Cool Hunting

With jacket season just underway, CH checked out the current crop to gear up in some of our favorite finds. From functional to fashion-forward, this year's round-up includes a host of versatile coats that can be worn and adored by both women and men.

Already carving out a name for themselves among urban cyclists worldwide for their stylish riding pants, Outlier's Merino Hoodie (above) proves just as compelling and maintains a structure suited for varied climates (pictured above). The jacket—made in NYC—serves those on wheels, featuring components like a three panel hood shaped to fit over a helmet and an extended back designed to keep you covered when leaning into your handles. But its breathable, antimicrobial merino fabric regulates body heat and naturally keeps the jacket from smelling after extended wear. Available in four colorways, the merino hoodie sells from the Outlier website for $225.

Phillip Lim's unisex graphite parka with a removable rabbit fur-lined vest (above) speaks to the androgynous trend found front running high fashion this fall. The jacket's modern take on swinging London provides a sexy silhouette, while its multifunction personality adds a playful vibe. The parka retails at $995 from 3.1 Phillip Lim stores, Bergdorf Goodman and Net-A-Porter, which also offers up a titillating video for the clever coat.

Aether's Space Hoody (above) helps me through chilly mornings and cold nights, either on its own or under a light trench coat. While Aether only makes clothes for gents at the moment—we hear a women's line is in the works—I find their slim cuts suitable for the female frame. And the Space Hoody's sleek microfiber fabric manages an elegance appropriate for a mix of situations.

Wind and water resistant, as well as breathable and outfitted with PrimaLoft fill, the space hoody makes a good choice for running around or spectating at a sporting event. Available in three muted colors, the jacket runs $300 and online from Aether.

We recently had the chance to check out brand-new label Isaora's innovative Nebula Down Pullover Hoody (above) when we visited their NYC showroom. We really like the jacket's garment-dyed finish, a process that gives it a one-off aesthetic and a waxed look without the stiff feel. The 600 fill-power, goose-down pullover boasts an array of attractive features such as a tri-layer construction, a fixed two-way adjustable hood and a double entry pouch pocket, making it ultra functional and extremely warm. Priced at $550, purchase it from the IsaOra website. Keep an eye out for a full profile on the snowboard-inspired label next week.

Fjällräven's Oban Jacket (above left) wholly conveys the 60-year-old Swedish outlet's commitment to creating smart, functional and durable gear that will outlast any outdoor excursion. Fjällräven constructs the jacket out of a waxed fabric initially used for a tent that housed the Fjällräven founder and Alpine climber Hasse Hellström on 1966 expedition in Greenland.

Called the G-1000, the fabric now comprises most of their jackets and pants, made especially versatile due to its ability to adapt to various weather conditions. By rubbing more wax into the fabric makes the jacket becomes warmer and water repellent, while washing wax out of the fabric (using a washing machine), the jacket makes it lighter and even more breathable. It runs $350 from Context's online shop.

We love the Wool Beat Coat (above right) from San Francisco-based fashion label Nice Collective for its simple yet carefully-detailed look. The highly conceptual duo creates articles of clothing that reflect their passion for design and interests in art, music and culture. The aptly-titled jacket sells online, for $433. See the Nice Collective Cool Hunting video for a deeper look at the curious label.

Longtime fans of Nau know that their eco-conscious and design-focused attitude always results in well crafted, refined casual outerwear. The new water-repellent Down Hoody (above left) is insulated with 850-fill down, providing unbelievable warmth during the cold winter months. An attached helmet compatible hood and machine wash capability proves perfect for cycling for the active lifestyle. The parka sells for $280 online from the Nau website. For more on the Portland-based brand, see the Cool Hunting video.

Patagonia's Lined Canvas Hoody (above right) contains all the warmth of their renowned fleece jackets with its 86% recycled polyester-fleece pile lining, but keeps a cool exterior comprised of an exceptionally durable 10-ounce organic cotton canvas. A nod to the highly regarded Carhartt jacket, the Patagonia jacket retains those essential features for prolonged outdoor activity but with a bit more panache. It's available in three shades of brown from Patagonia for $175.

Comune takes its styling from vintage Italian and Japanese motorcycle culture and its Townsend jacket exemplifies the sharp cuts and overall handsome construction we love about the brand.

The zippered plaid jacket comes in a twill and herringbone fabric, with vertical zipper accents, pockets, snap cuffs, a quilted graffiti lining and an armhole gusset for extra strength when maneuvering your bike—engine-fueled or not—around cars, pedestrians and the cold. The jacket, $128, sells from Karmaloop, Active Ride Shop and the Brooklyn-based boutique Alter.