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.
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 catch – while down keeps you warm in dry weather, they lose their loft and warmth when they are wet, leaving you feeling cold.
You can think of synthetics as man-made down. They work much like the real deal, but have a lower warmth-to-weight ratio and are slightly bulkier – which could make a difference if you are going backpacking.
Synthetics are better for wet weather since they still insulate when wet, and generally dry faster. Caring for them is also easier as most synthetics are machine washable. Not to mention, they are also suitable for vegans, hypoallergenic, and most importantly, much easier on the wallet for budget travellers.
Both down and synthetic jackets are generally used in temperatures close to 0°C, but we recommend checking the technical information of each jacket as this can vary.
At a glance here are some of the best jackets you can buy online and in-store, from $24.90 onwards.
| Jacket | Price | Material Type | Purchase Link |
| Decathlon MT50 | $24.90 | Synthetic | Women’s MT50 | Men’s MT50 |
| Decathlon MT100 | $79.90 | Down | Women’s MT100 | Men’s MT100 |
| Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket | $99.90 | Down | Ultra Light Down Jacket |
| Creamto US Waterproof Winter Parka | $102.10-$108.74 | Synthetic | Waterproof Winter Parka |
| Coldwear Adult Classic Down Jacket | $139 | Down | Classic Down Jacket |
| Mac in a Sac Packable Down Puffer Jacket | $115 | Down | Women’s Packable Jacket | Men’s Packable Jacket |
| M&S Feather & Down Quilted Puffer Jacket | $139.90 | Down | Quilted Puffer Jacket |
| Pull & Bear Metallic Puffer Jacket | $119 | Synthetic | Metallic Puffer Jacket |
| Shopee Long Korean Winter Jacket | $45.80 | Likely synthetic | Long Korean Winter Jack |
Image credit: Decathlon
You don’t need us to tell you that Decathlon is a traveller’s paradise filled with tons of gear. But we’ll tell you why it’s a great place to search for your first winter jacket. For a start, you don’t have to scratch your heads finding the perfect jacket since everything is clearly labelled and 100% noob-friendly.
The MT50 Mountain Trekking Synthetic Jacket, for example, is clearly labelled to be comfortable for temperatures as low as 0°C when you are active and 10°C when you are static. All the specs from weight to maintenance are nicely listed online and in stores for you to check out.
Priced at a super affordable $24.90, it’s hard to find something more value for money for the same temperature range.
Price: $24.90
Type: Synthetic
Fill power: 100g/m2
Get the Decathlon Women’s MT50 Synthetic Jacket | Decathlon Men’s MT50 Synthetic Jacket
MT100 Down Jacket without hood.
Image credit: Decathlon
Here’s the thing about winter jackets: more often than not, you do get what you pay for. There’s a reason why MT50’s “cousin” is one of the most highly raved puffer jackets on the market right now. The MT100 (from $74.90) comes at a higher price but it’s worth the upgrade if temperatures are dipping below zero where you’re visiting.
The key difference is that the MT100 comes with 90% down and 10% feathers, and has a pretty solid 800 fill power to keep you warm. It has a reputation for great durability, thanks to its abrasion resistant fabric, making it a popular choice amongst hikers.
Since it’s filled with actual down, you’d want to make sure you bring along a waterproof or water resistant outer layer if you’re going somewhere with high rain or snowfall.
Price: $74.90 without hood, $79.90 with hood
Type: Down
Fill power: 800 CUIN, or cubic inches per ounce
Get the Decathlon MT100 Women’s Down Jacket | Decathlon MT100 Men’s Down Jacket
Image credit: Uniqlo
While most Singaporeans visit Uniqlo to stock up on HeatTech come winter, the store has a pretty reputable down jacket collection as well. Their Ultra Light Down Jackets are priced just under the triple digits at $99.90 and come in 7 gorgeous colours including pink if for a dressier OOTD.
This 90% down and 10% Waterfowl feathers jacket is a best-seller in many countries from Japan to the US. Apart from its lightweight and compact carrying pouch, another stand-out feature is its nifty water repellent design to keep the down clusters within it dry and insulating.
There’s no recommended temperature listed on Uniqlo’s website but customers have shared that when layered correctly, the jacket is suitable for temperatures between 0°C to 10°C.
Price: $99.90
Type: Down
Fill power: 750+ by International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB) method
Get the Decathlon Ultra Light Down Jacket.
Image credit: Mac in a Sac
When you‘re playing with limited space in your luggage or backpack, versatility is the name of the game. Enter the reversible Packable Down Puffer Jacket from Mac in a Sac which will save you from having the same look in every single winter photo.
Image credit: Mac in a Sac
While the fill power is a modest 600, it has 90% duck down, is packable, and has a water repellent outer layer, making it a great companion for outdoor activities.
Price: $115
Type: Down
Fill power: 600
Get the Mac in a Sac Women’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket | Mac in a Sac Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket.
Image credit: Amazon
Here’s a little tip for ya – it’s sometimes cheaper to buy winter gear from sellers outside Singapore. Open Amazon you’ll find plenty of inexpensive down and synthetic jackets with sellers from the US. While the Creamto US Waterproof Winter Parka isn’t by a name brand, this synthetic jacket has plenty of good reviews, largely thanks to its myriad of features.
Less is more doesn’t apply in this case. The $102 find comes with the whole shebang – fleece lining, removable hood, and waterproof chest zipper pocket for ski passes and other valuables.
Price: $102.10-$108.74
Type: Synthetic
Fill power: NA
Get the Creamto US Waterproof Winter Parka.
Image credit: Coldwear
Previously $300, the Coldwear Adult Classic Down Jacket is now going at a steal at $139. For the easily cold, the long design will keep everything from your waist to your booty balmy, even when you take a seat. The fur trim hoodie will also help to keep snow out of your face during heavy snowfall.
It’s certainly hard to say no to 90% duck fill at this price. While the sale for their specific design is for a limited time only, Coldwear is known for having annual Expo sales with huge discounts.
Price: $139
Type: Down
Fill power: NA
Get the Coldwear Adult Classic Down Jacket.
Image credit: Marks and Spencer
Take Marks and Spencer’s Feather & Down Quilted Packaway Puffer Jacket as a strong contender if you’re a city gurlie with a cute outfit to slay. The hoodless, no-fuss design makes it easy to layer anything under and over it. Glance at it too quickly and you’ll miss the almost invisible set of zipped pockets.
M&S aren’t playing either since this comes with 90% down fill, and 10% feather. It’s also priced at $139.90 – just a smidge above the minimum amount for free home delivery.
Price: $139.90
Type: Down
Fill power: NA
Get the Marks and Spencer Feather & Down Quilted Packaway Puffer Jacket.
Image credit: Pull & Bear
Pull & Bear definitely breaks the stereotype that down jackets are “ugly”. Easy on the eyes, the Metallic Puffer Jacket ($119) has a cropped cut and reflective sheen for a statement winter piece. Whoever said you had to look like a ball to stay warm?
Oh, and for the eco-conscious, the jacket also has a 100% recycled polyester fill, made from materials like plastic bottles.The outer shell is also made of 100% recycled polyamide, upcycled from materials like fishing nets.
Price: $119
Type: Synthetic
Fill power: NA
Get the Pull and Bear Metallic Puffer Jacket.
Image credit: Shopee
When I was visiting Seoul a few years ago, everyone was wearing an ultra-long puffer coat. The trend hit hard and it’s not hard to see why – these mega-long puffers look like a cosy giant blanket you can walk around in.
This no-brand Long Korean Winter Jacket from Shopee is a wallet-friendly option to keep everything down to your ankles covered under $50. At 4.9 stars, it’s received numerous ratings including reviews claiming that it’s kept them warm in subzero temperatures.
Price: $45.80
Type: Likely synthetic
Fill power: NA
Get the Shopee Long Korean Winter Jacket.
Researching the best winter apparel can easily send you down a spiral on Google, since there’s so much to consider if you were to be looking for the best of the best.
You’ll find that iconic brands like Patagonia and The North Face have the fanciest features and designs, perfect for those with the budget. But, if you don’t see yourself trekking through the mountains of Everest or bracing for the harsh winter of Harbin, a decent down or synthetic jacket is sufficient for most leisure trips.
Just be sure to double-check the temperature ratings on your jacket if they are available, and bring along fleece and thermal wear.
If you haven’t decided where to visit:
Cover image adapted from: Mac in a Sac, Shopee
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