Why Eiderdown Is the Most Luxurious and Ethical Insulation on Earth

A Material Beyond Compare

Few materials embody luxury, rarity, and responsibility as fully as eiderdown. Sourced from the Common Eider duck and harvested with care from remote northern coastlines, this extraordinary down is regarded as the pinnacle of performance and comfort—especially in duvets and cold-weather outerwear.

At Atelier Olmsted, we use 100% Canadian eiderdown to craft outerwear that reflects the same values that make eiderdown so revered: precision, purity, and purpose.

What Makes Eiderdown So Expensive—and So Exceptional?

1. Sourced from the Wild
Unlike commercial goose or duck down, eiderdown is not farmed. It’s sourced from wild eider ducks, primarily in cold northern regions such as Canada, Iceland, and Norway. The material is collected not from the birds themselves, but from their nests, after ducklings have hatched—ensuring a cruelty-free and environmentally respectful harvest.

2. Ethical and Labour-Intensive Collection
Harvesting eiderdown is a meticulous, manual process. Collectors venture to remote islands or coastal habitats during a brief seasonal window to gently gather down from abandoned nests. This method requires care and patience and is done without harming the birds or their habitat.

The result is not just insulation—it’s a product of coexistence between human hands and wild nature.

3. Scarcity and Exclusivity
Because eiders are wild and protected, and because the collection period is short, only small quantities of eiderdown can be gathered each year. This extreme scarcity contributes to its high cost—and its elite status among luxury materials.

4. Superior Thermal Performance
Eiderdown’s structure is unique. The clusters are larger and more resilient, allowing them to trap and retain heat efficiently. It insulates better than any other down—yet it remains ultralight and incredibly soft. For those living in or traveling to cold climates, eiderdown offers warmth without weight, and protection without bulk.

5. Longevity and Investment Value
A high-quality eiderdown duvet or coat can last for decades with proper care. Its durability makes it a long-term investment—both economically and environmentally—reducing the need for replacements and lowering waste.

6. Unrivaled Softness and Comfort
Beyond its performance, eiderdown is simply a joy to experience. It’s buttery-soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin and restful sleep. No synthetic material or standard down can replicate the comfort it provides.

7. Meticulous Hand Processing
To meet the high purity standards required for luxury use, eiderdown is cleaned and processed by hand. This involves multiple rounds of filtration, baking to remove moisture and bacteria, and manual sorting to ensure purity. Each step protects its delicate structure and performance value—adding to its cost but preserving its excellence.

More Than a Material—A Statement of Values

The true value of eiderdown goes beyond warmth. It lies in its ethical sourcing, artisan-level preparation, and alignment with sustainability and longevity—principles that define the Atelier Olmsted philosophy.

We proudly use eiderdown because we believe luxury should respect both the wearer and the world. When you choose an Olmsted coat, you’re wrapped in more than insulation—you’re wrapped in intention.

Explore the rarest warmth on Earth.