The Outerwear Chronicles: The Legend of The Squall® Jacket

Outerwear season is upon us! And with it, one simple question keeps popping up: is the Squall® Jacket the best money can buy, or is it the best men's coat ever in the history of the universe as we know it? The answer to both questions is: YES! Not convinced? Let us illuminate the history of the squall jacket, everything you need to know about this timeless fashion piece, and how to incorporate it into your fall, winter, and spring outfits!

The History of Squall

Here at Lands' End, we've been offering Squall® Jackets since 1983. Our fall catalog described it this way: "The Squall – a nylon/bunting jacket that keeps you warm and dry, dries fast after a dunking. Maybe the most functional jacket we've ever sold." And boy, were people eager to get their hands on a nylon/bunting jacket that was also functional! It sold like hotcakes. In fact, we almost ran out of bunting that year. But then we got more bunting, so the next year we could sell the new IMPROVED Squall® Jacket – now with TWICE THE BUNTING!*

Since 1983

Over the years, we've tinkered, improved, but never strayed far from the original concept: a functional coat that keeps you warm and dry, stuffed with as much bunting as we can put between two sleeves. Today's Squall Jacket adds 360-degree reflectivity so you can be seen more easily by others; plus, a taller collar stands to protect your neck from those pesky drafts.

The Family Has Grown

Today's Squall lineup for men includes the Classic Squall Jacket, Squall Parka, the Squall System, Squall Stadium Coat, Squall Military Jacket, Lightweight Squall Jacket, Lightweight Squall Parka, Sherpa Lined Classic Squall Jacket, and the Sport Squall Jacket. Even Squall mittens, hats, and men's snow pants. There are even more options for women and children!

Different Squalls, Different Features

Certain Squalls are seam-sealed to be waterproof; all resist wind thanks to the outer shell. Some have hoods, some have more insulation than others to provide more warmth in more extreme weather conditions. Some Squalls have so many pockets that you could fit a year's supply of cookies in them and have room left over for a gallon of milk.

How to Incorporate a Squall Jacket Into Your Wardrobe

A squall jacket can be worn by anyone, regardless of age or gender. It’s also the type of outerwear that can be worn for many occasions ranging from going to work to picking up the kids from school to attending an outdoor seasonal function. By now, you may be curious enough to consider adding a squall jacket to your wardrobe (if you don’t already own one), but just how do you style it?

First, let’s start by discussing how important it is to explore your options. There are squall coats that have a more vintage look to them and squall coats that are much more modern. Determine which style you like the most (you may find you want one of each!). Next, think about color. If you are only going to invest in one squall coat, you may want something in a neutral color like black, grey, or navy (however, things like olive green are great, too). You want to find a squall coat in a color that will coordinate very well with a wide range of different outfits.

For a casual look, such as an outfit you may wear on an afternoon off from work, a squall jacket layers nicely over a sweater. Whether you zip or button up your squall jacket or leave it open, it will pair well with the sweater you choose. For bottoms, nothing beats women’s jeans, however other pant styles like black jeans or leggings will both work, too! Another thing to consider is your footwear. It goes without saying that wearing flip-flops or strappy heels would look a bit silly with a squall jacket. Squall jackets look best with footwear choices like sneakers or boots. An olive green squall jacket with a pair of women’s duck boots? Could there be a more quintessentially fall outfit?

Squall jackets can also be accessorized effortlessly. In the fall and winter, accessorize with practical items like winter hats and winter gloves. If you are wearing the squall jacket for outdoor activity, swap a purse for a durable backpack to hold all your belongings. In the spring season, you can create a sporty, casual look by accessorizing with a baseball cap, a pair of aviator sunglasses, and supportive running shoes.