Moncler is a luxury brand that has made a name for itself in the world of jackets. The brand is well known for its down jackets that blend cozy warmth with fashion-savvy styling, not to mention premium price tags.
Moncler does produce jackets that offer a certain degree of protection from the elements such as rain or snow. These jackets should be considered water-resistant, however, rather than fully waterproof.
The brand is no stranger to producing quality apparel that integrates a variety of technical features, including features that provide some protection from wet elements. However, there’s a big difference between a water-resistant jacket and a completely waterproof one.
The history behind the brand
Moncler was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, a small village situated in the mountains near the French city of Grenoble. The brand was founded by René Ramillon and Andrè Vincent and initially made quilted sleeping bags, a hooded cape, and tents.
In 1954 the brand’s first down jackets were made for the brand’s factory workers to protect them from the cold. The jackets were noted by French mountaineer Lionel Terray and a specialist range followed that included down jackets, salopettes, gloves, as well as sleeping bags.
These pieces were designed to offer excellent protection in harsh conditions and were tested and perfected through a range of expeditions. Moncler down jackets were also utilized in the 1954 Italian expedition to K2.
Moncler supplied equipment for a variety of expeditions over subsequent decades, with its classic down jacket receiving design updates in the ‘80s to elevate its aesthetic and give it a more fashion-forward feel.
In 2003 Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini purchased the brand. Moncler honed the fit, aesthetics, and material choices of their garments, focusing on quality and European construction for every garment.
The brand’s HQ is now in Milan in Italy, with regional offices located across the world. Moncler is firmly established as a luxury fashion brand and its jackets are popular style statements, though not necessarily designed to be used for harsh conditions.
The difference between waterproof and water-resistant
It’s not unreasonable to want a jacket that offers decent protection from the elements. It’s important though to make a note of how much protection the jacket offers, as different jackets will offer different levels of protection that will suit diverse uses and environments.
When it comes to protection from water, jackets will generally be classed as either waterproof or water-resistant. As the terms suggest, they are not the same thing.
A water-resistant jacket will offer some protection from rain and snow, though the extent of protection will vary depending on how the jacket is made. Eventually though, water will penetrate the jacket’s outer layer through sustained exposure to the elements.
A waterproof jacket will keep water at bay completely and is usually referred to as 100% waterproof or completely waterproof. It may use features such as waterproof membranes and water-repellent finishes in the construction to prevent water from seeping into the jacket.
Does Moncler make waterproof jackets or water-resistant jackets?
Some jackets such as the Dixence integrate features such as a water-repellent membrane and waterproof zippers. However, Moncler does not state the jacket is waterproof.
A style such as the Beverley is constructed with what Moncler refers to as a waterproof 2-layer stretch nylon léger and a technical membrane that provides enhanced water repellency. Again, however, they do not state the jacket is 100% waterproof.
Moncler jackets are mostly constructed using Japanese nylon, which does provide some protection from the elements but isn’t waterproof. Nylon does resist water to a certain degree, though this resistance can be enhanced with features such as a tight material weave or adding a water-resistant coating.
While Moncler jackets may integrate highly weatherproof features in certain styles, they are not completely waterproof.
Prioritizing luxury style or protection from the elements?
Over the years Moncler has morphed from a creator of functional mountain gear for harsh conditions to a luxurious fashion brand offering sophisticated style with technical features.
Rather than clothing for extreme environments, Moncler jackets offer superior insulation and style for fashion-conscious individuals who are prepared to pay a premium for a luxurious brand name.
While Moncler does offer water resistance in their jacket range, those who are seeking a completely waterproof jacket would be best served looking elsewhere. There are many big-name and smaller brands alike that do offer 100% waterproof jackets, without a luxury price tag attached.