Popular Jacket Styles
Each jacket style has its own construction logic:
- Bomber jackets — ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem; relatively straightforward to manufacture.
- Softshell jackets — bonded stretch fabrics; valued for weather resistance and clean aesthetics.
- Puffer jackets — quilted chambers filled with down or synthetic insulation; the most technically demanding of the three.
- Coach and windbreaker jackets — lightweight nylon or polyester shells; popular for promotional and team wear.
Shells, Linings and Insulation
The shell fabric determines weather performance — look for specified water column ratings (e.g. 5,000mm+) if waterproofing matters, and breathability ratings to match. Linings range from simple polyester taffeta to brushed tricot for warmth. For insulated styles, synthetic fills (measured in grams per square metre) offer reliable warmth even when damp, while down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio at higher cost.
Trims and Hardware
Zippers, snaps, drawcords, and hook-and-loop closures define both function and perceived quality. Specify branded zippers (such as YKK) where quality matters, and always test zipper function on the sample — a sticky zipper ruins an otherwise good jacket. Storm flaps, chin guards, and interior pockets are small details that elevate the finished product.
Waterproofing and Breathability
For performance outerwear, two numbers matter: the water column rating (waterproofing) and the MVTR rating (breathability). A 10,000mm / 10,000g jacket handles heavy rain while letting sweat escape. Fully waterproof jackets need sealed or taped seams — stitched seams alone will leak under pressure. Decide the performance target early, because it dictates fabric choice, seam construction, and cost.
Why Jackets Take Longer to Develop
Jackets involve more components, more specialised machinery, and more fitting challenges than tops or bottoms. Expect additional sampling rounds, particularly for puffers and multi-panel designs. Allow 8–12 weeks for development and 45–60 days for bulk production, and fit-test on moving bodies — a jacket that looks fine standing still may bind badly when the wearer reaches forward.