Windy, rainy or sunny; that’s how SG weather vacillates through the year. And as for most days, when we transit between outdoors and indoors, the environment can go from hot and humid in open spaces, to cold and dry in air-conditioned places in a snap. This is where a windbreaker comes in handy.
Most of these jackets are constructed with lightweight synthetic material that offers light insulation from the cold, as well as some protection from the wind, rain and sun. They are easy to zip on and peel off; usually come with functional pockets and a hood; and are worn as both casual wear and sports wear by everyone, regardless of gender or age. Still not convinced why you should own one as a wardrobe staple? Then take a look through these fashionable pieces to find your own favoured reason.
Blown Cow windrunner nylon jacket, $111.99 (RRP $306.99), Bolangaro Trevor Sport
Despite its name, no bovines were harmed in the making of this jacket (it’s made from nylon and polyester). What we assume “Blown Cow” refers to is the blurred black and white cow print – perhaps a rendering of a speeding bovine? Whatever the meaning or inspiration, this jacket is perfect to wear for 2021, since it is the year of the ox, cow print is still somewhat in trend and it lets you stand out from the street style herd.
Available from ASOS
SPRT Windbreaker, $130, adidas Originals
This is how you do bold, sporty and branded without falling on the OTT side of fashion. Put away your drab sports garb and hit the pavement or gym with this snazzy jacket, that’s sure to catch attention with its yellow, white, red and navy, stripes and swathes – graphic coloured interpretations of adidas’ iconic 3-stripes branding.
Available from JD Sports stores, multiple locations, jdsports.com.sg
BONUS: SAFRA members can receive rebates from RebateMango when they purchase from JD Sports. Click here for more infomation.
Oversized logo-print metallic shell windbreaker, $3,169 (£1,695), Celine Homme
Got enough money blowing in the wind? Might as well blow it on this windbreaker. It’s big, silvery and luxury – it’s by Hedi Slimane for Celine Homme SS21. Whether you should actually don this for exercising in, we leave that sweaty (and expensive) decision to you.
Available at Mr Porter
CLD9 Corrupted Men’s Windbreaker, $129, Puma
This is for the peeps with well-honed muscles in their fingers, eyes and brain, a.k.a. the esports experts. A collabo between Cloud9 (the US esports organisation fielding teams participating in League of Legends, Overwatch, Fortnite and other such popular games) and Puma, this simple yet sleek black-and-white affair comes with the usual full-zip closure and flap pockets that come with windbreakers. The one thing that announces your fave sports cause to the world: the bold Cloud9 letterings in white that runs across the back of the jacket, from top to bottom. Champion, this one.
Available at Puma stores, multiple locations. sg.puma.com
Kaplan hooded tile-print windbreaker jacket, $2,075 (USD $1,541), Moncler Genius – 7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara
Want to prove that you are a heavyweight in the fashion game? Then this is your trophy piece. 7 Moncler Fragment’s the creative partnership between luxury outerwear brand Moncler and the godfather of streetwear, Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, and this is a standout piece from the collection (made more of a holy grail because it is exclusive to MatchesFashion). Expect the usual features – hood, flap pockets and elasticated cuffs – with some designer touches. The weather-repellent shell’s made in Italy (so it’s top quality) and the cubic tile print is inspired by the flooring of a Parisian restaurant (so tres chic). So fine, so fire.
Available at MatchesFashion
Windbreaker jacket in sand, $44.99 (RRP $83.99), Native Youth
If you find the typical windbreaker too technical or sporty looking, here’s one to wear to make you look smart-casual. A stylish workwear number in a darker shade of beige, it’s woven out of semi-structured soft twill with a parallel-rib pattern, and comes designed with a spread collar, partial button placket, chest pocket and buttoned sleeves. The only aspect that hints of windbreaker? A drawstring hem. More than spiffy enough for Zoom meetings, then.
Available from ASOS
Nike Windrunner in Barely Green/Smoke Grey/Green Glow, $149, Nike
So you’re a serious athlete who wants performance in their clothes but don’t mind some athleisure flair? Then get ready to pack some fashionable heat with this cool piece. The “packing” bit: The garment can be folded into its back panel pocket and carried easily with its over-the-shoulder strap. It looks trendy because of its pleasant fresh mint and modern grey colour scheme, and reflective Nike Swoosh and bars elements. And it’s cool because, well, it literally keeps you cool with its back vent and chevron-design venting system for increased ventilation. Plus, it also keeps you dry and on-the-go, with its water-repellent stretch-woven fabric that facilitates ease of movement with its technical seaming and 7%-elastane stretchiness.
Available at Nike stores and brand stockists, multiple outlets, nike.com/sg
BONUS: SAFRA members can receive 15% off regular-priced footwear & apparels at Nike stores. Click here for more details.
Print A Windbreaker, $905 (UP $1,395), COMME Des GARCONS SHIRT x Futura
Even if this is a whole fashion-season late, a good design remains a desired one. This piece from the Japanese brand’s collaboration with graffiti legend Futura is made for keeps with the artist’s iconic Pointman illustrations printed all over its external shell, and of course, for wearing through colder weather as it is lined with fleece. Plus, it’s still available, on sale, and this windbreaker model was not part of the range that was brought into SG so you will be one of the rare few sporting this if you do buy it online.
Available at END.
Backpack logo-plaque technical-shell windbreaker, $1,250 (USD $930), Prada
Prefer your outerwear more low-key luxe than high-performance sporty? Here’s an option. It’s your typical polyamide windbreaker, elevated by the house’s distinctive triangular metal logo, eye-catching pandan-green colour, four front pockets and, according to the e-tailer, a zip that runs a U-shape “perimeter of the back panel which can be unfastened to create a backpack-inspired silhouette” (very Prada).
Available at MatchesFashion
Nylon windbreaker, $49.95, H&M
If you dig gorpcore (imagine normcore or everyday wear, but with an emphasis on utilitarian, functional, outdoorsy gear) or rather keep things simple so that pairing clothes’ easy not iffy, then opt for this frills-free one from H&M. All you need to know is that it’s made of nylon, has a drawstring hood, inner pocket and elasticated cuffs; comes with mesh lining; and is available in black, grey-green, dark blue and dark grey (seen here). Now you know, now go buy.
Available at H&M stores, multiple locations, www2.hm.com/en_asia2
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and are based on current exchange rates.
