Alongside the newly popular water resistant down, numerous outdoor brands appear to be capitalizing on a colored down trend to add a little individuality to their apparel lines. Why not have down feathers function as a fashion element in addition to a simple insulating filler?
For 2012, Hi-Tec will introduce Color-Tec, a dyed down technology, into its apparel line. Debuting in the women's Timaru Down Hoody, the 700-fill colored down insulation will show through the transparent nylon mini-rip face fabric of the jacket, lending color to the overall garment.
The colored down will come in a variety of colors, including solids and multi-color combinations. In addition to the aesthetic effect, the dye supposedly increases the loft of the down and will not adversely affect the natural oils in the feathers.
The Hi-Tec Timaru Down Hoody features two zippered hand pockets and a drawcord adjustable hem. The colored down jacket will start shipping mid-2012 and retail for $190.
European company KJUS will also introduce a Limited Edition colored down jacket, debuting at ISPO in a couple of weeks.
Will colored synthetic insulation be next?