What material are anoraks made of?

From Arctic-born outerwear to everyday city essential, the anorak has always been about function crafted with care. At Craft Clothing, we keep that spirit alive by choosing fabrics that stand up to weather, wear, and washing—so your personalized anorak jackets look sharp and perform season after season. (Yes, we can help you customize yours—see the link at the end!)

Below, we’ll break down the most common anorak materials, what they’re best at, and how to pick the right build for your team, staff, or brand.

The short answer

Modern anoraks are typically made from technical synthetics (like nylon and polyester) or durable cotton blends, often paired with weatherproof coatings or membranes, smart linings (mesh or fleece), and reinforcement weaves (like ripstop). Your perfect combo depends on where you’ll wear it and how you’ll brand it.

The materials, explained

1) Nylon (including Taslan & ripstop)

• Why it’s used: Lightweight, tough, and naturally abrasion-resistant. Nylon’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it a go-to for packable, on-the-go anoraks.

• Feel & look: From smooth and sleek to “cottony” (Taslan) with a matte finish that reads premium.

• Weather performance: Excellent when paired with DWR (durable water-repellent) coating or a PU (polyurethane) backing to resist rain and wind.

• Branding tips: Works beautifully with embroidery for logos; screen print and heat transfer also hold crisp lines on smoother finishes.

2) Polyester (microfiber & plain weave)

• Why it’s used: Colorfast (keeps hues vibrant), resists wrinkles and shrinking, and dries fast—great for tropical weather and frequent washing.

• Feel & look: Microfiber poly can feel soft and suede-like; plain-weave poly gives that classic sportswear sheen or a subtle matte depending on yarn and finish.

• Weather performance: With DWR/PU, polyester sheds light showers and blocks wind; add a mesh or taffeta lining for comfort and better airflow.

• Branding tips: Sublimation (for certain poly builds) yields vivid, all-over designs that won’t crack or peel—perfect for bold brand stories.

3) Cotton & cotton-blend canvases

• Why it’s used: Heritage “field” vibe with rugged character. Cotton breathes well and feels broken-in fast.

• Feel & look: Textured, matte, and naturally stylish—ideal for lifestyle or workwear uniforms that need substance.

• Weather performance: Cotton by itself isn’t rainproof, but waxed, coated, or poly-blended canvases improve water resistance and durability while keeping that classic look.

• Branding tips: Embroidery pops against the canvas texture; screen printing gives vintage personality. Great for cafés, retail teams, and creatives.

4) Softshell (woven face + stretch + light backing)

• Why it’s used: Built for movement. Softshells combine stretch, wind resistance, and a touch of warmth without bulk.

• Feel & look: Sleek, structured, and modern—reads premium on and off duty.

• Weather performance: Wind-blocking with solid drizzle defense thanks to DWR; add a fleece backer for chillier shifts or outdoor events.

• Branding tips: Embroidery for a refined, professional finish; print transfers also sit smoothly on the face.

5) Lining choices that matter

• Mesh lining: Improves breathability and keeps fabric off the skin—great for humid climates and active staff.

• Taffeta lining: Smooth on uniforms for easy on/off over polos or tees.

• Fleece lining: Cozy, low-bulk warmth for air-conditioned workplaces or cooler evenings.

6) Weatherproofing tech (the secret sauce)

• DWR (Durable Water Repellent): Makes water bead and roll off. Perfect for sudden drizzles.

• PU coating or lamination: Adds a thin barrier to boost water resistance and windproofing.

• Seams & zips: Taped seams, storm flaps, and bungee-adjust hoods/hem dramatically improve real-world performance—small details, big comfort.

Picking the right build for your use case

• Outdoor teams & logistics: Nylon ripstop or Taslan shell + mesh lining + DWR/PU. Tough, light, ready for movement.

• Hospitality & retail uniforms: Poly microfiber or cotton-blend canvas for a refined, brandable surface; choose lining based on AC levels.

• School orgs & events: Poly shells that sublimate well for vibrant colors and mascot graphics; easy care, fast dry.

• Creative studios & cafés: Waxed or coated canvas for that artisan look—embroidery sings here.

• Commuters & light sport: Softshell with stretch and fleece backer: wind-blocking, comfy, and clean-cut.

Crafting your custom look (that lasts)

At Craft Clothing, we obsess over the small things because they’re what last the longest:

• Fabric selection: We guide you to the right weave, weight, and finish for your climate, workload, and wash cycle.

• Color & dye: We recommend hues and fabric bases that keep your brand colors true after repeat laundering.

• Branding method:

  • Embroidery for timeless logos that won’t fade with frequent wear.

  • Screen printing for bold, solid graphics on canvas and smooth shells.

  • Sublimation (on suitable polyester builds) for full-coverage art and gradients.

• Construction details: Adjustable hoods, elasticized cuffs, storm plackets, cord locks—dialed to your team’s needs.

• Sizing & comfort: Inclusive sizing and practical fits so teams feel confident and move freely on shift.

Care essentials (so your anoraks go the distance)

• Wash cool, line dry when possible; avoid high heat to preserve coatings.

• Re-activate DWR with a low tumble or a quick pass of low-heat ironing (check care label).

• Spot-clean oil and food stains promptly on cotton-blend canvases.

• Turn inside-out before washing printed pieces to protect your artwork.

Ready to design yours?

Your brand deserves outerwear that works as hard as you do—built well, branded beautifully, and crafted to last. Explore personalized anorak jackets and start your easy, mockup-first process with our team today:
CraftClothing.ph Anorak Jackets Collection

Let’s start creating. You bring the vision; we’ll pour the craftsmanship.