What material is an anorak made of?

20 October, 2025 Marketing Department

If you’ve ever slipped on an anorak before a downpour or a windy ride up Tagaytay, you know it isn’t just “another jacket.” The classic anorak—hooded, lightweight, and often a pullover—earns its reputation from the fabrics it’s built with. In this quick guide, we’ll break down the most common anorak materials, why they matter, and how to choose the best combo for customized anorak jackets that truly work for your team, brand, or event.

The anorak’s fabric family, explained

1) Ripstop Nylon: ultralight wind + rain defense

Ripstop nylon is a go-to for packable anoraks. Woven with a reinforcing crosshatch, it resists tearing while staying featherlight.

  • Best for: windy commutes, light rain, last-minute “keep it in your bag” layers

  • Feel: crisp and smooth, slightly structured

  • Why people love it: great strength-to-weight ratio and excellent print clarity for logos and graphics

2) Polyester (Taffeta or Microfiber): everyday durability

Poly anoraks strike a balance between comfort, shape retention, and color brilliance—perfect for high-usage uniforms and giveaways.

  • Best for: company field teams, campus orgs, outdoor activations

  • Feel: soft with a bit more drape than nylon

  • Why people love it: holds color beautifully and dries fast after a quick drizzle

3) Softshell (Poly/Spandex): movement without bulk

Softshell anoraks blend polyester with stretch for comfort that moves with you.

  • Best for: light treks, active staff, travel days

  • Feel: smooth face, cozy inner; flexible rather than crunchy

  • Why people love it: warmer than ultralight shells, less noise, plenty of mobility

4) Mesh or Tricot Linings: comfort on the inside

Breathable mesh or brushed tricot linings wick moisture and add a touch of softness.

  • Best for: tropical climates and long wear hours

  • Feel: airy (mesh) or velvety (tricot) against the skin

  • Why people love it: reduces cling when you sweat and keeps the shell from feeling plasticky

5) Fleece Linings or Bonded Fleece: lightweight warmth

For cooler offices, night shifts, or Baguio trips, a fleece-lined anorak delivers warmth without the weight of a puffy.

  • Best for: chilly rooms, evening events, misty mornings

  • Feel: soft and insulating

  • Why people love it: cozy, easy care, and not bulky under a bag strap

Weatherproofing that actually works

The outer fabric is only half the story. These finishing touches make anoraks true everyday heroes:

  • DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating: Beads up light rain so droplets roll off instead of soaking in.

  • PU backing or membrane: A thin layer that boosts water resistance while maintaining a reasonable hand feel.

  • Taped critical seams: Adds an extra shield on high-leak areas like shoulders and hood seams.

  • Adjustable hood + hem: Keeps wind out and fit dialed-in for different body types.

Tip: For daily Metro Manila use, a ripstop nylon or polyester shell with DWR plus a mesh lining hits the sweet spot—light, packable, and comfy in warm, humid weather.

What material should you choose for YOUR anorak?

Match fabric to function so your custom piece performs as good as it looks:

  • Uniforms & outdoor staff: Polyester shell + mesh lining for durability and easier care during frequent wear.

  • Event giveaways & merch: Ripstop nylon for that premium, ultralight “always-ready” feel—and sharp-looking prints.

  • Active teams & fieldwork: Softshell (poly/spandex) for stretch, comfort, and a touch of warmth without bulk.

  • Cooler climates or cold offices: Shell with fleece lining for lightweight warmth that layers well.

Customization that lasts (and looks pro)

Anoraks are an amazing canvas—and choosing the right decoration method ensures your design looks crisp and stays that way.

  • Embroidery: Classic, textured, and long-lasting for logos on the chest, sleeve, or hood panel. Great on softshells and lined shells.

  • Silkscreen (screen print): Bold, vibrant graphics with a smooth hand—ideal for larger designs on polyester or nylon shells.

  • Sublimation (for polyester): All-over, full-color designs that won’t crack or peel. Perfect when you want gradients, patterns, or photo-level detail.

Not sure which method fits your fabric and design? We’ll recommend the best technique so your jacket stands up to commuting, team practice, and frequent washing—without losing color or shape.

Why Craft Clothing materials stand out

At Craft Clothing, we obsess over the details—from shell weight and weave to the linings, zippers, and stitching. Our veteran makers pair high-rate weaves and durable blends with meticulous workmanship so your pieces look sharp on Day 1 and still feel solid after countless wears and washes. And because we’re proudly Manila-based, you get responsive support, inclusive sizing, and finishes tailored to local weather and real-world use.

Ready to create your own?

Whether you need anoraks for company uniforms, sports teams, campus orgs, or branded merch, we’ll help you match the right fabric + right finish + right customization for pieces you’ll be proud to wear. Share your vision, and we’ll craft mockups, recommend materials, and fine-tune every stitch.

Explore customized anorak jackets and let’s start designing yours today.

Who Invented the Anorak?
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