Designer Jackets: 5 Functional Suggestions For Winter
We all know the impact of the global recession. Consumers are continually looking for ways to get more for their money and are less likely to make the frivolous purchases that they might have done so in the past. The fashion industry has not escaped the grasp of the economic slowdown and industry brands are fighting each other to get a piece of your hard earned cash. To aide them in their battle, brands tend to offer more than just a jacket that looks good. Functionality and durability are just a couple of factors that come into play as they strive to deliver jackets that you will want to purchase over similar garments.
With the above in mind we thought it would be a good time to bring to you five jackets that are in stock at the moment that are ideal for Winter. We have specifically chosen jackets that have various features and differing price points.
1. Woolrich Arctic Parka – £629
The unmistakable Woolrich Arctic Parka is seen by many in the industry as the definitive winter jacket. The Arctic Parka was initially produced for and worn by oil workers in Alaska where temperatures demanded a garment that would keep the workers warm and ultimately safe. This modern day version, based on the original uses the same Ramar fabric that the original was crafted in but has been given a Teflon coating to resist water. The warmth is kept in thanks to a 80% duck down, 20% duck feathers insulation along with a removable coyote fur hood lining. In terms of an all round winter jacket, you will can do a lot worse than try out the Woolrich Arctic Parka.
2. Moncler Ribay Gilet – £560
If there’s one brand that the celebrities are continually being snapped in over the past year when the weather gets cold, it’s Moncler. In essence, Moncler is a luxurious ski-wear brand that has now been adopted by many of the rich and famous as the must-have label to own in the Winter. Famous names such as Justin Timberlake, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Jay-Z and Kanye West have all been snapped wearing Moncler jackets.
Rather than pick a full-on down filled jacket such as the Canut or Himalaya, we’ve chosen the stylish Moncler Ribay gilet from their latest collection. Gilet’s are in-demand at the moment and although this one is at the higher end of the price scale, you get a lot for your money. A high quality 90% down, 10% feather insulation is packed away in this diamond quilted design. The removable hood adds to the flexibility of this piece as you can take it off on days when it’s not raining/snowing or maybe when it’s slightly warmer weather.
The gilet becomes a functional addition to your wardrobe as you can wear it in a variety of climates, matched with either a t-shirt or jumper and you can probably wear it more times than a large jacket across the course of the year.
3. C.P Company Goggle Jacket – £795
The release of any new season CP Company Goggle Jacket perennially induces a frenzy amongst fans of the brand. Often you will find that they will make the sacrifice of paying what in all honesty is a lot of money to most people so they can be the first to be seen wearing the new ‘Mille Miglia’ jacket. This season, C.P Company have outdone themselves with this stunning goggle jacket that we now have available in two colours.
Under the exterior of the outer layer which follows the usual 3 pocket Mille Miglia design, you will find a separate long sleeved down filled inner layer which could be worn as a separate jacket. This inner layer is insulated with an incredible 90% down and 10% feather which is a very high quality ratio that you do not often see. Finished with corozo buttons, goggles to the hood and left arm, this is a piece that will be talked about for years.
4. Barbour Millom Jacket – £250
The huge resurgence in popular culture of recent years that Barbour has seen may seem to have slowed down somewhat to the everyday man that knows them from their quilted jackets. Every brand has to assess the current market though and rather than produce quilted jackets for the masses like in previous years, Barbour are now concentrating on what they have done well for decades; functional heritage outerwear.
Introducing the Barbour Millom jacket, a 6oz Sylkoil waxed piece inspired by technical sailing jackets. Crafted for the modern man in the outdoors, the slim fitting Millom harbours extra details such as fleece lined pockets, stormfly front, elasticated cuffs and Velcro straps combine to aide the jacket’s suitability for the winter. The high button neck and fixed drawstring hood are again features which have been purposefully created to protect you from the elements.
5. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket – £100
Getting caught in a downpour if you are not prepared is an awful feeling. It leaves you wet, miserable and wondering why you didn’t buy a coat that was waterproof. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket is built specifically for those wet weather days when you might get caught in a downpour of torrential rain. Owning a Patagonia Torrentshell jacket means that you are always ready for those conditions.
The jacket folds down into a small neat bundle that can be stored in your car or bag. It is crafted from a lightweight H2No® Performance Standard 2.5-layer nylon material that has been given a Deluge® DWR finish to make it water resistant. A laminated visor on the hood and smaller details such as adjustable cuffs and DWR treated zippers all combine to make this a fantastic wet weather jacket for life in the outdoors.