Full-Metal Jacket
The Jacket at a Glance
The Full Metal Jacket (Copper Edition) is described by Vollebak as being “made with 11 km of copper” and is built to be “highly waterproof, windproof and breathable.” Vollebak It uses a three-layer construction (copper yarn outer, waterproof membrane layer, soft inner backing) with a Swiss-engineered membrane (the c_change®) and heavy-duty hardware. Vollebak+1 The material composition is listed as approximately 59.5 % copper, 20 % polyurethane, 20 % polyamide, 0.5 % “other metals”. Vollebak It weighs about 1,400 g and is constructed in Romania. Vollebak
What’s Unique & Why It Matters
1. Copper as a Face Fabric
Copper is an unusual choice for apparel, especially outerwear. Vollebak notes that copper:
Has one of the highest electrical/mechanical conductivities among common metals and a “face-centred cubic crystal structure” that gives both strength and malleability. Vollebak
Has been used historically for antimicrobial purposes (e.g., ancient Egypt) and now in advanced applications (e.g., NASA exploring copper tools for space missions) for infection-resistance. Vollebak
In this jacket, the copper is drawn into very fine yarns (via laser measurement and repeated stretching), then lacquer-coated, woven, heat-set and cured in a six-day process. Vollebak
From a materials engineering perspective, this means the outermost layer isn’t a standard textile but a metal-infused yarn fabric, offering a different set of mechanical, thermal and perhaps antimicrobial properties than typical synthetic outer shells.
2. Waterproof/Breathable Membrane: c_change®
Sandwiched beneath the copper face fabric is a high-performance membrane described as c_change®. According to the manufacturer:
It dynamically opens/closes depending on heat, sweat/humidity and external temperature/conditions, mimicking natural structures (like pinecones) to regulate ventilation. Vollebak
It is fully seam-sealed so the jacket is described as waterproof and windproof while allowing breathability. Vollebak
This means the jacket is designed not just for occasional style use, but for active outwear performance (rain, wind, temperature fluctuation) while maintaining the copper-yarn aesthetic.
3. Functional Design & Detailing
Beyond materials, there’s a strong emphasis on functionality:
The jacket features 7 pockets (two fleece‐lined side zip pockets, two bellows front pockets with storm flaps, two chest pockets, and an internal pocket). Vollebak
Heavy-duty two-way metal front zipper, water-resistant zippers, metal snaps, adjustable cuffs, hood and hem draw-cords—all pointing to a high-end technical outerwear build. Vollebak
The face fabric is described as “looks computer generated when you’re next to it … hundreds of thousands of moving copper parts warp and ripple like water in the light.” Vollebak
These design features indicate that Vollebak is positioning this not merely as a luxury or novelty piece, but as tech-forward outerwear that meets functional expectations.
Use-Cases & Implications
Extreme environments / urban luxury: Because of its waterproof/breathable performance and metal-yarn outer, this jacket could serve both as a statement piece and serious outerwear.
Antimicrobial context: The antimicrobial properties of copper are cited (though not independently verified in this text) — this could be of interest in environments where hygiene/sterility is a concern (e.g., travel, shared spaces).
Longevity & durability: The build quality (600+g/m² copper face, high quality hardware) suggests this jacket is designed for long-term wear, perhaps aligning with a “buy less, buy better” mindset.
Innovation appeal: For those interested in material science, fashion-tech or “wearables as advanced textiles,” the jacket offers a conversation piece: copper yarns and dynamic membranes are not standard in the mainstream apparel market.
Caveats & Considerations
Cost & practicality: At the listed price (~£1,495) and at a weight of ~1.4 kg, this is a premium investment and heavier than many high-end jackets. Buyers should assess whether the aesthetic/material value and technical features justify the cost for their use case.
Comfort & heat regulation: With a metal-yarn outer and high thermal-conductivity copper, it will be important to understand how the jacket performs in different climates—metal can conduct heat and cold more rapidly than typical fabrics, so insulation and lining design become critical.
Antimicrobial claims: While copper does have documented antimicrobial properties in certain contexts, the claim of “virus-killing coat of the future” (as mentioned by media) should be approached pragmatically: outerwear use conditions, wear patterns, and real-world efficacy may vary. Vollebak
Fit & layering: The jacket is described as “designed with a loose fit, with plenty of room for other layers underneath” and a size-down recommendation if a closer fit is preferred. Vollebak
Final Thoughts
The Full Metal Jacket – Copper Edition is a bold convergence of material science, design engineering and fashion statement. It merges the legacy of copper (from ancient tools to future space missions) with modern textile engineering (laser-measured yarns, dynamic membranes), resulting in a piece that prompts questions about what outerwear can be.
For someone who values innovation in textiles, appreciates technical performance and doesn’t mind the premium cost, this jacket offers more than just style—it offers a glimpse into the future of “active luxury.” That said, for everyday use in standard conditions, one should weigh whether the advanced materials offer meaningful advantages over high-end conventional outerwear.
