Bandit Jacket
The Bandit Jacket is the first cut & sew project created for the clothing brand I Co-founded, Fades USA. I wanted to create a Jacket that I imagined a bandit or outlaw would have worn in the wild west. Itâs their every day jacket that would have been a staple object. The idea is the same for our customer. For this jacket to become their daily driver.
Inspiration
This design was inspired by a 1970s vintage western puffer jacket I sourced from eBay. Its cut, paneling, and structure stood out, but I saw potential for a more modern look with a few adjustments. To blend the vintage western aesthetic with updated fit and style, I began sourcing references that aligned with the vision for the final piece and incorporated a more popular cut.
Inspiration: Front Paneling
Inspiration: Back Paneling
Inspiration: Cut & Trim
Process
My process started with creating a detailed CAD in Adobe Illustrator to outline the foundational design. From there, outsourced and assisted with the development a comprehensive Tech Pack, detailing stitch lines, materials, weights, hardware, and all key specifications for execution. Collaborating closely with manufacturers, I was provided feedback on each sample to refine and perfect the final product nearing the final steps of production.
Final
After receiving the first sample, I provided updates to the manufacturers to refine the design. The initial sample was too puffy, while the second achieved the desired structure but required adjustments in color and branding. Drawing from the reference pieces, the fit now reflects a Carhartt Detroit-style silhouette, but the western details to acheive my vision. The product is currently in production for its third and final rendition.
Sample One
Notable changes between the first and second samples include a color update to explore alternative options and the removal of down fill, reducing it from 50% to 0%. While the first sample retained its puffer-inspired design, the second iteration more closely resembles the popular Carhartt Detroit jacket style, a frequent reference among other brands. Additional adjustments included widening the gap between the inner collar ends, resulting in a visible space at the zipper when fully closed. The "F" zipper puller was removed from the bottom zipper, and all panels and seams were upgraded from double to triple stitching for enhanced durability.
Revisions
For the third and final sample, I opted for a green colorway and replaced the collar material with brown corduroy for added texture and contrast. To further enhance branding, I added a chain-stitched âFâ to the right side of the chest, giving the jacket a distinctive and polished touch.
