It can be tough to find a jacket made of high-performance outwear material without looking like Joe Granola hiker bro or a Trustafarian snowboard clown. Vancouver’s Mission Workshop brand is on it, though. Their waterproof Eiger Field Jacket is constructed of Swiss-made Schoeller C-Change fabric (think upgraded Gore-Tex) and it’s cut for life on the cold streets not just the black diamonds.

Amazingly, the Schott Perfecto leather jacket is one product from the golden age of motorcycling that isn’t endorsed by Steve McQueen. But this slim-cut leather classic from New York’s Schott Leather is a jacket we know he’d love. Zip-front, snap collar closure, distressed top-grain cowhide. Motorcycle optional,  aviator shades not included.

Denim works. It cuts the chill and whatever muck it collects washes right out. It’s simple and tough.  Filson’s Cruiser was designed back in 1914. Named for the timber cruisers of the time whose job it was to take long walks through the forest estimating the amount of standing timber for logging. Even if your cruising is of a slightly different type, this button front, 4-pocket work coat will serve you well on all your little jaunts.

For days out in the elements, layering is the key to comfort. Since it weighs nothing and packs down to the size of a grapefruit, you can jam this slim-fit 800-fill down shirt into your bag or knapsack for whatever weather the day may hold. It’s the perfect insulating layer for winter or a cozy shell on its own when the sun shines.

One of life’s mundane and distracting quandaries, “Do I need a jacket?” There’s rarely an obvious answer, so we operate on the principle of maybe. If the jacket happens to be a simple but refined grey, button-front fleece, it would be the right choice 99% of the time. You could just walk out the door and go.

It’s a shirt, it’s a jacket … no, it’s a shirt-jacket. What does that mean? Well … it means you can wear it twice as often. This crinkled cotton hoodie from Amsterdam clothiers, Scotch & Soda, is a cozy, comfy, slim fit garment made for everyday action or slacktion.

Soft & supple, this heavyweight fatigue coat made of imported Japanese canvas looks and feels like it already did a tour of duty in the Pacific theater. No break-in-period needed. Right off the rack, it’ll feel like an old favorite. Hidden zip and brushed twill liner. Ready for combat any day of the week.

If a war happens to break out at the dive bar, the nightclub, or even while you’re walking the beach with your date – you’ll be ready for combat. Military styling & refined detailing, like a satin lining, will make you feel like an officer even if you’re just a private in training. At ease, soldier.

There’s a growing trend toward minimalism in technical outerwear design. For many reasons. We’d like to think one reason is because we have too many pockets in which to lose car keys, cell phones & wallets, already. The two guys behind Aether must feel this way also – because you’d be hard-pressed to find a more stripped-down, performance-fabric jacket than this, anywhere.

Stronghold has been making genuine denim workwear in Southern California since 1895. Way back when hard work was actually done in the region. Regardless, the timeless-style of this sturdy workcoat is a great fit for hard labor or cool nights on the coast. Made of 100% loom-woven selvage denim with a button front & 4 patch pockets – it’s (old) fashion that really functions.