Illustration by Chandler Bondurant
The anorak, with its partial-zipper front and technical fabric body, feels like a thoroughly modern garment. But it originated centuries ago among the original Inuit inhabitants of Greenland, who called it an annoraaq in their native tongue.
These original anoraks were made from caribou hides or seal skin but maintained the features that would be recognized today: a hood, a front pouch, and a pullover fit. The 20th century saw the garment adopted by Western wearers, notably the U.S. Navy during WWII, who swapped out animal hides for waxed cotton and, later, technical fabrics.
Following the war, the anorak became popular among college students—it features prominently in the classic 1965 photobook Take Ivy—and outdoor enthusiasts who kept them handy in the case of a sudden rain squall during a hike.
The funny-sounding pullover persists today, with notable versions on the market from classic brands like Filson and J. Press to forward-looking independent designers, including Vowels and Café Mountain.
Filson Shelter Cloth Waxed Anorak
Image Credit: Filson 
This Filson anorak is made from the Seattle-based outfitter’s signature Shelter Cloth, a hardy 11-oz cotton fabric whose waxed finish provides water resistance. Its other features include a zipped funnel neck, a kangaroo pocket, and snap-adjustable cuffs. To keep its performance top-notch, Filson sells its proprietary wax directly to customers who wish to rewax on their own.
Café Mountain Telemark Mountain Smock
Image Credit: Cafe Mountain Founded in the North East of England in 2021, the cult menswear brand Café Mountain draws inspiration from its wild surroundings. That, and a preference for natural fabrics, has led to the creation of pieces like its Telemark Mountain Smock, made from a 60/40 cotton-nylon blend sourced from Japan. A total of seven pockets—including one on the back of each sleeve—round out its rugged, heavy-duty appeal.
J. Press Made-in-New York Léonardo Anorak
Image Credit: J. Press Offered by J. Press in extremely limited quantities as a tribute to an iconic look from the 1965 photo book Take Ivy, its Léonardo anorak is handmade to order in New York. Cut from a super-heavyweight waxed cotton canvas in an oversized fit, it also features a visored hood and a bellows front pocket. Wear it as the college students of the 1960s would, carelessly tossed over a rumpled Oxford shirt and madras shorts on a rainy day.
Vowels Silk Checkered Anorak
Image Credit: Vowels Tokyo-based Vowels is guided by the Japanese philosophy of Shu Ha Ri, which proposes that one must first attain mastery of the creative process before attempting to subvert it. A superb example of that approach is its anorak, which is made from a high-sheen checkered silk and designed to be fully packed away into its own pocket.
Beams Plus Mil Wool-Blend Hooded Shell Jacket
Image Credit: Beams Plus Cult Japanese brand Beams Plus built its reputation on mining the rich past of American sportswear. In this instance, they’ve drawn inspiration from the uniforms of U.S. Navy catapult officers—the guys who help launch planes from aircraft carriers—to create this anorak cut from a wool-blend taffeta with a generous fit. It also features an oversized kangaroo pocket that spans much of the body, and an extra-long drawstring at the hem and hood.
Studio Nicholson Rault Recycled-Shell Hooded Jacket
Image Credit: Studio Nicholson Studio Nicholson has earned followers thanks to its understated designs and fixation on high-quality materials, factors that are both present in its Rault jacket. Made from a recycled cotton-nylon fabric, it features a deep but subtly cut kangaroo pocket and a zipper that reaches almost to the halfway point.
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