Heat insulating material, in physics, is defined as a material or substance that is used to stop heat from going into or out of something. Due to the availability of different types of fabrics that offer heat insulation, it becomes quite difficult to choose the fabric that provides maximum comfort along with cold protection. If you are fashion conscious like me, then choosing the perfectly styled outfit becomes even tougher.

Since I learned about insulation, and how useful it can be, I made it a point to discuss the composition of clothes with sales people. These frequent discussions have increased my knowledge of synthetic insulation, which I would like to share with you.

Insulation Mechanism

The secret to insulation are little heat-trapping air pockets. The filaments in tufts of down (soft, fine, fluffy feathers of birds) create a large number of heat-trapping air pockets that allow for compression and lightweight warmth. The recipe for making insulating fabric is to create large quantities of superfine fibers which mimic the insulating effect of down feather filaments.

Types of Synthetic Insulation

There are three types of synthetic insulation which try to make use of the aforementioned mechanism:

  • Short-Staple Insulation: Made with a bunch of little, short fibers which move independently of each other.
  • Cluster-Fiber Insulation: Comprise of tiny fiber balls which simulate the working of tufts of down.
  • Continuous-Filament Insulation: Made with continuous filament that intertwines with itself and creates a mass of insulating fibers.

Though continuous-filament insulation is long-lasting as it provides warmth for a longer duration, I recommend short-staple and cluster-fiber insulation, if you are shopping for a jacket. This is because the latter forms of insulation are much more flexible and heat-efficient than the former.

Choosing the Right Brand

It is quite easy to break down different types of insulation technologies and choose the best one. However, making a choice between different brands, when doing your winter shopping is where the real difficulty lies. There are many mainstream brands which have a diverse buyer base, and a few proprietary ones which have a specific niche in the market. Making a choice between these brands can be quite an arduous task. I am providing a break down of a few brands below, so that you can choose the best one according to your need.

  • PrimaLoft® Gold: Choose this brand if you frequent wet places. With its permanent water resistance, it has become one of the most popular insulating brands. The fabric is extremely breathable, lightweight, and compressible and holds heat efficiently.
  • Marmot's Thermal R®: With its multi-channeled and hollow fibers that wick moisture, it provides a dry experience along with lightweight warmth. Buy it for its unique moisture-wicking characteristic.
  • Thinsulate®: If you want to buy clothes that are light-weight and trap heat efficiently, then go for this brand. Look out for Thinsulate® logo which offers the stamp of great insulation, if you are buying gloves and footwear for the winters.