Long used as a key differentiator in some outdoor products such as Nike running shoes, Chacos, and bags from Timbuk2, customization is slowly making its way into outdoor apparel. Quiksilver started with custom boardshorts last year, and now both The North Face and Wild Things have launched custom apparel builders just in time for the holidays, enabling you to make choices on almost every design detail.
The North Face Denali Jacket continues to be one of the company’s best sellers. This season, they are letting you customize your own fleece so you won’t look like everyone else. You can choose everything from the color of the base fleece fabric to the zipper pull and trim, even adding your own message to the custom logo. Made with 56-86% recycled content (pre- and/or post-consumer sources), the material in the Denali Jacket helps divert waste from landfills.
If you order your custom Denali Jacket by November 20th, The North Face will guarantee delivery before December 24th.
Wild Things takes it one step further with their custom Wind Pro Hoody or Insulight Jacket program. Not only can you chose colors for your shell fabric, side panels, and stitching, but you can decide whether or not you want a chest pocket, hand warmer pockets, and even your level of insulation. Wild Things will let you further personalize your gear with embroidered words or phrases on the chest or sleeve of your jacket.
The nylon-shelled Insulight Jacket is highly water resistant and stuffs easily into the corner of your pack. This versatile piece comes standard with 2 oz. PrimaLoft Sport insulation but you can choose to up that to 4 oz. You can decide to add a hood or leave it with just the fleece lined collar. Two tricot-lined hand warmer pockets come standard on the insulated jacket, but you can add an extra chest pocket.
The Wild Things Wind Pro Hoody is made from highly wind-resistant Polartec Wind Pro fleece. The cut is athletic, with a scuba-style hood that provides protection from the elements. You decide whether or not to add hand pockets and a laminated, reinforced chest pocket.
The Wild Things 3D design tool allows you to visualize your design and cycle through the available options for each component. Adding a social element, the design tool lets you temporarily store snap shots of your custom jackets and share them in real time through email, text, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Made to order, Wild Things will ship you your custom Wind Pro Hoody or Insulight Jacket in 14 days or less.
What do you think of the customized outdoor apparel trend? I expect to see more brands jumping on board in the coming months.