2-layer softshell

A lightweight and breathable jacket that has a water-repellent outer layer and a bonded inner lining which is often made from mesh

3-in-1 jacket

A jacket that can be worn three ways, as it has an outer shell and a detachable midlayer, providing flexibility in its use.

3-layer softshell

A jacket made with an outer later that repels the wind and rain, a middle layer that has a breathable membrane, and an inner layer with a softer lining.

3-panel hood

A hood consisting of two side panels and a centre back panel to create a more structured and robust hood shape.

Adjustable shockcord hem

A hem that employs an adjustable stretch cord with a rubber core and braided outer covering to create a hem that can be adjusted in length.

Articulated elbows

A design feature which offers a greater and more natural range of movement in the arms of a garment

Bonded fleece

A fabric made by bonding two layers of fleece together to create a double-sided material.

Breathable

A fabric that has the ability to absorb and release moisture, allowing air to circulate effectively and prevent overheating.

Chin guard

A design feature on a coat or jacket that protects the face from the elements, creating warmth and comfort.

Double-stitched taped seams

A type of seam construction that uses two layers of tape and two parallel lines of stitching to create a durable, waterproof seal.

Down jacket

A coat or jacket that uses down feathers from ducks or geese as insulation.

Duck down

A soft, insulating material that comes from the underbelly and breast of ducks.

Fill power

A measure of the quality and loft (fluffiness) of down in a jacket, indicating how well it traps air and insulates.

Fleece

A synthetic fabric, usually made from polyester, which is designed to trap body heat and provide warmth. It resembles the look and feel of a sheep’s fleece.

Fleece-lined

A design feature in a coat or jacket where fleece fabric has been sewn into the garment as the lining.

Hardshell

A type of thick, rigid material used in jackets which are designed to protect from wind, rain and snow.

Heat sealing

A process that uses heat and pressure to create a waterproof seam.

Interactive

A style of jacket that has multiple layers which interact with each other. These layers can be zipped in or out, depending on the weather and the desired look.

Microfleece

A lightweight and thin style of fleece, often used as a midlayer.

Midlayer

A piece of clothing worn over a baselayer and under an outer layer to provide extra warmth – typically a lightweight jacket, sweater or shirt.

Nylon taffeta

A strong, lightweight and durable fabric made from nylon fibres.

Parka

A style of jacket that is typically longer in length, well insulated and with a hood designed to be worn in colder temperatures.

PU-coated

A polyurethane coating or laminate applied to base fabric to make it water-resistant, whilst also keeping it lightweight and flexible.

Quick-drying fabric

A technical fabric that wicks (moves) moisture away from the body to help regulate body temperature.

Seam-sealing tape

A type of adhesive tape used to seal the seams of clothing to prevent the ingress of water and other moisture.

Sherpa

A type of soft, curly, knitted fabric that resembles wool or sheepskin; often made from synthetic yarns, but can also be made from cotton or cashmere wool.

Showerproof

A type of fabric that is able to resist light rain.

Softshell

A type of lightweight, breathable and flexible woven fabric that’s used to make softshell jackets.

Storm cuffs

A type of sleeve cuff that is double-layered with knitted ribs on the inside of the sleeves, designed to keep out water and wind.

Storm flap

A piece of fabric designed to protect a garment from the elements by covering openings including zips, seams and buttons.

Storm hood

A hood attached to the collar of a jacket as a single unit.

System jacket

A style of jacket that has multiple layers which interact with each other. The layers can be zipped in or out, depending on the weather and the desired look.

Taped waterproof seams

A process which uses thermoplastic tape applied to the inside of a garment, where panels have been sewn together, and then applies heat and pressure to bond the tape.

Tear release adjusters

A fastening device for a cap which provides quick and practical adjustment.

Thermal

A style of baselayer that traps body heat while allowing moisture to escape – ideally worn in colder temperatures, when outdoors for extended periods of time.

Thinsulate^TM

A trademarked brand of synthetic insulation material made from ultra-fine microfibres which trap air molecules to provide warmth.

TPU membrane

A plastic material that can be used in clothing as a membrane or coating to make fabrics more durable, waterproof and flexible.

Waterproof

A fabric which provides the highest level of protection against water and wet conditions.

Water-repellent

A fabric which has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWP) coating, which causes water to roll off the fabric, rather than being absorbed.

Water-resistant

A fabric which has been treated with a coating to help repel water – most suitable in light rain.

Weatherproof

A fabric which has been developed to withstand routine exposure to the elements, but may not be waterproof.

Windbreaker

A lightweight, water-repellent jacket that provides protection from wind, rain and chilly breezes.

Windproof

A fabric which has been developed to withstand routine exposure to strong winds and cold air.