The Art Of Crafting Feather Coats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Feather coats are made from the downy feathers of birds, usually ducks and geese, which are very warm and lightweight. The feathers are sourced as a by-product of animal consumption, with birds being killed for their meat on farms. The size of the feather is determined by the bird's age, and the quality by the particular bird. After being collected, the feathers are sorted, cleaned, and processed before being sewn into coats.

Feather coat design and style

Feather coats are available in a variety of styles, colours, and lengths to suit different occasions and individual preferences.

Length

Feather coats come in different lengths, including short, long, and cropped. The short and long options are available for both casual and formal occasions. The cropped style is ideal for a chic, casual look.

Sleeves

Feather coats can be sleeveless, or they can have short, three-quarter, or long sleeves.

Colour

Feather coats are available in a range of colours, including black, white, pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown, grey, and red. Black and white are considered more formal options, suitable for weddings and other formal occasions.

Design Details

Some feather coats feature a hood, while others have a collar. Some are designed with a slim fit and refined finishes, while others have a loose, oversized, or fitted cut. Certain styles also include a sash, tie, or belt at the waist.

Feather coats can be paired with jeans or leather trousers for a casual look, or dressed up with a dress for more formal events.

Feather coat construction

Feather coats are constructed using feathers from ducks and geese, which are chosen for their insulating properties. The feathers are sourced as a by-product of animal consumption, with birds being raised at food farms for their meat. The size of the feathers is determined by the bird's age, with larger feathers typically coming from older birds in Europe.

Before being used in coats, the feathers are cultivated, sorted, and processed. This includes cleaning and treating the feathers to ensure they are free of contaminants and have the desired properties, such as hydrophobic or antimicrobial treatments.

The construction process of a feather coat typically involves using high-quality feathers to create lightweight, comfortable, and stylish garments. These coats can come in various styles, such as short or long, oversized or fitted, with or without a hood, and in different colour options to suit different occasions and tastes.

Feather coats are designed to provide warmth and elegance, combining fashion and functionality. The feathers are used as padding or trimming to create a luxurious and elegant look, often paired with other materials such as silk, wool, or leather.

In terms of construction, the feathers are typically sewn or attached to the inner lining of the coat, creating a barrier that traps air and provides insulation. This process requires careful handling to ensure the feathers are evenly distributed and secured to prevent shedding.

Some feather coats may also involve additional construction techniques, such as quilting or stitching patterns, to enhance the overall structure and design of the garment.

Feather coat cleaning

Feather coats are made from the soft, fine feathers found under the bellies of ducks and geese. These feathers are collected from birds raised at food farms, and the down is cultivated, sorted, and processed before being used to fill coats.

Feather coats should be kept away from light and moisture, especially if they include fur. When it comes to cleaning your feather coat, it is best to consult a specialist dry cleaner who will be able to advise on the best method for your specific garment.

If you want to clean your feather coat at home, you can follow a similar process to cleaning individual feathers. This should be done with care, as you do not want the feathers to stick together or become damaged.

First, kill any parasites by placing the coat in a sealed container with mothballs for 24 hours. Then, create a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and soak the coat for at least 30 minutes to kill bacteria and viruses. Next, fill a bucket or tub with warm water and a mild detergent, and gently swish the coat through the water, taking care not to scrub or damage the feathers. Rinse the coat in clean water, and repeat the process if necessary. Finally, lay the coat flat on a towel and allow it to air dry, or use a hairdryer on a low setting, being careful not to warp the shape of the feathers.

Feather coat animal cruelty concerns

The feathers used in coats and jackets are sourced from ducks and geese, which raises concerns about animal cruelty. While feathers are often a by-product of the meat industry, they are also a valuable co-product, bringing significant profit to the meat industry. The global down and feather market value is estimated to be worth over $6.6 billion USD, with 3.3 billion ducks slaughtered annually across the globe.

One major concern is the practice of live-plucking, where feathers are removed from fully conscious birds, causing pain, skin tears, severe injury, and even death. This practice has been reported in China, Hungary, and Poland, with animal welfare groups condemning it as cruel and inhumane. Even when feathers are collected after slaughter, there are still concerns about the treatment of ducks and geese during their lives, including a lack of access to water, high stocking densities, and forced feeding for the production of foie gras.

The complex supply chains that bring down feathers to the fashion industry also raise ethical issues. Down often comes from nations with insufficient laws protecting animal welfare, particularly farmed animals. China, the largest producer of down, has no national laws prohibiting animal cruelty. Additionally, the auditing and certification processes intended to ensure ethical sourcing have been criticized as ineffective and open to abuse.

Some retailers and fashion brands have responded to these concerns by implementing policies and standards to ensure the ethical sourcing of down and feathers. However, there are doubts about the effectiveness of these measures, with some cases of live-plucking still occurring even among certified suppliers. Animal welfare groups and campaigners argue that the entire process of raising, transporting, and slaughtering birds is inherently cruel and that synthetic alternatives should be used instead.

Feather coat alternatives

Feather coats and jackets are often made from duck and goose feathers. However, the down industry has been criticised for its treatment of these birds, with many ducks and geese having their feathers plucked out while they are fully conscious. This has led to a rise in demand for animal-free alternatives to down feather coats.

PrimaLoft P.U.R.E is a material made from post-consumer waste plastics that is proven to be warmer than down and is also water-resistant. It results in a 48% emissions reduction during production.

PrimaLoft Bio has the same benefits as other PrimaLoft materials but is 100% recycled and can biodegrade within two years.

Thermore is made from 100% recycled, post-consumer PET plastic. It doesn't stay damp, grow mould, or become heavy like wet down does.

Recycled materials are another alternative to down feathers. Coat fillings are made from post-consumer waste, and because these fibres are inside another material in a garment that isn't often washed, microfibre shedding is less of a concern.

Flowerdown is an innovative material made from wildflowers combined with aerogel and a biopolymer. It increases water repellency and thermal insulation while maintaining biodegradability.

Frequently asked questions