline, ethyl acetate and acetone.

The use of material and caring for it

You can use any of the polyester insulation materials on this list as a jacket filler. The type of clothing will be the only factor in the decision. For instance, the inner layer of sportswear needs to be slightly thicker. This indicates that it is appropriate for polartec, thinsulate, or isosoft. Or consider winter coats. You can use synthetic winterizer, holofiber, or synthetic fluff as a filler and insulation for voluminous city "down jackets" or work pea coats; if you want warm, but not overly thick, clothing, use isosoft or thinsulate. And so forth.

A jacket made entirely of polyester is easy to maintain. The following should be your primary reminder:

• The water temperature during washing should not exceed 35 C °.
• Spinning should be done at low speeds.
• Drying – away from heat sources. Remember about the danger of high temperatures for the filler.
• Iron a jacket with polyester insulation only if absolutely necessary, very carefully and through a dry iron.

As a popular and adaptable filler for jackets, polyester provides warmth and comfort in a range of temperatures. Its ability to insulate well can keep you warm in chilly weather, making it a dependable option for daily wear.

However, the filling’s thickness and the jacket’s design have a significant impact on how effective polyester is as an insulator. Without extra layers, it might not be warm enough for extremely cold weather, even though it might in mild to moderately cold conditions.

Selecting the appropriate jacket requires knowing what temperature range it is intended for. For casual outings in cooler weather, polyester-filled jackets are great, but if you anticipate experiencing colder temperatures, think about layering or getting a jacket with a more substantial filling.

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