JACKETS-101

JACKETS

You only have to scroll through Ralawise’s Jackets and Coats category to understand the sheer volume that’s on offer! There are dozens of styles and hundreds of product features – and what’s best for you and your business will differ from the next. Do your customers spend hours scaling alpine glaciers or do they simply need protection from the odd drizzle while projecting a sleek, corporate look?

When you hear terms like DWR and taped seams, chances are that the jacket they refer to belongs to the ‘technical’ category. Technical jackets often feature technology to keep the wearer dry and warm, or protected against harsh working conditions. Rather than just drafting designs in a sketchbook, they’re also engineered and created in laboratory conditions to ensure complete testing and functionality.

SOFTSHELLS

Softshells are often stretchy, comfortable, warm, and perfect for keeping the wind and light rain at bay. They're ideal for those who operate between indoor and outdoor environments as they provide free movement and flexibility. Because of their relative affordability, softshells are great for the promotional market and offer a great print or embroidery surface.

NP14F Nimbus Play Women’s Fargo hooded softshell jacket

100% Polyester wind- and water-repellency finish – Bionic Finish® ECO

J040M Russell Smart softshell jacket

Bonded 2-layer softshells, providing a higher degree of breathability.

PW163 Portwest Men's Oregon softshell jacket

Clever styling and fabric is the foundation for this contemporary softshell

RG151 Regatta Professional Women's Uproar softshell

Made with warm-backed Softshell fabric that's super-soft to handle

THERMAL INSULATION

Trapping warm air and holding it close to your body is just one function of a thermally insulated jacket. When a thermal coat needs to act as your outermost layer, it must keep you warm and dry. Any leaks risk a fall in body temperature and, for those working in extreme temperatures, this can cause inefficiencies or worse. Look for a durable, water-repellent (DWR) finish on technical jackets, with tape to cover the seams from the inside, as an extra-protective barrier. Ergonomic cuts are also necessary, as are secure pocket detailing, zip guards and adjustable cuffs.

RG338 Regatta Professional Navigate thermal hooded jacket

Warmloft insulation and ripstop fabric to withstand wear and tear.

CR303 Expert thermic insulated jacket

AquaDry membrane waterproof construction and insulating hollowfibre fill

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TR073 TriDri: Men's TriDri® insulated hybrid jacket

Stretchy shell panels and sleeves make this insulated jacket perfect for outdoor workouts

ST804 Stormtech Women's gravity thermal shell

Ultra-lightweight thermal fill jacket with a high-density Showerproof DWR outer shell.

PERFORMANCE

You may not consider that lightweight materials and roomy fits make up the ideal winter jacket; but, for highly active individuals, these are essential qualities to avoid overheating. When it comes to performance jackets, there are vital features to look out for to ensure you’re getting the best. High-tech membranes and zipped slits can go a long way in keeping you cool and ventilated, once you warm up, while adjustable cuffs and hoods are great for combatting the elements.

JC062 Cool contrast windshield jacket

Super lightweight, shower and wind-resistant

TR074 TriDri ultra-light fitness shell

Made with TriDri® wicking technology, so you can keep cool, dry and protected

JC065 Women's cool windshield jacket

Hood, shock cord adjustable hem and elasticated cuffs protect from the elements.

TR084 Women's TriDri ultra-light fitness shell

Made with TriDri® wicking technology, to keep cool, dry and protected

Fashion

Remaining firmly on retail’s racks in 2023 are puffers and parkas. Not only are they fashion’s favoured outerwear, but they’re incredibly cozy and protective, too.

Also known as quilted jackets, puffers have a classic, quilted look, with ‘puffy’ sections of fabric held between stitching. These sections are filled with down or synthetic fibres and provide warmth. Compared to leather or wool, they’re very lightweight, making them a firm favourite with people on the go.

For those keen on a retail look while wearing an extra layer of protection, parkas can also provide a great blend of warmth and wind/water resistance.