An Introduction
There are a number of designer menswear brands that deem themselves to be ‘specialists’ in outerwear when others might contest that statement. Heritage brands such as Barbour are renowned the world over for being leaders in consistently producing top quality outerwear garments which is supported by their Royal Warrants. Without naming any outright, there are a number of brands who seemingly think that by producing a jacket with a mixture of down/feather filling that they also earn the right to the same kind of accolades.

Patagonia are one of the true market leaders in mens functional outerwear but their luxury jackets were seemingly born as a by-product of another industry. Initially the company was created on a small scale that created tools for climbers. Alpinism – often referred to as mountaineering – is still very much in the heart of the Patagonia mission.  Their driving force is to build the best products they can without causing any unnecessary harm to the environment.  Their business has expanded over the years to incorporate many outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fishing and running.

Their love for the outdoors is very much at the forefront of the Patagonia ethos with a small percentage of their sales being donated to grassroots environmental groups around the world. Not many brands take their environmental responsibilities as seriously as Patagonia. They realise that a degree of pollution is created from processes such as the dyeing of clothes to producing the lighting in their stores around the world. A steadfast aim to reduce those harmful levels of pollution, as little as they may be, is in action using recycled polyester in a number of their garments rather than cotton that has been treated with pesticides.

 

What do Patagonia sell?
As you would expect from such an established specialist in outerwear, Patagonia have harvested a wealth of experience over the years in achieving garments that are functional and look good. Their range of jackets are popular with a diverse range of customers across a growing age range. Materials aren’t chosen just because they look pretty. Some of the recycled lightweight ripstop shells have been treated with Deluge® DWR finishes, giving the jackets water repellent properties which last longer than standard equivalents. Elasticated cuffs and goose down filled quilting are features specifically used to enhance the warmth that you feel when wearing the garments.

Garments such as the Patagonia Torrentshell are engineered specifically for seriously wet weather. Lightweight and again treated with the Deluge® DWR finishes, they will keep your top half dry in the harshest downpours. Easy to pack-away and pull out in an unexpected bout of rain, the Torrentshell has a laminated visor, zipped pockets, treated zips and adjustable Velcro fastening cuffs, all enhancing the waterproof qualities.

Although we predominantly sell jackets from Patagonia’s Autumn Winter 2013 collection, we also have a range of accessories. Soft and colourful bobble hats will keep the heat from escaping from your head in cold climates.  Functional bags including a water repellent backpack and pack-away bag offer something slightly different to other bags we sell at Aphrodite. Aimed at life in the outdoors, each pocket and material used has been created with a purpose in mind.

If you are a person that likes life in the outdoors, chances are that Patagonia is for you and you can shop the whole collection now: Patagonia