The Superdry
Jacket Icons
Hero pieces that define our unique heritage and style.
Functional and fashion-forward, our outerwear collections have included some truly iconic casual jackets for men and women. We’re looking back at the styles that have helped to shape our brand and the key cultural moments that inspired them.
2007: Our Take on Rebellious Leathers
Rooted in rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, leather jackets have always been synonymous with attitude. Marlon Brando immortalised the biker jacket when he wore one in the 1953 film The Wild One, creating an unofficial uniform for youth subcultures and would-be rebels.
In the 70s and 80s, biker jackets were still associated with the counterculture, and the musical subcultures (like punk) that were at the heart of this. Bands like The Ramones were often seen sporting leathers and doyennes of the punk scene – including Joan Jett and Blondie’s Debbie Harry – donned leather bikers too.
We paid homage to this iconic jacket in our AW19 and AW20 collections. Crafted from premium quality leather, it has an asymmetric zip fastening, popper epaulettes and buckles at the waist: all the hallmarks of a classic biker.
But this wasn’t the first time that we’d revived cult designs. Back in 2007, we created the Brad jacket, which was inspired by vintage leathers. Reinventing the 70s four-pocket design for the modern age, we took a classic cut and filtered it through a late 90s lens, with contemporary details – like a double collar – to make it our own. Sales of the ‘BRAD’ jacket soared when it was spotted on David Beckham in the same year, which propelled its status as a Superdry icon.
Today, leather jackets are a staple for any wardrobe. There’s something effortlessly cool about them – and you don’t need to be an out-and-out rebel to wear one! They have a timeless appeal: everyone knows that a quality leather jacket can last a lifetime. Discover our leather jackets for men and women online.
2009: Introducing the Windcheater
In 2009, we launched our Windcheater. It’s since become an iconic piece in our collection, with versions in store for men and women. Featuring design nods to outdoor wear – like triple-layer zip fastenings, adjustable bungee cord hoods and chunky ribbed cuffs – we created something that’s practical enough for any kind of adventure.
The Windcheater is a favourite because it’s so versatile: think of it as a trans-seasonal staple that you can layer on cooler days. Constructed in a durable ripstop fabric with a double shell lining, it’s designed to protect you from the elements – whether you’re hiking or just heading out to the shops. You’ll find styles in store today that are filled with a 100% recycled padding, too, giving you extra warmth when you need it most.
Even though it’s now over ten years old, the Windcheater is still one of our most popular styles. Between 2020 and 2022, it remained our second most wanted design.
2013: Getting Adventurous with Everest
A few years after our Windcheater made waves, we launched a collection of jackets called Everest, inspired by the great outdoors. Within this collection the Everest Parka was a standout style.
The Everest collection features casual classics with authentic and vintage-inspired designs. An emblem of adventure, exploration, and craftsmanship. From Winter 2021, iterations of these jackets are insulated with a 100% recycled padding to provide extra warmth in cooler climes.
You’ll find a range of fits and styles in this collection, including Everest jackets with faux fur trims, seven pocket designs and signature logos. Hooded versions in earthy tones like khaki call to mind the classic parka jackets of the 90s.
2013: Fuji Brings the Slopes to the Streets
Functionality meets fashion with the Fuji jacket. Launched in 2013, the design was inspired by mountaineering wear. Drawing on an image of Japanese climbers making their way up a glacier in brightly coloured baffle jackets, we turned climbing coats into a streetwear staple.
With that one image as a starting point, we created an outerwear icon. These jackets vary in design, but each one references this connection to climbing and outdoor wear. Discover cropped and mid-length styles, as well as the classic Fuji puffer, in a range of colours. Fuji has a lighter fill than our Everest jackets, making it the perfect layering piece for everyday adventure.
2014: Year of the Puffer
The Sports Puffer jacket arrived as part of our AW14 collection and instantly became a modern classic. Practical and street-smart, this jacket bridges the gap between outdoor clothing and leisurewear. It’s all in the details: water-repellent fabrics, fleece linings and bungee cord hoods give our Sports Puffer a functionality that’s made for changeable winter weather. You’ll find padded styles from Winter 2021 onwards, are insulated with 100% recycled materials, giving you extra warmth to brave the elements.
Puffer jackets made their way into the mainstream during the 90s, with the rise of hip-hop. Big name rappers in cold weather cities like New York and Chicago brought this jacket style to the fore, with relaxed fits that you’ll find echoed in our own designs.
2017: The cult classic with deep roots
Launched in 2017, our Harrington jackets put a contemporary spin on a classic silhouette. With a high collar and a front zip fastening, the Harrington stays true to its heritage. But you’ll find sports-inspired influences in our collection – like ribbed hems and cuffs – that make ours a modern staple.
The Harrington jacket dates back to the 1930s and originated in Manchester. At the time, they were called Baracuta jackets or G9s; they weren’t renamed until some thirty years later, when Ryan O-Neal – starring as Rodney Harrington – sported one in the U.S. soap opera Peyton Place. Initially, Harrington jackets were designed as waterproofs to be worn on golf courses in the ‘Rainy City’ of Manchester. But, by the 50s, this British-born jacket had become a global phenomenon.
James Dean famously wore a red Harrington jacket in Rebel Without a Cause; Elvis Presley wore one in King Creole; and Steve McQueen made the Harrington jacket part of his uniform on- and off-camera. In a nod to the Harrington’s transatlantic history, you’ll find jackets in this collection with a distinctly American aesthetic. Crafted in a robust cotton fabric, our vintage classic Harrington jacket is inspired by American workwear. Available in muted tones like stone and khaki, it’s got the laid-back appeal of a military jacket.
In the UK, the Harrington jacket was adopted as a staple by various subcultures, including mods in the 60s. Later, during the mod revivalist and Britpop movements (in the late 70s and 90s respectively), the style continued to be a mainstay of alternative fashion in England. Today, it’s a cornerstone of men’s casual wear.
2019: A New Direction
2019 signaled a renewed emphasis on design and quality, driving more of a focus on sustainability – which is a key element of our padded jackets collections today. Our mission is to become the #1 sustainable style destination.
2020: Reimagining Fuji for the future
In 2020, we relaunched our iconic Fuji jacket. Although this new iteration remains loyal to its outerwear roots, we created a version inspired by our sustainability ambitions. This was launched in November 2020 to promote and encourage sustainable values, initiatives, and activity across the Superdry brand.
Padded with 100% recycled materials, our new Fuji jackets are streamlined and made for urban explorers.
Almost a decade after its first release, the Fuji has evolved to incorporate different styles and silhouettes – but always with a connection to its mountaineering roots. Today, you’ll find hooded versions with faux fur trims and longline styles to keep you warm when the temperature dips.
2020: Going Vintage with our Varsity Bomber
Like denim Sherpa jackets, varsity jackets are a symbol of vintage Americana. We launched our Varsity Bomber in 2020, paying homage to this classic design with ribbing and snap front closures. Available in an array of heritage colours, including red and navy blue, you’ll find varsity jackets for men and women in our store.
Varsity jackets are associated with American culture more than any other type – and for good reason. The sports teams of top U.S. universities wore these jackets – which were then known as ‘letterman jackets’ – way back in the 19th and early 20th centuries. But it wasn’t until the 80s that varsity jackets became a street style staple. U.S. sports merchandisers started making baseball jackets with affordable materials, which brought them into the mainstream. Alongside this, the influence of hip-hop culture popularised the style, turning them into a coveted fashion item for everyone – not just sports fans.
Our Varsity Bomber jackets reference this rich history, with design nods – like patch details and striped hems – to retro Americana.
2021: Touchline - A Modern Icon
In 2021, we released our Touchline jackets, bringing contemporary outerwear to the fore. Longline and luxurious, this one’s made for the streets.
Constructed in a lightweight fabric with padding made from recycled bottles, our Touchline jackets have the same functionality as our outerwear-inspired designs. But they have a minimalist appeal and a full-length silhouette that’s designed for the city, too. You’ll find muted colourways that work in urban environments, like sand and khaki. They’re also the longest longline jackets in our range and, since they’re so cosy, are one of our most popular styles.
Most Wanted Jacket Styles
Our most wanted styles for men and women are equal parts functional and fashionable. The most popular jackets are warm and weatherproof; stylish, while using recycled padding.
Our puffer jackets – taken from the Everest, Sports Puffer, Touchline and Longline collections – have been especially popular in recent years, being the most sought-after styles in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
But, whatever the trend, our iconic designs are proven to have staying power.