The Sleeveless Down Jacket: Alpine Heritage and Parisian Elegance

From Practical Origins to Technical Innovation

The sleeveless down jacket, which has become a staple of the urban landscape over the years, has its roots in the world of mountains. As early as 1930 , American and European mountaineers sought to protect themselves from the bitter cold while maintaining optimal freedom of movement.

Pierre Allain: Pioneer of Modern Mountaineering

French mountaineer Pierre Allain designed a garment that combined warmth and lightness. The concept of the quilted down jacket was born. He sold down jackets in his Paris boutique between 1931 and 1964. His jackets were primarily intended for mountaineering and winter sports.

Alpine Origins: From Mountaineering to the City

Later, in 1940 , American Eddie Bauer filed the first patent for a down jacket after experiencing near hypothermia while fishing. The sleeveless version appeared in the 1950s , offering greater freedom of movement to mountaineers and mountain workers. It quickly became popular in the United States, particularly in sporting and urban environments.

The 1950s-1970s: The Rise to Power

The sleeveless down jacket became popular in the 1950s thanks to its adoption by skiers and explorers. Lighter than a traditional jacket, it allowed for layering, which was essential for regulating body temperature in the mountains. In the 1960s and 1970s , specialist brands began to incorporate the sleeveless down jacket into their technical collections. It was not yet a fashion garment, but a performance tool for athletes and adventurers.

From the Summits to the Streets: The 1980s-1990s

With the democratization of skiing and the rise of sportswear, the sleeveless down jacket has moved from the slopes to the streets. It has become a symbol of comfort and casual style, adopted by both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers looking for a practical look.

In the 1980s , Milan's gilded youth imposed a style that became a cult: the Paninaro movement. Inspired by American aesthetics but deeply rooted in the prosperous Italy of the time, the Paninari were distinguished by their taste for premium brand clothing and ostentatious pieces. Among their must-haves were sleeveless down jackets, worn with Levi's jeans, Timberlands, or Vans. Practical for strolling on their Vespa or meeting in the cafes of downtown Milan.

Carole Bouquet (left), Roger Moore (center) in a sleeveless puffer jacket, and Julian Glover (right) in a scene from the film For Your Eyes Only (1981). Keith Hamshere / Getty Images

The 2000s:

From the 2000s onwards, the sleeveless down jacket made its mark in an unexpected field: finance. In the open-plan offices of Wall Street as well as in the business districts of London and Paris , it quickly became an unofficial uniform for young bankers and analysts. Worn over a shirt and tie, often associated with formal office attire, it embodies a balance between comfort and professionalism. In this context, the sleeveless down jacket reflects a desire to demonstrate pragmatic, performance-focused success, but without the rigid constraints of the traditional suit and tie.

The Sleeveless Down Jacket Today: Between Heritage and Innovation

Today, the sleeveless down jacket has become one of the essentials of the male wardrobe. It meets today's needs: versatility, comfort, and style . Our sleeveless cashmere down jacket, handmade in Paris, is part of this vision. A piece designed to last, which enhances the heritage of the down jacket while elevating it to the rank of modern icon.