Introducing the "Heat Circulation Down": An Urban Lightweight Down Jacket that Expands the Styling of Descente's Bestselling "クレアス"

The "CREAS" series, an iconic shell jacket from "Descente Allterrain," that is a top seller for Descente, has been steadily growing its fan base year after year. This season, the brand is introducing the "Heat Circulation Down," a new down jacket designed to be compatible with the "CREAS".

Launched in 2012, Descente Allterrain is a product category that leverages Descente's extensive expertise honed over years of developing sportswear. True to its name—a portmanteau of "all" and "terrain"—the brand pursues "true craftsmanship" that transcends age, occasion, and trends.

All its products are created under the concept of “Form Follows Function,” the idea that “every detail has a purpose, and every design is born from function.”

We spoke with Toshimasa Watanabe, who oversees product planning for Descente Allterrain at Descente Japan Ltd., to discuss the development story and functionality behind this new jacket that uses Descente's technology to further enhance the versatility of the "CREAS".

The "CREAS," which has seen its sales numbers grow every year, was created as a shell jacket that consolidates the technology Descente has cultivated through developing sportswear, including skiwear.

"When you hear 'shell jacket,' I think many people imagine a stiff, crisp fabric that makes a rustling sound. That kind of material can feel restrictive in an urban setting, and it can get uncomfortably warm and stuffy when you go indoors, which can be stressful.

"That's why for the 'CREAS,' we developed a proprietary material that is highly breathable, water-repellent, and durable, yet also flexible. I believe this stress-free comfort, combined with a sophisticated design that works well with business-casual styles, is why so many people have embraced it."

Meanwhile, the company was also focused on developing lighter outerwear.

"When we reviewed the Fall/Winter 2024 season, we felt that the value people seek in outerwear was shifting. With global warming, the period for wearing heavy coats is getting shorter, and more people feel that heavy outerwear is too cumbersome. In response to this situation, we have been pushing for lighter options."

It was within this development strategy that the idea of pairing a new piece with the "CREAS" came into focus.

"While the 'CREAS' was very popular, we also received feedback that it wasn't warm enough on its own in early winter. We figured that if we could create a down jacket that was compatible with the 'CREAS,' we could address this concern for existing users and also attract new customers.

"There are many lightweight down jackets already on the market, but we developed a versatile and lightweight down jacket that is distinctively Descente by combining our unique theories and technologies with a design that looks sharp even when worn on its own."

A Down Jacket for Urban Life that Capitalizes on the Functional Beauty of the "CREAS"

There are three key aspects of its compatibility with the "CREAS." The first is the thickness of the insulation, which prevents a bulky appearance when layered.

"A minimal and sleek silhouette is a hallmark of the Allterrain line. We went through countless prototypes and were incredibly meticulous about adjusting the thickness to ensure it was thin enough not to affect the outer layer's appearance while still providing ample warmth."

The second is pocket synergy. The "CREAS" features high-set pockets but no standard side pockets. Based on the idea that "some users might find the lack of storage inconvenient," we designed this jacket with pockets positioned so you can slip your hands in when the front double zipper is open. This achieves a balance between functionality and design.

The third is the collar design. While the high stand collar of the "CREAS" creates a sleek look, it had a drawback: wind could easily get in through the gap around the neck.

"Although the fabric itself is windproof, it couldn't completely prevent outside air from seeping in. Therefore, with the 'Heat Circulation Down,' we've engineered a structure that fills this gap to securely cover the neck area, all while maintaining the collar's height and sleek appearance."

To provide enough warmth for even the harshest urban winters, Descente developed its unique Heat Circulation Down Structure (HCS).

"This system reduces cold spots and efficiently circulates heat while trapping body warmth. A key feature is the Twin Dome Structure. To stop heat from escaping through the stitching, the seams on the outer and inner fabrics are staggered.

Plus, the non-stitched outer fabric blocks cold air from getting in, creating a sleek and clean appearance."

Another key feature is the use of different insulation materials for the sleeves and body.

"For the sleeves, we used lightweight and highly insulating HEAT NAVI padding. However, its excellent heat retention means it doesn't release warmth easily. Field tests showed that using it throughout the entire garment made it too warm, compromising comfort indoors.

So, for the body, we use white duck down, which allows for more gradual temperature changes and natural heat regulation. This keeps the arms well-protected from the cold while the body, which tends to trap heat, maintains a more moderate temperature. The result is a jacket that's comfortable both indoors and out."

Like the CREAS jacket, the outer fabric has a supple feel and a matte texture with minimal sheen. Thanks to its water-repellent finish, it can be confidently worn as a standalone outer layer.

Even in its debut year, sales have been remarkably strong, exceeding all expectations.

"We're reaching both new and existing customers through three main purchasing patterns: people buying it as a set with the CREAS, those who already own a CREAS and are adding this piece 'to get through the winter,' and those who choose it as a standalone item.

Temperatures stayed high well into the autumn this year, so we expected a slow start. However, sales were strong right from the launch and have picked up even more as the weather has gotten colder. While our CREAS jacket is already very popular, the Heat Circulation Down jacket is the 'something extra' that further enhances its comfort.

As the CREAS continues to evolve, we'd be delighted if more people choose this jacket as its perfect partner."

Combining design and functionality optimized for urban living, the Heat Circulation Down has the potential to become Descente's next flagship product, following in the footsteps of the CREAS. It's poised to become a new winter standard and a garment that symbolizes Descente's spirit of innovation.