We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Jackets & Outerwear The 11 Best Down Jackets for Men and Women, Tested in the Cold Get ready for cozy jacket season By Michelle Rostamian Michelle Rostamian Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and bylines at PEOPLE, Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, and more. She began her career in the beauty industry as a publicist and content writer representing makeup and skincare brands as well as industry professionals. She formerly was a social media marketer. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 1, 2024 03:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / John Somerall / Peter Weckend Down jackets are a practical outerwear choice for a slew of outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, ice skating, and tent camping. Shopping for a jacket is always a tricky feat — you have to consider usage, warmth, and quality, not to mention durability and cost. Experts Say Look for a down jacket that's a happy medium between hugging close to your body (to avoid having too much air between you and the jacket's interior) and offering ample room (so it doesn't restrict movements or compress the loft), Kim Kelley, REI Co-op sales specialist, tells PEOPLE. "If the jacket is pulled tight across the body and flattens out the loft, it will no longer be able to insulate well," says Kelley. After testing 25 men's and women's down jackets, we eventually narrowed it down to the best. All of these jackets ranked high across our tests involving warmth, quality, design, and fit. Here are the best down jackets PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best for Women: Lolë Emeline Down Jacket at Amazon $166 Jump to Review Best for Men: Lolë Odin Down Jacket at Lolelife.com Jump to Review Best Everyday: SALE Columbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket at Amazon $180 $120 Jump to Review Best Hooded: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody at Amazon $400 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket at Amazon $410 Jump to Review Best Parka: Eddie Bauer Altamira Down Parka at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: Kühl Spyfire Hoody at Kuhl.com Jump to Review Best Packable: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie at Amazon $299 Jump to Review Best Transitional: Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket at REI $195 Jump to Review Best Active: Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody at Patagonia.com Jump to Review Best for Women Lolë Emeline Down Jacket PHOTO: Nordstrom $166 at Amazon $159 at Nordstrom View on Lolelife.com Star Qualities Nice variety of color options Hood is adjustable and removable Red Flags Not for very cold temps The Lolë Emeline Down Jacket comes in a whopping 21 colors, the most of any other down jacket on our list. The jacket passed all of our tests with high marks. For one, it features a slim fit that felt light as a feather, never contributing to bulkiness. We also found the jacket to be super breathable and comfortable like being wrapped in a cloud. Despite how lightweight it was, it was still able to provide enough insulation for temperatures around 40° Fahrenheit. To test its durability, we wore the jacket while running errands, picking up groceries, and walking around the city, and it remained as fluffy and plump as the day we received it. The interior and exterior pockets are deep enough for storing essentials like your keys or cell phone, and there's a removable hood that also features buttons you can clasp and tighten with the drawstring cord on chillier days. Due to its lightweight nature, this is an ideal jacket for transitioning between seasons. Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 21 | Material: Solid colors 100% nylon, printed colors 100% polyester | Fill Power: 550-fill power down PHOTO: People / Kat Zhang PHOTO: People / Kat Zhang The Best Walking Shoes of 2024, According to Podiatrists, Fitness Instructors, and Our Own Tests Best for Men Lolë Odin Down Jacket PHOTO: Nordstrom View on Lolelife.com Star Qualities Able to handle high winds and rain Powder skirt and wrist gaiters for snow sports Minimalist, stylish design Red Flags Slightly bulky but doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome It's all about attention to detail when it comes to the Lolë Odin Down Jacket. We like that the sleeves feature soft and stretchy wrist gaiters with thumb holes to prevent wind from seeping into the interior of the jacket. You're able to adjust the hood's tightness via bungee cords, and the hood features two thin high-visibility lines, making it great for those who plan on wearing this for nighttime walks. The jacket scored high marks when it came to warmth. It comes with a detachable powder skirt to keep you dry if you plan on being out in the snow, and has two interior pockets (one with a zipper) as well as three zippable exterior pockets. The interior of the pockets was notable — they were warm, fuzzy, and pleasant to rest our hands in. For fit, we found it easy to navigate through busy subway stations, carry groceries, and generally move around in this jacket. We were also able to layer a semi-bulky sweater underneath the jacket without it feeling restricting. Given how substantial and premium the jacket looks, it's exceptionally lightweight, which makes for a comfortable wearing experience. Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 5 | Material: 100% polyester shell, 100% polyurethane membrane, 100% nylon lining, 87% polyester/13% elastane rib, 100% polyester brushed lining | Fill Power: 700-fill power down PHOTO: People / Peter Weckend PHOTO: People / Peter Weckend PHOTO: People / Peter Weckend Best Everyday Columbia Joy Peak Hooded Jacket PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods $180 $120 at Amazon $118 at Zappos $170 at Dick's Star Qualities Heat-reflective lining helps trap heat without adding bulk Feels lightweight Offers warmth without overheating Red Flags No fastener to secure hood Quick trips to the grocery store or brisk morning walks call for a versatile everyday jacket like the Columbia Women's Mid Insulated Hooded Jacket, which comes in an impressive 13 colors and two size categories including standard and plus. We were thoroughly impressed with how the jacket fit our wider shoulders and larger chest. We found that the jacket ran true to size and that we were able to comfortably layer a sweatshirt underneath. In fact, the jacket fit so well without restricting our range of motion that we were able to drive while wearing it, which is usually not the case when wearing a winter jacket. For an extra customized fit, the jacket also features a double zipper. We also appreciated several notable design features on the jacket, like the comfort cuff with thumb hole to help cut through wind, the sherpa-lined hood to keep the head warm, and the fact that it's easy to fold up. We wore the jacket to and from work during 14° Fahrenheit midwest mornings and during nighttime walks when it was 20° Fahrenheit. In both cases, the jacket kept us warm and comfortable without the need for much layering. This and a good pair of winter boots will keep you toasty on cold days. Sizes: Standard XS-XXL, plus 1X-3X | Colors: 13 | Material: 100% nylon shell, 100% polyester lining | Fill Power: N/A PHOTO: People / Megan Wood PHOTO: People / Megan Wood PHOTO: People / Megan Wood Best Hooded Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody PHOTO: Arcteryx $400 at Amazon View on Arcteryx.com Star Qualities Internal stuff sack is perfect for travel Plush and well-insulated Forgiving size makes it easy to layer Durable enough for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing Red Flags Outer shell is fairly thin If you're looking for a hooded down jacket, the Arc’teryx Women's Cerium LT Down Hoody is a winner. It fits true to size without restricting motion or movement, and while there's plenty of room to layer underneath the jacket, you'll feel less inclined to do so since it already provides so much warmth. Everything about this jacket looks and feels high quality. It features an internal chest pocket, an adjustable hood and waist, and an internal stuff sack that makes it easily packable. The two external hand pockets can be closed shut with zippers (making them secure enough to store valuables), and they're positioned high enough off the waist to allow easy access when wearing a backpack with a waist strap. The jacket itself is lofty and warm. With 850-fill power down and an internal and external shell, we found it highly insulated yet lightweight given its size and warmth. We used it outdoors (hiking, camping, and backpacking), and by the end of the test, there were no signs of wear and tear. A few small feathers worked their way out of the seam when the jacket was worn the first few times, but since then no down has escaped. Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 8 | Material: Recycled nylon | Fill Power: 850-fill power down PHOTO: People / John Somerall PHOTO: People / John Somerall PHOTO: People / John Somerall Best Lightweight Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket PHOTO: Cotopaxi $410 at Amazon $295 at Cotopaxi.com $88 at REI Star Qualities Secure scuba hood Comes in several vibrant colors Red Flags No room for layering For days when the weather is confusing, try a lightweight jacket like the Cotopaxi Women's Fuego Hooded Down Jacket. There were several features we loved about this jacket, such as the water-resistant fabric, a scuba hood that stayed put even while running, an adjustable drawcord to remove any potential bulk, elastic binding at the hood and cuffs that helped minimize slippage, and spacious pockets — including two exterior zippered hand pockets and two interior pockets (one with a zipper). Though this jacket won for best lightweight, it was able to keep us warm in temps ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the first lightweight jacket we've experienced that's actually warm — it is so lightweight and yet insulates heat so well. The jacket is also lightweight and breathable enough to jog in or for low-intensity activities. Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 14 | Material: Nylon shell | Fill Power: 800-fill power down PHOTO: People / Jackie Cucco PHOTO: People / Jackie Cucco PHOTO: People / Jackie Cucco Best Parka Eddie Bauer Altamira Down Parka PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com Star Qualities Sizing for all body shapes and types Adjustable cuffs and hood Red Flags Isn't warm enough for temperatures below 35° Fahrenheit Parkas can be notoriously restrictive when it comes to movement, but the Eddie Bauer Women's Altamira Down Parka defied the odds during our testing. The back of the coat is slightly longer than the front, which gave us just enough freedom to do some yard work (like raking leaves) without any of our movements being restricted. Made of a water-repellent nylon shell and 650-fill power insulation, we wore this jacket on windy days and felt that it provided ample comfort and warmth without causing overheating. We were especially impressed with the hood on this jacket — not only is it easily removable, but it has several buttons that allow you to get a more snug fit and block out wind. Another design feature we love: The inside of the jacket has a zippered pocket that's roomy enough to store a cell phone or small billfold. Sizes: Regular XS-XXL, petite XS-XL, tall S-M, plus 1X-2X | Colors: 5 | Material: StormRepel® Super DWR | Fill Power: 650-fill power down PHOTO: People / Mary Amadeo PHOTO: People / Mary Amadeo Most Durable Kühl Spyfire Hoody PHOTO: REI View on Kuhl.com View on REI Star Qualities Works as inner or outer layer Slightly slimmer fit makes it great for motorcycle rides Red Flags Runs small, so size up if between sizes Whether you're snow blowing the driveway or playing outside with the kids, the KUHL Mens' Spyfire Hoody can stand up to just about anything. It exemplified spectacular durability in the several weeks we wore it. Even during a minor fall from a motorcycle onto the ground, the jacket impressively resisted any signs of wear and tear, and we have yet to see a down feather come out of it. The jacket features an adjustable hood and a plethora of pockets (two hand pockets, one left-sleeve pocket, and one internal mesh pocket) to store valuables. It runs slightly small and has a slim fit, so anything more than a sweatshirt underneath might feel like a tight squeeze. This was a non-issue during testing when we wore the jacket while motorcycle riding in moderately cold temperatures and noted that it didn't flap around in the wind or feel like it was dragging or pulling in any direction. While not the most compact, the brand was thoughtful about how the down was utilized (there are larger baffles at the front and back of the jacket for increased warmth, but smaller baffles at the sides and arms to avoid bulkiness). Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 8 | Material: Nylon shell | Fill Power: 800-fill power down PHOTO: People / Grant Gordon PHOTO: People / Grant Gordon PHOTO: People / Grant Gordon Best Packable Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie PHOTO: REI $299 at Amazon $130 at REI View on Outdoorresearch.com Star Qualities Ideal for skiing and other higher-intensity activities Densely woven, durable fabric Red Flags No way to tighten or loosen cuffs The packable Outdoor Research Women's Helium Down Hoodie folds into itself — making it great for hikers who want the option of taking off their jacket and storing it in their backpack while on the trail. The fabric is especially durable and high quality. It's densely woven (no loose feathers here!) and feels super smooth to the touch. When it comes to fit, we appreciate that the jacket can be cinched in at the waist and has a slight flare at the hip. It also has a lower drop on the back that was ideal for sitting as it kept our backside covered and warm. Though it's lightweight, it certainly doesn't give up any warmth. We wore it to a nighttime football game when temperatures hit the low 30s and stayed plenty warm (sans blanket). We also wore it while mountain biking and noted how easy it was to move and maneuver our bike while wearing it. We found that the design features on this jacket were well thought out for people who plan on wearing it for winter activities such as downhill skiing, hiking, or cross-country skiing. For one, it has a clip for safely holding things like keys or a ski pass — perfect for going hands-free. The jacket also features a drawstring closure on the hood to keep it snug and secured around the face as well as zippered pockets that make it safer to store valuables (versus a button or magnetic closure). The hood and shoulders are waterproof, making it suitable for staying dry in light drizzles, and we found that the chest pocket was handy for keeping our phone close. Finally, on the inside of the jacket, there's a compartment that can hold taller items since it's split into two. Sizes: XS-4X | Colors: 8 | Material: 100% nylon (41% recycled) shell, 100% nylon lining | Fill Power: 800-fill power down PHOTO: People / Kristin Cleveland PHOTO: People / Kristin Cleveland PHOTO: People / Kristin Cleveland Best Transitional Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket PHOTO: REI $195 at REI View on Patagonia.com Star Qualities Hassle-free returns and trade-in program Provides warmth without being bulky Slimmer profile Red Flags When fully zipped, the collar goes a bit high If you're looking for a jacket that has a slimmer, more streamlined profile for the transitional months or milder winter days, the Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Jacket gets our stamp of approval. We layered a lightweight sweater and fleece jacket underneath this coat and it remained breathable enough that we didn't need to remove it in the car between errands. This jacket features a toggle at the waist that provides a more secure fit around the waistline. It also has two hand warmer pockets and an interior zippered chest pocket that's great for keeping a slim cardholder accessible (this pocket also converts into a stuff sack with a carabiner clip-in loop, making it great for travelers or hikers). If sustainability is important to you, the jacket's shell is constructed of 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets. Also, while we didn't note any signs of wear and tear aside from a few errant feathers that escaped through the seaming, Patagonia includes a repair patch with this jacket for quick and easy touch-ups, and also has a hassle-free returns policy. Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 9 | Material: 100% postconsumer recycled nylon shell | Fill Power: 800-fill power down PHOTO: People / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: People / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: People / Kimberly Souza The 13 Best Heated Jackets of 2024, Tested by Real People Best Active Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody PHOTO: REI View on Patagonia.com $399 at REI Star Qualities Works well as a standalone piece Helmet-compatible hood Can be layered in lower temperatures Red Flags Down filling is slightly bulky If you're the type to partake in outdoor adventures, the Patagonia Men's Fitz Roy is a good option, as it's made to be worn during activities like rock climbing, hiking, and light jogging. While the hood of this jacket isn't removable, our tester appreciated that it didn't feel like a design afterthought like some others tested — it felt substantial and of the same high quality as the rest of the jacket. We found the zippered hand pockets to be deep and secure and appreciated that there's a mesh stowaway pocket on the inside of the jacket — great for storing your cell phone. There's also a less-roomy zip-up chest pocket on the front-right side of the jacket you can use for other essentials. The jacket provides ample roominess around the chest, waist, and shoulders — a plus for our tester who found it easy to add layers underneath. If you prefer a slimmer fit, though, there are bungee cords to make it adjustable around the waist. During testing, we found the down to be plush and lightweight enough to keep our tester warm. Given that it's suited for colder temperatures, you'd expect a much thicker, heavier jacket, but the Patagonia Men's Fitz Roy is unassumingly light and airy. The jacket insulates body heat well, and it's breathable enough that our tester never felt overheated or sweaty while wearing it. Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: 5 | Material: 100% recycled nylon shell, 100% post-consumer recycled nylon lining | Fill Power: 800-fill power down PHOTO: People / Sam Warren PHOTO: People / Sam Warren PHOTO: People / Sam Warren Most Versatile Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket PHOTO: REI $295 at Amazon View on Rab.equipment $295 at REI Star Qualities Hood's wired brim keeps it in place Has three well-placed harness-friendly zippered pockets Suitable for rainy conditions Red Flags Nothing, we love this jacket What works equally well on the trail as it does out on the town? The Rab Women's Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. It comes in 11 color options — including neutrals like muted navy and jet black as well as pops of wearable color like canary yellow and eucalyptus green. It's great for everyday wear, but you can also throw it on while camping, backpacking, bike touring, and hiking as well as for moderate-intensity activities. We even felt compelled to wear it around the house on chilly days as an alternative to an indoor heater. In terms of quality and durability, the jacket features a smooth nylon-type fabric that held up well after a month of testing — we didn't notice a single puff of down come out of the jacket. The jacket fits true to size, is extremely lightweight, and allows for a full range of motion, whether it's worn with a T-shirt, a cozy cardigan, or a wool sweater underneath. The jacket also comes with a separate stuff sack, which we kept stored in the chest pocket without feeling like it added any bulk. Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 11 | Material: Recycled 30D nylon Pertex Quantum, recycled 20D nylon lining | Fill Power: 700 fill-power down PHOTO: People / Frances Crouter PHOTO: People / Frances Crouter Add to Cart All our recommended products go through rigorous testing in our NYC ab and at home, so while you’re shopping for down jackets, consider adding one of our other PEOPLE-Tested favorites to your cart. Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket $120 $100 at Amazon $100 at Zappos View on Marmot.com Columbia Switchback III Jacket $75 $49 at Amazon $48 at Walmart $35 at Walmart Stio Men's Environ Jacket View on Stio.com L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Fleece Vest $59 at L.L.Bean Other Down Jackets We Tried L.L. Bean Men's Ultralight 850 Down Jacket: In addition to how soft and smooth the interior and exterior of this jacket feels, we found that it allows for easy movement and that the puffiness of the down doesn't feel restrictive. The special stow zipper in the left pocket is perfect for folding and storing the jacket. But it doesn't have a hood, which would have made a great addition for outdoor activities involving rain and snow. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you'd want to also purchase a separate rain jacket. Mountain Hardwear Men's Phantom Jacket: There are several things we love about this Mountain Hardwear men’s jacket: the elastic cuffs that keep the cold out without restricting movements, the waistband drawstring that makes for a comfortable fit, and ample interior and exterior pockets with zippered closures. The only drawback with this jacket is that it isn't windproof or waterproof (though it is water-repellent), so this may limit how much you'd be able to use it depending on the climate you're in. Rab Men's Neutrino Pro Down Jacket: With adjustable cuffs that feature velcro straps and lock and release bungee cords along the waist and hood, it's clear this jacket is all about keeping cold wind out and warmth in. It feels soft, smooth, and lofty to the touch, and the down is plush, lightweight, and plentifully packed into its sewn compartments. That being said, it's missing some key features like a chest pocket for storing glasses, a cell phone, or a battery charger. It would also be nice to have more reflective bits around the jacket to make it better for nighttime jogs. Helly Hansen Women's Tundra Down Coat: This coat features an A-frame shape, an extra-long silhouette, and a slightly off-centered zipper that adds to its sophisticated style. It offers extra head and neck protection via a high collar and snug-fitting hood and kept us relatively warm on cold evenings and light hikes, but the additional quilting on the shoulders fell short, allowing some cold air to seep in. People / Jill DeForest Colvig What to Know About Down Jackets Weather Protection Just like a heated jacket, a down jacket can serve as a standalone jacket for warmth and protection against the elements or as the insulating layer of a layering system, says Kelley. If you plan on using the jacket as part of a layering system, you don't need the jacket's exterior to be waterproof or water-resistant, notes Kelley. Luke de Kock, head of creative strategy for BÆRSkin, adds that you should still look for a durable water-repellent (or DWR) finish on the outer shell of the garment. "This helps in shedding light rain or snow and beefs up the weather protection on all fronts," he says. "You can also look for down jackets with a waterproof or water-resistant membrane, such as Gore-Tex or similar technology, which provides better protection against wet conditions but comes at a price." Fill "Fill refers to the down inside of the jacket, which can be either goose or duck down," says Kelley. "Goose down and duck down are equally good at insulating, but goose down typically provides a higher quantity of large down clusters, which create a higher grade of jacket." Fill power is a measure of the loft and insulation quality of down, says de Kock. "The higher the fill power, the more insulation you'll get from the cold." For extremely cold conditions, de Kock recommends looking for jackets with a fill power of 800 or above. For milder weather, look for lower fill power down jackets to maintain breathability and avoid overheating. Generally speaking, higher fill power jackets are more expensive, says Kelley. Usage De Kock says that down jackets are best for extremely cold, dry conditions and for activities like hiking, camping, and everyday wear in the winter. "They are usually favored by outdoor enthusiasts and travelers, but have also become a fashion piece for more daily wear and usage in major cities when the temperature starts to drop," he says. Since down loses its insulative ability when wet, you should opt for a waterproof down jacket if you plan on being in cold, wet conditions, says Kelley. "A waterproof jacket will contain a waterproof membrane that adheres to the inside surface of the outer fabric layer, which is designed to keep you and the down fill protected from wet conditions," she explains. This is different from a water-resistant jacket, which is made without the membrane and relies on the exterior fabric being treated with DWR to shield from rain. Behind the Scenes Our PEOPLE Tested team put 25 men's and women's down jackets through extensive testing. For each of them, we looked at durability, comfort, design, and warmth, eventually narrowing it down to the down jackets that stood out from the rest. Comfort and Design Evaluation: To start, we had our testers wear the down jacket and zip it closed. Testers considered the jacket’s level of comfort and how the fabric felt to the touch, evaluating any design features such as zippers, pockets, a removable hood, and any other adjustable components. They noted the quality and thickness of the exterior and interior fabrics, and also considered whether the inside felt plush, lightweight, dense, or compact.Long-Term Wear Test: To get a full impression of the jacket’s fit, comfort, and level of warmth and breathability, our testers were instructed to wear the jacket at least two times throughout the testing period for two hours of wear each time. They were encouraged to wear the jacket while running errands, going on walks or hikes, traveling, or just at home. Our testers evaluated things like insulation (whether the jacket insulated heat while still being breathable or if it trapped too much heat) if they would be able to layer underneath the jacket, and what activities, purposes, and climates the jacket would work best for.Durability: They also judged whether the jacket was able to give them a full range of motion or if it was bulky and hard to move in. Finally, to test durability, our testers noted if the jacket's condition changed by the end of the test, if it showed any signs of wear and tear, and if it maintained its volume or flattened over time. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a down jacket and a puffer jacket? A puffer jacket is a broad term that can include both down and synthetic insulation, however, a true down jacket typically refers to one filled with natural down insulation, says de Kock. "Down jackets are widely known for their warmth-to-weight ratio, while puffer jackets can be filled with various materials like synthetic down or recycled materials," he says.The two also differ when it comes to packability. "Down jackets are highly packable due to the compressibility of natural down — they can be easily stuffed into a backpack or suitcase for travel or outdoor day trips," says de Kock. Puffer jackets, on the other hand, may not compress as small as down jackets.That being said, down jackets and puffer jackets share one similarity in that they both often have a quilted, puffy look. "This quilting creates channels to hold the insulative material and distribute it equally, keeping warmth consistent across the jacket," says Kelley. What is the warmest down coat? People differ when it comes to how they tolerate cold, but generally speaking, for maximum warmth look for a goose down jacket with a high fill power of 800 or above, says de Kock. Also, consider if the jacket has any extra features like a tightly fitted hood, a powder skirt to keep snow out, adjustable cuffs, insulated packets for hand warmth or heated glove storage, a flap over the zipper to keep out drafts, and multiple pockets. In terms of length, de Kock notes that a longer-length coat can offer more coverage in extreme cold and give you that nice snug feeling around the legs. What is the best way to wash a down jacket? While they are naturally quite durable, it's important to properly care for a down jacket. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to care, but generally speaking, de Kock says that down jackets can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with a down-specific detergent. You should avoid using fabric softeners or bleach.For spot cleaning, you can use a damp cloth and mild soap and tumble dry on a low cycle. De Kock recommends throwing a tennis ball in the dryer to restore the jacket's loft. Why Trust PEOPLE? This article was written by Michelle Rostamian, a freelance writer for PEOPLE. For this article, Michelle consulted lab testing insights where our team put the men and women’s down jackets through a series of challenges to see how they held up. She also consulted experts in the down jacket space. Our Expert Panel Luke de Kock is the head of creative strategy for BÆRSkin. Kim Kelley is a sales specialist at REI Co-op. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.