What is an anorak and how should a man wear it? 6 functional options for different weather

designer, stylist

“The ingenious invention of Eskimos from the harsh northern lands combined with modern technology and design solutions has turned into the perfect outerwear for the man of today. And there is no doubt that the anorak will remain a trending garment for quite some time to come.”

Origin story

It is an amazing fact that mankind has been inventing fasteners for clothing throughout its history. Earlier they used belts made of coarse rope, buttons, Velcro, which originally served as steppe thorns, all kinds of hooks and buckles.

In any museum of the world among archaeological finds there are buttons. Our ancestors made them from bone, stone, leather, iron, even gold and jewelry.

Protest men’s anorak, 10,428 rubles / Ozon

Meanwhile, the Eskimos living at the very edge of the earth turned out to be much more practical. They invented an outer garment that does not need zippers. The word “anorak” came to us from the language of the Inuit Eskimos. This people lived in the north of what is now Canada.

From time immemorial, they sewed themselves clothes made of seal skin (this material protects from wind, rain and snow). It was worn over the top and did not need fasteners. The head was protected by a hood that tightened to fit. At the level of the abdomen there was a spacious pocket.

The first representatives of the civilized world, who got acquainted with this ideal in all respects clothing, were polar explorers. They began to actively use the invention of practical Eskimos.

Insulated jacket Rossignol HERO EXCES ANORAK, 26,207 rubles (with card) / “Trial-Sport”

At the beginning of the XX century its advantages were appreciated by the military. The first anoraks appeared in the outfit of the US Army soldiers. Since then, it has become indispensable for sailors, mountaineers, extreme travelers. It turned out that it is much more convenient to carry heavy and massive backpacks with wide straps with it. The chest pocket is always accessible and convenient, while the side pockets are difficult to get into when the backpack straps are on top.

The lack of a traditional chest closure saves a bunch of hassle with buttons flying off and zippers sticking. And, just as importantly, it helps keep you warm.

Men’s Termit Anorak, 4249 rubles / Sportmaster

Anorak’s golden hour seemed to come in 1959, when the legendary Vogue magazine came out with photos of famous models wearing these unusual jackets. But then the closet of Canadian Eskimos failed to conquer the world. People stubbornly continued to wear outerwear zipped on the chest.

And only in our days the anorak went beyond the tourist equipment stores. It appeared on the most prestigious catwalks, in the windows of department stores and on the streets of cities.

Today it is worn by men and women who prefer casual style. Every thing has its own fashion connotation. Anorak is associated with inner freedom, bright individuality, the ability to go beyond conventions and rules. This is a stylish thing for those who do not want to be like everyone else.

Purpose and functionality

Unlike a windbreaker, equipped with “zippers” and Velcro, an anorak is worn over the head and does not have locks. If the hoodie is sewn from knitwear, it is made of materials that protect from wind, rain and snow. It should not be confused with a parka. Since Eskimo clothing is not designed for winter weather.

The most striking feature of the anorak is a large, free pocket at the level of the stomach. Some designers equip their models with pockets on the sleeves.

Nordway men’s anorak 7 999 rubles / Lamoda

Another important nuance is the lacing, which allows you to tighten the hood and hem of the anorak to maximize protection from the wind. The sleeves end with a dense knitted elastic band. It keeps out the cold, moisture and snow. Thus, the clothing becomes as airtight as possible.

Modern anoraks are sewn from synthetic materials that have water-repellent properties and a membrane. The classic anorak length is up to the middle of the thigh. The jacket should not restrain movement.

What to wear anorak with?

Women’s and men’s anoraks differ only in decor and size range. Wear anorak in the city is accepted with jeans and sneakers. Of course, to wear such a jacket over an office suit and with leather boots is inappropriate. But if you have a day off, you go for a walk or meet with friends, this jacket will protect you from the weather and create a feeling of coziness.

Salomon Gravity Insul Gtx Men’s Anorak, 49,949 rubles / Sportmaster

expert on men’s and women’s style, stylist-image-maker

“Anorak jacket is gaining more and more popularity not only among mountaineers and travelers. Due to its lightness and comfort it has become popular in urban conditions. Further, water- and wind-proof qualities of the jacket are appreciated by mountaineers, hunters, fans of sea sports and active tourism”.

What are anoraks made of today?

Anoraks are sewn from lightweight water-repellent fabrics. Therefore, it can not protect from severe cold weather. Why? Because it does not have additional insulation.

Simple and inexpensive anoraks are made mostly of bologna. More expensive – from high-tech fabrics with impregnation: leather, corduroy, taslan with membrane.

In addition to lightweight and durable fabric, which perfectly protects from rain and wind, anorak jacket is convenient thanks to a large patch pocket in the front in the middle of the jacket. The pocket can be used not only for its intended purpose. It is also convenient to fold the jacket and place it in this very pocket. Which is very comfortable for storage.

Men’s winter anorak Dissent, 6588 rubles / wildberries

To date, the anorak does not have a clear purpose and design requirements. The appearance of the jacket continues to change and improve due to reflective inserts, tightening braid on the waist and sleeves.

The color scheme continues to change as well. Manufacturers produce not only monochrome jackets, but also use combinations of colors.