Over the course of the recent years, the escalating cost of duck and goose down, issues of animal welfare and lack of quality control have forced the apparel industry to find alternatives to down. Commonly, blown-in fibers and fiber balls initially deliver a similar softness and high-loft down like appearance; these fibers are blown inside the garment in a very similar manner to how down feathers are applied.
However, this often comes with stability limitations, fiber clumping issues, heavy fiber migration and the development of cold spots, often after a relatively short care time, say executives at Thermore. The new EVOdown is inspired by the soft hand and lofty nature of natural blown-in down or fiber ball production techniques, but is designed to matches characteritics without compromising durability, says the company.
EVOdown is best described as a “rolled free-fiber composite”: two external higher density layers encapsulate the free fibers in the middle. The result of this composite is to dramatically reduce clumping and fiber migration, ensuring a very consistent, high thermal performance throughout the entire garment, says Thermore
Thermore EVOdown maintains its structure over time and can be machine washed and dried with confidence.
According to the company, EVOdown offers virtually the same volume and softness as the best natural down, and since it is supplied in a traditional roll form, it can be used in the most cost-competitive manner.
EVOdown is offered in three weights to suit design requirement from ultra-light jackets to high-puff parkas. Best finish and performance results recommend EVOdown be quilted with test approved down-proof, ultra-light fabrics (<30 gr.) in a pattern of 5cm or smaller for the 80g and 115g weights, and 10cm or smaller for the 170g weight.
