Mark Hanbunjerd - Confide Puffer Jacket

Confide Puffer Jacket

Creative Design: Forecasting FW26 Trends and designing a fully scalable, premium down jacket

Confide puffer jacket is a waterproof down jacket that detaches itself from the traditional technical context Puffers are typically associated with, focusing more on the emotional utility the jacket provides as a protective cocoon for its user to reside in, while also providing protection against the Vancouver climate. With differential-cut infill panels, a smooth exterior with no visible quilting lines, magnetic torso pockets, and a soft fleece-lined hood, it’s meant to function as a quiet, wearable haven. Made from recycled duck down, deadstock 2.5-layer Brushed Technical Shell, metal trims, the jacket is a fully-scalable, market-ready product designed for style/ethically-conscious urban creatives who value understated garments, where pricing is justified by fit, material, and craftsmanship rather than bold colors, logos, or maximalist design.

DETAILED VIEW

"Extruded" Torso Pocket with magnetic Closure

Hidden Double Cord Lock for Adjustable Hood hidden in brushed chinguard

3D Curved Interior Pocket + Invisble Zippered Pocket

Branding Detail

Waistband Cinch Cord + Mock Material Tag

Speckled Ribbed Cotton Inset Cuffs

Material/Trims/Notions

2.5 Layer Coated
Technical Shell
W-POL-25LC-120-DKB
100% Polyester
UC: Primary fabric

High-density Twill
Weave Polyester
W-POL-TWL-75-BLK
100% Polyester
UC: Downproof lining

Speckled Fine Rib Knit
K-COT-RIB-220-SPK
100% Cotton
45% Stretch, 2-way
UC: Inset cuffs

Micro-Fleece Backed Softshell
K-POL-MFLSBK-260-BLK
100% Polyester
20% Stretch, 2-way
UC: Fleeced hood/pocket interior

EVA Foam Sheet
S-EVA-YOG-380-BLU
100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane
UC: Structure on pocket

Duck Down
F-TPU-SHT-240-BLK
100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane
UC: Down insulation

OEM Reverse Coil
Z-RC-05-AL-DGY
Polyester Tape/Nylon Coil Teeth

YKK Invisible Zipper
Z-INV-03-NL-NVY
Polyester Tape/Concealed Nylon Coil

Grosgrain Ribbon
T-POL-GGR-25-BLK
100% Polyester
25mm Width

Shockcord
E-POL-SHC-4-BLK
60% Rubber, 40% Polyester
4mm Diameter

D-ring
H-SLS-DRG-112-BLK
100% Stainless Steel
1 1/2" Width

Double Cord Lock
H-ACP-DCL-5-GMG
100% Stainless Steel
5mm Cord

Eyelets
H-STL-ELT-12-GMB
Steel, Nickle-plated
12mm Diameter

Circular Magnet
H-CRM-MAG-15-GRY
Ceramic Magnet

15mm Diameter

Material Consideration:

In choosing materials, I treated the jacket primarily as an emotional object rather than a performance garment. The deadstock 2.5-layer coated shell introduces a subtle sustainability story that aligns with the environmentally conscious target user identified in my research, while its soft hand gives a cocoon-like, pillow feel that reinforces the comfort motif. Speckled fine rib knit adds colour and personality at the thumbhole cuffs, contrasting with the clean high-density twill lining that keeps the down in place. Micro-fleece backed softshell on the hood and pockets creates warm touchpoints, and low-profile metal trims with a magnetic closure keep the silhouette minimal yet premium.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

01 Identifying target market + macro drivers:
The chosen target market represents urban creatives and professionals aged 25–35 in Vancouver who value refined, versatile investment pieces. Engaged with art, music, and lifestyle curation, they seek clothing that balances sophistication with functionality for active city living. The selected macro drivers reflect the values shaping their choices: a demand for transparency in sustainability, an embrace of adaptable, unisex silhouettes, and a preference for understated, technically advanced design that supports an active lifestyle.

Methodology: Secondary research, analysis of FW25 runway, Outfit scouting at Downtown Cafes, Competitive research in high-end outerwear jackets (Moncler, Canada Goose, Arc'teryx Veilance).

02 Trend Forecasting:

Based on earlier research, I recognized a growing desire for products that feel both emotionally grounding and practically versatile. For this consumer, sustainability isn’t just about material claims but about owning fewer, better pieces that remain relevant over time. The preference for subtlety and fluidity in style suggested that outerwear should avoid excess detail and instead focus on comfort, proportion, and layering potential. These insights led me to forecast Soft Minimalism as the forecast to guide my design process moving forward.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

04 Jacket Design:

The design of the jacket drew a lot of inspirations from forms in the field of design outside of fashion, focusing on visual forms that are round, sculptural, and inviting to touch. Sample swatches were sewn to replicate these forms through fabric, revealing details like the "extruded" torso pocket which turns essential functional elements of the jacket into ones that are more interactive and visually interesting, while maintaining subtlety and connection to the broader visual language I was trying to achieve from the forecasted trend.

05 Sample Fitting:

The first prototype used a raglan sleeve to create a rounded shoulder shape, but this caused the exterior shell to sit awkwardly around the back and shoulders. I switched to a set-in sleeve for a cleaner fit. During fittings, I tested two fabric options by sewing half of the jacket in each material to compare drape over the puffer cells. This allowed me to see which fabric responded better to volume and movement before committing to the final version.

Other adjustments included refining pocket placement, adjusting collar depth, and rebalancing the interior to reduce bulk and improve comfort, which were key to moving from the initial concept to a more refined, functional jacket.

06 Final Production + Materials:

After rounds of prototyping and adjustments, the jacket was finalized as a clean, versatile silhouette with refined functional detailing. To align the design with a projected MSRP of 800 CAD, I targeted an 80 CAD material cost (a 10% material-to-retail ratio), selecting a deadstock 2.5 Layer-Coated Technical Shell for its soft hand, sustainability, and water resistance. Premium trims such as magnetic closures and metal cord locks were integrated subtly to enhance both functionality and a high-end finish.

Previous Project, Heather Bomber Jacket

Next Project, Iteration 2 Jacket