Meet the Field Jacket

Editor's note: this piece was discontinued. Return to homepage!

This is our first piece of men’s outerwear, and we wanted to innovate on a known style the Bluffworks way — update it for better everyday use, use modern technical capabilities, and add practical pockets. 

A few years ago, we did a photoshoot in Cuba where I wore a green field jacket with our pants. Every time we use the photo on the site, in an email, or on social media, we get inquiries about that jacket. I like the traditional field jacket style, but I usually need a coat that can stand up to weather.

Last year, we started testing fabrics that would allow us to achieve waterproof performance while maintaining the look and feel of the classic military field jacket. 

We decided to share an early production sample at an event in WeWork last fall and at our New York Times Travel Show booth this January. Whoa. We were surprised and excited at how eager everyone was for this product — at the events and in comments on our blog. It seems I’m not the only one having a hard time finding an elegant, high-tech piece of outerwear.

Now, instead of having to wear a waterproof coat that looks like gear, you can wear a modern field jacket with lots of pockets, breathable waterproofing, and a hideaway hood.

Meet the Fabric

Our goal was to provide both protection from the elements and comfort within.

We used a three-layer fabric that combines a nylon ripstop shell, breathable lamination, and a nylon mesh interior. DWR treatment paired with bonded seams provide a seal that ensures water and wind stay out. 

When you’re out in the elements, be sure to use the zipper and the storm flap to achieve full water and wind resistance.

There’s also a hideaway hood that rolls into the collar. The hood adjusters and zipper pulls are faux suede, for a quality look with a quick dry time.

The cuffs are adjustable with two snaps and an internal gusset (a little extra fabric), which allows the jacket to fit over heavy gloves. 

And, of course, our jacket is machine washable. That said, we advise spot cleaning for the most part, to ensure the performance capabilities last. 

Meet the Pockets

Exterior:

We know that pockets of all kinds are important, and the feedback we heard over the years has reinforced that clever placement of useful security pockets is key. So our jacket has a total of 10 travel-friendly pockets to provide storage space inside and out. 

The four classic bellows pockets on the front have snap closure top flaps, and the top two have hidden zippers on the centermost side, so you can easily secure and access your phone. Behind the bottom two pockets are hand warmer pockets.

Interior:

Inside the jacket are four mesh pockets. The upper two have side zip closures, ideal for items you want to keep secure. The lower two are open entry stretch mesh with an elastic binding, designed to carry soft goods like hats and gloves.