Windbreakers are an extremely light and comfortable way for your team to show off support for your company, nonprofit, or sports organization. They can fold down to fit in a backpack or tote bag, and since they’re made with tightly woven fabrics that resist air and water penetration, they offer great protection against wind and drizzle.
That said, there are many options and variants to choose from, and if you’re looking to get your hands on custom-branded windbreakers, you’ll need to think about fabrics, printing methods, linings, and so on.
To make it easy, here’s what you need to know and the brands we’d recommend.
What Makes a Great Custom Windbreaker Jacket
Water-Repellent Fabrics
Polyester
Polyester is extremely water-repellent, with tightly bonded polymer chains that resist moisture. It’s also UV-resistant, which helps prevent fading due to sun exposure. This makes it a popular choice for vibrant streetwear-style sports gear and uniforms for outdoor crews like canvassers, security guards, delivery drivers, and event staff. While it’s slightly less durable than nylon, many people prefer its superior breathability.
Nylon
Nylon windbreakers balance a high level of durability with a light weight and soft feel. They’re more resistant to scratch and stretch damage, and their toughness makes them a great option for more active crews like landscapers and outdoor technicians.
However, nylon’s polymer chains are more loosely bonded, so it’s more absorbent than polyester. This means nylon windbreakers don’t hold up as well to heavier rain, and they take longer to dry — but water-resistant coatings or membranes can make up for these shortcomings.
- Durable water repellent (DWR) coating is a light polymer film that increases surface tension, causing water droplets to roll off rather than soak in.
- Polyurethane coating is an oil-based synthetic coating that improves water resistance at the cost of breathability.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (PTFE) is a thin, microporous layer that sits between the outer shell and inner lining, or bonded to the outer shell through lamination. It offers a higher degree of wind protection while remaining breathable.
Of these, DWR coating is the most common. While the coating does degrade over time, you can reapply it using inexpensive wash-in or spray-on treatments.
Construction
- Layers: Windbreakers come in both single- and multi-layer styles, and many businesses like to invest in both. Single-layer styles protect your team from the sun, wind, and light rain on warmer days. But when the temperature dips, you’ll want to keep them toasty with a lined jacket.
- Ventilation: Vents under the arms or on the back can help with temperature regulation during high-intensity activities or warmer days.
- Closure: Arm cuffs and waistbands block wind from blowing inside the jacket. Look for elasticized cuffs and waistbands that either fit tightly or are adjustable.
- Stitching: The stitching should be tight, even, and free of loose ends. Thread that looks or feels frizzy or patchy is more likely to break over time.
Linings
- Unlined: Ultra-lightweight jackets that have no lining offer the maximum level of breathability and take up very little space when packing or storing. They’re ideal for protection against the sun, light wind, and brief showers during warm days.
- Lightweight: Lightweight windbreakers are extremely versatile and can keep active teams comfortable in mild-to-cool weather. If your team needs some extra sweat control, look for a windbreaker with a polyester mesh lining.
- Midweight: Cotton/poly blends are perfect for that early autumn/late spring sweet spot, offering added warmth without compromising breathability.
- Heavyweight: Fleece and quilted linings offer warmth, comfort, and structure, and are a must-have for fall/winter windbreakers. While less compact than lighter jackets, they offer much better protection against wind chill and sudden gusts.
Logo Decoration
Screen Printing
Screen printing uses mesh stencils to apply ink to your jacket, one color at a time. Using UV-activated liquid emulsion, we create a custom stencil for each color; the ink then passes through the open mesh and is heat-cured onto the fabric.
This process requires a lengthy setup, but once your stencils are created, they can be used over and over again.
Since polyester is more heat-resistant than nylon, screen printing works better on poly and poly-blends, but screen printing on either can be tricky, requiring specialized inks and additives to prevent dye migration and heat damage. At BlueCotton, we’re well-equipped to handle this.
Embroidery
If you want your gear to look polished and professional, it’s hard to beat embroidery, especially for outdoor crews or athletes with regular exposure to the elements. A heat-sealed backing can be applied behind the embroidery for additional waterproofing.
Embroidery generally works best on heavier, sturdier fabrics. Since nylon and polyester are thinner fabrics, we take special steps to prevent puckering and shifting during the embroidery process. Our design team may also work with you to create a more embroidery-friendly version of your logo that lowers the stitch density. This means fewer needle punctures, reduced fabric stress, and a less bulky look for your logo.
Our Trusted Brands for Custom Windbreakers
| Brand | Fabric Weight | Feel & Structure | Fit |
| Cutter & Buck | Lightweight | Durable & premium | Stylish modern fit |
| Independent Trading Co. | Lightweight | Lightweight & breathable | Classic fit |
| Port Authority | Midweight | Warm & durable | Classic fit |
Cutter & Buck
Since 1989, Cutter & Buck has specialized in work-to-weekend sportswear and fanwear that offers lightweight warmth and high performance. We like their Adapt Eco Knit Hybrid Recycled Men’s Full Zip Jacket for its versatility and eco-friendliness (each jacket contains an average of 19 recycled plastic bottles).
Thanks to its lightweight construction and premium polyester stretch fabric, this jacket provides unrestricted motion and is a great choice for both casual weekends and active workdays, with front and back shell overlays for improved wind protection.
Its group-friendly sizing selection includes plus-size options up to 3XL and Big and Tall sizing up to 4XLT. The modern cut fits snugly, giving it an aerodynamic fit.
While the color selection is limited to eight shades, the rich jewel tones and classic neutrals make an attractive backdrop for most logos, and the contrast-stitch zipper and welt-zip pockets give the jacket a high-end look and feel.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Stylish modern fit
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- More expensive than less premium options
Independent Trading Co.
Independent Trading Co. creates high-quality activewear like the EXP54LWZ Unisex Lightweight Windbreaker Full-Zip Jacket, which is made from 100% polyester with an interior water-resistant coating. Its waterproof pressure rating is 600mm, so it holds up against light rain or brief showers.
Snug elastic cuffs and a tightening toggle at the waistband help to keep out the cool air. Since this jacket is unlined, it does provide less protection against wind chill when worn alone. But thanks to its classic fit, it works well as an outer layer over a warmer long-sleeved shirt or flannel. This versatility helps it perform well in most weather conditions.
Since it’s available in 16 colors and patterns, from black to camo to safety orange, you’ll likely find a few different options that will complement your logo. The matte finish eyelets and zippers give it a trendy, polished look that works well for tradeshows, corporate events, and fan gear.
Pros:
- Wide range of colors
- Weightless feel
- Budget-friendly option
- Good for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- Less suitable for cooler weather unless layered
Port Authority
Port Authority has a reputation for high-value shirts, outerwear, and accessories that pair durability with timeless good looks. Their J317 Core Soft Shell Jacket and L317 Ladies Core Soft Shell Jacket perform well on the worksite while still looking great.
Both have a 100% polyester woven shell bonded with a water-resistant film, giving them a 1000mm rating for water resistance. This makes them slightly more protective than our Independent Trading Co. pick. Structured cadet collars, chin guards, and a comfortable microfleece lining will keep your crew dry and warm through light showers and flurries.
Sizing runs up to 4XL for women and 6XL for men, making these jackets a great option for large teams that need diverse sizing options. Their lower price point makes them an affordable option for smaller companies or start-ups that need to keep an eye on their expenses.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Extremely wide range of sizes
- Available in women’s style
Cons:
- Women’s style has few color options
Which Custom Windbreaker to Choose?
If you’re still stuck, here’s a quick rundown of where we’d choose each:
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- Warmer work sites or indoor events
- Teams that need a wide sizing range
- Upscale branded gear for corporate events
- Premium branded merch
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- Warmer work sites or indoor events
- Cost-aware organizations looking for high value
- Crews that require high visibility or safety colors
- Promotional giveaways
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- Cooler, windier job sites or sports events that need a warmer layer
- Teams that need more inclusive sizing
- Women’s sports teams
- Branded merch
Sorting out your best option now will save you a massive headache later. If you need more help picking, send us an email or reach out through our live chat; we’re more than happy to talk through your options and help you get the best possible gear for your team.