After causing a stir with its Tokyo-inspired FW19 collection, Wolfskin Tech Lab has returned for SS20 with a range of modern, ultra-clean, and impressively lightweight jackets. Ranging from classic styles to modern takes on parkas and field jackets, this season’s collection continues to blend function with contemporary silhouettes in 21 styles that will keep you cool and dry this spring.
Wolfskin Tech Lab is still relatively young – the first collection debuted in 2016 – but as the pinnacle line of Jack Wolfskin, it has almost 40 years of knowledge of making high-tech, weather-resistant gear to draw on. This line’s overarching theme is “Pioneering technology in outstanding design,” and it's here that the brand can experiment and invest in its most advanced gear. But, unlike its mother brand, Wolfskin Tech Lab's focus is on the city and its products are informed by styles and shapes that are more at home on the street than the mountain.
For SS20, Wolfskin Tech Lab has dropped its biggest collection to date: 21 jackets, up from 16 last season. “We wanted to create a collection that had a lot of different elements to cater to the variants of the weather,” explains Daniele Grasso, Wolfskin Tech Lab’s apparel director. “Alongside this, the other inspiration was lightness, as we look to create products with a high degree of technology combined with as little weight to the garment as possible. Balance this against our obsession with sustainability and these were the driving forces for SS20.”
Daniele GrassoWe wanted to create a collection that had a lot of different elements to cater to the variants of the weather.
To the untrained eye, the collection may seem simple, but the minimal aesthetic is a conscious choice and isn’t reflective of its complexity nor its technicality. Each garment is the result of extensive research in trends, technology, and fabrics, taking on average 18 months to develop and three rounds of prototyping. Such is the case for two of this season's debut styles, the lightweight Tanger Parka (which weighs just 725 grams) and the techwear-inspired Clifton Jacket.
Fabrics can make or break a jacket and Wolfskin Tech Lab's dedicated team of fabric developers test every new material to make sure it meets their superior standards. Trials are carried out to asses criteria including waterproofness, breathability, abrasion resistance, and tearing strength. The SS20 collection makes use of durable materials such as Stormlock fabric and hardwearing nylon fabrics that are bonded together in 2L and 3L garments. Alongside materials, features, too, ensure the wearer is ready to face the elements and appearing across the range are detachable hoods, vents, and multiple pockets for stashing all your goods.
GrassoOur head of innovation and technology team is always on the hunt for new technological highlights and sustainable alternatives.
Wolfskin Tech Lab’s pursuit of innovation isn’t only driven by function and style, but equally by the desire to produce in a way that minimizes environmental harm. Over 50% of its suppliers are bluesign® system partners, and it was honored by the Fair Wear Foundation for its efforts to build an ethical supply chain (see what goes into a jacket here).
“We always try to be ahead of the market,” says Grasso. “Our head of innovation and technology team is always on the hunt for new technological highlights and sustainable alternatives to create the perfect customer experience. In terms of design, we research and try to foresee upcoming trends to bring these in our unique combination of style, sustainability, and function.”
Make sure to keep up with the latest drops by following Wolfskin Tech Lab on Instagram or head to the online shop to check out the current range in full.
