Materials and construction
Polyester filling in jackets: why can wadding flatten or clump?
Polyester wadding can shift in some jackets. We explain what the filling is, how the construction matters, and what can be seen from the outside.
Published
In some jackets, polyester filling in the form of wadding sheets can collapse or form lumps. This depends on how the filling is secured inside the jacket, and whether it is already worn or weakened by use.
What are polyester filling and wadding sheets?
Polyester filling is a synthetic filling found in many jackets and other outerwear. Wadding sheets are one of its forms: the filling comes as a continuous sheet placed between the outer fabric and the lining. It is not the same as down, which consists of natural, loose down and feathers and behaves differently in both water and dry cleaning solvent. The vast majority of jackets with polyester filling can withstand the treatment stated on their care label — having polyester filling is not a material defect.
Why can the filling form lumps?
When wadding shifts, it comes down to how well the filling is held in place in the jacket. If the sheet is only sparingly secured along edges and seams, it can move inside. In addition, the filling in a jacket that has been worn is often already affected by pressure, wear, bending and repeated movement. A care label states the maximum permitted treatment of the textile — it says nothing about how securely the filling is attached in the individual jacket.
Areas that are typically most exposed
We most often see unevenness where the jacket has been subjected to the most pressure and friction: the seat area, the collar, the elbows and the bends of the sleeves. The same applies to other areas with repeated movement, for example around fastenings, belts and the lower part of the back.
Can we see the problem before treatment?
Not always. The way the filling is secured is hidden between the outer fabric and the lining, so we can rarely tell from the outside whether the wadding is sufficiently attached or already weakened inside. We examine the textile, lining, seams, fastenings and care label before choosing a method, and we will let you know if we see signs of uneven filling. But we cannot examine the parts of the construction that are enclosed inside the jacket.
Can the lumps be corrected afterwards?
Sometimes the filling can be redistributed with finishing and controlled drying. In other cases it is very difficult or impossible to restore an even distribution, because the filling is no longer held in place by the construction. We assess the specific jacket and tell you what we think is realistic before going further.
What can you do yourself?
Bring the jacket in for assessment before deciding on a treatment. Feel free to tell us how the jacket has been used and whether you have noticed the filling lying unevenly. Take a few photos if the filling already seems lumpy — this makes the condition of the jacket easier to document. If you want to make a complaint about a jacket, be aware that the same construction may have been used in several jackets from the same range. That is something you can ask the retailer about.
Bring the jacket in
If you are unsure about the filling in your jacket, bring it in. We assess the textile and the care label before recommending a treatment.