The word “windbreaker” is familiar to everyone; most of us call it a light summer or autumn jacket (which, by the way, are very different from each other). However, few people know what a real windbreaker is and why it is called that.
What is a windbreaker - purpose
A windbreaker is a short jacket made of thick fabric, which is intended, as its name suggests, primarily to protect against gusts of wind. Some of the first prototypes of modern jackets appeared in England, where sailors sewed thick canvas shirts that they wore over their main clothes as protection from strong gusts of wind and sea spray. Gradually, this thing from the lower strata of the population migrated to all of them, including the wardrobes of the upper class. The appearance of the jackets was refined and began to be widely used primarily for outdoor activities - sports, horse riding and walks in nature and in the mountains.
THIS IS INTERESTING: The first modern similar things began to be sewn in the mid-twentieth century, only this happened in France.They were made for the wealthy segments of the population from dense synthetic fabric for outdoor activities. Thanks to their practicality, convenience and light weight, they quickly gained universal popularity.
Features of materials
Today, windbreakers are made from a wide variety of fabrics, but synthetic ones are superior among them. Among the fabrics used for sewing light jackets:
- Synthetic polyester, the beauty of which is that it does not wrinkle, is lightweight and protects well from the wind;
- Corduroy fabric with a characteristic “velvet” striped structure. It is good because it retains heat, unlike many other traditional windbreaker fabrics;
- Nylon. Lightweight, but does not protect well from rain and snow;
- Suede windbreakers have a characteristic appearance with fine “fur”. They look very flattering and highlight the figure well;
- Cotton fabrics breathe well and provide good warmth.
Features of the cut
The key feature of such outerwear is usually lightweight pulleys of a shortened style. However, there are other models:
- Sports items designed for outdoor activities and outdoor sports.
- Jackets with a hood.
- Long windbreakers, which can more likely be classified as raincoats or trench coats, but which differ from them in the intentional simplicity of the model, lack of frills and look more like an elongated sports jacket than a raincoat.
- Anorak jacket. A characteristic feature is the absence of traditional zippers or buttons. This jacket is worn more like a hoodie (over the head) and is great for running and hiking.
General external characteristics
The classic windbreaker has a number of distinctive features that make it impossible to confuse it with any other jacket. Typically windbreakers:
- They have a zipper that allows the jacket flaps to fly freely;
- Does not have a hood;
- Made of thin, durable material that is not capable of storing heat, but provides good protection from wind and, sometimes, from cold;
- Short style;
- Fits tightly to the figure, the sleeves are also of a simple straight cut;
- Has a small internal pocket that can be used for a wallet or mobile phone;
- There is usually a synthetic fabric lining and pockets.
NOTE! Compact, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and multifunctional - these are the main qualities of a real windbreaker, which you simply cannot do without.
Still unsure whether to buy a windbreaker and hope to get by with a raincoat or even just a warm jacket? A windbreaker is a universal jacket that can be used from late spring to early autumn, not only for hiking and sports, but also for everyday wear as outerwear. Well-tailored, high-quality lightweight outerwear is a necessary element of the wardrobe of any man, woman or child.
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