Jackets · US
1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
The Nuptse jacket remains a cornerstone of 'The Statement Puffer' trend, with its recognizable boxy shape and oversized baffles appealing to both gorpcore enthusiasts and the fashion-forward crowd.
Product signals
- Brand
- The North Face
- Source
- brand_models
- Key features
- Iconic 1996 design · Oversized baffles · Boxy silhouette
- Source mentions
- Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Who What Wear, GQ
Specification variants
3 static directions are available for this theme.
value-oriented
Urban Puffer with Recycled Synthetic Fill
- Fit
- Relaxed fit
- Silhouette
- Boxy silhouette
- Baffles
- Wide, horizontal baffles
- Length
- Hip length
- Body Fabric
- 60D 80 g/m² 100% recycled polyester with a non-PFC DWR finish
- Yoke/Overlay Fabric
- 70D 90 g/m² 100% recycled polyester plain weave for reinforcement
- Lining
- 50D 100% recycled polyester taffeta
- Insulation
- 100% recycled polyester synthetic sheet insulation
- Hood
- Attached, three-piece insulated hood (non-stowable)
- Zippers
- Standard coil center front zip and hand pocket zips
- Pockets
- Two exterior secure-zip hand pockets, one internal slip pocket
- Cuffs
- Encased-elastic cuffs
- Hem
- Bungee cinch-cord at hem
- Packability
- Compressible, but does not stow into a pocket
- Logos
- Heat-transfer logo on the left chest
This product differentiates itself by focusing on accessibility and everyday urban use. The primary cost-saving measure is replacing the 700-fill goose down with a recycled polyester synthetic insulation, which offers solid warmth and better performance in damp conditions at a lower price point. Construction is simplified with a non-stowable hood, standard coil zippers instead of Vislon®, and heat-transfer logos instead of embroidery. The shiny ripstop fabric is replaced with a more standard polyester to further manage costs while still offering durability and weather resistance.
mid-tier
Cropped Puffer with Matte Finish
- Fit
- Standard fit
- Silhouette
- Cropped, boxy silhouette
- Baffles
- Oversize baffles with a soft, rounded look
- Length
- Cropped length, sits at the natural waist
- Center Back Length
- 23 inches
- Body Fabric
- 40D 60 g/m² 100% recycled nylon with a matte, non-PFC DWR finish
- Yoke/Overlay Fabric
- 50D 70 g/m² recycled nylon with a contrasting texture
- Lining
- 100% recycled polyester with a soft-touch finish
- Insulation
- 600 fill power RDS-certified duck down
- Hood
- Detachable, insulated, three-piece hood
- Zippers
- Exposed, VISLON® center front zip; fleece-lined secure-zip hand pockets
- Pockets
- Two exterior secure-zip hand pockets, one internal secure-zip pocket
- Cuffs
- Encased-elastic cuffs with adjustable snap-tab closure
- Hem
- Internal bungee cinch-cord at hem
- Packability
- Jacket stows in an included separate stuff sack
- Logos
- Tonal embroidered logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder
Differentiation is achieved through a distinct aesthetic and silhouette update. The jacket features a modern, cropped length that appeals to a fashion-forward consumer and offers a different proportion than the original's hip-length cut. Replacing the signature shiny ripstop with a contemporary matte-finish fabric provides a more understated and versatile look. The hood is made detachable for styling versatility, and using 600-fill duck down instead of 700-fill goose down provides a balance of excellent warmth and cost-effectiveness for the mid-tier market.
premium
Welded Baffle Down Parka
- Fit
- Relaxed, slightly oversized fit
- Silhouette
- A-line, mid-thigh length parka
- Baffles
- Welded, seamless baffles for a minimalist aesthetic and no down leakage
- Length
- Mid-thigh length
- Center Back Length
- 30 inches
- Body Fabric
- 30D 2-Layer GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®—100% recycled polyester with a non-PFC DWR finish
- Yoke/Overlay Fabric
- 70D GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ overlay for enhanced abrasion resistance
- Lining
- 20D 100% recycled nylon mini-ripstop
- Insulation
- 800 fill power RDS-certified goose down
- Hood
- Attached, helmet-compatible, down-filled storm hood with a bonded brim and co-molded cord locks
- Zippers
- Two-way, exposed, AquaGuard® VISLON® center front zip
- Pockets
- Two oversized, secure-zip alpine chest pockets; two fleece-lined, secure-zip handwarmer pockets; two internal mesh drop pockets
- Cuffs
- Internal stretch-knit storm cuffs with thumbholes
- Hem
- Drop-tail hem with an internal bungee cinch-cord
- Packability
- Highly compressible, includes a premium stuff sack
- Logos
- Laser-etched or bonded logos on the left chest and back-right shoulder
This product differentiates by pushing every specification into the premium and technical space. The insulation is upgraded to a higher-lofting 800-fill power down for more warmth with less weight. The silhouette is elongated into a parka for greater coverage, and the construction uses modern welded baffles for a sleek, technical appearance. The fabric is upgraded to GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ for complete windproofing and superior water resistance, and zippers are upgraded to AquaGuard® for enhanced weather protection. Luxury and comfort details like internal storm cuffs, a multi-pocket system, and a helmet-compatible hood position this as a high-performance luxury piece.