Introduction
An interesting phenomenon that has been observed in times of unexpected fluctuations in temperature, is that the outerwear market gets affected immensely. A warm weather usually drops sales whereas a cold, chilly temperature incentivizes consumers to impulsively buy new products. So far, so good – all that seems in accordance with the easily malleable consumer behavior.
Things get really interesting, however, when it comes to high end, elite brand outwear. Evidently, these really expensive, premium brands remain largely unaffected by variations of the weather, as customers consider the purchase of such items more like investments than quick fix solutions. Fashion, apparently, trumps weather. The focus of this article will be the comparison of two of the most premium outwear brands: The luxury jackets of Canada Goose vs the fine Italian Moncler Jackets.
Meet Canada Goose
Canada Goose has technically existed since 1957, even though it originally operated under a different brand name:
Metro Sportswear. It used to produce durable coats for the police force and for the Canadian park rangers that would often be the subject of brutal temperatures. It was not before 2001, when the company changed to its current name, that it burst out to a strong, international presence in the industry. As of 2013, its annual sales have hit $150 million, making it a titan in the outwear industry.
Its prices are steep, with coats and jackets ranging from $500 all the way to more than $1,000. The biggest selling point of the brand is its authenticity: The company really used to make products for arctic conditions, ensuring that people who worked in the coldest places on Earth were well covered and protected.
Meet Moncler
Much like their chief competitors, Moncler has a long history stretching all the way to 1952. Back then, the French company was known as manufacturer of tents and sleeping bags. A short time after, the brand expanded to outerwear and began selling coats and jackets. However, the company evolved into a proper, fully fledged fashion brand no earlier than 2003.
Since then, Moncler products have been made exclusively in Europe, with new collections being gradually launched for both genders. The company has a strong, distinct emphasis on style with products often sporting intricate patterns and fabrics. The price tags of said products reflect the effort put into their manufacture: Moncler jackets can cost more than $2.000.
The loyal brand customers do not appear to be dissuaded at all by the hefty costs. Moncler sales have skyrocketed from 45 million euros in 2003 to 489 million euros in 2012, according to Reuters. By investing in a Moncler jacket, the customer does not simply feel warm in cold conditions. Apparently, they also feel sexy and dashing while at it as well.
Jacket Vs Jacket
With both companies having extremely rich and varied jacket & coat collections, it would be nigh impossible to perform a proper comparison without first specifying the specific products we will compare. For the purposes of this article, the items compared will be the following two: Ganada Goose’s Carson Parka Black Label and Moncler’s Gaillon.
- Carson Parka Black Label: What needs to be immediately stressed about Canada Goose jackets is that they do walk the walk when it comes to cold conditions. This product is designed to stay dry and warm and endure even the most adverse arctic conditions. It sports a 625 fill power white duck down, and a removable coyote fur ruff – with origins in North America. It features a brushed tricot at the back of the neck and cuffs, to maximize both warmth and comfort. There is also an insulated wind guard behind the center front zipper to add extra protection from the wind. Its length extends all the way to the hip, and it fits tightly in order to bring out your most stylish look. It is made in Canada, with domestic and imported materials.
- Like all Canada Goose products, assuming the jacket is purchased from an authorized retailer, it comes with a lifetime warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship – in these cases, Canada Goose will either repair the product for free, or you may choose to replace it. Currently, 88% of past customers would recommend the jacket. And that says a lot for a jacket that’s priced at the eyebrow raising cost of $950,00.
- Moncler’s Gaillon: As is already established before, Moncler’s biggest selling point is the pronounced style component of their products. Gaillon lives up to the company name, having an extremely memorable look that draws inspiration from both the military and the futuristic. One need only take a look at the camouflage patterns that covers the jacket to immediately recognize a bold and adventurous spirit in the one who wears it. The jacket’s hood has a distinct look reminiscent of the sci-fi movies – and we mean that in the nicest way possible. If style is the name of the game for you, then you ought to give this jacket a try.
- However, all that being said, the comfort and cold resistance of Moncler’s jacket is nothing to laugh about. Despite the company’s focus on style, they have surely gone the extra steps to create a product that will easily carry you throughout the coldest of winters successfully. And honestly, it better will: The jacket is currently priced at 1520.00 euros! Well, as they say. you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, when it comes to keeping yourself warm, you cannot go wrong with Canada Goose nor Moncler. Both companies are industry leaders and produce more than excellent jackets and coats. Both share particularly high price-tags, with Canada Goose being relatively cheaper, but that is to be expected when it comes to luxury items. Their biggest difference is the emphasis they put on their products. Whereas Moncler is all up about style, and that is reflected on their marketing campaigns as well as their product designs, Canada Goose is more about function and maximum cold resistance. Depending on what you are looking for, you might lean more towards one or the other. In either case, whichever one you go with, you will be well pleased by your investment.