Can this jacket handle light rain or is it just windproof?

The SurfNyl shell resists wind and light moisture but is not waterproof. It will shed brief drizzle or spray, but sustained rain will eventually soak through. This is designed as a three-season layering piece rather than a raincoat.

How does the classic fit compare to a modern slim-cut jacket?

Classic fit offers more room through the chest and waist than contemporary slim cuts, with enough space to layer a sweater underneath without pulling. If you typically wear slim or tailored jackets, you may want your usual size. If you prefer a looser drape or plan to layer heavily, ordering one size up is recommended.

What does the two-way zipper actually do in daily use?

You can unzip from the bottom while keeping the top closed, which eliminates bunching around your waist when sitting or driving. It also lets you vent heat without exposing your chest to wind. The feature becomes most useful during active days when your temperature fluctuates.

Is the cotton flannel lining warm enough for winter?

The flannel lining adds a layer of warmth suitable for cool fall days and mild winters, but this is not insulated for freezing temperatures. It works best as a standalone jacket in moderate weather or as a mid-layer under a heavier coat when conditions drop further.

Can I tumble dry this jacket after washing?

No. The care instructions specify hang dry only. Machine drying can damage the SurfNyl shell and cause the flannel lining to shrink unevenly. Air drying preserves the fit and fabric integrity over time.

What is SurfNyl and how does it differ from standard nylon?

SurfNyl is a proprietary nylon fabric developed for durability and lightweight performance. It resists wind and light moisture without the stiff, coated feel of many nylon shells, offering a softer hand and better breathability than standard windbreaker materials.

Racing Jacket 26 - Brown/Bone

Made in USA
machine washable

The 3-second version

SurfNyl® shell with cotton flannel lining balances wind resistance and breathability
Two-way YKK Vislon zipper opens from top or bottom for temperature control
Hand-cut and double-stitched with nylon thread in Southern California
Hang dry only—no tumble drying
Band collar limits scarf layering
Classic fit runs true to size

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Vintage-inspired racing jacket with cotton flannel lining and two-way zipper

Most nylon jackets sacrifice breathability for weather resistance, leaving you clammy after fifteen minutes of movement. This one pairs its proprietary shell with a cotton flannel liner that wicks moisture away from your skin while the outer layer blocks wind. The result is a jacket you can actually wear during active days without peeling it off the moment you warm up.

The two-way zipper is the detail that justifies the construction. You can drop the bottom six inches open while driving or sitting, eliminating the bunched waistline that cheaper jackets force you to tolerate. It's the kind of feature that becomes invisible once you rely on it daily, which is exactly the point of considered design.

Good gift when

People who prefer American-made garments with documented construction provenance
Those seeking a three-season jacket that layers easily without bulk
Anyone drawn to understated vintage aesthetics without costume styling
Individuals who value long-wearing fabrics over disposable fashion

Skip it if The band collar style does not accommodate scarves or high-neck layering, and the classic fit may feel restrictive if you typically size up for oversized silhouettes.

Also in 3 other colours: Brown/Bone, Black/White/Red, Navy/Bone/Red, Dark Olive/Bone/Black

Specs

Shell Material: SurfNyl® (proprietary nylon)
Lining: Lightweight cotton flannel
Zipper: Two-way YKK Vislon
Construction: Hand-cut and sewn in Southern California
Thread: High-strength nylon, double-stitched
Collar Style: Band collar
Pockets: Hidden hip pockets at side seam, signature sleeve pocket
Fit: Classic fit
Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, hang dry only, do not bleach or iron

What's included

Racing Jacket 26 in Brown/Bone colorway

If you're giving it

You'll need their size

Sizing required; classic fit runs true to size with option to size up for looser drape.

The details

This band-collar jacket draws from the crossover era when Southern California surf culture and hot rod enthusiasm shared the same coastal parking lots. The shell uses SurfNyl®, a proprietary nylon that resists wind and light moisture without the stiff hand of coated fabrics. A cotton flannel liner adds warmth and breathability, creating a jacket that works across three seasons without bulk.

The two-way YKK Vislon zipper operates smoothly in both directions, letting you vent from the bottom while keeping your chest covered or opening from the top when the sun breaks through. Racing stripes mark the left chest, and a sleeve pocket with the maker's signature styling offers a place for small items. Hip pockets sit hidden at the side seams, maintaining clean lines without sacrificing utility.

Double-stitching with high-strength nylon thread reinforces every seam. Each jacket is hand-cut and assembled in Southern California, carrying forward construction methods that prioritize longevity over speed. The band collar sits close without a fold-over, creating a streamlined profile that layers well under heavier coats or stands alone in moderate weather.

The classic fit offers room to move without extra fabric bunching at the waist or shoulders. If you prefer a looser drape or plan to layer over thick sweaters, ordering one size up accommodates that preference. The Brown/Bone colorway pairs neutral tones that show less wear over time compared to high-contrast combinations.

Birdwell

Racing Jacket 26 - Brown/Bone

Band-collar style blending Southern California surf heritage with 1960s hot rod aesthetics

$225at birdwell.com

Choose an option

Quantity

Buy from Birdwell

Ships and sold by Birdwell. About this merchant

The 3-second version

SurfNyl® shell with cotton flannel lining balances wind resistance and breathability
Two-way YKK Vislon zipper opens from top or bottom for temperature control
Hand-cut and double-stitched with nylon thread in Southern California
Hang dry only—no tumble drying
Band collar limits scarf layering
Classic fit runs true to size

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

Can this jacket handle light rain or is it just windproof?: The SurfNyl shell resists wind and light moisture but is not waterproof. It will shed brief drizzle or spray, but sustained rain will eventually soak through. This is designed as a three-season layering piece rather than a raincoat.
How does the classic fit compare to a modern slim-cut jacket?: Classic fit offers more room through the chest and waist than contemporary slim cuts, with enough space to layer a sweater underneath without pulling. If you typically wear slim or tailored jackets, you may want your usual size. If you prefer a looser drape or plan to layer heavily, ordering one size up is recommended.
What does the two-way zipper actually do in daily use?: You can unzip from the bottom while keeping the top closed, which eliminates bunching around your waist when sitting or driving. It also lets you vent heat without exposing your chest to wind. The feature becomes most useful during active days when your temperature fluctuates.
Is the cotton flannel lining warm enough for winter?: The flannel lining adds a layer of warmth suitable for cool fall days and mild winters, but this is not insulated for freezing temperatures. It works best as a standalone jacket in moderate weather or as a mid-layer under a heavier coat when conditions drop further.
Can I tumble dry this jacket after washing?: No. The care instructions specify hang dry only. Machine drying can damage the SurfNyl shell and cause the flannel lining to shrink unevenly. Air drying preserves the fit and fabric integrity over time.
What is SurfNyl and how does it differ from standard nylon?: SurfNyl is a proprietary nylon fabric developed for durability and lightweight performance. It resists wind and light moisture without the stiff, coated feel of many nylon shells, offering a softer hand and better breathability than standard windbreaker materials.