Jackets have become essential wardrobe staples for both everyday wear and seasonal protection. From classic silhouettes to modern technical designs, the right jacket not only keeps the wearer comfortable but also helps express personal style. Today, fashion brands and private labels across the USA understand that jackets are no longer just functional pieces. They are a core part of identity, versatility, and lifestyle. With the US jacket and coat market expected to reach $20.5 billion by 2029, the demand for well-designed outerwear continues to rise across all age groups and consumer segments.
As the market expands, brands are exploring new materials, innovative construction techniques, and versatile styles that cater to diverse climates. Whether designing lightweight options for warm regions or insulated performance jackets for harsh winters, the variety available today offers endless possibilities. Creating a strong jacket collection requires understanding the most popular types of jackets, their key features, and why certain styles are better suited for specific target groups.
At Argus Apparel, the focus remains on supporting fashion brands, startups, and private label buyers in the USA with reliable outerwear manufacturing. By combining practical insight with high-quality craftsmanship, our team helps transform concepts into well-constructed jackets for men and jackets for women.
Popular Jacket Types for Men and Women
Understanding the most common types of jackets helps brands create targeted collections for different climates, lifestyles, and consumer preferences. Below are the leading jackets for men and jackets for women that dominate both fashion and functional apparel markets.
Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets originated from military aviation and are known for their waist-length shape, ribbed hems, and elastic cuffs. They are versatile, lightweight, and easy to customize, making them ideal for streetwear, casual outfits, and brand merchandise. Many startups choose bomber jackets as their first outerwear style due to their broad audience appeal.
Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets are designed for insulation and warmth. Their quilted construction helps trap heat, making them suitable for winterwear lines or performance-focused outerwear. Brands targeting cold-weather markets often rely on puffers to deliver high functionality without compromising style. Argus Apparel frequently produces custom puffers for private labels looking for dependable winter jackets.
Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are classic, durable, and completely gender neutral. Their rugged look and layering ability make them a staple in casualwear collections. These jackets pair well with most outfits, which is why designers and retailers in the USA continue to include denim outerwear each season.
Varsity Jacket
Varsity jackets, also known as lettered athlete jackets, are identified by their wool body, leather sleeves, and bold chenille patches. They are ideal for streetwear, athleisure, and campus-inspired apparel. Their nostalgic look makes them a trending choice for custom outerwear production, especially among younger audiences.
Leather Jacket
Leather jackets represent bold and timeless style. Available in moto, biker, and classic silhouettes, they remain popular across men’s and women’s premium fashion lines. Leather outerwear is often used to elevate brand identity, giving collections a high-end, edgy look. Many private labels trust Argus Apparel to produce both genuine and vegan leather jackets based on their design needs.
Trench Coat
Trench coats offer a refined aesthetic with their long length, clean cut, and belted waist. They work well in formalwear, business-casual lines, and transitional season collections. Trench coats are widely used in both men’s and women’s outerwear due to their polished and versatile design.
Parka Jacket
Parkas are heavy-duty jackets built for extreme cold. With longer hemlines and fur-lined hoods, they provide strong protection in harsh climates. They are common in winterwear, outdoor apparel, and adventure clothing collections. Many American brands prefer parkas because they deliver warmth, durability, and a premium look.
Windbreaker
Windbreakers are lightweight, functional, and weather-resistant. They are especially suitable for sportswear, running collections, and lifestyle outerwear. Their easy customization options make them a top choice for brands wanting flexible, low-weight jackets for men and jackets for women.
Also, check our blog on: Types of Hoodies
Materials Commonly Used in Jacket Manufacturing
Choosing the right materials is one of the most important steps when developing different types of jackets. Every fabric influences how a jacket feels, performs, and lasts. For fashion brands and private label buyers in the USA, understanding material qualities can help shape better decisions around comfort, climate suitability, and production costs. Below are the most used fabrics in outerwear manufacturing and why they matter.
Cotton
Cotton is breathable, soft, and comfortable, making it suitable for lightweight jackets, casual outerwear, and transitional seasonal pieces. Its natural texture gives a clean and relaxed look, often preferred for spring and fall collections.
Denim
Denim offers strong durability and a structured shape, ideal for rugged and timeless outerwear styles. Its ability to soften over time while maintaining strength makes it a staple fabric for everyday layering jackets.
Nylon
Nylon is known for its water resistance, strength, and smooth finish. It is frequently used in windbreakers, active wear, outerwear, and performance-focused jackets. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for brands creating functional outerwear without added bulk.
Polyester
Polyester is versatile, wrinkle-resistant, and cost-effective. It is commonly used in puffer jackets, quilted styles, and winter outerwear because it insulates well and maintains shape even after repeated use. It also blends easily with other fibers for added strength.
Leather
Leather delivers a premium, bold look, and long-term durability. Whether genuine or vegan, leather is often used in moto, biker, and luxury jackets for both men and women. It adds weight, structure, and a high-value appearance to any outerwear collection.
Technical Fabrics
Technical materials include softshell blends, bonded fleece, ripstop fabrics, waterproof laminates, and other performance textiles. These fabrics are engineered for breathability, insulation, moisture control, and weather resistance. They are ideal for advanced outerwear lines meant for sports, outdoor activities, or extreme climates.
Today, many US-based brands are moving toward more responsible production choices. Argus Apparel supports this shift by offering sustainable material options such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, biodegradable blends, and other eco-friendly alternatives. These choices allow brands to create durable, stylish jackets while reducing environmental impact.
Design Features That Enhance Jacket Functionality
Beyond selecting the right jacket style and fabric, the design details play a major role in performance, comfort, and aesthetics. These elements help brands tailor jackets for specific climates, activities, and fashion preferences. Understanding key features can guide better decision-making during product development.
Zippers and Closures:
High-quality zippers, snaps, and buttons ensure durability and ease of use. Weather-resistant zippers are often used in outdoor and winter jackets to protect against wind and moisture.
Insulation Types:
Outerwear meant for cold regions often includes down, synthetic fill, or fleece lining. Each insulation type offers different levels of warmth, loft, and breathability. Synthetic insulation is popular among US-based brands due to its affordability and ability to retain heat even when wet.
Pockets and Storage:
Functional pockets—including chest pockets, flap pockets, and hidden zip pockets—add convenience and can enhance the jacket’s utility. Performance jackets often include interior pockets designed for smartphones, keys, and essentials.
Hood Designs:
Detachable, adjustable, and fur-lined hoods are commonly used depending on the season. Parkas, windbreakers, and winter jackets often rely on hood variations to increase protection.
Cuffs and Hem Adjustments:
Elastic cuffs, ribbed hems, drawcord waists, and Velcro straps improve fit and help seal out wind or cold. These small details make a noticeable difference in overall comfort.
Brands working with Argus Apparel can customize each feature to match their target customers’ needs, whether for activewear, lifestyle collections, or premium fashion.
Current Jacket Trends in the USA Market
Outerwear styles evolve every year, and understanding market trends helps brands stay competitive. The US consumers today look for jackets that offer practicality, design appeal, and long-lasting value.
Below are the key trends shaping jacket collections for men and women.
Sustainable Outerwear
Eco-conscious buyers now prefer jackets made with recycled polyester, organic cotton, and plant-based materials. Private labels are increasingly moving toward low-impact production to meet consumer expectations.
Oversized and Relaxed Fits
Loose and oversized jackets have gained popularity, especially in streetwear and lifestyle collections. These silhouettes offer comfort while adding a modern, fashionable edge.
Hybrid Jackets
Hybrid outerwear blends materials—such as combining softshell bodies with insulated panels—to create versatile, multi-seasonal jackets. These styles appeal to customers who want one jacket that fits several activities.
Minimalist and Clean Designs
Simple silhouettes with subtle branding and neutral tones continue to dominate the US retail space. Brands are opting for clean lines and timeless cuts that work across different wardrobes.
Technical and Performance Jackets
With more people involved in outdoor activities and travel, performance jackets featuring waterproof, windproof, and breathable technologies are in high demand.
By staying updated on these trends, brands can create smarter, more profitable collections. Argus Apparel collaborates closely with clients to integrate trending features into custom outerwear lines while maintaining durability and manufacturing precision.
How to Choose the Right Jacket Type for Your Brand
Selecting the best jacket style depends on several key factors:
1. Target Audience
Casualwear consumers may prefer denim or bomber jackets, while performance-focused buyers often choose puffers or windbreakers. Luxury shoppers may expect leather or tailored trench coats.
2. Climate
Winter regions need insulated jackets like parkas or puffers. Milder regions gravitate toward lightweight jackets, windbreakers, and trench coats.
3. Purpose
- Fashion-driven collections: Leather, denim, trench coats, and varsity jackets.
- Functional outerwear: Puffer jackets, parkas, windbreakers, and technical jackets.
4. Brand Identity
Brands that focus on minimalism might select structured trench coats, while streetwear labels often choose bomber or varsity jackets.
With strong expertise in private label and custom outerwear production, Argus Apparel guides US-based brands through design, sampling, materials, and full-scale manufacturing. This support helps startups and establishes labels launch jackets that meet both creative and performance expectations.
Conclusion
Jackets remain one of the most diverse and influential outerwear categories in the fashion industry. From lightweight windbreakers to insulated parkas, each style offers unique benefits for different markets. Understanding the leading types of jackets allows brands to create collections that serve both men and women with quality, performance, and style.
With years of experience in manufacturing jackets for men and jackets for women, Argus Apparel continues to help fashion brands, private labels, and startups produce reliable, well-crafted outerwear. If you need streetwear bombers or high-performance winter jackets, their team delivers consistent quality and full customization options.
Looking to creating your own custom jacket collection? Contact Argus Apparel today. We’re a trusted manufacturer specializing in premium jackets for men and women.
