Lands’ End and The North Face have decades of experience in designing outerwear for men, women, and kids, but they take different approaches when it comes to style and performance.
Lands’ End, founded in 1963, offers a wide range of classic, casual jackets focused on everyday wear. The North Face, which got its start in 1966, provides technically advanced outdoor apparel for activities like hiking and snow sports.
Today, we’ll compare their differences by looking at their materials, pricing, quality, and intended use.
Read on to learn more about them and decide which is better for you!
Contents:
1. Lands’ End Jackets
History of the Brand
Lands’ End’s official website
Lands’ End was established in 1963 as a small mail-order company for yachting gear in Chicago. Founded by Gary Comer, a copywriter and avid sailor, along with four friends who shared his passion for sailing, the brand took several years to establish itself as a renowned competitor in the market.
By 1977, the company had achieved million-dollar status. Lands’ End was an early adopter of e-commerce, expanding its product line to include not only yachting supplies but also apparel.
While the brand now boasts numerous physical stores, its primary focus remains on online retail.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Brands are increasingly shifting towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods, and Lands’ End is no exception. They take pride in their advancements in this area and consistently strive to utilize responsibly sourced materials.
Nylon is primarily used for their weatherproof outerwear, while cotton and polyester also play significant roles, particularly for outerwear and certain bags. Their insulating jackets predominantly utilize natural down, known for its exceptional insulating properties.
Lands’ End exclusively uses responsibly sourced down, adhering to RDS certification standards to ensure the ethical treatment of birds. Additionally, the brand incorporates synthetic alternatives to natural down insulation, such as PrimaLoft.
The manufacturing facilities operate following international standards and the brand’s own stringent requirements for providing quality working conditions and fair treatment to its employees.
For those looking to find out more about Lands’ End sustainability efforts, you can take a look here.
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Read also: Lands’ End vs L.L. Bean Outdoor Gear: A Comparison
Where are Lands’ End jackets made?
Lands’ End manufactures its jackets and other apparel in the United States as well as in various other nations including China and Indonesia.
Recommended Jackets
Lands’ End Men’s Expedition Waterproof Down Parka
Image: landsend.com
Check it out at LandsEnd.com
The Men’s Expedition Waterproof Down Parka is a remarkable piece of winter clothing, specifically created for the harshest winter conditions. Produced by a brand known for its understanding of severe winters, particularly due to its base in Wisconsin, this parka boasts a 100% waterproof, seam-sealed outer layer to prevent any moisture penetration.
The parka is insulated with a cozy lining filled with 600-fill-power down for warmth. With an extended length, it provides extra coverage and protection against the cold, effectively shielding the lower body from the elements.
Additionally, it’s equipped with multiple pockets, offering ample storage space for essentials and more. This parka is highly recommended for those living in cold climates, like Wisconsin, where carrying handwarmers is often necessary.
The Expedition Parka is a reliable, top-quality option for anyone needing warmth and protection during the winter months.
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Lands’ End Women’s Squall Waterproof Insulated Parka
Image: landsend.com
Check it out at LandsEnd.com
The Women’s Squall Waterproof Insulated Parka by Lands’ End is a specially crafted outerwear piece that commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Squall line. Lands’ End has continuously refined this parka over four decades, incorporating customer input to introduce various new and enhanced features in the latest version.
The parka now features updated zipper pulls for enhanced usability and more easily accessible pockets to elevate convenience. Reflective elements have been integrated to improve visibility, ensuring safer wear in low-light conditions.
This parka is engineered to endure varying weather conditions, constructed from a waterproof nylon fabric that not only repels wind and rain but also provides defense against snow.
Along with its insulation and extended length for added protection against the elements, this parka also offers ample pocket space to safeguard your belongings from the weather.
Prices
Lands’ End offers a wide range of prices for its products, including reasonably priced outerwear, activewear, and various other designs. Their jackets, which are our focus here, have a wide price range starting at around $70, while the winter parkas can exceed $350.
Are Lands’ End jackets worth the price?
In general, these are high-quality designs crafted from long-lasting materials. Depending on your specific needs, the cost is usually worth it for the quality you get.
Read also: 10 Luxury Winter Jacket Brands that We Love!
2. The North Face Jackets
History of the Brand
The North Face’s official website
The North Face is a renowned brand within the outdoor gear industry from the USA. It has acquired significant popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, who have shown their loyalty to its products over the years.
Since its establishment in 1966, the brand has maintained a strong focus on crafting specialized mountain apparel and gear, including hiking packs, tents, sleeping bags, insulated jackets, rain jackets, skiwear, and other various outerwear items.
The brand’s widespread appeal in the 1990s extended beyond outdoor enthusiasts to include celebrities, who began to prominently feature and endorse its products. Notably, in 1993, a rapper showcased the Steep Tech jacket in a music video.
The brand’s name originates from the ‘north face’ of a mountain in the northern hemisphere, renowned for its extreme cold and most difficult climbing conditions.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
The North Face (TNF) primarily utilizes Nylon and Polyester, common materials in outdoor gear, and incorporates various technologies into its products, such as the FUTURELIGHT membrane. FUTURELIGHT integrates a thin nanomembrane into the garment to enable airflow while repelling water, and it has been proven to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Next, TNF utilizes goose down for thermal insulation, ensuring comfort and warmth during extended trips out in nature. This lightweight insulation also facilitates ease of movement during challenging activities.
The North Face also features renowned technologies like Gore-Tex, which offers waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability, allowing sweat vapor to pass through while preventing water ingress.
The brand has also designed other fabric and insulation technologies such as DryVent, WindWall, FlashDry, and the popular ThermoBall synthetic insulation.
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Where are The North Face jackets made?
The majority of The North Face outdoor apparel and jackets are manufactured in Asian nations like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, with some collections also produced in the United States.
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The North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka
Image: thenorthface.com
Check it out at TheNorthFace.com
The McMurdo Parka for men is crafted to deliver outstanding warmth and defense against wind and harsh conditions. This coat boasts a relaxed fit and is filled with 600-fill recycled waterfowl down, making it a top pick for cold climates.
The parka is designed to be windproof, waterproof, and breathable, courtesy of its seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell featuring a non-PFC DWR finish. It comes complete with practical elements such as concealed, secure-zip chest pockets, two dual-entry front patch pockets, and a secure-zip internal chest pocket.
The parka also features an attached, three-piece hood with an internal drawcord for adaptability and a detachable faux-fur ruff, along with a stormflap that shields the two-way, VISLON front zip.
Moreover, the parka has an embroidered logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder, adding a hint of flair to its utility. Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs guarantee a snug and comfortable fit, establishing the McMurdo as a versatile option for really cold weather.
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The North Face Diablo vs. Nuptse: Which Jacket is Better?
The North Face Women’s Nuptse Parka
Image: thenorthface.com
Check it out at TheNorthFace.com
The Women’s Nuptse Parka by The North Face presents a modern interpretation of the classic 1996 Nuptse Jacket. It boasts a relaxed fit and extended parka length for additional protection. The 700-fill recycled down insulation ensures both warmth and environmental responsibility.
To enhance durability, the jacket incorporates a ripstop overlay on the hood and yoke, while the non-PFC DWR finish delivers increased water repellency without the use of harmful chemicals. Practical features include an attached hood with an adjustable drawcord, a stormflap over the front zip, and zipper hand pockets.
The adjustable cuffs provide a snug fit, and the parka has The North Face’s embroidered logo, reflecting the brand’s heritage. This parka serves as a tribute to the past and a stride towards sustainable fashion.
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Prices
The products from The North Face are priced higher compared to numerous other outdoor clothing brands. Despite this, the brand in general has mid-to-high prices. Their jackets and parkas range from about $70 for lighter styles to $800 for insulated winter coats.
Are The North Face jackets worth the price?
If you are a serious mountaineer, skier, or outdoor enthusiast, The North Face can justify its cost. Their jackets are crafted to deliver the comfort, durability, and protection you need while outside in bad weather.
For everyday clothing, they may be a bit expensive, but even in this case, you can find something accessible at The North Face that’s worth investing in.
Learn more: Why Is The North Face So Expensive and Popular? Are Its Jackets Worth It?
3. Which is Better for Jackets? Lands’ End or The North Face?
Lands’ End offers some beautiful styles of jackets that provide good protection too, while The North Face has top-notch insulation. Which is better? Here are our considerations to help you decide:
- Lands’ End is known for more classic, heritage styles of outerwear compared to The North Face‘s more technical and performance-oriented jackets. Lands’ End jackets tend to use down and cotton while The North Face uses more synthetic insulation but also natural down.
- The North Face is seen as a more premium, outdoor-focused brand. Their jackets offer features like waterproofing, breathability, and durability for active pursuits like hiking or snow sports. They have fashionable designs for urban wear too. Lands’ End jackets are more focused on lifestyle and casual activities.
- Lands’ End jackets are generally more affordable, especially when on sale or promotion. The North Face jackets come at higher prices reaching $800.
- Both brands offer a wide selection of jackets for men, women, and kids.
- For quality, both are reputable brands that make durable jackets, but The North Face is known for better weather protection and using higher-end materials.
- The North Face has more innovative designs and modern styling compared to Lands’ End’s classic styling.
In the end, The North Face is better for technical, high-performance outerwear for outdoor activities. Lands’ End offers more variety in everyday, casual jackets that are more affordable.
If you need a warm, durable winter parka or a jacket for hiking, The North Face is likely better. For a classic wool coat or blazer for everyday wear, Lands’ End would be the way.
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