To be clear, inexpensive 20 degree synthetic bags, used constantly for about 10 months, compressed tightly daily and washed in commercial machine then line dried every 3 weeks, lost enough loft that students became cold when used in shoulder season mountaineering.

The shrinking sub zero bags were another time and place. The inmates also managed to shrink polyester long johns. Interestingly, wool surplus army pants survived the enthusiastic cleaning regime without shrinkage. Perhaps they were already as small as they were to get.

My wife has the down bag, REI, that was her mom's engagement present from the early 60's and it is still the warmest bag we own.

For those looking for inexpensive down and synthetic jackets, I see Uniqlo has some for about $60-$70.

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/