When you think of sourcing summer jackets in bulk for merchandising, you might picture something light, breezy, and stylish – something that works for people any time of the day. But buying jackets for your outdoor retail store or for outfitting your staff during the warmer months shouldn’t be about grabbing the best deals on good-looking pieces. The jackets should strike the right balance of breathable, lightweight, and durable.
Here’s a quick guide that explains what you should look for when buying jackets in bulk for summer.
Definition of “Lightweight” for Summer
No one expects summer jackets to have heavy insulation or thick layers. These jackets have a somewhat different role. There should be a layer of protection obviously but without the bulk. Minimal weight and maximum comfort are the keywords here. Not every lightweight jacket is suitable for summer, because you will need reasonable protection from the wind and light rain. Lightweight jackets made of materials with UV protection are ideal.
What makes a jacket lightweight enough for summer though? A combination of breathable fabrics, thin insulation, and minimal padding. They can be windbreakers or rain jackets. Maybe even a belted lightweight jacket.
When shopping for jackets, consider the type of activities your customers or staff will be involved in. Are they spending time outdoors for work or leisure? Will they need water resistance or UV protection? The summer jacket should balance all these factors.
Warmth Without the Weight
If it’s lightweight but not warm enough, that’s a dealbreaker. If it’s warm and stylish but feels bulky, it still may not sell like you want it to.
You’ll find many lightweight jacket options, each with its own strengths. But choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use them. Here are some key features to keep in mind when selecting the right style for your bulk order.
- Water Resistance: While summer jackets shouldn’t be heavy-duty, they should still offer some protection against light rain or moisture. Look for jackets with water-resistant coatings or windbreakers for added practicality. North End jackets offer a couple of awesome styles, with their balance of lightweight fabrics and weather resistance.
- Breathability: A jacket that traps heat can easily ruin a summer day. You want jackets with features like mesh linings, vents, or moisture-wicking fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate.
- Sun Protection: Many lightweight jackets come with built-in UV protection. A lightweight jacket that blocks harmful rays offers maximum value as a summer jacket.
- Adjustable Features: In hot weather, you want a jacket that can adapt to different conditions. Look for jackets with adjustable cuffs, hoods, or drawstrings, which allow for better airflow or tighter fits when needed. These small features can make a big difference in usability. But every adjustable feature isn’t totally necessary.
No one wants to wear something that feels too tight, too loose, too restrictive, or too heavy when the weather’s warm. There should be ample flexibility. In the wholesale outerwear market, you can find brands like Core 365 and Sport-Tek that offer lightweight but functional jackets. Core 365 jackets are known to keep things practical and comfortable for your team without straining your budget. Especially when you buy in bulk.
Value for Money
We go for bulk orders to get good value out of the purchase. But not all cheap options are good deals. Low prices aren’t always good value. Low-quality summer jackets can get their stitching to fall apart after a couple of weeks. Or the colors might fade. They may not even deliver good results when branding. Value is in durable and cost-effective jackets with just, if not all, the right features.
The Deal with Insulation in Summer Jackets
A common mistake people make when buying blank jackets wholesale for summer is overlooking insulation. You don’t need thick, puffy downs for summer. But you still need jackets with a bit of padding. You want the jackets to be usable to the wearer in the morning and in the evening. Even a light lining can make a difference here.
If you’re targeting an audience that needs jackets for unpredictable summer nights or treks, look for jackets that are insulated just enough to keep things comfortable. Keep in mind, though, that too much insulation can defeat the purpose of a lightweight jacket. This is the phase where you need to be careful when picking styles.
Summer-Ready Styles
- Lightweight Windbreakers
- Soft Shells
- Track Jackets (Breathable Fabrics)
- Hooded Anoraks (Thin Material)
- Mesh-Lined Jackets
- Performance Running Jackets
These styles will help you narrow down the right jackets for your customers or team.
Buying in bulk saves money. But it also means you’re committing to a lot of products. To make sure those products meet your needs, start by researching suppliers and requesting samples. Don’t forget to match your requirements against the product’s sizing charts. A little summer homework can save you a lot on investments.
Happy shopping!
