Know what you wear: The North Face

Around Cleveland, there has been a sudden BOOM in the purchase of North Face jackets. Although North Face is an EXCELLENT winter jacket, majority is buying these jackets for the hype, and completely ignorant to the history behind these jackets.

The North Face, Inc. is an outdoor product company specializing in outerwear, fleece, footwear, and equipment such as backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. The clothing and equipment lines are catered towards wilderness chic, climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and endurance athletes. The company sponsors professional athletes from the worlds of running, climbing, skiing and snowboarding including David Carrier Porcheron and Johan Olofsson. - Via Wikipedia 

Click for History and some of my choices!



North Face was originally established in 1966 in California (ironic since it's for COLD weather). It originally wasn't an brand it was just an equipment store made by David Tompkins and Kenneth Klopp. They eventually expanded to ski wear, camping equipment.. etc.. The corporation is still based in San Francisco right next to their brother company Jansport (you know the bookbags) Well, they work together.

Now, there are 43 stores across America, and have their online store.

By the late 90's and early 2000's when the Wilderness Chic trend came out (earthy tones, Uggs, North Face, camping watches) that's when North Face started to gain popularity. Now, we just buy them for the fashion and warmth.

Why is North Face so popular (and somewhat pricy)? 


North Face uses Goose Down Fill (feathers) for insulation. Goose Down Fill is the highest quality down commercially. Period.  They take the best of the best and put it inside the jackets. Goose feathers are extremely lightweight yet insulate amazing! This is why the jackets are so small due to the feathers. (Another reason why people love to buy North Face jackets). The little number on the arm of the jacket (600, 650, etc..) indicates the amount of Goose Down inside of the jacket, which eventually determines the warmth. The higher the more warm.

• Wicker (puffy and small zippy ones) jackets absorbs moisture (VaporWick) 
• Minerale fabrics take away the odors for traveling or just any B.O you might have ;) 
• Protects from UV Rays
• Thermal Fleece fabric (fleece jackets) makes the fabric similar to that of a thermal shirt (minus the ridges) so you can wear a very small jacket and be extremely warm. Which is extremely good if you're a college student or worker on the go. 

The most common jacket is the Denali

"Whether it's camping, hiking or backpacking, the Denali Jacket from The North Face remains one of the most popular outerwear designs in the outdoor industry. While many mountaineering and backpacking jackets tend to lean toward a specialized, activity-specific construction, the Denali Jacket is a highly functional utility piece that focuses on exceptional warmth and durability. Unlike a lot of 100% fleece jackets that tend to pill and wear beneath backpack and harness shoulder straps, these Denali Jackets feature abrasion resistant Supplex or Taslan nylon along the shoulders and lower sleeves. This increased reinforcement not only reduces wear, it also minimizes moisture penetration along areas that tend to soak up more water along a rainy trail."

I prefer the puffy jacket (I'll show the one I have. From the Fall 2010 collection) The Elysium jacket.

"When you need protection from extreme weather but don t want to be weighed down with bulk, the Men s Elysium Jacket is the answer. Lightweight and compressible for easy stowing or packing, this is also a supremely warm jacket, packed with 700 fill goose down to lock out freezing conditions. Reinforced with slick nylon ripstop for protection against the sort of abrasion inevitably encountered on tough expeditions, the jacket has a soft hand feel and non-abrasive moulded cuff tabs for comfort. Because the jacket is part of The North Face® Summit Series® range, you can depend that is has been extensively developed and tested by and for elite athletes."



Take these jackets with a chunky knit scarf and a nice hat and you're GOOD to go.

The thing I love most about these jackets is they're so lightweight yet warmer than most thick jackets. You don't have to do layering you can throw it on with a t-shirt in very cold weather and be perfectly fine. LOVE this. LOVE the North Face brand. Go and get your jacket now! What are you waiting for? GO GO GO.

Note: Do not buy a jacket because you seen everyone else wearing it! Pick what you like the most. North Face has so many jackets and color ways I only showed you two. You have to explore and pick what you're gonna wear.