What to Look For in Jackets

Jackets provide warmth and protection against the elements. The warmest jackets use down or synthetic insulation and are waterproof or water-resistant.

Casual winter jackets are designed for urban wear or cold-weather activities like skiing and mountaineering. These often have features like hoods that are helmet-compatible and cinchable wrist or waist gaiters to keep out wind.

Insulation

Insulation is a major part of most jackets as it is what restricts heat transfer from the body to the cold environment. A wide variety of naturally or synthetically derived fabrics have been developed to effectively insulate jackets, and they work by trapping your own body heat to prevent easy convection or radiation transfer of energy.

Choosing the right insulation jacket is a critical decision. It will influence the thermal performance of the insulation system and should be made by a designer with well-defined objectives in mind.

In chemical processing (CPI) applications, metal jackets are commonly used to encapsulate and protect piping from corrosion under insulation (CUI). The choice of which material to use should be made based on the use temperature and a consideration of its durability in the chemistry-laden environmental conditions where it will operate.

The type of metal jacket also has a direct effect on the thermal performance as it sets the system emissivity. For example, new aluminum has an emissivity of about Jackets 0.04 but oxidizes to around 0.1 when it is exposed to a typical CPI operating environment.

Stainless steel is often chosen over aluminum for its greater durability when exposed to a CPI operation. Stainless steel is more likely to resist liquid metal embrittlement than aluminum, which can lead to premature pressure relief of the insulation system.

Water Resistant

Water resistance is a feature that can help keep you dry while hiking or backpacking. A waterproof jacket has a membrane or coating that stops rain, snow and other moisture from penetrating the fabric. This can be important if you plan to hike in heavy rainfall or snowstorms.

A waterproof jacket can also be more expensive than one with only a water repellent finish. However, if you hike in moderate climates or are looking for a jacket to wear around town, a jacket with just a water resistant coating may be enough. These jackets are typically made from tightly woven fabrics that can protect you from light rain or drizzle for short periods of time.

The water resistance of a jacket is often measured by its Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating. This test uses a double-open-ended cylinder to fill the jacket with water, measuring how much pressure it takes for the fabric to start absorbing moisture.

Some reputable brands like The North Face and Patagonia offer jackets that have been tested for waterproofness and have a high HH rating. These jackets can be more affordable than other waterproof jackets, but you should consider the HH rating of the fabric before purchasing. You can also buy waterproof products such as Greenland Wax to enhance the water resistance of your current gear.

Style

Jackets are made with a variety of materials and insulation to provide weather resistance, warmth, and comfort. Some jackets are designed as outerwear to protect against wind, snow, and rain while others can be worn on top of a shirt or dress. Some jackets feature pockets on the chest and front and may have a hood. The cuffs and arm hemlines of jackets can also vary in length. Some are waist-length, while others go down to the mid-thigh or below. Depending on the material, jackets can have different colors and styles to fit the occasion or environment.

The lapel is one of the most important features in a jacket. It defines the shape Jackets of the collar and can help create a flattering silhouette. The most classic lapel shapes are notch and peak. Notch lapels are typically found on single-breasted jackets, such as sports jackets or blazers. A peak lapel has a broader setting that points to the shoulder and is typically seen on formal jackets such as dinner jackets.

A jacket that can withstand the cold should have an easy-to-maintain finish and high-quality construction. It should also look stylish and have a professional feel to match your uniform. Propper offers a selection of duty jackets with durable fabrics and color tones that seamlessly blend in with your uniform for an unmistakably police-grade appearance.

Functionality

Functional jackets should be windproof, rainproof and breathable. They are particularly important against unstable weather or sudden heavy thunderstorms. In addition, they must be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They should not sit too tightly against the body so that the skin can easily circulate its own heat. They should also be able to accommodate layers of clothing, including thicker sweaters, without becoming too tight and restrictive. It is therefore a good idea to choose a jacket size that is slightly larger than the usual one, so that there is room for layering and growth (such as during pregnancy).

The outer fabrics of functional jackets have usually been treated with water-repellent coating. This prevents the fabric from absorbing water droplets, which could cause it to become soaked and cold. It is also important for a functional jacket to be able to ventilate respired moisture resulting from physical activities. This is indicated by the breathability rating which is conventionally based on the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) or the water vapour resistance (RET).

The different outdoor activities for which functional jackets are worn require very different properties. For instance, leisure time joggers need a different jacket to mountaineers on a fortnight hike in the Alps. This is why the ODLO range offers a wide selection of functional jackets in various materials, colours and weather conditions.