Moncler brings Italian-inspired luxury designs and premium down insulation prized by fashionistas and celebrities alike.
The North Face delivers rugged performance and innovative technology trusted by outdoor adventurers and explorers around the globe.
This side-by-side comparison will examine the differences between these two iconic jacket brands, from their philosophies to the materials, construction, pricing, and intended uses of their signature coats.
Whether you prioritize runway looks or Alpine performance, read on to discover which brand offers the best options for your lifestyle!
Contents:
1. Moncler Jackets
History of the Brand
Moncler official website
René Ramillon founded Moncler in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, Grenoble, France. After being acquired by Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini in 2003, the brand transitioned into an Italian company with its headquarters now located in Milan.
Initially, Moncler specialized in producing sleeping bags and tents, later expanding into crafting quilted jackets for outdoor workers in winter.
The brand has since transformed into an exclusive luxury label, offering exceptionally high-end fashionable outdoor and streetwear clothing, often priced comparably to or even exceeding other prestigious brands, including The North Face.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Moncler produces its jackets in various European nations such as Romania, Bulgaria, Armenia, Hungary, Moldova, and Georgia. Despite its French origins and Italian heritage, Moncler does not manufacture its goods in these countries, except for limited collections made in Italy.
One of their main fabrics is Japanese nylon, known for its moderate weather resistance and optimal durability. This comparison focuses on similar products, particularly the down jackets and coats of these two brands.
Moncler uses white goose down for many of its down jackets and parkas, typically with a 90% down to 10% feathers ratio.
In addition, some of their jackets feature detachable fur trims. However, the company is gradually moving towards being fur-free due to ethical concerns related to animal-based apparel. (source)
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Recommended Products
Moncler Men’s Maya Short Down Jacket
Image: moncler.com
Check it out at Moncler.com
The Maya Down Jacket is a well-known men’s outer garment offered in a range of sizes and colors. Featuring a quilted pattern and a detachable hood, this jacket is constructed using Nylon fabric and insulated with down for heat retention.
It includes zippered pockets and a two-way front zipper, making it a resilient and fashionable choice for premium outerwear.
Read also: Moose Knuckles vs Moncler Jackets: Which is Better?
Moncler Women’s Bondree Long Down Jacket
Image: moncler.com
Check it out at Moncler.com
The Bondree Long Down jacket represents a modern take on the traditional puffer coat tailored for women. Made of recycled rainwear, a nylon fiber renowned for its water-resistant attributes, this jacket offers an adjustable hood, a versatile long fit ideal for layering over professional clothing or casual weekend activities.
Filled with warm down insulation and adorned with a recycled nylon laqué lining, it includes zipped pockets, a zipper closure, an elasticized waistband, and a distinctive logo patch.
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Prices
Moncler is known as a high-end name that may not be within everyone’s budget. The cost of their jackets varies from $700 to $5,000, exceeding the prices of numerous other brands. So, it’s crucial to consider the following question before your purchase.
Are Moncler jackets worth the price?
Moncler’s winter jackets prioritize style, especially their most recent designs, with a shift away from previous designs geared towards extreme weather protection. This does not suggest that Moncler jackets are ineffective in cold conditions.
But, at such high prices, we think that customers are mainly investing in the brand name and design rather than performance and insulation.
Learn more: Why are Moncler Jackets so Expensive? Are They Worth It?
2. The North Face Jackets
History of the Brand
The North Face’s official website
The North Face is a brand from the USA renowned within the outdoor gear industry, enjoying widespread popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
Since its establishment in 1966, the brand has maintained a focus on creating technical mountain gear and apparel, including jackets, hiking packs, tents, sleeping bags, skiwear, and other outerwear.
By the 1990s, The North Face had transcended its original customer base, attracting attention from celebrities who began incorporating its products into their wardrobes and activities. In 1993, a rapper featured the Steep Tech jacket in a music video, for example.
The brand’s name originates from the “north face” of a mountain in the northern hemisphere, known for its extreme cold temperatures and the most difficult climbing conditions.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
The North Face’s materials are mainly based on Nylon and Polyester, like most outdoor gear brands, and integrate multiple technologies, including the FUTURELIGHT membrane.
FUTURELIGHT incorporates a very thin nanomembrane in jackets and outdoor clothing, enabling airflow while repelling water. Extensive testing has demonstrated its ability to withstand difficult outdoor conditions.
Also, The North Face utilizes goose down to provide thermal insulation in its coats, ensuring customers experience the necessary comfort and warmth during extended trips. This type of insulation is lightweight, allowing for freedom of movement during challenging activities.
Many of The North Face’s jackets feature the renowned Gore-Tex technology, which delivers waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. Gore-Tex effectively lets moisture get out of the garment while preventing water ingress.
The company has also proprietary technologies developed over the years such as DryVent, WindWall, FlashDry, and the popular ThermoBall synthetic insulation which imitates natural down.
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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, although the company also offers collections 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 exceptional warmth and defense against the elements. This coat boasts a relaxed fit and is filled with 600-fill recycled waterfowl down, making it an optimal selection for cold places.
The parka is wind- and waterproof, featuring a seam-sealed DryVent™ 2L shell with a non-PFC DWR finish that allows for breathability. It has secure-zip chest pockets, dual-entry front patch pockets, and an internal chest pocket.
The parka also features an attached hood which is adjustable with a drawcord, and a detachable faux-fur ruff, along with a storm flap that conceals the VISLON® front zip.
Next, the parka has an embroidered logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder, adding a touch of style. Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs ensure a secure and comfortable fit, making the McMurdo a versatile and strong choice for difficult weather.
Read also: 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 from The North Face presents a modern interpretation of the classic 1996 Nuptse Jacket, featuring a relaxed fit and an extended parka length for additional protection. It is equipped with 700-fill recycled down insulation for warmth and environmental sustainability.
The jacket’s resilience is bolstered by a ripstop overlay on the hood and yoke, and a non-PFC DWR finish for water repellency without harmful chemicals. Practical features include an attached hood with an adjustable drawcord, a storm flap over the front zip, and secure-zip hand pockets.
The cuffs are adaptable for a secure fit, and the parka is adorned with The North Face’s embroidered logo, reflecting its brand heritage. This parka pays homage to the past while embracing sustainable fashion.
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Prices
The North Face is priced higher compared to many similar outdoor gear brands. But, in general, it falls within the mid-to-high price range. The North Face jackets range from as low as $70 for lighter styles to $800 for insulated winter choices.
Are The North Face jackets worth the price?
If you are a dedicated mountain hiker, skier, or explorer, The North Face jackets can justify their cost. They’re made to offer all the comfort, utility, and performance you need while up in the mountains.
For everyday jackets, the answer depends on your preferences and budget. But you can also find accessible options for casual wear at The North Face, so even in this case the brand is usually worth it for the quality you get.
Learn more: Why Is The North Face So Expensive and Popular? Are Its Jackets Worth It?
3. Which is Better? The North Face or Moncler?
You’ll find some great winter jackets at both Moncler and The North Face. But which should you choose between these two brands? Here are our thoughts:
The North Face is known for its technical and high-performance jackets designed for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. The company has also become a fashionable brand in recent years, including stylish coats in its collections.
Their jackets use proprietary fabrics and insulation technology for warmth, weather resistance, and breathability. Popular technologies include the Thermoball synthetic insulation and the DryVent and Futurelight fabrics. They offer a wide range of styles at various prices in the mid-to-high range.
Moncler is an Italian luxury fashion brand with French origins best known for its down jackets. Their jackets focus more on style, fashion, and brand prestige over technical performance. They use high-quality down insulation and fabrics like nylon and polyester. Moncler jackets are very lightweight and compressible yet extremely warm.
The downside is they come with a very high price tag. We’re talking about thousands of dollars, with some jackets reaching $5,000!
In the end, for casual wear around town, Moncler has more stylish options that are status symbols, with luxury prices. For outdoor activities, The North Face is usually your better choice given its expertise in technical performance and quality at lower prices.
Read next: 7 Best Italian Down Jacket Brands for Winter