Established in the 1960s by American Douglas Tompkins, The North Face is a brand synonymous with the extremes of sport and sportswear fashion today. The company was named for the coldest, steepest, most difficult face of a mountain to climb in the northern hemisphere – The North Face. The company’s quarter-circle logo is an iconic representation of one of the world’s greatest big walls - Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome rock formation.
The rising popularity of North Face coats and jackets, as well as other apparel is linked to hip hop trends. That rise in popularity led to the proliferation of counterfeit North Face jackets in markets and even some reputable shops in the late 1990s. What’s more, as recently as last year, students were being mugged for their North Face jackets in Washington D.C. – these jackets were then resold at a knock-down rate. It’s relatively easy to spot a fake, because the logos are generally misplaced and often the material is significantly lower in quality than genuine North Face jackets.
The North Face divide their jackets and coats for men into three categories: waterproof shells, fleece and soft shells, and insulated. Waterproof shells for men by The North Face include: the Altimont Hoodie, for fast and light activities in a variety of conditions; the ultra-lightweight, compressible DIAD jacket; and the Universal Infusion jacket, with fully-adjustable drop hood, pack-compatible hand pockets and a new, softer waterproof fabric. Fleeces and softshells in the men’s collection by The North Face include: the Apex Magic jacket, with welded sleeves for exceptional water and wind resistance without sacrificing mobility; the Caber Hybrid jacket, with excellent insulation, mobility and breathability; and, the Peregrine WindStopper jacket, with the protection of Gore WindStopper and mid-layer comfort. The North Face selection of insulated jackets for men includes the Himalayan Parka, developed to keep you warm and dry even in extreme mountain conditions and the Redpoint Optimus jacket, with waterproof hood and shoulder yoke.
For women, The North Face group their coats and jackets into the same three categories. Women’s North Face waterproof shells include: the Stratosphere XCR jacket, with three-layer Gore-Tex XCR for excellent protection against the elements without added weight; the Coriolis jacket, suited for most light activities; and the performance-fit Stretch Venture jacket. Fleece and softshells in the North Face wardrobe for women include the Apex Elixir jacket, designed from stretch-woven Apex Aerobic fabric; the Genesis vest,designed to be worn on its own or combined with a weatherproof shell; and the Welded Omega jacket, offering excellent mobility and water-resistance. And finally, insulated North Face jackets for women include the classic Nuptse jacket with taffeta shoulders and exquisite down filling, as well as the Redpoint Optimus jacket, a favourite of athletes the world over.
The North Face offer both their men’s and women’s jacket collections in an array of smaller sizes suitable for older children and teenagers.
Most jackets and coats made by The North Face are available from a host of high street shops, as well as a wide selection of reputible online retailers.
© Jackets.org.uk 2008
