With solid specs and a no-nonsense design, the Patagonia Wanaka Jacket ($350) is ready to help you through the harshest of winters. It starts with a two-layer, waterproof recycled-polyester shell, goose down insulation, and easy-glide polyester lining, and is finished off by dual chest pockets, a removable insulated hood, a zip-through collar, two-way front zipper with a snap closure storm flap, and two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets to keep your digits from freezing like a politician's heart.
If you remember a time before the combination of "leather jacket" and "motorcycle" was synonymous with "Harley-Davidson" then you'll definitely appreciate this Barbour Vintage International Leather Jacket ($1,200). Looking like something more fitting of Young Indiana Jones than Easy Rider, this lengthy jacket features a worn, broken-in vintage look to its brown leather exterior, a zip front with button storm flap, various pockets, tartan wool interior lining with a quilted drip strip at the bottom, and a waist belt for an added bit of authenticity.
No, not soft core as in Cinemax — soft core as in it's not lined with chain mesh. The Outlier Soft Core Wool Vest ($120) is designed to keep you warm and looking great whether it's your outermost layer or hidden behind a thicker coat. It features a soft core — get it now? — of fine New Zealand merino wool, 120 gram, military-grade Primaloft Infinity insulation stuffed in the middle like Oreo filling, two handwarmer front pockets, a reach-around pocket on the rear, a two-way metal zipper, and an outer layer of virgin wool flannel that gives it just a touch of ruggedness without becoming harsh on your skin.
Filson is well known for its rugged outdoor gear, so when we heard they were teaming up with Levi's, we had to check it out. The result is the Levi's Filson Oil Finish Trucker Jacket ($190), a new piece of outerwear that's as tough as it is stylish. Made from water-repellent Tin Cloth, the Trucker features metal rivets on its front and chest pocket closures, Moleskin lining on the button cuffs and collar, two hand warmer pockets, and a vintage tan color that will go with damn near any ensemble. [Thanks, Joshua]
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
Mid-90s hip-hop style meets traditional outdoorsman construction in the Penfield 35th Anniversary Outback Vest ($500). This poofy vest is filled with 210g of premium 80/20 goose down, and features a 100% calf leather exterior, nylon inner lining, a dark leather shoulder yoke, a front snap closure, and two front hand warmer pockets. Flashy, blinged-out ride not required.
Stay warm and dry this fall in the Nau Urbane Jacket ($280). Made from two-layer waterproof, windproof breathable laminate, this handsome, moto-style jacket features waterproof Riri zippers, a full front placket, two chest flap pockets and two zip-close hand pockets, a removable hood, and articulated sleeves for full movement, whether you're out for a ride or out for some beers.
With an insane "fog" color scheme only Kanye could love, the Patagonia Special Edition Down Sweater ($275) is a loud way to keep warm this winter. Stuffed with 900-fill-power European goose down, this zip-up is half the weight of its normal counterpart, and also features Deluge DWR water-repellent coating on the ripstop nylon exterior, three zippered pockets, a drawcord hem, and elastic cuffs to keep out the cold, which may or may not be necessary depending on how likely you are to wear the thing in public.
While it might seem a little early to begin shopping for a fall jacket, buying early gives you a leg up on all those who'll be rushing around in September and October only to find the best options picked over. One of those is the FjallravenOver Waxed Oban Jacket ($400). Made from triple-waxed G-1000 tent fabric, the wind- and water-resistant Oban features a zippered closure with buttoned storm flap, seven pockets, including four on the front, adjustable cuffs and waist, and a nice patina — courtesy of the wax — that will look even better over time.
Named after one of the first humans created by the god Odin according to Norwegian folklore, Helly Hansen's new Ask line is its most modern and upscale collection yet. The Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket ($450) is a perfect example, built from PU-coated cotton that feels like Hansen's original 1877 waterproof fabrics, and pairs its white or black outer with a removable, quilted inner vest, ocean-ready high collar, and antique metal fasteners. Perfect for the modern viking, and no, we don't mean those idiots in the Capital One commercials.
Springtime storms can crop up at a moment's notice, so stay prepared with the Penfield Pacjac 35th Anniversary Jacket ($130). Created to honor the company's 35th anniversary, this remake of the original Pac-Jac is made from 100% wind- and water-resistant nylon, and features an adjustable hem and hood, a waist cinch, a vented back section, a special anniversary zip pull, and a design that allows it to pack into its own front pocket, letting you avoid the dreaded "jacket tied around the waist to hide spontaneous boners" look.
Need to gear up for June, when your beloved Confederação Brasileira de Futebol will launch its bid to once again hoist the World Cup? Check out the Nike NSW Brasil Black Pack Collection ($74-$415). Overpriced though it may be — $260 for a hoodie!? — this small collection offers a polo, sweatshirt, and several jackets to choose from, all made from premium materials. Skipping the team's normal blue and green colors, the collection also sports a more subdued yellow-on-black color scheme, which might help you hide from the car-raiding baboon gangs of South Africa.
We've generally fans of reversible goods — shirts, jackets, boardshorts, you name it — but this is the first time we've seen the trick employed on a trenchcoat. The Rugby Reversible Trench ($280) is a summer evening-friendly overcoat featuring a traditional khaki color on one side and a not-so-subtle madras plaid print on the opposite surface. Other features include a point collar, five-button front, angled hip-level pockets, raglan sleeves, and the ability to change your look from private investigator to garden party reveler in no time.