When you hear the words ‘stainless steel’, chances are you’re never going to think of fashion. Your mind will probably conjure up hundreds of products before it thinks of a ‘stainless steel’ blazer, but here’s where the folks at Vollebak love pushing the limits of imagination and invention. To them, cotton, linen, polyester – these materials are a little too basic for fashion. Vollebak’s created garments out of carbon fiber, kevlar, ceramics, ballistic nylon, even copper (known for its anti-bacterial properties at the height of the pandemic). So, while most of us usually think of utensils when we hear the phrase ‘stainless steel’, Vollebak’s designers are already 10 steps ahead, figuring out how to make clothes out of it. To that end, meet the world’s first (and probably only) Steel Blazer. Made from 24% stainless steel, this isn’t your grandfather’s tailored jacket; it’s a fusion of fashion and function, incorporating aerospace-grade stainless steel into a surprisingly lightweight and versatile design.
Designer: Vollebak
The key to the Steel Blazer’s innovation lies in its unique material composition. Unlike traditional blazers crafted from wool or cotton, this garment utilizes a blend of 76% polyamide and 24% stainless steel. This might seem counterintuitive – why would someone make a metal jacket, wouldn’t it be uncomfortable and heavy? However, Vollebak’s clever engineering ensures the opposite. The stainless steel fibers are woven into the polyamide in a way that maintains a comfortable weight and a surprisingly soft feel. The resulting fabric looks undeniably unique. It has a grunge aesthetic, caused by how the fabric creases and folds. These creases eventually end up becoming your blazer’s identity, giving the blazer an incredibly cool distressed look. “You’ll also feel a subtle grain under your fingers when you touch it – and these are the steel fibers you’ll be feeling”, say the folks at Vollebak.
However, the inclusion of stainless steel goes far beyond aesthetics. This space-faring material boasts exceptional properties that translate into real-world benefits for the wearer. Stainless steel is renowned for its remarkable strength. Early lab tests by Vollebak indicate that the Steel Blazer surpasses their previous copper-infused garments in tensile strength by a significant margin. This translates to a jacket that’s highly resistant to tears and abrasions, perfect for those who lead active lives or simply appreciate built-to-last clothing.
The benefits extend beyond strength. Stainless steel is naturally resistant to corrosion, which means the Steel Blazer is unlikely to succumb to rust, a common concern with some metal-infused clothing. Additionally, the material offers surprising weatherproofing capabilities. The outer layer of the jacket boasts a water-repellent finish, making it ideal for light rain or unexpected downpours. This versatility ensures the Steel Blazer can seamlessly transition between various weather conditions.
With steel fabric on the exterior, the blazer also features a soft and breathable inner lining that wicks away moisture and keeps the wearer comfortable throughout the day. The minimalist design prioritizes clean lines and a sleek aesthetic. The convertible collar allows for customization – wear it folded down for a relaxed look or fasten it up for a more formal presentation. Hidden metal snaps ensure a secure closure, while four strategically placed pockets provide ample storage space for everyday essentials.
The story behind the Steel Blazer’s development adds another layer of intrigue. Vollebak spent four years meticulously researching and refining the process of integrating stainless steel into wearable garments. Their inspiration came from an unlikely source – the SpaceX Starship, a behemoth of a rocket designed to propel humans towards deep space exploration. The outer shell of the Starship is constructed from stainless steel due to its ability to withstand the extreme temperatures of outer space. Vollebak recognized the potential of this material and embarked on a journey to translate its properties into a revolutionary piece of clothing.
