How to choose the right down jacket: Guide to warmth levels

Choosing a down comforter can be confusing. There are now many types on the market, and often picking the right one seems a difficult task. However, thanks to the warmth ratings, the choice is simplified, as we will already have a clearer idea of the right product.

The right amount of warmth needed is a personal choice: some people feel the cold strongly and others do not, some live in the mountains and others by the sea, some live in old houses and others in modern homes. Often many factors influence the choice of the right warmth level.

LET’S TALK ABOUT WARMTH LEVEL

The warmth level represents the thermal capacity of the down comforter, that is, how well it can retain body heat during rest.

The warmth level mainly depends on two elements:

• the weight of the filling (more filling means greater warmth);
• the quality and size of the goose down cluster used (larger clusters provide better insulation).

WARMTH LEVEL

Warmth levels commonly range from 2 to 5. Zenoni & Colombi has also created warmth level 6.

Level 2: considered a Spring/Summer Comforter, light and highly breathable. Ideal for warm or heated rooms and also perfect in summer with air conditioning. Suitable for temperatures between 20 °C and 23 °C.

For more information, read our article on using comforters in Summer.

Level 3: considered an Autumn Comforter, perfect for the transitional seasons.
Provides comfort without excess warmth, ideal for those who sleep in moderately temperate rooms.
Suitable for temperatures between 19 °C and 21 °C.

Level 4: considered a light Winter Comforter, suitable for those seeking a good balance between warmth and lightness.
Perfect for heated rooms or for those who do not feel the cold strongly.
Recommended for temperatures between 18 °C and 20 °C.

Level 5: considered a warm Winter Comforter, ideal for the winter season.
Perfect in cold climates or in rooms heated for only a few hours a day.
Suitable for temperatures between 16 °C and 18 °C.

Level 6: considered a Comforter for those needing extra warmth.
Heavily filled, it is perfect for unheated bedrooms, poorly insulated houses, mountain areas, or for those who feel the cold strongly.
Recommended for temperatures below 16 °C.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WARMTH LEVEL

The choice of warmth level mainly depends on personal sensitivity to cold and the temperature of the room where the comforter will be used.

The first advice is to carefully read the descriptions of the different warmth levels and ask yourself:
“In which situation do I most identify?”
The answer to this question already allows a first selection of the ideal comforter.

For those who are undecided, we suggest choosing one warmth level higher: it is always better to sleep slightly uncovered than to be cold and have to add a heavy blanket.

A great alternative for those who want a solution for all seasons is the 4 Seasons Comforter.
Made up of two comforters of different weights, separable and joinable with practical clip buttons, it adapts to many weather conditions.
The lighter comforter is ideal for warmer periods, while the medium-weight one is perfect for autumn. Joining them together creates a warmer comforter, suitable for winter.