Wolfskin Tech Lab has been quietly developing industry-changing jackets since it was founded three years ago, yet the brand remained relatively under the radar until early last year, when its Storm Shell Jacket won an award at ISPO, Europe’s biggest outdoor industry event, for its innovative seamless design. Since then, the performance brand has gained traction and is quickly becoming globally respected for its superior range of jackets that are practically designed and look good, too.
As the premium label from German outerwear brand Jack Wolfskin, it’s no surprise that the line’s jackets are on point when it comes to technology. Wolfskin Tech Lab has 40 years of heritage to tap into, access to a whole library of performance fabrics, and a team of designers au fait with engineering functional apparel. But to understand quite how advanced these products are, we've taken a closer look at what they’re actually made of.
First off, the brand uses an exclusive material called Texapore, a waterproof, windproof and breathable hardshell fabric, not dissimilar to Gore-Tex. There’s a number of renditions – Texapore O² boasts the highest weatherproof specs, while Texapore Ecosphere is made from 100% recycled polyester and is produced using a reduced amount of CO². The namesake Texapore Ecosphere jacket was the first jacket ever to feature a fully recycled outer layer, membrane, and lining.
Preserving the environment is one Wolfskin Tech Lab primary ambitions and it works with a number of organizations including Bluesign, Fair Wear Foundation, and ZDHC. When it comes to products, they only use RDS certified sustainable down, organic cotton, and the range is 100% free from PFCs (man-made chemicals, such as DWR, that are harmful to the environment).
Adding to their ingenious design is the fact that they are all ergonomically constructed, so you can get around with comfort and ease, and they also feature a compatible snap-in system that (for those with a penchant for layering) allows you to snap together two models.
The FW 2019 collection brings together all of these elements in 16 ultra-clean jackets – eight for men, eight for women – inspired by Tokyo, the city where tech and craft collide. The drop takes cues from this coalescence, mixing function with modern design, in a range of parkas, shells, and down jackets that are capable of withstanding the harshest of weather conditions but designed with a streamlined, minimal look.
Standout designs from the drop include the Sapporo Coat, an extra-long down jacket with a supremely soft hand-feel, a high collar and a detachable hood. Made with Stomlock – a windproof, water-repellent, and breathable fabric – it’s the ultimate choice for those extremely cold winter commutes.
The Storm Shell, and its shorter hoodless counterpart, the Slick Shell, are other styles to mention thanks to their cutting-edge design. Constructed with three-layer Xalt technology, the Texapore O² fabric that makes up these shells is bonded with no stitching or taping, giving them a seamless appearance. Both extremely thin designs are lined with a light layer of sherpa for added warmth.
Hit the links above to shop the collection at their EU store, and to learn more about Wolfskin Tech Lab, follow them on Instagram.
