Does This Down Jacket’s Rare Technical Feature Signal the Next Big Design Trend?

As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, our thoughts turn to the best sources of warmth, particularly regarding outerwear.

And as much as we appreciate the strides being made in synthetic insulation, there is something special about the natural substance that keeps geese and ducks toasty in all sorts of climes, down.

That said, even really good down jackets are not without their flaws, most notably a lack of flexibility and, over time, the tendency to leak feathers through needle holes in the seams. 

However, this ancient source of insulation is not immune to innovation. Some great-looking jackets from Aether, whose Winter Collection just dropped, boast a progressive approach to working with the material that’s solving common down problems and (maybe) catching on. Without further ado, meet the new Launch Full-Zip Jacket NH.

Aether

Aether Launch Full-Zip Jacket NH

• $425 at Aether

Positively baffling

We got our first look at the new jacket a few weeks back, during a sneak preview of the new collection with Aether co-founder Palmer West. 

It was during this session that I first heard the term that could (could) sweep across the space in the next few years: “pre-baffled.” 

Whereas most down jackets have baffles stitched in after the fact to keep the insulation in place and eliminate cold spots, the Launch’s baffles are woven into the fabric itself. The 85% nylon/15% spandex material is officially called “pre-baffled stretch ripstop fabric” and it boasts significant advantages over traditional construction.

Aether

First off, because you don’t have all that thread holding things back, the material is much more flexible. Because there’s no stitching, there are also no needle holes through which down feathers can eventually escape. Plus, the seamless integration of 800-fill-power goose down leaves the material generally more durable and water-resistant than a typical down jacket. 

Aesthetically, the surface of the fabric looks a bit smoother and cleaner, but overall this treatment is pretty under the radar. That’s very on brand for Aether, which consistently delivers pieces we regard as “quietly technical.” Only in testing, as we did earlier this year with the excellent Mulholland Motorcycle Jacket, do you come to appreciate how much unseen value they bring to the table. 

Aether

Will this approach catch on? It’s a little hard to say. Googling “pre-baffled down” returns pretty limited results, basically Aether and the French brand Forward Outdoor Apparel Co., which makes a somewhat similar-looking jacket called the Catalyst ($296). 

The treatment likely surfaces elsewhere under different names. For example, Uniqlo’s recently released PUFFTECH Parka ($79.90) references “special material made by weaving two pieces of fabric together, so there are no needle holes, making it difficult for rain and wind to penetrate.”

Uniqlo’s wallet-friendly offering appears to be in the same ballpark, even if their language is not quite as catchy as “pre-baffled.”

Bonus features

It’s worth noting that the Launch Full-Zip Jacket NH (pretty sure that last bit stands for “No Hood,” as this jacket is a spin-off of a hooded original) has other compelling features, too. 

Aether

A few that stand out are an insulated collar to warm your neck, stretch-nylon binding at the sleeve cuffs, an interior patch pocket and phone sleeve within the left hand pocket to keep it from bouncing around when you’re on the move.

The wind- and water-resistant jacket is designed to perform best in temperatures ranging from 40ºF to 60ºF. It also happens to look fantastic, which is a plus no matter how chilly it gets out there.

Availability and pricing

The Launch Full-Zip Jacket NH is available now in sizes S through XXL in three colorways — Sky Grey (shown), Total Eclipse and Onyx Black — for $425.

Aether

Aether Launch Full-Zip Jacket NH

• $425 at Aether

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