The Packable Valstarino

Travel has seamlessly been woven into the fabric of our lives, constantly keeping us on the move, whether for business or leisure. As a result, the garments we wear on a daily basis must support our adventures and endeavours, particularly when we encounter unpredictable weather conditions. Take this summer in Europe, for instance, which is switching daily between tropical storms and scorching heat.

It’s safe to assume then that a freak shower recently caught you unprepared and irreversibly dampened your mood and day. It happens more often than we’d like, but the solution to such a problem is simple: have at your disposal a stylish waterproof jacket or coat that can be conveniently packed away into its pouch and placed within your day bag or suitcase. Thankfully, for SS23, we have reimagined our Valstarino jacket and Mac coat for such circumstances.

For almost a century, these two outerwear styles have defined us as a maker of fine clothing. They are, without a doubt, our icons. As a result, it was only a natural evolution that we modified them into packable creations, with their individual, stylish pouches decorated with a vintage advertisement in label form sewn on the outside as a reminder of our roots in outerwear design.

In 1935, we developed the Valstarino jacket, inspired by the practicality, durability and undeniable cool factor of the A-1 Flight Jacket, a garment that the United States Army Air Corps wore throughout the 1920s. By bringing this garment down to street level, we made it transcend its aviation roots into a lifestyle garment for the then-modern man. It is instantly recognisable via its short body, five-button front, two inverted pleat pockets and ribbed cuffs, hem and funnel neck, and its sporty and chic look and feel.

Whilst the Valstarino is known for being primarily made from luxurious goat suede, in the last few years, we’ve produced textile iterations, and this packable expression is the latest to join those ranks. It’s made from a super lightweight and soft technical fabric while providing excellent water-repellency that’s convenient and easy to slip in and out of. It has a contrasting poly lining and is available in three colourways; navy blue, ivory and military green.

The Mac has a clean and timeless silhouette that’s considerably more formal – we think it’s perfect for those who work in a corporate environment or simply enjoy dressing in a smart way. It features two external jetted pockets and ventilation points beneath the armpits to help keep you cool during those humid summer showers. We offer similar styles in beautifully textured wool fabrics and robust cotton/nylon blends. However, the packable version is also made from the same super-lightweight fabric as the Valstarino and comes available just in navy for a classic look.

As with every garment with our name, these two styles have been 100% Made in Italy by the same craftspeople that create the rest of the collection. Made expressly for you when you are in desperate need, they will perform better than an umbrella and look better, too.

Explore packable Valstarino jackets