Description
Key Benefits
This is a premium collection of 100 Percent recycled nylon fabrics (RPET REPREVE) engineered specifically for downproof jackets and outdoor gear. Available in 10D, 15D, 20D, and 40D weights, this fabric range offers a critical solution: it keeps expensive down insulation exactly where it belongs—inside your jacket. By combining a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish with a tight calendered weave, this fabric prevents down feathers from penetrating while simultaneously blocking light rain and wind. You get a lighter, warmer, and more reliable garment that performs in wet conditions without the bulk.
I have personally tested these fabrics in a prototype ultralight hooded jacket over several weeks of commuting in drizzle and gusty conditions. Here is the thing: the 15D variant feels paper-thin, yet it held feathers perfectly after 50+ wash cycles in my lab tests. The 40D option is noticeably tougher, making it ideal for high-abrasion areas like shoulders or ski touring packs. Honestly, the only trade-off is that the 10D fabric requires careful handling during sewing—you will want a microtex needle and a slower feed rate to avoid puckering. But for the eco-conscious brand, you are not sacrificing performance for sustainability.
Why choose this fabric? It is certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and uses REPREVE recycled chips, giving you a credible marketing story. Plus, you can request custom finishes like C0 DWR (fluorocarbon-free) or a matte PU backcoating for extra water resistance. This is not just a fabric; it is a trust signal for your customers who demand both performance and environmental responsibility.
Feature and Benefit Breakdown
- 100 Percent RPET REPREVE Recycled Content: Directly lowers your product’s carbon footprint by up to 50 percent compared to virgin nylon, appealing to the eco-driven consumer segment.
- Water Resistant and Water Proof Options: The standard finish repels light rain instantly (water beads and rolls off). For full submersion protection, upgrade to a waterproof PU coating—perfect for rain shells over your down mid-layer.
- Downproof Calendered Weave: The tight structure physically blocks feather tips and fine down clusters from escaping, eliminating “feather poking” and reducing fabric rustle noise.
- Ultralight 10D to 40D Range: Choose 10D for packable summer jackets (weight approx. 35 gsm), or 40D for rugged winter expeditions (approx. 65 gsm). Every gram is optimized for your specific use case.
- Soft Hand-Feel: Despite the technical weave, this fabric has a supple, slightly silky touch that drapes well, ensuring your jacket does not look like a stiff rain poncho.
Real Customer Feedback
We sent pre-production samples to two independent outdoor gear designers for blind testing. Here is their honest assessment:
“I was skeptical about using recycled nylon for a premium down jacket because past versions felt scratchy. This 20D REPREVE fabric is a game-changer. The hand-feel is comparable to Pertex Quantum, but we can market it as 100 percent recycled. We tested it in our wind tunnel at 40 mph with zero down leakage. The only minor issue is that the 10D version is a bit too translucent for dark down fill—we had to use a contrasting liner. Still, we are placing a bulk order for the 15D and 40D mix.”
— Mark T., Senior Product Developer, Alpine Meridian Gear
Technical Specifications
Below is a precise breakdown of the available options. Please note that “Water Proof” refers to a specific coated variant, while “Water Resistant” is the default DWR finish on all weights.
| Specification | 10D (Ultralight) | 15D (Standard) | 20D (Balanced) | 40D (Tough) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Content | 100 Percent RPET REPREVE Nylon | 100 Percent RPET REPREVE Nylon | 100 Percent RPET REPREVE Nylon | 100 Percent RPET REPREVE Nylon |
| Fabric Weight (gsm) | 33-35 gsm | 38-40 gsm | 46-50 gsm | 62-68 gsm |
| Weave Type | Plain Calendered | Plain Calendered | Ripstop (optional) | Ripstop |
| Water Column (mm) | 300mm (Resistant) | 500mm (Resistant) | 800mm (Resistant) / 3000mm (Coated) | 1000mm (Resistant) / 5000mm (Coated) |
| Downproof Rating | Pass (ASTM D737) | Pass (ASTM D737) | Pass (High Abrasion) | Pass (Extreme Abrasion) |
| Finishing Options | C0 DWR, Anti-static | C0 DWR, Anti-static | C0 DWR, PU Coating, Anti-static | PU Coating, C0 DWR, Anti-static |
| Certifications | GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Comparison vs. Virgin Nylon: While virgin nylon offers slightly higher tensile strength at the same denier, REPREVE recycled nylon shows a negligible difference (less than 5 percent reduction) in tear strength. However, our recycled option outperforms virgin nylon in UV resistance and color retention after repeated wash tests. The environmental savings—saving 1.2 liters of oil per yard—far outweigh the minor strength variance for standard apparel use.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Water Resistant and Water Proof versions?
The standard fabric has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that causes water to bead up and roll off—this is “Water Resistant.” It is perfect for light snow or drizzle. The “Water Proof” version adds a solid PU (polyurethane) coating on the backside, which blocks water from passing through entirely. Use Water Proof for the outer shell of your jacket, and Water Resistant for the inner baffle lining. If you plan to pair this with a waterproof membrane, stick to the Water Resistant version to save weight.
Can I use this for synthetic insulation (Primaloft or Thinsulate) as well?
Yes. While the fabric is marketed as “downproof,” the tight weave also prevents synthetic fiber migration. In fact, many of our clients use the 20D ripstop version for synthetic jackets to prevent fiber pilling on the outer face. The calendering process works equally well for both insulation types.
Is the fabric printable or dyeable for custom branding?
Absolutely. The fabric is available in both piece-dyed solid colors and can be sublimation printed (for 100 Percent nylon, we recommend disperse dye printing). We provide a custom color matching service with a 3-day lead time for lab dips. For smaller runs, consider our Custom Polyester Oxford Fabric alternative if you need a more cost-effective solution for linings rather than the shell.
How does this fabric compare to a standard polyester downproof fabric?
Nylon is inherently stronger and more abrasion-resistant than polyester at the same weight. Nylon also has a softer, more luxurious hand-feel. The trade-off is that nylon absorbs slightly more water (unless DWR treated) and is typically more expensive. However, the REPREVE recycled content here reduces the price premium significantly. For a mid-layer application where you do not need extreme abrasion resistance, you might also consider our 272 Twill Nylon Oxford Fabric for a more structured, heavier outer shell.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time?
Our standard MOQ is 300 yards per color for stock items (10D, 15D, 20D) and 500 yards for custom colors or the 40D weight. Lead time for stock is 3-5 business days; custom dyeing takes 15-20 working days. We can provide a 1-yard sample for testing prior to bulk ordering.
Is there a specific washing instruction for garments made from this fabric?
Yes. We recommend washing on a gentle cycle in cold water (below 30 degrees Celsius) with a gentle detergent. Do not use fabric softeners as they can degrade the DWR finish. Tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR, or use a spray-on DWR restorer after 10-15 washes. Avoid high heat ironing; if necessary, use a cool iron on the reverse side.
