The Shell

"3-layer," "shell," or more precisely "hardshell," is a waterproof and breathable protective jacket. In the world of outdoor gear, it’s the garment that stands as the very essence of adventure. A symbol of independence and resilience, it meets the fundamental needs of free spirits—those who embrace the elements without ever sacrificing comfort or style.

Hardshell jackets are defined by a construction using specific materials designed to protect you no matter the outdoor conditions. We call it a "shell" because it provides enhanced protection against rain, snow, hail, wind, and even sand. The hardshell jacket is worn as the final, outermost layer of protection—often referred to as the "third layer."

A breathable armor :
The hardshell is the modern armor. It is capable of withstanding extreme conditions, from the cold of mountain peaks to the downpours of a dense forest, while remaining incredibly lightweight and breathable. Its waterproof material ensures perfect impermeability while allowing the body to breathe.

Why is it called a "3-layer" jacket ?

To offer maximum protection against the elements while remaining breathable and lightweight, hardshell materials are made up of three different layers, each serving a specific function.

Here are the three main layers that make it up:

1. Outer layer (or protective layer) :
   This is the visible part of the jacket, usually made from durable materials like nylon or polyester, often treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to repel water and dirt. This layer is designed to protect against abrasions and tears, in addition to withstanding the elements (rain, wind, snow).

2. Waterproof and breathable membrane (intermediate layer) :
   The membrane is typically made from a technical material that provides both high waterproofing and breathability, allowing body moisture to escape while protecting against wind. This membrane blocks external water while allowing water vapor to escape from the inside out, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

3. Inner lining :
   The inner lining protects the membrane and ensures comfort when in contact with the skin or intermediate layers worn underneath. It can be made from mesh or lightweight fabric, which enhances breathability and the durability of the membrane.

The combination of these three layers provides effective, durable, and comfortable protection, making them ideal for activities in extreme weather conditions.

The origin of waterproof and breathable hardshell jackets.

Hardshell jackets, essential for outdoor activities, are the result of decades of technical innovations aimed at protecting against the elements while ensuring optimal comfort.

The beginnings and waterproofing of clothing:
The history of waterproof clothing dates back to the early 19th century with inventions such as Charles Macintosh's rubber coat in 1824. Although this innovation effectively protected against rain, it did not allow the skin to breathe, limiting comfort. It was only later that technical materials solved this dilemma.

Technical membranes, a major breakthrough:
The concept of the hardshell jacket emerged in the 1970s, when mountaineers began demanding clothing that could withstand high mountain storms while being light enough not to weigh them down during ascents.

The decisive turning point came in the 1980s with the introduction of Gore-Tex, a microporous membrane that provided a solution to the problem of both waterproofing and breathability. This material blocks water while allowing water vapor to escape, a crucial breakthrough in the protection jacket industry. While revolutionary, this development was only the first step in improving the performance of hardshell jackets.

Since then, materials and design have evolved significantly. Today, hardshell jackets are lighter, more flexible, and more breathable, while still maintaining their protective capabilities.

By the late 1990s and 2000s, the hardshell became the iconic piece of mountain skiing gear. It merged freeride with high-altitude mountaineering, becoming a symbol of freedom of movement, intensity, and raw function, without compromise.

The elegance of function :
The beauty of the hardshell lies in the simplicity of its lines and the invisible technicality of its details. Here, every element, every zipper, every pocket is designed to serve a specific purpose. It has become a design and aesthetic phenomenon, even intersecting with the world of haute couture.

The hardshell of the future: performance and environmental respect.

The evolution of materials and technologies :
Since the invention of Gore-Tex, other technical membranes have emerged, further improving the lightness, flexibility, and durability of jackets. Brands have integrated innovations such as thermo-welded seams, waterproof zippers, and strategic ventilation to enhance user comfort. These jackets have become essential for mountain sports, skiing, and trekking, thanks to their unique combination of protection and breathability.

A sustainable future with Sympatex and the circular economy:
Today, one of the industry's main concerns is balancing high performance with environmental respect. In this context, the Sympatex membrane stands out. Unlike most waterproof membranes, Sympatex is 100% recyclable, free of PFCs, and fully committed to the circular economy.

The concept of "closing the loop" involves creating recyclable and reusable products, thus reducing waste and environmental impact. Sympatex embodies this philosophy by integrating recycled materials into its production while maintaining a high level of performance in terms of waterproofing and breathability. This approach marks a new step in the development of hardshell jackets, with particular attention given to the environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle.

The hardshell in the street.

In the 1990s, the windbreaker became a key piece in streetwear, popularized by the Britpop scene and iconic bands like Oasis. This lightweight, colorful, often oversized jacket became a symbol of urban youth in search of authenticity and laid-back style. Originally, however, this piece has its roots in technical mountain apparel, designed to withstand the elements while offering lightness and protection to mountaineers and hikers.

The 2020s and the GORPCORE movement :
Today, this style has evolved far beyond its streetwear origins to become a staple of contemporary wardrobes with the rise of GORPCORE. At the forefront of this trend, ultra-technical hardshells, descendants of the original windbreakers, have established themselves as essential pieces. These performance-driven jackets, developed with high-performance materials, are suited for all situations and climates, blending innovation and style. At the intersection of urban and outdoor, they embody the shift towards a functional and versatile style, meeting the needs of modern city dwellers who seek performance without compromising on aesthetics.

Thus, the 90s windbreaker, once a simple fashion symbol, has given birth to a technical and sophisticated wardrobe where performance serves daily life. This garment, designed to face the elements, perfectly illustrates the fusion of innovation and fashion, becoming the essential choice for today's urban explorers.

" Hi, I'm Tamara, I'm 23 years old, and I spent most of my life growing up in Chamonix. In addition to having the privilege of growing up in Haute-Savoie, my parents are Swedish and Australian. They've allowed me to travel a lot and experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. A perfect recipe, between majestic peaks and serene beaches.

In Chamonix, you never get bored; it's a constant source of diverse activities. This place offers me endless opportunities in snow sports and mountain activities. I've had incredible moments on the slopes, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, two sports that often require warm clothing or at least appropriate gear to practice. That's when I realized the importance of dressing properly, knowing the difference between dressing too much or too little, and understanding how to layer correctly to withstand the cold without compromising comfort during physical effort.

The shell jacket is often my first choice, combining waterproofing, comfort, and versatility—things that not all jackets offer. For a typical ski outing, I usually wear three layers: leggings, a down jacket, and a shell on top. This combination provides warmth and protection from the wind while allowing my body to breathe, preventing overheating or the buildup of sweat that could quickly cool me down when I stop."

It is also compact, and its multiple functionalities make it suitable for everyday use in the city during the rain, in the wind on the beach, in the mountains, cycling, skiing, or even trail running. It’s truly a timeless product that accompanies me everywhere.

As a bonus, in recent years, we’ve seen sportswear invade the city and make its way into urban settings. In streetwear fashion, known as GORPCORE, inspired by hiking gear, this style, which feels so natural in the mountains, has become a new angle for fashionistas. An innovative trend that has exploded worldwide. My Scandinavian side loves this style; the marriage between sports and fashion intrigues me immensely. This fashion reflects all of my passions, and it’s finally accepted by society. Because yes, we tend to wait for the world to validate and follow a trend before we’re inspired by it and wear it.

This trend has existed for years in Nordic countries but has only recently become "cool" and "stylish" since the integration of shell jackets by Virgil Abloh in his haute couture fashion show. It’s what I’ve been waiting for since I was little, and it’s finally here. For how long? But I believe it’s much more than just a fleeting trend. We’ve seen many styles fade over the years, everything ends, but this one won’t disappear anytime soon. It’s much more than just a style; it’s a way of life.

Her playlist

To conclude, a hardshell is choosing versatility and durability. It’s an investment for life, as it will accompany you well beyond a single season. Each hardshell jacket is designed to last, to withstand the tests of time and the elements. For those who reject disposable fashion, it's a choice aligned with strong values and respect for our environment.

The hardshell, the new iconic garment : More than just a piece of clothing, the hardshell has become an iconic item for those passionate about conscious fashion and adventure. It embodies this new era where every garment tells a story — one of our choices, our convictions, and our desire to live each day to the fullest.