Shop Moncler’s ‘Smart Cashmere’ Down Vest 2024

SHOP $1,630, moncler.com

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The vest is an unsung hero. A winter warmer that transitions seamlessly to (slightly) warmer weather. A layer that gives you everything you need without demanding any concessions in return. A way to stay cozy and comfortable on the road without sacrificing an undue amount of suitcase space. Really, the vest can do it all.

Provided, of course, you have the right vest. And as it happens, we’ve found it. It’s sleek and light but ultra-warm. Softer than you could imagine but remarkably durable. Packable, layerable—all those good things and more. And it’s made by the experts at Moncler, a brand that’s specialized in down outerwear since its inception. Here’s why it’s worth the splurge.

Moncler seriously knows its stuff

The brand’s roots are evident even in its name. “Moncler” is an abbreviation of “Monestier-de-Clermont,” the mountain village near Grenoble where René Ramillon and André Vincent founded the company in 1952, crafting the kind of rugged, insulating down outerwear that could keep workers warm in even the harshest of conditions. Just two years later, Moncler was the outfitter of choice for Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli when they ascended K2. By the late ’60s, it was the official supplier of the French downhill ski team. What we’re saying is, this is a company that’s been doing it right—and earning accolades in the process—since the very beginning. You don’t reach for a coat on your way to a “this climb might kill you” mountain because you think it looks great. You do it because you know that coat works. And despite Moncler’s evolution into a status-symbol brand favored by urbanites and alpinists alike, performance is still at the very core of its identity.

SHOP $1,630, moncler.com

It’s luxe but tough

Performance is essential, but that’s not the only thing you’re getting with this vest. Perhaps the biggest differentiator from the competition, in fact, is a luxuriousness that’d border on opulence if it weren’t for the degree of utility. When I first unzipped the garment bag it came in and peeked inside, I was greeted by an unassuming bit of navy fabric. But when I reached in for the vest itself, I realized just how special this garment is. The exterior is made from a blend that Moncler calls “smart cashmere,” which is 45 percent cashmere and 55 percent polyamide/nylon. Generally, I’m a bit bummed out by synthetic blends—especially at higher price points. But in this case, I was dumbstruck. The feel is just as soft as you’d expect, but it’s not delicate. You can tell it’s dense enough that an errant tree branch, zipper, or hangnail won’t snag it. I wouldn’t wear it in the immediate vicinity of a power sander or chainsaw, but when it comes to real life-life use—light adventuring, heavy commuting, and everything in between—it seems more than suited to the task. Granted, I haven’t put it through all of the paces I expect a vest like this will see over its lifetime, but honestly, I’m not worried.

SHOP $1,630, moncler.com

It’s your new go-to travel companion

Speaking of putting it through the paces, this thing is basically made for travel. And I mean that in a few ways. First off, while it’s warm as hell—thanks go to the responsibly sourced goose down insulation for that one—it’s anything but bulky. That means that you can pack it down (carefully, of course) in a suitcase if need be. It also means that it layers easily, almost invisibly, under an overcoat or jacket, if you’d prefer it on your person. The lining slides effortlessly over a shirt or sweater, the zippers glide easily on their tracks, and because the smart cashmere exterior is built for maximum breathability, you’re not going to overheat, even if you’re rushing for the gate while wearing it. But there’s more to it than that. Because, let’s be real, this is a bit of a splurge—but it looks the part. Which is just another way of saying that if you’re crossing your fingers for an upgrade and hoping to impress the gate agent, this is the vest to wear. It’s not opulent. It doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it telegraphs refinement, good taste, and the impression that, “Hey, this guy seems to know what he’s doing.” And if that’s not the kind of guy you want to bump up to first class, well, I’m not sure who is.

SHOP $1,630, moncler.com

Photography by Joe Lingeman. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.