Short answer: a custom down jacket is specified by three numbers: fill power (how much loft each ounce of down gives, e.g. 600–650 good, 700–750 very good, 800+ excellent), down-to-feather ratio (such as 90/10 or 80/20) and fill weight in grams per jacket. A padded (synthetic) jacket is specified by the insulation weight in g/m², typically 60–150 g/m² for team and staff jackets. Choose down for the best warmth for its weight in cold, dry use; choose synthetic padding when the jacket will get wet, needs easier care or a lower price. Eliian makes both, plus the woven shells around them, in our own Xiamen factory.
Down jackets: the three numbers that define warmth
Fill power
Fill power measures loft: the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of down fills under a standard test. Higher fill power traps more air per gram, so the jacket is warmer for its weight and packs smaller. For comparable loft, a 550 fill power product needs roughly 40–50% more down by weight than an 800 fill power one (Fill power).
| Fill power (in³/oz) | How it is usually described | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Below 550 | Basic | Budget and fashion jackets |
| 600–650 | Good | Everyday and team winter jackets |
| 700–750 | Very good | Premium retail and travel jackets |
| 800 and above | Excellent | Technical and lightweight outdoor jackets |
Down-to-feather ratio
Down filling is a blend of down clusters and small feathers, stated by weight with the larger share first in Europe (for example “90% down, 10% feathers”, often written 90/10). More down clusters generally means higher fill power. 90/10 and 80/20 are the ratios most often specified for jackets; the exact labelling rules for each market are set by standards such as EN 12934 in Europe and by the FTC guidance in the United States.
Fill weight
Fill weight is the total grams of down in the jacket. Fill power says how good the down is; fill weight says how much of it there is. A light layering jacket and a heavy winter parka can use the same fill power with very different fill weights, so always specify both.
Padded jackets: synthetic insulation by weight
Synthetic insulation (polyester wadding or fibre) is specified by weight in grams per square metre. A higher g/m² is thicker and warmer, but the number only compares like with like: two different insulation types at the same weight can perform differently.
| Insulation weight | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 40–60 g/m² | Light layers and active wear, mild weather |
| 80–100 g/m² | All-round team, staff and touchline jackets |
| 120–150 g/m² | Cold-weather jackets for standing still |
| 200 g/m² | Very cold, static use |
Down or synthetic?
| Down | Synthetic padding | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth for weight | Highest | Lower; jacket is heavier for the same warmth |
| When wet | Loses insulation and dries slowly | Keeps some warmth and dries quickly |
| Packability | Very compressible | Bulkier |
| Care | Specialist washing | Machine washable, easier |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
For teams, schools and staff uniforms that will be worn in rain, washed often and handed between people, synthetic padding is usually the practical choice. Down suits premium retail, travel and cold, dry climates.
The shell, lining and finish
The insulation sits inside a woven shell. We make shells in polyester or nylon, from light down-proof fabrics to waterproof shells with a PU or TPU membrane and taped seams. The shell can carry a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, either fluorinated C6 or fluorine-free (often sold as C0); specify fluorine-free if your market requires PFC-free outerwear. Zippers are YKK or SBS. Details of waterproof shells are on our custom outdoor jackets page.
Responsible down (RDS)
The Responsible Down Standard, run by Textile Exchange, certifies that down comes from animals raised under welfare requirements, bans force-feeding and live-plucking, and tracks the down through the supply chain (Textile Exchange). If your brand or retailer requires RDS-certified down, say so at the enquiry stage: certified down has to be sourced and documented through the chain from the start, not added at the end.
What custom padded and down jackets cost
| Jacket | 100+ pcs (USD) | 10–50 pcs (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Padded jacket, polyester shell, synthetic fill about 100 g/m², hooded | 20–32 | 28–42 |
| Down jacket, 80/20 duck down | 25–36 | 30–45 |
| 3-in-1 with padded or down inner | 38–68 | 48–85 |
Down prices move most with fill weight and down ratio, so we confirm the figure once you choose them. RDS-certified down is quoted separately.
What to send for a quote
- Jacket type: down, synthetic padded, or 3-in-1 with a padded or down inner.
- For down: fill power, down-to-feather ratio and fill weight, or the warmth and price level you want.
- For padding: insulation weight in g/m² (or the climate and use).
- Shell fabric and finish: polyester or nylon, water-resistant or waterproof, C6 or fluorine-free DWR.
- Hood, pockets, zippers, cuffs and hem.
- Logo position and method: embroidery, heat transfer, print or silicone badge.
- Quantity and size split, and destination country.
Padded and down jackets are quoted per shell, fill and quantity, so a written spec gets you a comparable price. Send it on our quote form or WhatsApp +86 180 6456 0021 and we reply within 24 hours with a mockup and price.
Fabric guides: waterproof and outdoor jackets · softshell jackets · training and presentation jackets · corporate jackets with logo
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom down or padded jacket cost?
At Eliian, a padded jacket is USD 28–42 at 10–50 pieces and USD 20–32 at 100 pieces or more; an 80/20 duck down jacket is USD 30–45 and USD 25–36. Minimum 10 pieces per design, with the final price set by shell fabric, fill weight and down ratio.
What fill power is good for a down jacket?
600–650 fill power is good for everyday and team winter jackets, 700–750 is very good, and 800 and above is excellent and used in lightweight technical jackets. Always specify fill weight too, because fill power alone does not tell you how much down is in the jacket.
What does 90/10 mean on a down jacket?
It means the filling is about 90% down clusters and 10% feathers by weight. 90/10 and 80/20 are the ratios most often used in jackets; more down generally gives higher fill power.
Is a synthetic padded jacket better than down?
Synthetic padding keeps some warmth when wet, dries quickly, is easier to wash and costs less, so it suits teams, staff and wet climates. Down is warmer for its weight and packs smaller, so it suits cold, dry use and premium retail.
How many grams of insulation does a padded jacket need?
80–100 g/m² suits most team, staff and touchline jackets. 40–60 g/m² is for light layers, and 120–150 g/m² or more is for cold weather when standing still.
Can you make RDS-certified down jackets?
Tell us at the enquiry stage if you need RDS-certified down, because certified down must be sourced and documented through the supply chain from the start.
Do you make custom puffer jackets with a logo?
Yes. Eliian makes custom down and synthetic padded jackets, including 3-in-1 jackets with a padded or down inner, with embroidered, printed or badge logos. Padded jackets cost USD 20–42 and 80/20 down jackets USD 25–45 per piece, by shell fabric, fill and quantity, from 10 pieces per design.