MUJI's No. 1 Bestselling Men's Fall/Winter Apparel! Why the 'Windproof Water-Repellent Padded Hooded Jacket' Is So Popular

Ever since its launch in the Fall/Winter 2023 season, the Windproof Water-Repellent Padded Hooded Jacket has been a top performer in MUJI's menswear category year after year. It's so popular that it's recently gained a growing following among women as well.

MUJI is known for its basic essentials that fit seamlessly into our daily lives. So, among its vast lineup, why has this particular jacket become such a fan favorite? We spoke with Yuki Kuroda, the person in charge of its development, to find out the story behind its success.

The "Windproof Water-Repellent Padded Hooded Jacket" was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was a time when many people were anxious about the new virus. We set out to develop a padded jacket that could be easily washed at home after being outside, all while keeping the cost as low as possible," Kuroda recalls.

Initially, the main selling point was its washability. But as the pandemic began to ease, market demands started to shift.

"We believed the jacket had served its purpose in terms of virus protection. At the same time, there were reports of washing machines tipping over when washing similar padded products from other brands, raising safety concerns. We decided that if there was any risk, we should shift our focus from machine-washability to reliable comfort and functionality."

Ensuring Warmth with Windproof Materials and Design

While the original concept centered on "washable padding," customers highly praised its windproof and water-repellent features.

"To make it windproof, we bonded a special film to the back of the outer fabric to block airflow. It was also crucial to have a quilt-free outer shell to prevent wind from getting in through the seams. We then used a lightly brushed surface material and added a water-repellent finish, so it can easily handle light rain."

The design also features several details to boost warmth. To block cold air, the front zipper is covered by a placket, and it has a high stand collar designed to wrap around the neck.

"We fine-tuned the height and angle of the collar multiple times to ensure it fully covers the neck when zipped up. The design helps keep wind out, even without a scarf."

Additionally, the back is cut slightly longer, and the hem and cuffs are fitted with flat elastic to improve the fit and seal out drafts. It's these small design tweaks that create such a warm feel when you wear it.

Achieving Superior Comfort with Newly Developed Soft Padding

Another key feature is the padding. Conventional padding is made by bonding fibers with resin to form a sheet, but this often results in a stiff, bulky feel. To solve this, we partnered with a supplier to co-develop a special material made from heat-bonded, ultra-fine fibers. This new padding masterfully combines airy softness with incredible lightness.

"It's lightweight yet surprisingly warm and moves naturally with your body, making it comfortable to wear for hours on end without feeling restrictive."

The crisp outer fabric holds the jacket's shape, while the inside softly cocoons the body. The result is a wearing experience that is unbelievably light, soft, and warm—a pleasant surprise given its structured look.

"With longer summers and milder winters in recent years, the window for wearing heavy down jackets has shrunk. We've heard from customers that down is often overkill for city life and that a padded jacket is more than enough for any time outside of deep winter. This product's popularity, especially within our men's fall/winter collection, really highlights a shift in what people want from their outerwear."

Beyond its functionality, the jacket's sophisticated design is a huge draw. After countless fittings and fine adjustments, it's tailored into an oversized silhouette that's easy to layer and looks stylish on anyone. Combined with the luxurious feel of the outer fabric, many customers even pair it with a suit. When you actually hold it, the quality is so impressive it's hard to believe it costs just 7,990 yen (tax included).

"It’s challenging to maintain the price with raw material costs on the rise, but we've managed it by simplifying the jacket's construction. We're not adding value based on the price tag; rather, we see it as a fair price that accurately reflects the necessary costs involved."

This season, a new Light Silver Gray color has been introduced, expanding the lineup to four colors in total. Alongside classic shades like Black and Dark Navy, this softer tone adds even more versatility to your wardrobe.

"We’re looking into ways to enhance its warmth and update the design to keep up with the times. We want to keep refining the details so our customers can enjoy wearing it for years to come."

Achieving a design that suits everyone and a price that's accessible to all, the Water Repellent Windproof Hooded Jacket has become one of Muji's signature outerwear pieces just three years after its debut. We're excited to see how this new classic will continue to evolve.