This Jacket’s Innovative Fabric Has a Weatherproof Super Power that Isn’t Waxed Canvas or Gore-Tex

Stone Island is known as much for developing unique and innovative textiles as it is for creating good-looking clothing.

In this case, the Italian brand has combined both pursuits to make an excellent all-purpose shoulder season parka that looks good with everything and protects against the elements with an unexpected material.

End.

Aluminum foil helps keep recipes tidy in the oven and leftovers safe in the fridge, but Stone Island has proven that it can also keep you warm and dry in unpredictable spring weather.

The new Aluminium Tela Parka, part of the Marina collection of nautical-inspired gear, is a mid-weight raincoat with a high neck and plenty of pocket space. It has a classic, simple look that is easy to style with just about anything.

Stone Island

What you can’t see is that it is made of cotton poplin laminated with aluminum foil on the inside, with another layer of cotton poplin applied underneath for a comfortable feel.

A nautical raincoat

Stone Island’s Marina collection is inspired by Italian coastal life. It blends traditional looks with the brand’s progressive designs. The entire collection can be summed up in the Marina Auminium Tela Parka.

Stone Island

The all-purpose mid-weight rain parka is equipped with an adjustable storm hood, a full zip front covered by a snap placket and two large front pockets. The back has a yoke with over-stitched shoulders for enhanced rain protection where it is needed most.

Stone Island

Two adjustable tabs on the waist allow for a tighter fit to keep out the wind, and metal eyelet vents under the arms enhance ventilation. Every metal snap on the jacket is reinforced with a rubber washer to prevent ripping of the fabric.

Stone Island

The Marina Aluminium Tela Parka has a boxy fit that drops just below the waist. It is ideal for spring and fall layering because the classic fisherman’s jacket look is easy to style.

An interesting fabric

What separates the Marina Aluminium Tela Parka from countless rain jackets with a similar look is the innovative fabric. Stone Island utilized aluminum foil to create an ultra-light insulating and protective layer.

Stone Island

The concept is similar to the metallic ponchos and blankets athletes and EMTs use. They are most commonly found at marathons because they provide warmth and are so lightweight, you don’t even notice them.

Stone Island developed a fabric that sandwiches an aluminum foil sheet between two layers of cotton poplin. This utilizes the metal’s heat-trapping properties and creates a water-resistant layer while maintaining the look and feel of a cotton jacket.

The only visual sign of the aluminum is a slight sheen to the fabric, which Stone Island played into by adding reflective tape to the inside of the cuff and waistline.

Stone Island

The Marina Aluminium Tela Parka is another impressive feat from Stone Island’s research and development department. It uses a common, cheap and harmless material to replicate the performance of GORTEX and other chemical DWR treatments. Most important of all, it looks great.

Availability and pricing

The Stone Island Marina Aluminium Tela Parka is available now from Stone Island for $1,305. A navy blue version is also available from British retailer End.

Looking at Stone Island’s history, this could be the only time that this aluminum-cotton fabric is used. Hopefully, the jacket will be a success, and the textile will be developed further as a more sustainable alternative to DWR chemical treatments.

Stone Island

Stone Island Marina Aluminium Tela Parka

• $1,305 at Stone Island
• $1,489 at End

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