---
type: "fiber"
name: "Down"
slug: "down"
fiber_type: "protein"
fiber_origin: "natural_animal"
trade_names:
  - "Goose Down"
  - "Duck Down"
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/down"
updated: "2025-09-07T19:10:26.409781+00:00"
---

# Down

Ultra-lightweight natural insulation material from waterfowl, providing exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.

- **Fiber Type**: Protein
- **Origin**: Natural Animal
- **Production Method**: Harvested from waterfowl during molting season
- **Also Known As**: Duck Down, Goose Down, Down Feathers
- **Trade Names**: Goose Down, Duck Down

## About Down

Down consists of the soft, fluffy undercoating of waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese. These three-dimensional clusters trap air effectively, providing outstanding insulation properties.

## Key Properties

- **Fiber Diameter**: 15 µm
- **Fiber Length**: 30 mm
- **Linear Density**: 0.45 denier
- **Tensile Strength**: 10 MPa
- **Elongation at Break**: 20%
- **Moisture Regain**: 10%
- **Heat Resistance**: 100 °C
- **Natural Color**: white
- **Luster**: Dull

## Performance Characteristics

- **Abrasion Resistance**: Poor
- **Pilling Resistance**: Fair
- **Wrinkle Resistance**: Excellent
- **UV Resistance**: Good
- **Chemical Resistance**: Fair
- **Moisture Absorption**: Good
- **Wicking**: Fair
- **Breathability**: Excellent
- **Elastic Recovery**: Good
- **Dimensional Stability**: Fair
- **Dyeability**: Good

## Strengths

- Exceptional warmth
- Ultra-lightweight
- Compressible

## Limitations

- Loses insulation when wet
- Expensive
- Ethical concerns

## Sustainability

- **Biodegradable**: Yes
- **Recyclable**: No
- **Renewable Source**: Yes
- **Bio-based Content**: 100%
- **Recycled Content**: 0%
- **Certifications**: OEKO-TEX, Responsible Down Standard
- **Major Producers**: China, Hungary, Canada

## Care

- **Max Wash Temperature**: 30 °C
- **Max Ironing Temperature**: 110 °C
- **Dry Cleaning**: Recommended
- **Bleach Compatibility**: No Bleach

Avoid excessive moisture during washing.

## Common Applications

- Jackets
- Sleeping Bags
- Comforters
- Pillows

## Common Uses in Detail

### Outdoor Performance Apparel

Prized in high-performance jackets and vests, down's exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for mountaineering and cold-weather exploration. Its ability to trap body heat while remaining incredibly lightweight allows athletes and adventurers to stay warm without being weighed down.

### Sleeping Bags

Widely used in expedition and camping sleeping bags, down clusters compress tightly for easy packing yet loft fully to create a thick, insulating layer. This combination of compressibility and thermal efficiency makes it the preferred fill for backcountry and alpine overnight gear.

### Luxury Bedding

Down fills premium comforters and pillows throughout the home textiles market, offering a uniquely soft, cloud-like feel alongside superior insulation. Its natural breathability helps regulate sleep temperature, making down bedding a long-favored choice for restful, comfortable nights.

## Similar Fibers

- [Cashmere](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cashmere.md) — Protein
- [Merino Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/merino-wool.md) — Protein
- [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool.md) — Protein

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/down) — HTML version of this page.*