Regatta Jackets

Guide to Outdoor Jackets and Fleeces

The different descriptions for outdoor wear can often be confusing. But have no fear - if you're stumped by the difference between a waterproof jacket and a water repellent jacket then this glossary brought to you by Regatta Jackets.com is the perfect tool to bring you up to speed.

Anorak: A type of heavy jacket with a hood. The hood is often lined with an insulating material such as fur to protect the face from the cold and wind.

Breathable Fabrics: A fabric designed to resist water droplets from passing through while allowing vapour to pass through unimpeded. This allows the wearer to be protected from rain and snow while allowing the sweat to evaporate and makes it perfect for the manufacture of sports clothing.

Cagoul: A lightweight, weatherproof parka or anorak with an integral hood, adjustable cuffs and a short zip at the neck but without the lining found in those jackets. A cagoul can come in various shapes and sizes and can in some cases be rolled up tightly and carried in a bag or pocket.

Donkey Jacket: A short buttoned jacket which typically comes in black or dark blue woollen material. It is most commonly found with a plastic panel over each shoulder and two deep hip pockets.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR): A coating added to fabrics to make them water resistant. DWRs are often combined with breathable fabrics to create a waterproof jacket that is resistant to being saturated with water on the outside but allows sweat to pass through easily from within.

Fleece: A soft insulating fabric made using synthetic fibres designed to be an alternative to wool. Fleece displays the properties of wool in that it is warm and absorbs moisture superbly but it weighs a fraction of even the lightest woollens, making it ideal for warm outdoorwear. Unlike the hygroscopic wool fleece is hydrophobic, holding less than 1% of its weight in water. Because of this it remains a good insulator even when fully soaked but is not considered windproof.

Hydrophobic: The property of repelling water.

Hygroscopic: The property of readily absorbing and giving off moisture.

Insulated: Covered with a material that prevents or reduces the escape of heat. A jacket can be insulated with a variety of materials such as wool or fleece.

Jacket: A type of sleeved, waist-length garment. Jackets can be both fashionable or functional and used in active pursuits such as hiking.

Mackintosh: Usually abbreviated to mac the mackintosh is a type of waterproof jacket made using rubberised or rubber-laminated material.

Microfiber: A variety of polyester that is characterised by extremely thin filaments (measuring one denier). Used in the manufacture of both woven and non-woven textiles microfiber combinations lend themselves very well to performance apparel due to their softness, durability, absorption capabilities and waterproof nature. Additionally, microfiber materials help take moisture away from the body, which keeps you cool and dry whether going for a leisurely walk or partaking in high activity sports.

Nylon: A synthetic thermoplastic material which displays strength, elasticity, and a resistance to moisture absorbency.

Polyester: A synthetic fibre characterised by an ability to resist wrinkling and to spring back into shape when creased. They are very durable and as such require little care, making them ideal in the construction of hiking apparel.

Raincoat: A waterproof or water repellent jacket worn to protect from the rain. Types of raincoat include the anorak, cagoul, and mackintosh.

Synthetic Fibres: Man-made fibres created by forcing fibre forming materials through holes into the air, forming a thread.

Waterproof: A material which has been made resistant to water penetration. Waterproofing can be achieved by coating a fabric with rubber and then baking it.

Water Repellent: Fabrics sprayed with or immersed in synthetic resins which, unlike waterproofed garments, tend to remain porous and to retain their natural characteristics.

Weatherproof. A garment capable of resisting damage potentially caused by adverse weather conditions.

Windcheater (or Windbreaker): A thin outer jacket designed to resist light wind and rain. Usually made out of a light, thin material a windcheater possesses an elastic waistband, a zipper and often a hood as well.

Wool: A non-synthetic fibre made from the follicles of animals, usually sheep. Wool is warm and can absorb up to a third of its own weight in water. It is elastic and hygroscopic. Wool is naturally a creamy white colour but can be dyed to suit.