At the time of writing, Hong Kong is getting very very cold (getting very rare these days). As we add additional layers to our hoodies and sweaters, two main options arise. On one side, we have the trench coat or “winter coat”; very cool, very big, the stuff you see in movies.
On the other hand, you have the local star, the golden babies of the Hong Kongers, the down jacket. If I had to poll 100 Hong Kongers, 90% of them would choose the 薄羽絨 (Báo yǔróng). Even when you search up “hong kong winter” on Google, almost all feature someone wearing a down jacket.
Being a child, I thought the only redeeming quality of down jackets was giving me abs that I only could have aspired to have, but how does Hong Kong’s favorite jacket exactly keep us warm? Essentially, the “abs” are filled with down feathers and air, which serve as insulation against us and the cold environment (big brain moment from the writer). To a further extent, some brands add extra features to questionably boost our warmth, such as adding silver-colored dots, some feathers near the color. Whether or not they work or not, it's the customer’s choice on their purchase (and ggs for the manufacturer for their profits).
As to why we love down jackets so much, I decided to ask my two parents; both born in Hong Kong, both love their down jackets (side story once i was in a mall there were so many adults wearing black down jackets i had to go around looking at every adult to find them).
One reason is down to its packed size when stored, which is obviously a benefit when it comes to the lack of space in Hong Kong’s flats. But more importantly, we’re just not using down jackets the right way. People in colder countries would wear even more layers on top of their down jackets or vests; coats, jackets, you name it. But here in Hong Kong, the weather barely gets below 10 degrees. Whilst some that fear the cold may choose to replicate their European friends, only a down jacket is good enough for the majority of people in Hong Kong (also to save money).
As much as I will forever consider down jackets the clown piece in clothing and apparel, we must accept that the down jacket has a special place in our heart. It’s getting so iconic, when I travel to places and see someone wearing just a down jacket, I can instantly tell, “That’s a Hong Konger”. Meanwhile, to all of the down jacket manufacturers out there, come to Hong Kong! You can milk us for generations to come :)
such an amazing article!! 😭