Is This Innovative “Fabric” the Future of Down Jackets?

Outlier’s combination of classic materials with novel innovations could change insulation forever.

Closeup of Outlier Adown Ventile Skijak zipper pocket on yellow-green gradient background

Published December 18, 2024

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It sure seems like 2024 has been the year of insulation innovation. Just last week, we covered the release of a unique alpaca-based insulated jacket meant to serve as an alternative to both traditional goose and synthetic down.

Hot on its heels, another contender has entered the fray, albeit with a very different approach. Outlier’s Adown(ventile) Skijak is the world’s first jacket made with “down fabric.”

Male model wearing Outlier Adown Ventile Skijak in front of metal corrugated wall — The jacket’s exterior is so minimalist that you’d never suspect how much innovation went into it.

What, exactly, is “down fabric”?

Outlier’s Adown(ventile) Skijak hinges on its innovative insulation, called Thindown. This insulation is the world’s first “down fabric.”

Unlike traditional down, which is loose and billowy, Thindown is denser, thinner and more breathable. It offers similar warmth and comfort, even in freezing temperatures, but can be cut and sewn like regular fabric.

It’s also made differently. Instead of goose feathers or plastic, Thindown is made from used pillows, duvets and other jackets, making it a true 100-percent post-consumer recycled product.

It’s a radical new approach to insulation that’s somehow better for users and the environment. Furthermore, it could change the outdoor apparel industry forever — and for the better.

Closeup of Outlier Adown Ventile Skijak sleeves — Despite its thinness, this jacket will keep you warm even in freezing temperatures.

Wears like a shell, warms like a puffer

While the Outlier Adown(ventile) Skijack’s Thindown insulation is a clear highlight, it’s just one of its many impressive features. The jacket also has a remarkably minimalist exterior that deserves recognition.

The outer shell is Swiss-made Supermarine Ventile145, a 21st-century update of a British WWII technical cotton-based fabric Outlier calls “the absolute pinnacle of cotton used as technical fabric.” It is extremely lightweight and highly water resistant.

To pair with the outer shell, the brand made the lining out of Albini’s Acrispcotton, an extremely light, soft and compact cotton fabric that allows the Thindown insulation to breathe.

All of this combines to create a jacket that’s remarkably thin, easy-wearing, warm, breathable and frankly gorgeous. This might be the perfect winter-ready insulated jacket … if it weren’t for the price.

dual image of Male model wearing Outlier Adown Ventile Skijak in front of metal corrugated wall — Unlike traditional puffers, this jacket won’t make you feel like a stuffed animal.

Pricing and availability

As is often the case with cutting-edge innovation, Outlier’s Adown(ventile) Skijak has one big downside: an eye-watering price. If you want to snag this jacket while it’s still new, you’ll need to pay a whopping $1,295.

That said, the stock is already running low. In fact, as of the publishing of this article, all extra-smalls, smalls, and double XLs have already been sold out. Mediums, larges and extra-larges are sure to follow soon. If you can afford it, you’ll want to smash that buy button quickly.