AYAQ insulated jackets—whether it’s the powerful insulation of the ULTAR (men’s / women’s), the exceptional freedom of movement of the BALTORO (men’s / women’s), or the innovative system of the FORNO (men’s / women’s)— are engineered to deliver stable warmth, effective moisture management, and high mechanical durability. Their performance depends as much on material quality as on proper care. Correct maintenance preserves fiber loft, insulation distribution, and garment breathability.
1. Why properly care for your insulated jacket?
An insulated jacket’s effectiveness relies on its ability to trap warm air within the fibers. Improper washing or drying can:
- compress the insulation, reducing loft,
- disrupt fiber distribution,
- damage the outer fabric’s softness,
- decrease the jacket’s warmth.
Precise care restores original thermal efficiency, even after multiple seasons.
2. Washing: gentle handling, loft preservation, thorough rinsing
AYAQ insulated jackets require careful washing to maintain the insulation’s internal structure.
- Machine wash max 30°C.
- Close all zippers before washing.
- Add 2 tennis balls to maintain airflow and prevent insulation clumping.
- Add lightweight garments to balance drum movement.
- Use a standard liquid detergent without fabric softener or bleach.
- Select a heavy rinse cycle to fully remove detergent residues.
- Choose a gentle spin to protect fiber integrity.
Fabric softeners clog fibers, reducing breathability and drying efficiency.
3. Drying: the key step to restore loft
Drying determines the jacket’s final quality by allowing fibers to regain their original volume.
- Dry the jacket directly in a tumble dryer with 2 tennis balls on a gentle cycle.
- This breaks up fiber clumps formed during washing and restores even loft.
Alternatively:
- Air dry, preferably flat.
- Turn the jacket regularly to prevent moisture buildup.
- Loosen compartments by gently massaging compressed areas.
Patience is essential: improperly dried jackets lose insulating capacity.
4. Durable construction and repairability
Materials are selected for abrasion resistance, and European craftsmanship—precise stitching, compartment stability, seam durability—ensures long-lasting performance. For tears or localized wear, AYAQ prioritizes repair: damaged panels, seams, small rips, or lost loft can be restored in our workshop in France near the Alps or through our expert partner in Japan.
Conclusion
With gentle washing, thorough rinsing, careful drying, and timely repairs, an insulated jacket can last many years. These simple steps preserve loft, warmth, and comfort—allowing AYAQ insulation to perform at its best in the mountains and daily life.
