THE JOURNAL
You are a man of many layers, that much is true. And yet, all too often, it’s only the top layer that really counts. It is what most people first encounter, after all. And it’s your first line of defence when it comes to withstanding the elements. Look, we’re not here to delve too deeply into your psychological makeup, merely to point you towards our excellent line of outerwear.
Or are we? Because there is an argument to be made that the jacket you wear can really tap into the guy that you see yourself to be. A good jacket won’t just keep you warm, it will tell you where you belong – and who you are. After all, to know your outerwear is to know your inner self.
01. The leather jacket
There’s something about leather jackets: stick one on and it will instantly add extra panache to your look. But it can’t just be any jacket. And given that a well-made style is a substantial investment, it pays to research before buying. If you think that your rotation could do with something more, er, alive, you’re sure to find it in our edit. Choose from smart designs in clean, collared silhouettes and supple hides that won’t look out of place over a suit, or classic biker jackets and less structured off-duty picks in relaxed shapes.
02. The shearling jacket
A shearling jacket is the business when the weather calls for comfort-first fabrics and snug silhouettes. Your battle with the elements begins with your own mood. The style was first popularised by pilots in WWII, then by Hollywood icons such as James Dean and Robert Redford in the 1950s and 1970s, respectively. And the sheepskin jacket comes in all guises, from classic blousons for everyday wear to modern takes on rugged duffle jackets and elevated double-breasted coats.
03. The statement jacket
Perhaps even ahead of your shoes, your jacket is the first thing that’ll meet the eye, so you may as well let it do the talking for you. Go all out with patterns or colours you wouldn’t consider on the regular. Not only will they create a point of difference against otherwise neutral winter layers, but they’ll certainly boost your mood (more on dopamine dressing here). You may also want to check out how a colour analysis might help before you make a big investment.
04. The blouson
The blouson jacket is an enduring essential across seasons, but it really comes into its own when you can layer it to its full potential. Its neat collar brings structure and polish to even the most relaxed looks, adding depth when worn over a sweater or an open shirt with a third layer underneath. The classic, all-season style comes in sturdy gabardine – giving the jacket a more casual feel – but some of our favourites include smart suede designs and all-weather nylon constructions.
05. The field jacket
Military-inspired outerwear is no novelty in menswear, but there are still some reservations around wearing a field jacket in the day-to-day. The M-65, the OG field jacket, was designed to outfit US soldiers heading to the war in Vietnam. But you don’t need to be on the battlefield – or book a safari – to wear one. Just look at those who did it well (Francis Ford Coppola, Jack Nicholson, to name a few) for inspiration. It’s easier than it seems.
6. The down jacket
As MIA put it: where were you in ’92? Because as much as the down jacket recalls the innovative groundwork of chemists and mountaineers earlier in the 20th century, it was its adoption by the ravers towards its tail end that gave this coat its cultural clout. Have this in mind when sporting yours. Think streetwear, not base camp – keep it grounded with the same, looser proportions of the jacket for the other layers. And go for elevated, in a figurative sense at least.