Nomaka's Julier Sherpa Jacket: designed between Switzerland and Italy
A sherpa jacket designed in Switzerland, made in Europe, with fabric developed in Italy and a Swiss Riri zip. Its warmth comes from the sherpa alone, with no down and no padding.
What it is
The Julier Sherpa Jacket is a sherpa jacket from Nomaka, a brand that designs its clothing in Switzerland and has it manufactured in Europe. It aims at a clear gap: something warm that doesn’t rely on a classic down jacket.
The jacket comes in two colourways, off-white and black, and four sizes, from S to XL. That covers a range of body types and styling preferences, from a casual weekend look to a warm layer worn over smarter clothing.
Nomaka emphasises artisanal manufacturing, carried out with partners chosen for their expertise, notably in Italy for the fabrics. The Julier Sherpa Jacket fits this approach: a garment designed here, but built with materials and craftsmanship sourced elsewhere in Europe.
Why it exists
According to the brand, the idea behind this jacket is simple: provide warmth without relying on down. Nomaka states that the warmth of the Julier Sherpa Jacket comes solely from the sherpa fabric itself, not from any padding. This is a promise aimed at those looking for an alternative to classic down jackets, with a different texture and look.
The brand also states that it uses what it describes as the best Italian sherpa, developed exclusively for it. In other words, this isn’t a generic sherpa fabric bought off a catalogue, but a material developed specifically for this garment — at least according to what Nomaka says.
Finally, Nomaka states that the jacket is windproof and breathable. On the brand.s account, these two qualities position the Julier Sherpa Jacket as a versatile piece, wearable both outdoors and indoors, without the stifling effect that some heavily padded jackets can have.
What matters
The THIAGO sherpa fabric used for the jacket is made of 15% wool and 85% polyester. This blend isn’t incidental: the wool provides natural warmth and the characteristic sherpa texture, while the substantial polyester content is likely there to make care easier and improve the fabric’s durability over time. It’s a choice that favours practicality without entirely abandoning the natural fibre.
The lining is made of 100% recycled nylon. In practical terms, this means the inside of the jacket uses a material derived from recycling rather than virgin nylon. For the wearer, a nylon lining generally glides smoothly, which makes it easier to put on over a jumper or shirt.
The zip deserves particular attention: it’s a two-way Riri zip, made in Switzerland. A two-way zip opens from both the top and the bottom, which can make certain movements easier or allow partial ventilation without having to open the whole jacket. The mention of Swiss manufacturing for this specific component fits with the sourcing approach the brand claims to follow.
The sherpa fabric itself is made in Italy, by Furpile, while the final assembly of the garment takes place in Europe. This gives a fairly clear picture of the manufacturing journey: the raw textile on one side, the garment construction on the other — two distinct steps, both located in Europe.
As for the fit, the jacket is described as hip-length, with a relaxed cut. A hip-length garment generally makes it easier to layer other pieces underneath, and a relaxed cut allows freedom of movement — a relevant point for a garment intended as an everyday warm layer.
Day to day
The two-way Riri zip allows the garment to be opened from the top or the bottom, offering some flexibility depending on the situation — whether for ventilation or for quicker access.
The relaxed cut and hip length suggest a garment designed to be worn over other layers. The two available colourways, off-white and black, let you choose according to preference — one brighter, the other more versatile.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| THIAGO sherpa fabric composition | 15% wool, 85% polyester |
| Lining | 100% recycled nylon |
| Overall composition | Recycled polyester and virgin wool |
| Zip | Two-way Riri, made in Switzerland |
| Garment manufacturing location | Europe |
| Fabric manufacturing location | Italy (Furpile) |
| Fit | Hip-length, relaxed cut |
| Product reference / EAN | 7640423871158 |
What the brand says
Nomaka states that it uses the best Italian sherpa, a fabric the brand says was developed exclusively for it.
The brand also states that the Julier Sherpa Jacket is windproof and breathable, two characteristics that would widen the range of conditions in which the jacket can be worn comfortably.
Finally, Nomaka states that the garment’s warmth comes solely from the sherpa fabric, without any down. This is the central claim behind the jacket, according to the brand: a warmth that is “natural” to the fabric rather than provided by additional padding.
Why it caught our eye
We appreciated how clearly Nomaka lays out the manufacturing journey behind this jacket, between Swiss design, Italian fabric and a Swiss Riri zip: that level of traceability is rare for a sherpa piece. We also like the idea of relying on the warmth of the fabric alone, without down — a refreshing change from the usual padded jackets.
Exactly the kind of brand we’d love to come across on O!deal one day.
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