on-board

Battle Of The Insulators: Down vs. Synthetic

 

Every day we’re posed with choices – paper or plastic, cornflakes or porridge, and how to hang the toilet paper (over or under?).

With winter arriving in full force, the big concern is staying warm. Most of us won’t be climbing Mt. Everest, but we won’t be in hibernation either. There will be daily commutes to contend with, snowmen to build and everything else required of you in the great outdoors. So when it comes to insulation, should you choose down or synthetic? Read our guide to find the right one for you...

 

Go natural
Down is considered nature’s best insulator. It’s the world’s warmest material for its weight. Credit its unique feathers. (Pardon if I get scientific for a minute, but you develop an appreciation for this when you spend as much time as I have with our fab technical designers.) Each feather has microscopic layers of plumes and at the end of each one is a pointed little bulb. One feather wouldn’t do much, but fill a coat with them and those tiny clusters hold each feather up instead of it falling flat. The better the loft (which really refers to the amount of fluffiness), the more air is trapped inside the coat and less cold that can sneak in.

But down is not without a few drawbacks. One of the biggest being Economics 101: law of supply and demand. With a dwindling population of our feathered friends, there is only so much that exists. Which is why many places have stopped using real down in their products. (We’re not ones to take the easy road, so we still do!)

A quick low down on down:

Super synthetics
When we were kids, our budget-conscious parents’ alternative to down was piling on layers and layers until we closely resembled the Michelin® man. But thanks to technology, man-made fibres can now closely emulate some of the best characteristics of down – and at a lower price tag. So what is synthetic insulation made of? (Technical moment ahead.) It’s essentially polyester threading that is moulded into long single threads or short staples to mimic lofty down clusters. Whereas down once reigned superior to all synthetics, today’s lighter, warmer and more compressible versions, like PrimaLoft®, are slowly closing the gap.

PrimaLoft, which was developed for the US Army in the 80s, is widely regarded as one of the best performing synthetic insulations on the market. Which is why we use it in several of our jackets. This ultra-fine microfibre blend has down-like softness, is lightweight and adds little bulk. But it also has one major advantage over down – its insulating ability even when wet.

A quick guide to synthetic insulation:

Both have their place in a winter wardrobe. So it really comes down to personal preference. Best way to settle the debate? Buy one of each. There’s no such thing as too many stylish ways to stay warm this winter!

Ain't no mountain high enough...

We’re very proud of three Lands’ End UK employees who recently undertook the Three Peaks Challenge. Sisters Sarah & Stacey Tilley and Sarah Reader were part of a group of 11 who aimed to raise money for local Hospice Care charity LOROS, in memory of Sarah Reader’s Dad.

Sarah Reader's Dad - Peter

Their task? To climb the three highest mountains in the UK: Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales…all within a gruelling 24-hour period. (Driving from one peak to the next was permitted though!)

 

 

The Three Peaks Challenge is not for the faint-hearted, and months of rigorous training and preparation started in November last year, which involved a combination of gym workouts, exercise classes, local walks and practice climbs in the Peak District.

 

 

 

    

 

 

The day of the challenge was bleak and raining heavily. But undeterred, the team began at the foot of Ben Nevis just after 7am and were back down by midday. They were then driven from Ben Nevis to Scafell Pike - a distance of 260 miles, and started climbing Scafell at 7:25pm, getting back down late at night in darkness.

 

 

                                                                                               

 

 

From there they had to travel a further 218 miles through the night to Mount Snowdon, catching what little sleep they could in the mini-bus on the way. The ascent of Snowdon began at the eye-wateringly early time of at 5:20am!

 

Despite the persistent rain, the triumphant group finished about 30 minutes before their 24-hour time limit, having raised an incredible £11,707 for the hospice. Stacey told us how much the overwhelming support meant to them: “We want to thank everybody who has supported us throughout the challenge; both with your words of encouragement, and with your sponsorship – we can’t believe how much money we raised, and we couldn’t have done it without you!” Great job ladies!

Related articles

Octopus found on England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike

Love is in the air...

This Valentine's Day, you need just a little imagination (and of course, a little help from Lands' End!) to give your loved one the perfect gift.  Our team of romantics have selected some great ideas that are guaranteed to woo the love of your life...and last a lot longer than chocolates & flowers too!

For the Young at Heart 

What's cute, cuddly and guaranteed to put a smile on her face? This friendly Teddy Bear of course! Steiff Bears are real collectors items and all come with the famous Steiff tag and a gold plated button in the ear...an authentic, quality gift guaranteed to charm romantics of all ages.

 

 

  

Endless Luxury                   

For a gift she can wear every day, you can't beat our Infinity Silk Scarf. Light and luxurious, it can be wrapped, twisted and draped so many ways and is finished with faux horn buttons to give it a unique, distinctive look.

 

Something Sparkly?

Simply stunning! Any woman would be delighted to receive this beautiful cluster Pearl Bracelet  and Necklace. Combining the best of contemporary and traditional style, this pretty set is made from white glass pearls and transparent stones clustered on cool toned white metal.

 

Pretty Sleep Separates

Bring a little style to the bedroom with our gorgeous new sleepwear separates. She'll love this pretty Camisole Top with lace trim, adjustable straps, integral shelf bra for flattering support plus a little shirring for shaping under the bust. And the colour of choice for Valentine's Day? This vibrant rich red of course!

 

 

Pair the top with these pretty patterned PJ Bottoms to make a great gift set. Made from a lovely soft blend of cotton and viscose, they feel silky-smooth next to bare skin and look gorgeous too!

 

 

And for him...

Most men absolutely LOVE practical gifts but steer clear of the gadgets this year and give him something super-stylish instead (but packed with enough practical features to please!)

This classic Men’s Blazer is a true investment piece and is styled with embossed metal buttons, front flap pockets and felt-backed collar - all in ultra-fine all-season pure worsted wool.  A gift that will last a lifetime. 

 

 Gorgeous gift wrapping

Savour the moment when your loved one opens an exquisitely gift-wrapped present. If you’d rather leave the presentation to us, no problem! For just £5 per gift box (plus the normal P&P), we’ll wrap in crisp tissue paper, secure in a stylish box and tie with a pretty grosgrain ribbon. Simply select the Gift Boxing option at checkout (available on selected gifts only).

                                 

Life at Lands' End

Ever wondered what it’s like to work for Lands’ End? We took some time out this week to talk to three of our recent starters to find out how they are finding life at Lands’ End…

Name: Charlotte James

Current Position: Direct Marketing Retention Coordinator

Time at Lands’ End: 6 months

First impressions of the company: Lovely facilities and the company seems very proactive in terms of employee health and well-being.

What makes Lands’ End such a great place to work:  There are many great benefits including exercise activities in the evening, discounts at the local gym, discounted massages and a wonderful family picnic amongst other things.  There is also an open door policy with the managers, so you always know you can ask if you need support. The initial induction programme allowed me to meet all members of the business and understand how my role overlapped with different teams and areas.

What’s your favourite thing about Lands’ End: Knowing that every day will be different but also that I have a great team to see every morning!

 

Name: Darren Smith

Current Position: Online Marketing Coordinator

Time at Lands’ End:  3 months

First impressions of the company:  My first impressions were how friendly and welcoming the people are and how enthusiastic they are about the company. I could tell from my first week that the company really values their employees, from the thorough induction and the warm welcome I received.

What makes Lands’ End such a great place to work:  The people make it a great place to work; everyone is really passionate about the company, the products we sell and the work that we do. Communication is very open across all levels, which makes it easy to work with people for different teams and other subsidiaries across the company.

What’s your favourite thing about Lands’ End:  Definitely the work. Since I’ve been here, no two days have been the same. Everyone is constantly coming up with new and exciting ideas for how the company can progress. There are always new challenges and interesting projects to work on, which also helps to further develop my skills. I still can’t get over how much I’ve learnt and achieved since I’ve been with Lands’ End.

 

Name: Charlotte Paxton

Current Position: Assistant Merchandiser (Women’s wear)

Time at Lands’ End: 11 months

First impressions of the company: A very welcoming and professional company.

What makes Lands’ End such a great place to work: The interaction between departments and how involved you can get in projects.

What’s your favourite thing about Lands’ End: The people; everyone is so friendly and we all work hard to strive for success. Lands’ End is a great place to work!

 

Now you’ve heard some of the stories why don’t you travel even further behind the scenes with us and take a look at our recent Lands’ End Careers Video…

Like what you’ve seen and heard? Well head on over to our Careers Page to see what wonderful job opportunities we have available at the moment!

Link to our latest vacancies              

Link to Lands’ End Careers Page

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU - Luke Palmer

This week's employee profile is on Luke Palmer (third from the left) who splits his time between working in our busy Facilities department and being a retained firefighter at the local station.

So Luke, as well as working for Lands’ End you are also a retained firefighter, what’s that like?

It’s hugely rewarding, can sometimes be tiring doing two jobs but I get a great feeling of pride from the job and it’s nice to give something back to the community.

What first made you want to be a firefighter?

I think most young boys want to be a ‘fireman’ but that dream normally fades away, thankfully for me it’s something I stuck at and in the end after lots of interviews and tests I made it in and never looked back!

Can you describe what it’s like when you get the call to go out on a job?

It’s a strange feeling because you really do never know what is coming, it’s a huge adrenaline rush when you get the call and normally it’s a panic and rush to get to the station! It could be a false alarm or it could be a huge fire you just never know.

Moving away from work, I hear you’re a life-long Leicester City fan – how do you think you’ll get on this season?

I think it’s going very well so far! We're sitting pretty near the top of the league so here’s to hoping that continues!

And finally, what’s top of your Christmas list this year?

Well as I’ve recently learnt that I am going to be a Dad early next year I think that top of my Christmas list this year is a pram probably! And maybe some nappies if Santa is feeling extra nice!

Getting to know Luke better...

How long have you worked at Lands’ End?

In total 7 years with a 8 month gap in between (when I travelled the world). 

What’s the best thing about working for Lands’ End?

Friendly people and nice atmosphere.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Lands’ End?

I've many memories but my main one has to be at the alternative Olympics that we held this summer! A colleague of mine began to sing to a packed warehouse...it was priceless!

What has been your biggest achievement whilst at Lands’ End?

Passing my course to become Lands’ End on site forklift instructor.

Describe Lands’ End in under 10 words?

A great place to work with great people.

Before I worked for Lands’ End I…?

Worked for a year with a local building company.

When I’m not at work I’m most likely to be…?

Playing or watching sport.

Describe yourself in three words?

Friendly, fun and chatty.

Who would be your dream dinner date – and why?

Steve Irwin, amazing man who loved life and wildlife and would have loved to hear his stories!

What is your all-time favourite song?

Nena 99 red balloons.

Thanks for your time Luke! Good luck with the fire service and also with fatherhood!

Thank you!

Bring Back Rough And Tumble Play!

New research carried out by Lands' End reveals traditional childhood games such as Hopscotch and ‘What’s the Time Mr Wolf?’ are in danger of disappearing forever as it emerges children are turning their backs on classic outdoor play.

Playground favourites such as Marbles and Jacks have already fallen victim to the changing times – with none of the parents surveyed thinking their children knew the game. Despite seven in ten parents saying they played Hopscotch as a child – nearly two-thirds of their children have never even heard of the classic street game.

Visit our 'Bring Back Rough And Tumble Play' Site where you can download the research results as well as a pdf sheet of traditional outdoor games.

Scroll down for photographs from our launch day with TV celebrity Ben Shephard...

Reactions from our delighted Jubilee Winners

At Lands' End we love to spread a little joy every now and again and reward our wonderful customers with prizes and great offers. We were so delighted with the reactions from our Jubilee competition winners that we wanted to share them...

What a fabulous surprise!  With so many lovely things to choose from I’ll certainly enjoy spending my £60 voucher.  Thank you Lands’ End.  It’s made my Jubilee!
Sue Russell, Millom



Winning the voucher is really the icing on the cake for Jubilee week.  We had a street party with the neighbours, just as it finished our first grandchild Felix was born.
Jude Burns Smith, Aviemore



The £60 has been a fabulous boost to my morale. Thank you very much – it really makes a difference!
Sally Anne Hill, London



I would like to say how thrilled I was to receive a voucher from the Jubilee prize draw. I can't remember ever winning any prize before so this was such a surprise--- and from Lands’ End which is my all time favourite clothing company. I will really enjoy spending this.
Johanna Gibbons, Somerton



It was a lovely surprise winning a voucher.  After this interminable winter with 10 months of deep mud I was very depressed, but the voucher cheered me up, particularly as I don't think I have ever won anything in a draw before.  Now to decide whether to spend it on practical clothes or something I wouldn't otherwise buy.
Catherine Elliott, Axbrudge



Thrilled to have won a £60 voucher! 

Very nearly binned it as yet another catalogue amongst a stack of mail awaiting my return from holiday...but was alerted by the fact it was in an envelope, so opened it to find the prize. Many thanks!
Sally Crosbie, Ipswich



Just like to say what a lovely surprise it was to receive your letter!

My only problem now is what to buy as there are so many things I like in the summer catalogue!
Margaret Knifton ,Harrogate



Just wanted to say what a lovely surprise it was, to be a winner in your Jubilee Draw.  I am looking forward to treating myself to something very soon. The hard part will be choosing! I have long been a great Lands’ End fan, your quality never lets me down.
Sue Littlejohn, Knighton



It was a lovely surprise to receive the Lands’ End £60 voucher in the Jubilee Draw. I had just finished a course of radiotherapy after a cancer operation so it did help to cheer me up to be able to choose some new clothes with the voucher!
Janet Vickers, Lancaster



I would just like to thank Lands’ End for the £60 voucher I received in the post this weekend.  I couldn’t believe it when I opened my post to find this voucher, it was a total surprise and much appreciated.  A friend and I are now planning a day out to visit the Lands’ End shop to spend it as we have been going to go for many years and this seems the perfect opportunity.

Thank you once again and keep up the good work Lands’ End as all your products are such good quality and you have a full range of sizes.
Sara Jackson, Huddersfield



Thank you so much for selecting me as a winner in your Diamond Jubilee Prize Draw, it was such a lovely surprise! I was so chuffed when I opened the letter, my two little boys were excited too as I was saying "Oh my goodness Mummy's won!" - sadly for them it wasn't lego but Lands’ End! Although I probably will end up treating my family with the voucher putting the money towards clothes for our Summer hols.

Many thanks - I love a surprise!
Sue Wallis, Chalgrove, Oxon

Congratulations to our Jubilee Winners

 Congratulations to the following sixty Jubilee Prize Draw winners will each receive a £60 Lands' End voucher.

Vivian Baker , London

Jean Barritt , Winchester

sarah baylis , Otley

Paul Beesley , Stockport

Richard Bevan, Market Drayton

Norma Bracewell , Canterbury

Jude Burns-Smith , Aviemore

Christina Butler , Putney

Patricia Coffey , Accrington

Susan Conway , Congleton

Linda Crisp , Orpington

Sally Crosbie , Ipswich

Rosemary Davies , Whimple

Susan Drader , Seaford

Al Duffin , London

Cherrie  Dunstan  , Glastonbury

Liz  Edmunds , Lindfield

Catherine Elliott , Axbridge

Victoria  Elliott , Shipley

Patricia Evans , London

Anna Fairs , Ipswich

Johanna Gibbens , Somerton

Gail Grant , Dalkeith

Pamela Gregory , Harpenden

Madeline Harris , Whitchurch

Sally Anne Hill , London

John Hitcham , Burnham-on-Crouch

Ann Horne , Caterham

Josephine Horne , West Sussex

Janet Houghton , Tokers Green

Beverley Howard , High Wycombe

Joy Hsu , London

Ann Izatt , Edinburgh

Sara Jackson , Huddersfield

Ursula Jacob , London

Sylvia Johnson , Cheadle

Susan Keyworth , Southwell

Margaret Knifton , Harrogate

Jacqui Lai , Basildon

Sue Littlejohn , Knighton

Angela McGarva , Lockerbie

Kathryn Moore , Birmingham

Margaret Nolan , Liverpool

Susan Paine , Sturminster Newton

Amy Rogers , Dundee

Sue  Russell , Millom

Margaret Scott , South Shields

Liz Seakins , Birmingham

Frances Simmonds , York

Margaret Smee , Daventry

Carole Spedding , london

Jean Tait , Cardiff

Beverly Treml , Bristol

Jane Urquhart , Conon Bridge

Aileen Utley , Highcliffe-onSea

Janet Vickers , Lancaster

Beate Wacker , Glasgow

Susan Wallis , Chalgrove

Janet Warren , Ashtead

Shad Woolgrove , Sheffield

Lands' End & Adam Frost Win GOLD... Again!

Congratulations to Adam Frost on winning his 4th Gold Medal at Chelsea and our 2nd in a row.

Please help us to win 'People's Choice' - click to CAST YOUR VOTE!

Lands' End 'A Rural Muse', designed by Adam Frost, and officially opened by Sir Andrew Motion, Ex-Poet Laureate and Janet Street-Porter yesterday, landed us our 2nd coveted gold medal!
The garden is designed for a Stamford couple who love their region's landscape and environment, especially the walks of the well-known local peasant poet John Clare. Adam Frost has taken inspiration from the distinct and diverse countryside that in turn inspired so much of Clare's poetry, to create a space for entertaining and relaxation, designed with biodiversity and wildlife in mind.

The materials have been selected to reflect the garden's regional identity. Many of the elements have multiple functions, such as the stone boulders that double up as stepping stones and seating. A green oak-framed shelter offers a focal point and attracts bees with its clover roof.

Chelsea is open to the public from Tuesday 22nd May to Saturday 26th May. Be sure to tune in to the BBC to check the live footage from the show.

Click here to view the full gallery of images from the garden including many A-list celebs!

Chinos beat Lycra!

We're always glad to hear great stories about our clothing – none more so than this fantastic Facebook post from Mark Wells in Nottinghamshire. Mark's story of his trusty Lands' End chinos leading him to victory over his lycra-clad rival had us in stitches! Can you beat it? Share your Lands' End winning wardrobe stories with us in the comments section below.

"Thought I'd share this confession with you. I was cycling home yesterday evening after work. It was one of those journeys when everything seemed good. No queues at junctions, the lights were green, a slight following wind. I was cruising.

And then it happened. A man in Lycra on a serious looking mountain bike overtook me on Melton Road.

Now I don't wear Lycra any more. I cycle to work on a good sturdy, sit up and beg Dutch bike, with a steel frame over the front wheel to put my briefcase in. I hope you agree that with such a genteel method of transport Lycra would look silly. No, instead I cycle in my Lands End chinos, button down shirt and Squall jacket.

So as I stared after the finely-honed, lycra-clad buttocks pumping away in front of me, I felt affronted. My manhood felt affronted. I had been enjoying my ride. But now this sweaty intrusion on my idyllic cycle home had stirred some deep rooted warrior instinct inside me.

I began to peddle a bit faster. The gap narrowed. I peddled faster still. The gap narrowed further. I decided to change my Sturmey Archer 3 speed gear up from its trusty 2 position to the rarely used maximum 3 position. My protesting thighs took the strain and my speed increased again.

I looked up through watering eyes and there was my prey, a few yards in front of me, blissfully unaware that his nemesis was approaching. As we neared the traffic lights to Musters Road, I put on a final burst of speed. The lights were red, but so was the mist that had fallen in front of my eyes. Just as Lycra-man began to slow down, a perspiring, panting, chino-wearing, old fogey on a big black bone shaker, hammered past him with reckless abandon.

Now I don’t consider myself lucky, but for whatever reason, the fates must have been smiling on me that night. Because at that precise moment, the lights changed. Had they not, I would have been smeared across a windscreen. I had reached terminal velocity and nothing short of an articulated lorry would have been able to withstand the impact of my momentum at that point.

Instead I blazed across the junction like a cotton and polyester blur, wheeling right into Musters Road with G forces threatening to topple my briefcase into the gutter before rattling up the home stretch, like a bat out of hell.

When I arrived home a few minutes later, I entered the garage like a triumphant jockey to the winners enclosure. Dismounting, I patted my steed, whose leather saddle was, admittedly, steaming like a horse after the Grand National. Having rested against the frame for a few minutes to recover my composure I collected my briefcase, straightened my shirt and returned to being your everyday commuter, returning home after a quiet day at the office.

Secure in the knowledge that when it comes to cycling, chinos beat Lycra any day."