A Korean down puffer might weigh 900 g on a scale and cost you the equivalent of 6 kg in freight. Air carriers bill on whichever is greater between actual weight and volumetric weight, and bulky, low-density items are exactly where that formula bites hardest.
How the math works against you
Volumetric weight is length times width times height in centimeters divided by a divisor, commonly 5000 or 6000 depending on carrier. A loosely boxed puffer at 60 by 45 by 25 cm computes to about 13.5 kg at a 5000 divisor. Compressing that same coat to 45 by 35 by 15 cm drops it to under 5 kg.
Compression is the whole game
Vacuum bags or tight roll-packing cut a down coat's volume by 50-70%. Down recovers its loft after a day of hanging, so compression does no lasting harm to a standard puffer. Ask explicitly for compression packing, since it is not always the default.
What not to compress
Structured wool coats, coats with fur trim and anything with a rigid collar will crease permanently or crush. Those should ship flat-folded with tissue in the folds, and you should accept the higher volume rather than ruin the garment.
Budget expectations
A compressed single puffer typically bills at 4-6 kg. Two coats packed together in one compressed bag are usually cheaper than two separate shipments because the box overhead is shared. Buying winter outerwear as a batch rather than one at a time is the practical takeaway.
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Start a buy-for-me order →Frequently asked
Does vacuum packing damage down?
For standard down fill, no. Loft returns within about 24 hours of hanging. Long-term storage compressed is the thing to avoid, not transit.
Is sea freight cheaper for coats?
Per kilogram yes, but transit runs weeks and minimum volumes apply, so it only makes sense for several coats at once.
Can I ship a coat in a poly mailer instead of a box?
Often yes, and it removes box dead space. Ask whether your route accepts soft-pack for garments.