What is it:
The windbreaker is not a new item of clothing, as the history of the jacket goes back over 500 years. It is a descendant of the parka and refers to a functional windbreaker made of lightweight material, but only gained its modern flair in the 1970s. The windbreaker is available in different cuts, often with an adjustable hem, hood, practical pockets and water-repellent, breathable fabrics. The windbreaker is often associated with sportswear, but it also goes beyond the boundaries of activewear and has found its place in the collections of fashion brands.
Why you should order it:
In spring and summer, the windbreaker is the optimal choice for outerwear. Due to the typically light material, the jacket can be easily and space-savingly packed for travel so that it is ready to hand in the event of sudden summer rain. Even though the windbreaker is a typical part of sportswear, it has now developed into a trend item and therefore also appeals to customers who are looking for stylish, weatherproof outerwear that goes beyond sporting use.
Where we saw him:
The further development of the jacket from the sports segment was reflected in the frequent appearance of the windbreaker on the catwalks of the men’s collections of the SS24 season, where it took on different silhouettes. While Rains stuck with the classic windbreaker silhouette, brands like Givenchy updated the look with contrasting and bold colors. Louis Vuitton and Denzilpatrick took a similar approach, presenting the windbreaker with graphic patterns, with Denzilpatrick’s designs reminiscent of ’80s track jackets. Junya Watanabe took inspiration from military style and added numerous pockets to the front of the windbreaker to make it even more practical.
How to style it:
Since the windbreaker is intended more as outerwear for rainy summer days, it is primarily intended to serve as a simple and easy-to-wear additional layer that you can simply carry with you in your bag. The look’s increasing presence on the runways has resulted in the windbreaker becoming a statement piece that can be worn all year round. Musicians like Liam Gallagher wear the windbreaker to complement the soccer-focused “blokecore” aesthetic, while models like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid give the jacket a feminine yet alternative twist.
With its long history, the windbreaker has become an integral part of the outerwear for fashionable trendsetters. Worn by artists and well-known faces in the fashion industry as a statement piece, it is much more than an emergency plan for rainy days. Today the garment comes in a variety of colors and patterns – modern but still functional for those who need light weather protection in warmer months.
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This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz