What are the Different types of Jackets available in India and abroad?
The following are the different types of Jackets available in India and abroad:
- 1. Varsity Jacket or Letterman Jacket
- 2. Anorak Jacket
- 3. Bomber Jackets
- 4. Parka Jackets
- 5. Windcheater or Windbreakers
- 6. Cargo Jackets
- 7. Denim Jackets
- 8. Sweat Jacket
- Varsity Jackets or Letterman jackets are usually the colourful variation of Bomber jacket where the sleves are usually different from the body both in colour and in materais. The body is mostly made out of Suede Leather or Nylon and the sleeves are made out of PU Leather.
Varsity Jacket or Letterman Jacket originated from universities like the Havard Universities where seniors and Athletes wore collarless baggy jackets with embolden alphabet embroidered on the chest signifying the University they belong to. It used to carry a symbol of pride and honour among Athletes and Seniors representing their respective universities.
In the 80s & 90s Varsity Jacket or Letterman Jackets’ popularity went outside universities and colleges, as common people started adopting the trend and wore it normally as daily casual street fashion clothing with jeans.
Varsity Jackets are worn by actors in various movies like Tom Cruise in: A few good men (1992), All the Right moves(1983), Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Chris Evans in Another Teen Movie (2001), Chris Tucker in Beverly Hills Cop I & 2 (1984-87), and a lot more.
Varsity Jackets or Letterman Jackets also known as Baseball Jackets are usuall made of the following materials:
- Burnt wool or Hard Cotton
- Nylon & Teflon
- Suede Leather and cotton
2. Anorak Jackets: Anorak Jackets are mostly worn as pull overs and are not front open zipped like other jackets. However, there may be a small zip at the tip of the neck to facilitate the wearing of this jacket. Mostly Anoraks are water repellent and made of high quality Nylon and Teflon. Though they are not a substitute for rain-coat, they can give moderate protection from incessant rain. This is also apparent from the fact that almost all Anoraks comes with attached hood.
Anoraks originated long back before any other Jackets were even in existence. In the prehistoric ages, they were made of Animal skins and hydes and provided good protection from winters. Zippers where non-existent during those prehistoric days. So, Pullovers made of thick Yak & other animal skins were the primary mode of winter protection during those days. Anoraks are the modern version of those types of prehistoric pullovers, where in current times, they are made of Nylon and other water resistant Teflons.
3, Bomber Jackets: Bomber Jackets have quite a unique history, They were originally known as flight jacket worn by Fighter plane pilots during world war I. Normally during those days, fighter planes had open cockpits and when they flew the planes, winds used to gush on their face and body. To protect themselves from this strong wind and other injuries, they needed a good protective shell which is not only hard but also lightweight and comfortable but also water resistant. Hence came the origination of the Nylon round neck Jackets called Fighter Jackets. As the Fighter planes became more advanced and sophisticated, Nylon jackets were replaced by Pilot suits. However, these original Nylon Jackets evolved into today’s Bomber Jackets.
Usually Bomber Jackets are padded & insulated for extra protection from wind and cold.
4. Parka Jackets: Parkas are usually longer Jackets worn by men and women. Parkas are normally padded or insulated jackets worn with its length exceeding the waist and falling as low as the knee.
History: Originally created by the Caribou Inuit to keep warm in the Canadian arctic, the parka was originally made from seal or caribou skin and often coated with fish oil for waterproofing. The word “parka” is thought to come from the Nenets language, translating as “animal skin”. Parka Jackets were also used by the US Military in cold climates. Its was usually worn over uniforms and and its large oversize ensured more pocket storage space for food and ammunition.
Overtime, it became a fashion statement and everyone living in the cold climate – men and women starting wearing Parkas, also with furred inner linings starting with open and closed collars.
5. Windcheater or Windbreakers: Windcheater or windbreakers along with Denim Jackets are the only category of Light Jackets which are worn also in warm climates and in all season. They are mostly worn for basic protection from wind and slight rain (ofcoz, they are not a substitute to a rain coat). Windcheaters are mostly made of Nylon, High quality Nylon, Teflon and Polyesters.
6. Cargo Jackets: Cargo Jackets are mostly made out of Khaki cotton also known as chinos. Cargo jackets usually Khaki cotton made and are known for their multi utility and casual use. History: Cargo Pant were introduced in the British Army during the Word War II. Due to its Multi-pocket facility, it was very useful for the British Army to stock ammunition, food and equipment including weapons.
7. Denim Jackets: Denim is a perfect American product from the history of fashionable and useful wears. Today Denim is a fashion statement worn by millions of people. Denim has evolved over the years as an advanced casual clothing item which is of a more utility than cotton especially in 3 wearables: Jeans, Shirts and Jackets.
History: Levis Strauss is the founder of Denim. He initially introduced it in 1880 with the intention of making something harder, breathable and comfortable more or less like cotton where cotton isn’t that hard and durable.. He designed it for the Rairoad Workers, Cowboys and Gold mine workers to protect them from scratch and minor injuries which used to occur due to the nature of their hard work. Denim is now worn as casual wear by people from all walks of life and all ages starting from Teenagers to middle aged people and also senior citizens.
9. Sweat Jackets: If Varsity or Letterman Jackets were originally designed for Baseball players, Sweat Jackets were designed for Football players. The original sweatshirt was invented by Benjamin Russell Jr., a football player in 1926. It came as a replacement to itchy crew-neck wool jerseys. These all cotton sweat jackets were a better cool looking and comfortable wear as uniforms for the Football players. These Sweat Shirts also formed the basis for Hooded sweatshirt. Soon it was modified further for usages by the factory and warehouse workers in Newyork in 1930.
Till today these cotton sweatshirts including hoodies are worn by common people to combat cold weather and are matched with Jeans and also worn over T-shirts.
Till today these cotton sweatshirts including hoodies are worn by common people to combat cold weather and are matched with Jeans and also worn over T-shirts.
