While this is not very common, some people have allergic reactions to down. However, research studies have determined that people aren’t allergic to down itself, but rather to the other things that are mixed with down – dust, mites, and some impurities that are left over.
This is why it’s so important that the down goes through a proper cleaning process before it’s used in down filled vests, jackets, and any other piece of clothing. In addition to this, some manufacturers use hypoallergenic down, which has undergone additional treatment to help remove known allergens. So, if you have a problem of this type but still wish to buy a down vest, this might be the solution.