K-Way was founded in Paris in 1965 with a simple idea: a nylon rain jacket that folds into its own pouch. Sixty years later, the tricolor zipper is an icon, and the range has expanded to cover all of winter: insulated jackets, reversible styles, teddy fleece, puffer coats. But the style names can be confusing: Claude, Jack, Jacques, Eiffel, Samson, Jarno, Thomas, Sophie, Delia… Here’s a guide to what they are and which one to choose.
How to read K-Way names
Each K-Way style has a style name that indicates its shape and a material term that indicates the fabric:
- Le Vrai ("the real one"): the original rainproof nylon line that packs into its own pouch. The current version is called Le Vrai 4.0.
- Claude: the classic hooded K-Way with a zipper, the style that started it all.
- Jacques / Jack: the insulated version of the Claude, for extra warmth. Jack is the men's name, Jacques the original name.
- Eiffel: the long jacket, covering the bottom, with a hood.
- Samson: the short hooded bomber.
- Jarno and Thomas: more structured parkas and field jackets with large pockets.
- Sophie, Lily, Delia, Valentine, Deva: women's styles, from long puffer coats to short jackets.
Material terms: Orsetto = fluffy fleece lining (super warm, and can be worn open too), Thermo Plus / Thermo Double = lightweight synthetic insulation that keeps you as warm as down, Warm = medium-weight insulation, Double / Reversible = two jackets in one, Twill Marmotta = herringbone cotton with a warm lining, Spacer = breathable technical fabric, Shell = uninsulated wind- and rainproof shell.
K-Way men's styles in the collection
- Le Vrai 4.0 Claude: the quintessential K-Way, lightweight and waterproof, perfect for keeping in your bag. Claude Orsetto Graphic camo is the winter version with a fleece lining.
- Le Vrai 4.0 Eiffel East Orsetto: the long jacket with a teddy fleece lining, a winter bestseller. Eiffel East Orsetto beige taupe
- Samson 4.0 Orsetto: the short bomber with fleece lining, the most sought-after style among younger customers. Blue/ecru Samson · Green/grey Samson
- Jack: the hooded padded jacket, available in many versions: Jack St Thermo Double (reversible, the warmest), Jack St Warm Double, Jack Spacer Nylon Double and Jack Light Spacer Fur.
- Jarno Twill Marmotta: the herringbone cotton parka with a warm lining, for those who want a K-Way that doesn't look like a K-Way. Olive/blue Jarno · Black/blue Jarno
- Thomas Warm Micro Canvas: the padded four-pocket field jacket. Army green Thomas · Blue Thomas
- Siphane Hybrid Warm Shell: the technical shell with padded panels, for those looking for a sportier jacket. Black Siphane
- Special pieces: the waxed cotton Tosca, the wool and nylon Lana, and the Dina Shiny Nylon Fur.
Women's K-Way styles
- Le Vrai 4.0 Delia Warm: the women's version of the padded Claude, cropped and hooded. Black Delia Warm
- Valentine Plain Warm: a clean, no-frills mid-length padded jacket. Blue Valentine · Green Valentine
- Deva Light Spacer Fur Double: reversible with one fleece side. White Deva
- Sophie and Lily: long down jackets (Thermo Plus) and reversible jackets (Warm Reversible), depending on the season.
Which K-Way to choose
- For rain and transitional weather: Le Vrai 4.0 Claude or Eiffel, easy to pack into a belt bag.
- For winter in the city: Eiffel East Orsetto or Jack Thermo Double, warm without being bulky.
- For a streetwear look: Samson Orsetto with loose-fit jeans and sneakers.
- For a more classic look: Jarno Twill Marmotta or Thomas, over a sweater and shirt.
Sizes and fit
K-Way has a regular fit, with European sizes from XXS to XXL. Le Vrai 4.0 styles have a slightly roomier fit to accommodate a sweatshirt underneath; Orsetto and Thermo styles are more fitted. If you’re between sizes and want to wear it over a heavy sweater, choose the larger size. Reversible styles have the same fit on both sides.
How to wash K-Way
Machine wash at 30 degrees on a delicate cycle, zipped up and turned inside out, without fabric softener (it damages the waterproofing). Do not tumble dry or iron: hang to dry. Orsetto styles can be washed the same way and brushed to restore their softness. To restore the nylon’s water-repellent finish, you can use a waterproofing spray.
Frequently asked questions
Is K-Way waterproof? The Le Vrai in nylon is waterproof with taped seams; the padded styles are water-repellent, meaning they resist light rain and snow.
What’s the difference between Jack and Jacques? None in terms of style: Jacques is the historical name, while Jack is the name now used for the men’s line.
What does Orsetto mean? It’s the long-pile fleece lining that makes the jacket warm and soft.
K-Way in Verona and Bolzano
Find the K-Way collection in our Blue Express Family stores in Verona, Affi on Lake Garda, and Bolzano, and online in the K-Way collection, with shipping throughout Italy.