Insulated jackets are essential in the colder temperatures and they have some versatility as they can be worn as mid layer to keep the warmth in wetter climates, or as an outer layer in drier areas.

But with the amount of different styles, shapes, features and insulation types, you might be thinking where do you start?

Throughout this guide, we're going to be talking through all things insulated jackets so you can make an informed choice depending on your outwear needs.

An insulated jacket is exactly that, a jacket that helps to keep you insulated and warm by using your own body heat. These styles of jackets work by having a layer of filling in between two thin fabric pieces. There are various types of insulation filling, but the main ones tend to be a down fill or a synthetic blend. Each come with their own pros and cons when used in a jacket.

The filling is contained in sections called baffles. There are also different styles of baffles which we will also be talking through later on in the guide.

Insulated jackets work as part of a clothing layering system, with them being the middle or outer layer, weather depending. Most insulated jackets won't be completely waterproof, which means they work better as a middle layer to help keep you warm rather than dry. You would then layer that with a waterproof jacket which would keep you dry. If you're in a cold but dry climate, then you could wear the insulated jacket as the outer layer.

There are two main types of filling used in insulated jackets, down fill or synthetic fill.

Down fill - this is a type of feather that comes from ducks and geese. Geese have larger feathers that trap in more heat and hotter air for their weight, this is called the warmth to weight ratio. Since it can hold more heat, you need less of the feathers. The warmth of the jacket is measured in fill power (FP) and the higher the FP is, the warmer your jacket is. The major downside of using down in a jacket, is that once it gets wet, it isn't able to retain any heat or warmth at all. Which means if you are using it as an outer layer and get caught in any rain, it's essentially useless after that.

Synthetic fill - this tends to be created from polyester and is used to mimic how down works. It does have two main differences to down though, the first is that the synthetic fill can get wet and still maintain heat and the second is it doesn't compress as easily as down does which can make the jacket feel bulkier and slightly heavier.

The baffles are the sections in the jacket that contain the insulation. The two main baffle styles are boxwall and stitch through. Boxwall baffles allow the insulation to expand as much as possible which in turn keeps the jacket feeling warmer and reduces the amount of heat that escapes. Stitch through baffles work by keeping the insulation evenly distributed, however heat can escape through the stitched areas.

You can also choose from different baffle sizes as well. Wider baffles allow you to have higher amounts of insulation which means higher levels of warmth. However, since there is more padding, it makes the jacket bulkier and harder to fold down or in on itself. Narrow baffles work the best the be worn layered under other jackets and they're easier to compress.

You want to keep washing your insulated jacket to a minimum. If there are any stains/marks etc, then try and spot clean. If you do have to wash your jacket in the washing machine, then ensure you read the cleaning instructions that come with the jacket. Make sure you empty all the pockets but leave them open, close the main zip and undo any velcro or cuffed sections. Use a fabric appropriate cleaner and a low temperature wash. Putting your jacket through the wash can make the filling ball up, so to help fluff it back out, it's recommended to put the item into a tumble dryer, on a low heat with some dryer balls. As they bounce around, it will help to loosen the filling. Another option you have it to get it dry cleaned which means you don't have to worry about re-fluffing out the filling.

When it comes to buying a new insulated jacket, you need to keep a few different factors in your mind. What kind of environment will you be wearing the jacket in? Are you planning on layering the jacket? Do you need a jacket with a hood? Do you need something that is easily packable?

These and other questions can impact the jacket that you need so it's definitely something you need to think about whilst shopping.

Here at Dare 2b, we carry a collection of men's, women's and kids' insulated jackets in a wide range of colours, prints and sizes.