Are you one of those people who never bring the right garment for the weather? Have you left a heavy jacket somewhere when it suddenly became warm, and you no longer needed it? There is a diverse set of climates across North America, and particularly during periods of seasonal transition, it may be challenging to ascertain what exactly you will need when the weatherman may have no better idea than you what the temperature will be. The beginning of Spring and Fall in the Northeast can be particularly hard to plan for. Have you ever tried to get that last round of golf for the season when suddenly a sharp wind or quick shower catches you off guard? Are you a boater who needs to quickly get protection from the elements when the weather turns against you? For situations like these, a versatile and resilient garment is required that can be easily stored for time-efficient access. That is why, when it comes to utility, there is no substitute for a windbreaker. If you compare windproof jackets to other jacket types, it packs more punch per pound than any competitor. Ironically, when you’re facing the elements, you usually want the lightest (in terms of mass) windrunner jacket possible that will not be weighed down by the water. Think of having a dense fleece in a thunderstorm. The jacket meant to keep you warm is now the very thing that will keep you cold. If you have a windbreaker, the utility is never altered by the weather. A windbreaker is good for protection and warmth, no matter what mother nature may throw at you. It can help you during a rainstorm, or when you’re skiing down the slopes. So, it may not be accurate at all to say there is ‘hype’ about windbreakers. When you think about it, there isn’t hype. There is just an incredibly useful and versatile product that consumers love!

What Exactly Is a Windbreaker?

Technically, a windbreaker is a jacket The forefathers of windbreakers have been around for hundreds of years and were invented by indigenous peoples from the furthest northern regions of America and Canada, the Inuit. They originally came up with the idea of a double layer jacket, called a Parka, that protected from one of the most underestimated elements; the wind. This is considered the forebearer of the windbreaker. Anyone who has spent time camping and hiking knows how devastating the wind can be. Without protective equipment, it can seriously hamper progress, comfort, and even safety. The Inuit created a jacket with two layers of different kinds of skin to keep the cold air out and to provide insulation, so warmth stays and doesn’t escape. This fundamental principle is still in use today at Baubax. However, we use the most cutting edge materials in retail to produce jackets that give the outdoorsman the superior performance and durability that he needs. 

Windbreakers have another critical feature that helps keep the warmth in and the cold out. This is a close-fitting waistband, and neckband. While these may often be elastic and adjustable by use of a draw-string, there are other mechanisms for achieving the same effect. The critical result of this feature of the windbreaker is to provide the further ability for the user to retain as much heat within the garment as possible. Being able to construct the parts of the jacket that have openings increases the utility during high wind, which is precisely what the jacket is designed to do! Zippered features can also be used to adjust a garment as is needed to particular inclement weather. Typically, a windbreaker is a step below a heavier jacket. If a windbreaker is used during cold, it is usually as an external layer. So the garment is useful in all weather because even in the coldest weather windbreakers serve to boost the insulation of the heavier garments beneath it!

What Are Windbreakers Made From?

Windbreakers are usually made from polyester and at times, breathable nylon. This material gives them their rain and wind resistant characteristics. The relative volume of content, given the protection that is provided, makes windbreakers significantly cheaper than many jackets that require far more extensive amounts of material for their production. Many coats are made of a material that is only initially resistant to moisture, but upon repeated exposure, they will become saturated and untenable as a garment. Windbreakers rely on design instead of material. The separation of layers created an insulation effect that wouldn’t be nearly as strong if the two layers were combined into one. 

OK! They Are Useful, Are They Fashionable?

Despite the reputation of fashion as only on the runways, the new arrival trending items such as Athleisure are emphasizing casual wear instead of tailoring. Famous Designer Alexander Wang, who often designs 'street-wear,' said, "Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing." Wind jackets, bomber jackets, sweatshirts, and hoodies are becoming a beneficiary and staple of this sportswear trend. The versatility and tight fit of windbreakers have made them an unexpected fashion hit. They have become prominent and fashionable amongst a wide range of demographics. 

Many people choose to throw windbreakers over their daily casual clothes. They can be worn with jeans, sweats, or workout clothes. If you are a runner or a golfer, there is no substitute for a windbreaker to deal with sudden temperature changes. Additionally, it’s multifunctional pockets makes it a personal companion which helps you be hands-free.  

What Kinds Of Windbreaker Are There?

There are a plethora of different styles and types of windbreakers. While there is a wide range of potential types, we have focused on the six that are most popular and common. There are different windbreakers for different situations and levels of severity of inclement weather. Not to mention different features like being a packable windbreaker, drawstring, hooded anorak jackets, a pullover, or a half-zip. Also, windbreakers are usually a fashion statement in different colors like colorblock, teal, camo, or even in neutrals.

Water Resistant Windbreakers: Manufacturers of waterproof windbreakers apply a DWR coating to the outside of the windbreaker to enhance its ability to be water-repellent. If you’ve had a windbreaker when it's raining and the water turns into beads and drips off rather than soaking the material, you have witnessed waterproofing in action. This additional feature makes a windbreaker more useful than many garments during times of inclement weather. 

Single Layer Nylon: The men's lightweight Single layer nylon is the most visible and sought after type of windbreaker. This type of jacket is made from one piece of thin nylon fabric that can be worn all year. They can be worn all year, even during the summer. If you are using it for inclement weather, then you might have to buy an add-on to increase the heat-retention. It is a very lightweight windbreaker and complete as a zip jacket is one of the men's jacket outerwear best sellers.

Outer Shell Jackets: This style of the garment could almost be considered a hybridized version of a windbreaker and a rain jacket. They are generally a bit larger and loose-fitting on a person than their alternatives. While they look and feel similar, they are meant for colder weather.

Polyester Windbreakers: Polyester windbreakers have more mass than their nylon counterparts. This leads to a slightly bulkier and warmer jacket experience. The material also makes the jackets softer and quieter than nylon versions. Polyester is particularly weather-resistant and thus is a perfect material to stand up to inclement weather. 

Tricot Windbreakers: Tricot windbreakers are the heaviest in weight of the entire windbreaker class. Tricot is an exceptionally soft shell and comfortable, and it possesses a slight shine. The jackets may get soaked if they are exposed to a large amount of water, but they will keep the heat in if there is a low amount of moisture present. These jackets are for the colder parts of the country and the colder times of the year. 

As you can see, each windbreaker style is made for different situations and has a different set of strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your individual needs and the climate in which you live, you may prefer two or three different types to the others. You don’t have to choose one! Having too many windbreakers is never a bad thing!

There you have it! These are the primary styles or classes of the windbreaker. You can select one for one season, or you can have a wide selection so you’re never faced with a day where you have the wrong jacket. Windbreakers make a great gift. There are few garments more versatile and more useful than windbreakers. Try Baubax for the highest quality and best-priced windbreakers on the market!