The City Jacket

Whether you're an outdoor professional or just want to look like one, the right jacket can transform your image and protect your body from the elements. Choose from a variety of fabrics to suit your needs. Lightweight, breathable jackets can help you keep warm without overheating. Jackets with adjustable wrist cuffs and hoods give you options to customize your fit, while vents can control airflow when you're active. Some jackets have pockets for storing valuables, while others feature removable hoods that stow away when not in use. Look for a waterproof shell and fully-sealed seams when choosing a jacket for outdoor adventures.

A letter jacket, also known as a varsity jacket or letter sweater, is an athletic garment with the name and initials of a student athlete inscribed on it to identify them as a member of a particular sports team. Traditionally, students who earn a varsity letter are rewarded with a garment bearing the letters of their school's name to wear during competition and at home games, though some schools allow junior varsity athletes to purchase a jacket as well. The letter jacket is often worn long after graduation as a symbol of school pride and commitment.

There are no hard and fast rules for what type of jacket is considered a city jacket, but it is typically a light-to-midweight option with good insulation and a stylish cut. The coat should be comfortable to wear in temperatures between about 50 and 60 °F (10 and 20 °C). It should be suitable for a range of activities, from walking to work or commuting in the city to more energetic sports such as skiing and hiking.

Some of the best city jackets are rooted in classic work-wear. Brands such as Carhartt and Le Mont St Michel have been selling chore coats since 1917. More recently, fashion label Alex Mill incorporated a similar style into its inaugural collection. It sold out immediately, proving the appeal of this simple, rugged design.

The latest version of the city jacket is likely influenced by street-style, with celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing versions from luxury brands like Anthony Vaccarello. But if you don't have the PS5,035 to spend on one from the Italian designer, there are plenty of thrift stores where you can find a vintage one for less. When you do buy a new city jacket, read its washing instructions carefully to make sure it is suitable for the type of wash it needs. Some fabrics, such as nylon and fleece, are fine in the machine, while down jackets should be hand-washed or tumble-dried on low heat to prevent mildew. Adding tennis balls to the dryer can help to keep down fluffy and shaped, as can drying the jacket inside-out to avoid putting unnecessary strain on zippers and buttons.