What kind of weather is 100% polyester insulation suitable for?

Insulated children's suits or similar clothing for adults are made using various natural and synthetic materials.

The most effective insulation is high-quality down. But technologies for the production of thermal insulation materials from 100% polyester are constantly being improved, and new fabrics are increasingly replacing traditional ones.

The advantage of good insulation is that it prevents the passage of heated air from under clothing and cold air under it. This is achieved by the presence of a significant air gap between the fibers.

Down and other natural materials have a good structure for thermal protection, while achieving a similar effect from 100% polyester is not so easy. This was the main problem with using synthetic materials as insulation. Now many manufacturers have found effective approaches to solve the issue.

Features of 100% polyester

The skeptical perception of this material as an insulation material has grounds, but they can most likely be attributed to the consequences of past experience. So, in the past, many companies, especially enterprises from the USSR, produced insulation, which had a fairly high density, caked, wrinkled, and did not withstand washing and long-term use. Naturally, such material could not fulfill its purpose properly.

Currently, this type of fabric is produced not from straight threads, but from fibers rolled into tubes, spirals and other stable spatial structures. When worn and washed, modern polyester does not lose its shape and properties. This is enough for the material to have a low density and have excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

For what weather 100% polyester insulation can be used? Not too favorable in terms of temperature.

During its use, it acquired various trade names, which you should know in order to understand how to use clothes with such insulation. Below is a list of the most popular brands:

• Thinsulate;
• fiberskin;
• holofiber;
• polyfiber;
• isosoft;
• firetech.

100% polyester from various manufacturers

Thinsulate (Thinsulate). This is one of the highest quality polyester insulation materials, almost as good as down in its capabilities.

A very light and thin material that has all the positive qualities of natural feathers, but is devoid of its disadvantages. It consists of microscopic fibers surrounded by an air layer. Clothing with this filling is thin, light, breathable, and very warm.

It washes well and doesn't lose its shape.Synthetics are used for making mountaineering overalls and sleeping bags, as well as for clothing for oil workers and polar explorers working in the harsh conditions of the north. Density from 480 g/m2 will provide comfort in severe frosts down to -60 degrees.

The spatial structure and its stability allow it to retain heat at very low temperatures. Even in clothes with a fairly thin layer of Thinsulate, you can safely go outside at a temperature of -30 °C. We are talking, among other things, about children's clothing.

To assess the level of quality of Thinsulate, it is enough to know that it is used in sewing overalls for oil workers, sailors, climbers and people in other extreme professions. But overalls and jackets with such insulation are quite expensive.

Holofiber - non-woven fiber in the form of balls or spirals, also found in the form of a slab. Manufactured by sintering under high temperature. It has powerful thermal conductivity, low cost, and restores its shape after strong compression. For a warm autumn, a density of 70 g/m2 is suitable, for a cold autumn - 150, for frost down to -30 degrees - 300 g. per m2. Derivatives of holofiber are holofane, fibertek, thermofil, etc.

In what weather should I wear a jacket with 100% polyester insulation from the above brands? You can feel quite comfortable and safe at temperatures down to -25 °C. At the same time, the cost of clothing as insulation is relatively low.

Regular polyester. It is often difficult to determine the manufacturer, as well as the characteristics of the material. If there are such doubts, it is not recommended to go outside in clothes with such “fluff” at temperatures below -10 °C.

Sintepon - a material in which the fibers are not glued together - hold on to each other using silicone needles. It has a low cost and is used for sewing a variety of jackets and other products. Frequent washing leads to loss of initial elasticity, reducing thermal conductivity. It can have a density from 50 to 600 g/m2.

Manufacturers often use several layers of synthetic padding to ensure the required density. Filling 250 g/m2 is suitable for a demi-season coat designed for temperatures down to -5. Winter jackets at a frost of -25 are filled with padding polyester with a density of at least 350 grams. There are several improved modifications that have good durability (U-two, Freudenberg).

Sintepooh - a fiber produced in a special way that allows its particles not to stick together, successfully imitating natural fluff. It has high wear resistance, dries quickly and does not wrinkle. Synthetic down with a density of 250 g/m2 can withstand frost down to -25; for light spring jackets designed for +5, 60 g/m2 is enough.

Isosoft (isosoft) — Branded insulation in which fibers in the form of balls are sealed between two surfaces. Manufactured by Libeltex. The design does not let cold air into the clothes and reliably retains heat. Easy to wash, dries quickly, does not lose shape. Thin enough, does not make the down jacket bulky. In combination with a membrane, it can withstand low temperatures down to -30 at a density of 200 g. per m2.

Grams and degrees

The amount of 100% polyester in children's overalls often determines at what minimum temperatures such clothing can be worn. Naturally, everything depends on size and on the quality of the insulation, but the weight indicator is sometimes a good guide. For example, for a one-year-old baby, overalls with 80–100 grams of synthetic insulation are acceptable at outdoor temperatures from +5 °C to -5 °C. In order not to be afraid of hypothermia at lower temperatures, you should wear overalls containing 180 or 250–330 grams of insulation.

It is also impossible to determine clear boundaries of the weight indicator due to the individual characteristics of the child (or adult). Some people tolerate frosts easier, others more difficult. In addition, a lot depends on the quantity and quality of clothing worn under the overalls. How to choose the right insulation for certain weather conditions.

A sales consultant in a reputable retail establishment will definitely tell you about the thermal insulation properties of a specific 100% polyester in a specific item of clothing. The main thing is not to forget to ask about it. The materials from the manufacturer are interesting. On the websites of self-respecting companies you will definitely find detailed information about the properties of insulation. It is especially relevant for the reason that new, more advanced materials are constantly appearing.

What kind of weather is polyester insulation 200, 250, 300, 350, 480 g for?

When choosing synthetic-based clothing, be guided by the weather conditions characteristic of your latitude. Try to find out the necessary information about the padding of a down jacket or jacket from the seller or read it on the label. Some types of fillers can be identified by touch - padding polyester, padding polyester, holofiber, in other cases you have to trust the labels.

For winter in the European part of Russia, you can safely purchase a jacket with synthetic padding with a density of 200, 250, 300, 350 g/m2.Siberians and residents of the Far North are better off purchasing a down jacket with 480 g polyester insulation. (density per square meter).

Give preference to new materials such as Thinsulate or its analogues - Polarguard, Quallowfill, etc. Clothing with these fillings lasts a long time and reliably protects against the cold.

Temperature characteristics - holofiber, isosoft, holophane, thermofin, thinsulate

Various types of insulation materials are made from pure polyester. Temperature characteristics of some of them:

• Holofiber. It has high wear resistance, therefore, does not lose its thermal insulation properties over time. Its heat retention characteristics are comparable to those of natural down. Winter jacket made using holofiber, suitable for temperatures down to -30⁰C. Wind gusts up to 15 are also tolerated quite comfortably.
• Isosoft. Despite its small volume, it has excellent thermal insulation properties. This material is 3–4 times warmer than synthetic padding. It is soft and elastic, has increased wear resistance, good breathability, but at the same time is able to retain heat. Due to its characteristics, even a relatively thin layer of isosoft helps not to freeze at low temperatures. It is convenient that the use of this insulation is suitable for both winter and demi-season clothing. So, up to what temperature is it recommended to use isosoft of different densities:

1. 1. at 200-300 g/m² – severe frosts up to -35⁰WITH;
   2. at 100-150 g/m² – mild winter up to -10⁰C or cold months of spring and autumn;
   3. at 40-80 g/m² – if not below 0⁰S, it will be quite comfortable.

The heat-retaining properties of isosoft can be easily increased by adding an additional part.For example, it could be a fleece sweater. Thus, a demi-season jacket with isosoft can be used if it gets sharply cold, and you simply don’t have warmer outerwear with you.

• Hollophan. Products with holophane retain heat and “breathe”. The fabric is light and wear-resistant, does not absorb moisture, so it is comfortable in damp and snowy weather. For spring-autumn jackets, the density of holophane is 150 g/m2, for winter clothes - 250 g/m2².
• Thermofinn. It has excellent thermal insulation properties, is resistant to moisture, and is environmentally friendly. With an insulation density of only 100 g/m², in cold weather -15⁰ it won't be cold. 200 g/m² cope with weather down to -30⁰C. And two layers from 100 to 150 g/m² provide frost resistance up to -45⁰WITH.
• Thinsulate. Used for making warm clothes and shoes. It has the highest thermal insulation characteristics with low weight. Thinsulate is lighter than all existing analogues of polyester insulation, but at the same time more effective than natural fluff. This material is used to produce clothes that are resistant to frost down to -60⁰C. In addition, the product does not lose its qualities even in a humid environment. Previously, Thinsulate was not found in mass production. It was used only in narrow areas of activity, such as tailoring clothes for astronauts.

You may decide that polyester can withstand very low temperature conditions. However, to what minus the indicator can drop depends not only on the material used. The physical characteristics of a person are essential.

Summarize. Some people are 25⁰It is warm enough, but someone, at the same temperature and in the same clothes, feels cold.Physical activity or a relaxed state is also important for thermal sensations. Pay attention to weather conditions, in addition to the thermometer readings: humidity, wind, sun.

Criteria for choosing clothes with polyester insulation

The first rule of a successful purchase is to carefully and thoughtfully read the labels about the materials used when sewing this product. They usually indicate the raw materials used to produce the outer fabric material, lining and filling. All original names of insulation are most often 100% polyester, which takes on various forms when certain technological processes are followed.

The following rule requires consultation with the seller about the type polyester insulation in outerwear, and what temperature it is designed for. More detailed information will help you navigate the wide range.

The last rule to remember is: that it is not the polyester that warms, but the air layer. The more free space between the fibrous structure, the lower the temperature threshold and the better the energy saving. An item that meets all of the above criteria will be capable of long-term service.

Temperature conditions of various insulation materials in clothing

There are two types of synthetic filler: high density and low. Both types are made from polyester fibers. The only difference between them is technology. Dense padding polyester is laid parallel and secured with an adhesive layer, is unpretentious and has low cost. Hollow synthetic padding technology is distinguished by connection using silicone threads. The temperature indicators of both types are quite weak and can withstand no lower than -10°C.

Although it is preferable to purchase padding polyester with low density, as it is more energy efficient. Products with such filling must be washed at 30°C without bleach.

Thinsulate even passes severe frost tests and is the most versatile at this stage of technological progress. Possessing the highest energy-saving properties, it is equal to down. The finest fibers allow you to retain heat even at -30°C, while being quite light and warm.

After numerous washes it returns to its original appearance, keeping you warm in extreme cold. When purchasing such a product, you should clarify to what temperature children's clothing made from Thinsulate retains heat. Products for it are produced to order from climbers, athletes or oil workers who require mobility in their movements. Suitable for machine wash at 40°C and spin.

Polyfiber insulation, produced using the latest technologies, in the form of hollow springs and balls. This method allows you to maintain the ideal shape of the product thanks to the existing cavities in the overall structure. Winter clothes with this type of filling can withstand cold temperatures down to -25°C.

Thanks to its low cost, it is possible to save money and not freeze. All currently known polyfiber insulation materials have almost the same properties that do not require special care. It is, of course, advisable to choose clothes for a child from hypoallergenic materials that freely allow outside air to pass through, but at the same time retain heat.

The polyester membrane is welded or glued to the inside of the outer fabric. A similar effect can be achieved by impregnating the material with a special substance that protects against moisture.

Such clothing, contrary to existing opinions, is not suitable for sports or climbing peaks, since it does not retain heat well and allows strong rain flows to pass through.

The membrane structure with tiny pores is well ventilated, retaining moisture. It is not recommended to walk in such clothes in frosts below -15°C, and for children sitting in a stroller, it makes no sense to purchase overalls of this type. When purchasing such a product, it is necessary that it be supplemented with hollow insulation.

Isosoft has a spherical structure and is suitable for active city life. The main advantage of this filler is its lightness and thinness. Thanks to its unique structure, Isosoft allows you to move around in frosts down to -30°C, while briefly entering fairly warm rooms without experiencing discomfort.

Polyester insulation is used in the manufacture of special clothing that protects against oil, oils and acids when working at low temperatures. Despite these qualities, its use is limited by increased toxicity. People working at industrial facilities use such clothing in extremely rare cases. The temperature at which it can be worn without harm to health is not lower than -20°C.

Hollofiber insulation is manufactured in various types and structures. Under the influence of high temperature, the smallest fibers are soldered together, forming the required shape. The main characteristics of such a product are durability, lack of accumulated static voltage, and hypoallergenic structure. This material is capable of storing heat at a temperature of -30°C and at wind speeds of up to 15 m/s.

Jopfil is not particularly popular, but it is used by owners of large enterprises for sewing uniforms.According to quality standards, it is allowed in the manufacture of children's clothing. Excellent protective properties allow you to use two layers of 120 g/m2 to keep you warm at -35°C.