How Did Jackets Get Their Names?
Every type of jacket has its name, and they typically were given those names for a reason. Usually, a jacket type gets its name from either the fabric it is made from, from its function, or the job of the people originally wearing them, though exceptions exist. That is why we would like to have a look at how jackets get their names.
Parka: Animal Skin
The may be the oldest type of jacket we offer. Indigenous people in the Arctic Circle are estimated to have worn the precursors to our current parkas for thousands of years. Different regions use different names to refer to these warm winter jackets with a fixed hood, but the term we ended up using is the one that the Nenets people used. They live on the Aleutian Islands, between Northeast Russia and Alaska: an extremely chilly region, where a reliable warm coat is indispensable. The Nenets people called the coat a “párka”, which simply means “animal skin”.
Although the name stuck, most parkas aren’t made from animal skin these days. Instead, most of the and available through our online store consist of an outer shell made from polyester and a lining made from DuPont™ Sorona® or polyester. This lining will retain your body heat, and prevent the cold from penetrating your jacket. Various types of parkas have names that refer to their specific designs, such as our . These parkas are longer at the back than at the front, which indeed makes the back of the jacket resemble a fishtail.
Bomber Jackets for Fighter Pilots
Some of the most in-demand Airforce jackets are our . Before these jackets became popular fashion items, which you can find among our winter jackets as well as our summer jackets, bomber jackets were functional jackets intended to keep fighter pilots warm while flying at great altitudes, where it is colder than on the ground. Because of this, the first generation of bomber jackets were winter jackets exclusively. They were named after the type of aircraft that fighter pilots flew, and are still known as bomber jackets to this day.
Originally, bomber jackets were designed to be worn inside out if necessary. Fighter pilots typically wore the dark shell on the outside. If they crashed into the sea, however, they could easily turn their jackets with the bright orange side on the outside, making it easier for the emergency services to find them. Such bomber jackets are still somewhat common, but we also offer unicoloured and women. This way, your new bomber jacket is sure to match every outfit imaginable. The elastic cuffs and waistband have remained, preventing the wind from entering your jacket.
Trench Coats for in the Trenches
Looking at the elegant design of a , it might come as a surprise that these predominantly long coats were originally designed for the military. They were first developed for the British army in the late nineteenth century, providing protection against rain and wind. The name trench coat was coined during World War I, as these coats were commonly worn by soldiers in the trenches. The big pockets of their trench coats made it easy to keep important belongings at hand, such as maps of the areas where they were stationed. Trench coats also protected them from the elements.
Although trench coats were originally designed for practical purposes, it was their stylish design that eventually turned them into beloved fashion items. Veterans kept wearing their trench coats after returning home, or they gifted them to their wives. As a result, and are available nowadays. Trench coats generally suit a more elegant style of dress, though you can make them look a little more casual by not fastening their belts. Since they are made from thinner fabrics than our winter jackets, most of our trench coats can be found among our summer collections.
Softshell Jackets: the Opposite of Hardshell Jackets
are named after the fabric used to make them. Softshell fabric consists of multiple layers that make a jacket water-repellent and windproof. Also, softshell fabric is very breathable. This is important, as they are specifically designed for hikers, cyclists, mountaineers and other people who engage in outdoor activities. These jackets have been developed as an alternative to hardshell jackets. While hardshell jackets are more waterproof than softshell jackets, their fabrics are neither flexible nor breathable, making a more comfortable alternative a necessity. As such, softshell jackets have become the ideal .
During a hike or a long cycling trip, these jackets will never get in the way, but they will give you all the protection from the weather conditions that you may have to face. Our and women can generally be found among our summer collections, but they also make for excellent or , especially as softshell fabric is quite thin and lightweight. This is also beneficial to a jacket’s comfort. However, if you are looking for an outdoor winter jacket, a short parka is a better option.
Puffer Jackets: Named After Their Appearance
are instantly recognizable by their designs. There is a thick lining between the inner and the outer shell, which is kept in place by quilted seams that run through all layers of fabric. While this is primarily done for practical reasons, quilting a padded jacket divides it into multiple compartments, which look quite puffy due to the thickness of the padding. That is how puffer jackets got their name. Puffer jackets are generally lined with thicker layers of fabric than traditional padded jackets. They also typically have more space between their seams, but that is not a must.
Jackets with designs that look like our current and women used to be known as . That term is technically incorrect these days, as natural down is hardly ever still used to line a jacket. All men’s and available through our online store have been lined with synthetic fibres that offer the same benefits as down from ducks or geese. The resulting lining weighs very little, but it offers excellent insulation. Moreover, synthetic fibres are generally more water-repellent and quicker to dry than natural down.
Order Various Types of Jackets Online
Whether or not the name of your new jacket still reflects its original purpose: if it came from Airforce’s online store, you can be sure that it has been made using high-quality fabrics. Because of this, an Airforce jacket will last for many years. That is something we considered while designing our jackets as well: all types of jackets you can find at our online store have been around for decades, and they have never gone out of fashion. They will also retain their fashionable colours for a long time to come.