PrimaLoft PrimaLoft is a patented synthetic microfiber thermal insulation material that was developed for the United States Army in the 1980s . PrimaLoft is a registered trademark of PrimaLoft , Inc . , the brand ' s parent company . PrimaLoft is used as a synthetic insulation in the outdoor market in outerwear , glove s , sleeping bag s , and footwear . It is also used as a down alternative in the home furnishings and bedding market in pillow s , comforter s , and mattress topper s . In 2007 , PrimaLoft introduced a product extension of performance yarns . The yarns are manufactured with 100 % polyester or 45 % polyester fibers and 55 % merino wool . PrimaLoft performance yarn is used in sock s , sweater s , base layer s , and accessories primarily intended for the outdoor markets . In 2010 , PrimaLoft was awarded compliance with the bluesign criteria for environmental impact , establishing PrimaLoft as the first branded insulation manufacturer to obtain bluesign ' s system partner status . The bluesign criteria is designed for maximum resource productivity with respect to environmental health and safety . History . In 1983 the U . S . Army Research Laboratory in Natick , MA approached PrimaLoft ’ s former parent company Albany International Corp . , a global advanced textile and material processing company , to develop a water resistant synthetic alternative to goose down for use in military sleeping bags and clothing systems in variable environmental conditions . The U . S . Army was primarily interested in a synthetic insulation that would be comparable to goose down in weight , compressibility , and warmth , but also retain heat while in the presence of moisture . In 1985 , United States Patent 4 , 588 , 635 for " synthetic down " was filed and ultimately approved in May 1986 . This original non - woven insulation would eventually be renamed as PrimaLoft ONE . PrimaLoft was then established as a business subsidiary of Albany International Corp . in 1988 for commercialization . In 1989 , the first commercially available PrimaLoft insulated garment was manufactured by L . L . Bean . A 1990 " New York Times " article titled " Outdoor Wear : Sorting Out the Choices " featuring statements by Edward Howell , then L . L . Bean ’ s director of product development , featuring PrimaLoft insulation as a high - loft synthetic alternative to down with similar performance dry , but superior performance wet . Since then , PrimaLoft has gone on to become a major supplier of high performance , technical insulation for the outdoor industry . On June 29 , 2012 , PrimaLoft , Inc . completed the acquisition of the assets of PrimaLoft® from former parent Albany International Corp . The company then became a privately held company as a result of the transaction . PrimaLoft was introduced into new insulation product segments as follows : Thermal performance . The original patent filed for PrimaLoft insulation , known as " Synthetic Down " and filed in May 1986 , describes a particular mix of synthetic microfibers and macrofibers that compares favorably to down . It was proven to provide an equally efficient thermal barrier , be of equivalent density , possess similar compressional properties , have improved wetting and drying characteristics , and have superior loft retention when wet . The latter point illustrates PrimaLoft ' s primary advantage over down . Unlike down , PrimaLoft is able to retain 96 % of its insulating capability when wet by maintaining its loft , and therefore is used in clothing and equipment intended to be used in cold , wet conditions , such as jackets , parkas , gloves , sleeping bags and footwear . The intrinsic warmth of a jacket is highly correlated to both the type of PrimaLoft branded insulation used in the construction of the jacket , and the thickness of that insulation . A greater thickness of insulation will ensure greater airspace in which the insulation is able to trap body heat . Activity levels and warmth value of garments insulated with PrimaLoft products is largely dependent on the wearer and the garment ’ s intended end use . Yarn . Products made of PrimaLoft Yarn are available in 100 % polyester or a blend of 45 % polyester and 55 % merino wool , both of which provide high levels of comfort and moisture management for the end user . PrimaLoft was introduced into new yarn product segments as follows : Certifications . Third party testing and certification validates all performance claims published about PrimaLoft products . A list of these certifications include : Care . According the company website , PrimaLoft insulation products are machine washable and dryable in cold water on gentle cycle . Garments are recommended to be tumble dried in a home dryer at low temperatures , and the use of the extreme heats and caustic chemicals of dry cleaning , irons , and bleach detergents should not be used Specific care instructions vary per garment .