Best winter down & synthetic jackets 

Are down jackets pretty? Debatable. But do they keep you warm? Absolutely. We’re fast approaching the EOY season, when Singaporeans all collectively flock north to experience snowfall and make snow angels. If that sounds just like your year-end plan, these affordable down jackets will keep you snug and warm as you venture out of Singapore’s eternal summer.

Now, down jackets are notoriously expensive, many costing upwards of $300. But there are some budget-friendly options out there too. In this list, nothing is above $150. We’ve included some good synthetic options that will keep you toasty too. Despite negative connotations that may come with the name of the latter, synthetics aren’t “worse”. We’ll explain.

What’s the difference between down & synthetic?

When it comes to winter jackets, it’s all about material, material, material. No one likes chattering teeth and numb limbs so before buying your next winter jacket, it’s important to understand what goes into your layers.

Down (right) and synthetic (left) material comparison. Image adapted from: Jottnar

Down jackets are filled with the undercoat of ducks and geese – these naturally trap air that provide an insulating layer to keep you warm. They’re super lightweight and highly compressible so they can be squished down into a small bundle in your bag.

However, there’s a c...