Is an anorak a ski jacket?

Short answer: sometimes—but not always.
An anorak is a hooded, often water-repellent pullover with a half-zip or quarter-zip front and a roomy pocket; a ski jacket is purpose-built for snowy slopes, usually with insulation, powder skirts, pass pockets, and other technical features for alpine conditions. The overlap? Modern anoraks can absolutely be engineered for cold and wet weather. The difference comes down to construction and intent.

If you’re dressing a team, outfitting field staff, or building merch for your brand, here’s how to decide—and how customized anorak jackets can give you the best of both worlds.

Anorak vs. Ski Jacket: What really sets them apart?

1) Entry & silhouette

• Anorak: Pullover style, often with a side or half-zip for ventilation. Clean, minimal look that brands beautifully.

• Ski Jacket: Full-zip shell for easy on/off with layers, especially useful on chairlifts and in lodges.

2) Weather protection

• Anorak: Typically wind- and water-resistant shells; can be lined for warmth.

• Ski Jacket: Built for snow with taped seams, snow skirts, wrist gaiters, and higher waterproof/ breathability ratings.

3) Insulation

• Anorak: Can be unlined (light and packable) or lightly insulated for cooler days.

• Ski Jacket: Often insulated or designed as a shell meant to be layered over thermals and mid-layers.

4) Features

• Anorak: Oversized kangaroo pocket, adjustable hood/hem, simple hardware—great for logos and patches.

• Ski Jacket: Lift-pass pockets, goggle stash, phone-routing, sometimes rescue reflectors—great for serious mountain use.

Verdict: If you’re headed to a ski resort in peak winter, a technical ski jacket shines. For versatile team wear, rainy commutes, active events, or breezy trips, customized anorak jackets are a sleek, hard-working choice—and can be spec’d warmer when you need them.

When an anorak is the better “ski jacket”

• Travel teams & events: You want uniformity, fast branding, and weather protection without heavy bulk.

• Tropical-to-temperate climates (hello, PH!): You need wind/rain shielding in air-con cold or sudden downpours more than alpine insulation.

• Corporate activations: You want a modern silhouette that photographs well, layers cleanly over polos or hoodies, and puts your logo front and center.

With the right specs—think durable shell fabric, mesh lining or light insulation, adjustable hood, and snug cuffs—an anorak becomes a winter-capable outer layer for many destinations without the overkill (and cost) of pro-level ski tech.

What to customize on your anorak (so it works like a ski jacket when you need it)

1) Shell fabric
Choose a tightly woven, water-repellent shell that resists wind and keeps sudden showers at bay. For outdoor teams or travel uniforms, consider coatings that boost weather resistance while staying light.

2) Lining & warmth

• Mesh or taffeta lining for breathability in humid climates.

• Light insulation in the body for cooler venues, highland trips, or temperate winters abroad.

3) Hood engineering
A structured, adjustable hood with a slight brim improves rain run-off and visibility—clutch both on a blustery workday and during weekend hikes.

4) Cuffs & hem
Elastic or Velcro cuffs plus a drawcord hem help seal out wind—simple details that dramatically increase real-world warmth.

5) Pockets that work
Go beyond the classic kangaroo: add zip hand-pockets and an internal chest pocket to secure IDs, radios, or phones. If the team travels to snow, request a zip pass pocket on the sleeve.

6) Branding that lasts
Pair embroidery for logos with silkscreen or sublimation for bold graphics. Done right, your mark stays crisp wash after wash—true to Craft Clothing’s “designed to withstand the test of time” ethos.

Why brands choose customized anorak jackets for teams

• Uniform look, zero fuss: The pullover silhouette reads sharp and cohesive across all sizes.

• Built for movement: Lightweight shells keep staff fast on their feet—on event floors, in kitchens, or outdoors.

• Year-round utility: Layer over tees in the rainy season, over hoodies in Ber months, pack down when not needed.

• Photo-ready: Big clean panels = beautiful, legible logos in pics and video.

Make it the Craft Clothing way

At Craft Clothing, we obsess over the details—materials that wear well, stitching that holds up, and finishes that keep your identity front and center. Our Manila-based team of veteran artisans helps you dial in the exact mix of function and flair: fabric, lining, pocket layout, and branding method, all tailored to your use case.

Here’s how simple it is to bring your customized anorak jackets to life:

1. Share your vision – purpose, environment, and look.

2. See your options – shell fabrics, lining/insulation, hood and pocket configurations, and branding placements.

3. Approve a free mock-up – refine fit, colors, and final embellishments.

4. Produce at scale – consistent, durable pieces that make your team proud.

The bottom line

An anorak isn’t automatically a ski jacket—but with thoughtful specs, it can handle chilly, windy, and wet conditions while giving your brand a modern, cohesive look. If alpine podiums aren’t your daily agenda and versatility is, an anorak is the smart, stylish play.

Ready to design yours?
Explore our collection of customized anorak jackets and let’s craft a piece your team will reach for—season after season.