Men's Windbreakers
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About The North Face Men's Windbreakers
Windbreakers are a lightweight outer layer that is designed to block wind, reducing wind chill. The name "windbreaker" comes from the fact that the jacket "breaks" the wind, interrupting air flow so it doesn't steal heat from your body as quickly. It was first trademarked in the 1940s, but the concept may date back as far as 1918. Other names for windbreakers include windcheaters (most common in the UK) and wind shells.
Windbreakers are ideal for so-called "shoulder seasons": spring and fall. This is when temperatures may be slightly chilly, but not so cold as to require an insulated coat. Remember that windbreakers are lightweight and designed to block wind, but they are not typically insulated for warmth or truly waterproof (unless stated in the features).
Best occasions to wear a men's windbreaker include:
Spring and fall days or summer evenings near water
Vacations and at the airport
Hiking, running, and cycling particularly in the morning and evening
One of our best-selling men's wind jackets is the HKe Utility Wind Jacket. Built for gusty days, it has a water-repellent finish and material that is engineered to dry quickly. It's an ideal outer layer for running, cycling, hiking, trail running, or even just walking around the neighborhood.
When weather calls for wind and rain protection, look no further than our Antora and Alta Vista jackets. These rain shells are made with materials (DRYVENT™ in the case of Antora) that are designed to keep you dry in rain and light snow.
Construction With Wind Protection In Mind: Wind jackets should be made from tightly woven fabric with good cuffs, hems, and collars. Cinched collars, hems, and cuffs are an advantage to prevent billowing.
Weather resistance: While some windbreakers are water-resistant, they are typically not waterproof (unless otherwise noted). Be sure to check the level of weather resistance for particular styles before purchasing.
Packability: Packable windbreakers are great for hiking and running because they can be compressed and stowed in a backpack or small bag when not needed. However, they are most popular for travel because they fit easily in carry-ons and be put on and easily taken off in the airport or plane. Some of our highly compressible windbreakers at The North Face can even pack into their own pocket.
Venting: Mesh-lined vents, pit zips, and back yokes are key for ventilation when wearing a windbreaker during high activity. Our HKe Devils Thumb Jacket not only uses GORE-TEX® for breathability, but also features pit-zip venting.
Zipper: Full-zip windbreakers are easier to put on and take off, but anoraks and pullover styles may offer more wind protection and sportier style.
Windbreakers, as the name implies, are truly in their element in windy conditions. The point is to wear them as an outer layer over a t-shirt, long sleeve top, or fleece.
Benefits of windbreakers include:
Protection from wind without much added weight
Easy to pack, making them travel-friendly
More versatile during the "shoulder" seasons (fall and spring) when a heavy down coat is excessive
Potential drawbacks, however, may include:
Not typically waterproof for downpours
May look "too sporty" for more formal settings (choose a coach jacket for an elevated look)
FAQs
Not typically. Windbreakers may have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that helps water bead and roll off, but windbreakers are intended to be primarily a lightweight windproof layer. If you expect rainy conditions, choose a rain shell.
Windbreakers are not usually insulated so they are not as warm as a typical winter coat. They may help you feel warmer because they block the wind chill, but they are not intended to be a warm layer. To add warmth to a windbreaker, wear a fleece or warm baselayer underneath.
Windbreakers should be big enough to wear a layer (or perhaps 2) underneath, but they should not be so loose that they billow in the wind. Avoid a tight fit because that can restrict movement.
Yes! Windbreakers are a popular layer for running in cool and windy conditions.
WindWall™ is a fabric that is engineered to block wind chill without compromising mobility. It uses a unique bonding process, often with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and moisture management to keep you comfortable whether you're out running, hiking, commuting, or running errands on windy days.
WindWall™ technology can be found in The North Face jackets and pants.