Here’s the problem with jackets: they either look good but can’t handle weather (see: cashmere) or look bad and perform like a dream in any weather (see: Gore-Tex). So when Palmer West and Jonah Smith started Aether in 2009, they wanted to bridge that gap. They want to design outerwear that could move as easily through adverse weather conditions as it could integrate into city life.
Aether constructs its jackets from the best performance fabrics (read: breathable, waterproof, wind resistant), but also places great emphasis on sleek, modern designs that don’t look out of place in urban settings. Within that ethos, the brand offers a range of jackets to handle almost any type of weather, from cool fall days to inclement storm fronts. That problem with jackets? Here’s your solution.
The Ion
Best for the City: This iteration of the classic bomber silhouette features a wind-resistant nylon shell filled with 800-fill power goose down. The details on this jacket are sparse but refined — zippered welt hand pockets and interior pocket with an audio valve for headphones. Perfect for the shifting seasons, the Ion should be your go-to light jacket.
The Crosby
Best for Fluctuating Temps: The three-layer, 100 percent wool exterior of the Crosby jacket is breathable, water resistant and wind resistant. When the temperature drops, you can zip in a removable liner (made with 100 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation). The cut of this jacket is contemporary and will easily complement your office attire, making it the perfect upgrade to a traditional wool overcoat.
The Tromso
Best for Deep Freezes: Built to withstand the coldest winter weather, the Tromso is constructed with heavy 2.0-liter canvas and filled with 800-fill power goose down. It is waterproof, wind resistant and breathable, and it includes an adjustable hood for particularly unpleasant days. Though built to withstand the worst, the Tromso still has a flattering fit, showing that great style and great performance can exist in the same garment.
