Winter padded coat culture

Korean winters are cold and windy, so light, warm padded jackets have become the most practical outerwear. People also spend a lot of time waiting for public transport or walking. As a result, winter streets are full of padded coats in every length and color.

Long padded coats took off in the winter of 2017, when the so-called 'Pyeongchang long padding', an official licensed product of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, became a sensation. People who could not get one bought other long padded coats, spreading the craze. Long padded coats worn by athletes on team benches existed before that.

'Deunggol breaker', literally 'spine breaker', describes items so expensive they strain parents' finances. It became widely used around 2011, when pricey padded jackets were a craze among teenagers. The term also criticizes the way expensive clothing became a kind of status ranking among peers, and it is still used for costly trendy items.

Yes. In winter many Korean students wear padded jackets over their school uniforms. Some schools have had rules about outerwear colors or styles, but more have relaxed them after hearing students' views. Long padded coats cover below the knee, keeping students warm in uniform skirts or trousers.

Short padded jackets end at the waist or hips and are easy to move in. Long padded coats reach below the knee and are the warmest, but bulky. Lightweight padded jackets have less filling and are thin enough to wear alone or as a layer under a coat.

Goose down jackets are filled with goose feathers and down, while duck down uses duck. Goose down clusters are generally larger and more resilient, so they are often considered warmer for the same weight, but actual warmth depends on the down ratio and fill amount. Check the filling information on the label.

Down jacket labels usually list the ratio of down to feathers. Down clusters trap a lot of air and provide most of the warmth, while feathers help keep the shape. A higher down ratio generally means a lighter, warmer jacket, though fill weight and shell fabric also matter.

RDS stands for the Responsible Down Standard, an international certification that checks whether down was sourced without practices such as live-plucking or force-feeding the birds. Consumers who care about animal welfare often look for this mark on the label. Other similar down certifications also exist.

Check the care label first. Washing instructions for down jackets vary by product, and some are labeled not to be dry-cleaned. If the jacket can be washed in water, follow the detergent and method the label recommends. After washing, dry it thoroughly and pat it to redistribute the filling evenly.

If a padded jacket stays compressed for a long time, the filling can flatten and lose warmth. Wash it, dry it completely, then hang it loosely or fold it gently in a well-ventilated place. Avoid keeping it in vacuum compression bags for long periods.

Long padded coats are bulky, so on rush-hour trains you may bump into people more. Zip up so the coat does not flap, and wear your bag on your front or carry it in hand. Trains can be warm, so wear thin layers underneath to avoid overheating.

Padded vests leave your arms free and can be worn over a knit or shirt, or layered under a coat. They are especially useful in chilly late autumn and early spring. With Korea's big differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures, they are a handy layering piece.

Yes. Many padded jackets use synthetic insulation instead of duck or goose down. Synthetic fillings tend to keep more warmth when wet, and many are easy to machine wash. People who care about animal welfare or vegan fashion often choose them.

Remember you will wear winter knits or hoodies underneath, so make sure your arms and shoulders have room. If the jacket is too tight, the filling gets compressed and it will be less warm. Many styles are cut oversized, so check the actual measurements and the model's size information.

Scarves, gloves, knit hats and earmuffs are all common in Korean winters. Many people also keep disposable heat packs in their pockets or stick adhesive ones inside their clothing. Never apply adhesive heat packs directly to skin, and follow the product's safety instructions.

Small holes can be covered with repair patches made for padded jackets to stop down from escaping. For larger tears or a broken zipper, take it to a neighborhood alteration shop. For branded items, ask the store whether repair services are available.

Wet down tends to clump, so hang the jacket indoors and let it dry thoroughly. Once dry, pat or shake it to fluff the filling back up. Keep it away from heaters or close blasts of hot air from a hair dryer, which can damage the shell fabric.

Long padded coats grew out of 'bench coats', worn by athletes and coaches on the sidelines to stay warm. They reach below the knee so muscles do not cool down during breaks in play. The style moved into everyday life and became a winter essential in Korea.

A few feathers escaping through seams or fabric is common with down products. Rather than pulling them out, which can widen the hole, try tugging them back in from the inside or leave them be. If a lot of down is escaping, contact the place where you bought it.

Press the jacket to make sure the filling has not clumped to one side or flattened. Check that zippers and buttons work and look for stains on the cuffs and collar. If the label with the filling information is still attached, it is easier to confirm what it is made of.