Insulated Vests & Bodywarmers
The vest is the margin-friendly piece most ranges under-develop: fewer materials than a jacket, easier to fit, and it sells across three seasons instead of one. We build insulated vests and bodywarmers with PrimaLoft, Polartec Alpha or synthetic sheet fill, in shell-face, fleece-back and hybrid constructions, from 400 pcs per colour.
Vest styles we produce
Six constructions that cover outdoor, workwear and urban ranges.
Classic insulated vest
Shell face with synthetic or down fill, the standard bodywarmer.
Hybrid vest
Insulated front and back panel, stretch fleece side panels for breathability.
Fleece-back vest
Bonded fleece with a light fill; quieter and softer than a shell face.
Active insulation vest
Polartec Alpha or PrimaLoft Evolve for high-output use.
Hi-vis workwear vest
EN ISO 20471 Class 2, fluorescent shell with tape configuration.
Packable vest
Ultralight 10D shell, packs into its own pocket.
Why vests are worth developing properly
Three commercial reasons, before the technical ones.
- Lower unit cost than a jacket for the same perceived value, so margin is usually better
- Simpler fit — no sleeve to get wrong — which means fewer returns
- Sells across spring, autumn and as a winter midlayer, so the selling window is roughly twice a jacket's
- Works as the entry price point in a range that also carries a jacket
Active insulation versus static
Polartec Alpha and PrimaLoft Evolve are designed to move moisture while insulating, which suits a vest worn during activity. A static synthetic sheet keeps the wearer warm at rest but can feel clammy under effort. We help you pick by use case rather than by brand name — a hi-vis workwear vest and a trail running vest want opposite things from the same fill.
Fabric and fill
| Shell | Polyamide or polyester 10D-50D, ripstop or plain weave |
|---|---|
| Fill | PrimaLoft, Polartec Alpha, synthetic sheet 60-200 g/m², or duck down |
| Side panels | Stretch fleece, grid fleece or softshell on hybrid styles |
| Lining | Taffeta, brushed tricot or printed |
| DWR | PFAS-free C0 standard |
| Zippers | YKK coil or reverse coil, chin guard standard |
| Hem | Drawcord, elasticated or drop-tail |
| Hi-vis option | Fluorescent shell with 3M tape, EN ISO 20471 Class 2 |
| Recycled | GRS-certified recycled shell and fill |
Compliance and documentation
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on fabric, fill and trims
- GRS transaction certificates for recycled content
- EN ISO 20471 Class 2 certification for hi-vis vests
- RDS option for down-filled styles
- PFAS-free declarations for C0 finishes
- BSCI-audited partner factories
MOQ, sampling and lead times
| MOQ | 400 pcs per colour, sizes mixed within the colour |
|---|---|
| Sampling | 7-10 days in stock fabric, 15-20 days if fabric must be sourced |
| Bulk lead time | 35-55 days after PP approval |
| Quote turnaround | Within 24 hours |
Questions buyers ask
What is the MOQ for custom insulated vests?
400 pcs per colour with sizes mixed within that colour. Styles sharing one fabric platform can often share the minimum.
Do you use PrimaLoft and Polartec?
Yes. PrimaLoft and Polartec Alpha are both available, along with synthetic sheet fill and down. We help you choose by use case rather than brand.
What is a hybrid vest?
An insulated front and back panel with stretch fleece side panels. It breathes better under activity and is more forgiving on fit.
Can you make EN ISO 20471 hi-vis vests?
Yes. Class 2 fluorescent vests with 3M tape configuration, certified on the production construction.
Do you offer recycled fill?
Yes. GRS-certified recycled synthetic fill and shell, with transaction certificates issued against your order.
Why should we develop a vest alongside a jacket?
Lower unit cost, simpler fit with fewer returns, and a selling window that spans three seasons instead of one.
Tell us what you need
Send a tech pack, a reference sample or just a target price. We reply within 24 hours with a fabric suggestion, a cost indication and a sampling plan.
Get a quote