Let’s be honest. Choosing the right outerwear feels a lot harder than it should be. Especially if it’s for an organization. You need to consider a lot of things before purchasing
jackets wholesale, including features you would want and wouldn’t, construction quality, durability, bulk buying costs, utility, applications, and also the brand.
And when it comes to brands, there are quite a lot to choose from though a few of them stand out from the rest. Among those stand-out brands, you see two almost everywhere in America.
You have the classic script of
Eddie Bauer - a brand that practically invented the American down-insulated jacket.Then there’s the recognizable Half Dome logo of
The North Face, worn by everyone from extreme alpinists to your local barista.
If you are shopping for
workwear wholesale for your team, to restock your store inventory, or for just yourself, the decision often gets stuck on the same question: "Is the price gap worth it?"
You want gear that keeps people warm, handles a sudden downpour, and doesn't fall apart after one season. But you also don't want to overspend on features you might never use.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Eddie Bauer versus The North Face - from warmth and weatherproofing to customizability and the all-important price tag. We’re digging into the details to help you figure out the right brand and the right jacket style from our
wholesale apparel selection.
Brand Overview
To understand the gear, you have to understand where these companies come from. Their histories shape exactly who wears them today.
Eddie Bauer has become synonymous with heritage in the outerwear market. Founded in 1920, it’s an outdoor brand that feels like an old friend. They built their reputation on creating the first patented down jacket in America. Today, the brand and its offerings emanate accessible adventure. It’s less about scaling Mount Everest and more about hiking a local trail, handling a rainy commute, or looking professional on a job site. They focus on everyday comfort with subtle, functional designs, and quality you can always count on.
The North Face, conversely, is all about pushing limits. Since the 1960s, they have positioned themselves as the premier choice for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Their slogan, "Never Stop Exploring," drives a product line heavy on proprietary technology and performance fabrics. While they dominate the extreme sports world, they have also successfully crossed over into streetwear and high-end corporate fashion. Wearing that logo signals a certain appreciation for technical innovation and modern style.
Types of Jackets from Eddie Bauer & The North Face
Both brands cover the basics - rain shells, fleece, and heavy winter coats. If you require something specific like jackets for physically-demanding jobs and
high-visibility jackets, we recommend checking offerings from
Carhartt,
CornerStone, and
Port Authority. But they approach them differently.
The North Face catalog is vast, but their specialized "families" of products earned a place in our hearts, continuing to solidify the brand’s reputation. You have the ThermoBall series (synthetic insulation that mimics down), the DryVent rain shells (like the
NF0A3LH4), and their iconic tech fleece options.
We got a lot of custom orders from corporate organizations with The
North Face NF0A3LHB Tech 1/4 Zip Fleece this spring. The style features a smooth, professional face fabric, that spells The North Face, with a comfortable brushed interior.
How Warm Are Eddie Bauer & The North Face Jackets?
Warmth is usually the main reason you buy a jacket, so how do they compare?
Eddie Bauer uses a mix of natural down and their own synthetic insulation to deliver cozy warmth, often branded as ThermaFill. In their parkas and puffers, you get warmth that handles typical urban winters perfectly. When you are standing at a bus stop in 20-degree weather, you will appreciate an
Eddie Bauer shell parka.
The North Face takes warmth to a scientific level. They frequently use high-fill goose down (often 500 to 800 fill power) which provides an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio. This means the jacket feels lighter but keeps you warmer. Their standout innovation, however, is ThermoBall. This synthetic insulation clusters just like down feathers, trapping heat effectively even if the jacket gets wet, which gives it a solid edge over traditional down. If you need
gear for unpredictable, wet, and freezing conditions, their tech gives The North Face a clear edge.
Weather Protection with Eddie Bauer & The North Face Jackets (Rain, Wind, Snow)
Eddie Bauer relies heavily on their WeatherEdge technology. It’s a breathable, waterproof coating used in jackets like the
EB656 3-in-1.
It’s solid tech that blocks wind and stops rain from soaking through during your average storm. For ninety percent of users, commuting, walking the dog, or traveling, WeatherEdge is completely sufficient.
The North Face counters with DryVent and GORE-TEX. DryVent is their proprietary waterproof-breathable technology found in shells like the NF0A3LH4. What makes DryVent impressive is how well it also manages sweat. It keeps rain out while letting moisture escape from the inside, so you don’t get that "clammy trash bag" feeling during a hike. They also utilize WindWall fabrics in their soft shells like the
NF0A3LGT Apex Barrier Soft Shell ,
which virtually eliminates wind chill. If your activities involve heavier exertion or harsher storms, The North Face’s weatherproofing is considerably more advanced.
To be fair, both brands also offer everyday jacket styles. But Eddie Bauer has been in the game longer and specializes in jackets you can use all day every day without discomfort. The North Face’s specialty is in weather-ready outerwear with advanced tech.
Materials, Durability, and Tech
When you hold these jackets in your hands, you can feel the difference in construction philosophy.
Eddie Bauer prioritizes durability through substantial, tough fabrics. You’ll see a lot of rugged nylon and ripstop polyester shells like in the
EB534 ripstop shell jacket. The focus is on longevity and practicality. Many of their jacket styles feature softer linings, extra pockets, and sturdy zippers that feel built to last for years of daily use.
The North Face leans into performance materials that prioritize weight and packability. Their fabrics often feel lighter and slicker. They use a lot of recycled materials now and have more sustainability initiatives compared to Eddie Bauer, which appeals to eco-conscious buyers. You can see the grid patterns in the fleece or the unique quilting on a ThermoBall jacket like the
NF0A3LH2 Trekker Jacket that features 100% recycled polyester polyfill. While durable, some lightweight technical shells might feel thinner than a comparable Eddie Bauer coat, simply because they are engineered to save ounces for hikers.
Fit, Style, and Everyday Wear
This is often the tie-breaker. How does it actually look on you?
Eddie Bauer is known for a "Classic" or "Relaxed" fit. Their cuts are generous, allowing room for layers underneath without feeling restrictive. The style is timeless and safe. Some of the finest soft shells in our collection are from Eddie Bauer - styles you can wear to a client meeting or a conference and still look appropriate. The specialty of these jackets are that they don’t make you look like you just came from the mountains. And they fit a variety of body types, which makes them solid picks for uniform programs. Sure we offer even more budget-friendly shell jacket styles that are great for uniform programs like the Port Authority J317 soft shell. But Eddie Bauer has its place, a tier or two higher.
The North Face offers an "Active" or "Standard" fit. It’s relatively trimmer, as it’s designed to move with you. The styling is undeniably more modern. The North Face logo carries a "cool factor" that’s a fashion statement in cities like New York and even in Tokyo. If you want a jacket that looks sharp, youthful, and athletic, The North Face wins. However, if you are buying for a group, keep in mind that the trimmer cuts might not fit every body type as easily as Eddie Bauer’s.
Eddie Bauer vs. The North Face: Price, Value, and Warranties
Here is where the rubber meets the road.
Eddie Bauer offers just more value for money, according to many of our customers. You get excellent quality, often 80% of the performance of a premium tech jacket, for a lower price. For bulk buyers or budget-conscious shoppers, brands like Port Authority are still a better alternative. But Eddie Bauer delivers exceptional quality for what you can consider a mid-to-high end budget which is still reasonable for all the features and usability of their styles. As a matter of fact
The North Face is premium in every sense, including pricing for comparable styles. You are paying for the R&D, the brand name, and the advanced materials. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Generally, yes, if you need that specific performance or brand recognition. Their warranty is robust. Their jackets never disappoint. And they have styles for pretty much any planned activity outdoors.
Don’t get us wrong. Eddie Bauer does offer high-end styles. But certain styles built for specific purposes from the brand actually cost lower than similar styles serving the same purposes from The North Face. The North Face simply brings in better technology currently.
Pros and Cons Summary
|
Feature
|
Eddie Bauer
|
The North Face
|
|
Warmth
|
Strong everyday warmth. Great down parkas for city use.
|
Superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Advanced ThermoBall tech.
|
|
Weatherproofing
|
Reliable WeatherEdge technology. Good for daily storms.
|
High-performance DryVent & WindWall. Better for
moderate to extreme conditions.
|
|
Tech & Materials
|
Durable, substantial fabrics. More focus on comfort and
longevity.
|
Cutting-edge proprietary fabrics. More focus on
lightweight performance.
|
|
Fit & Style
|
Relaxed, classic fit. Versatile for office and travel.
|
Trim, athletic fit and fashionable. Offers styles with
recognizable "street" aesthetic.
|
|
Price/Value
|
Excellent value. Comparatively lower price point for high
quality.
|
Higher price. Considered an investment in tech and status.
|
|
Best For
|
Commuters, corporate teams, travel, casual everyday use.
|
Hikers, outdoor athletes, tech-forward teams, brand
status.
|
Eddie Bauer vs. The North Face: Quick Comparisons of Popular Outerwear Styles
Though both brands offer jacket styles that make great workwear, they don’t necessarily specialize in workwear. What we mean is that you won’t find high-visibility workwear in our Eddie Bauer and The North Face collection. These brands specialize in functional, warm outerwear, with one brand specializing in practical, everyday jackets while the other is known for heavy-duty, premium outerwear. Buying Advice
So, which one should you choose? Here is your final decision guide.
Choose Eddie Bauer if:
- You want high-quality gear but need to keep costs down, especially for large group orders.
- You prefer a relaxed fit
- You need a jacket that looks professional in a business casual environment and still works in more casual environments.
- You like the classic, understated American outdoor look.
Choose The North Face if:
- You need heavy-duty gear featuring innovative technologies that handle serious cold, wet, or active conditions.
- You want the "cool factor" or prestige associated with a top-tier outdoor brand.
- You prefer a modern fit with a trimmer, more athletic cut that sits closer to the body.
- You need jackets with consistently high perceived value that impresses recipients instantly
ShirtsBargain Easy "How to Pick" Checklist:
- Chilly Climate: Eddie Bauer Fleece
- Wet and Freezing: The North Face ThermoBall or DryVent styles
- Office/Commute: Eddie Bauer
- Hiking/Active work: The North Face
- Maximizing Budget: Eddie Bauer
- Maximizing Brand Impact: The North Face
Both brands make fantastic jackets. If you want reliable comfort and great value, grab Eddie Bauer. If you want cutting-edge tech and brand recognition, go with The North Face. Either way, you’re getting some of the best gear on the market and at exceptional prices in ShirtsBargain.
Why us, you ask?
We specialize in decorating high-end apparel like The North Face, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, OGIO, and more, featuring top-quality fabrics. Let us know how we can use our expertise and competitive customization costs to elevate your brand with premium apparel and accessories. Feel free to talk to our Customer Support team for help in
choosing the right jackets for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eddie Bauer as good as The North Face for winter jackets?
It can be, depending on your preferences and requirements. For example, if you can’t stretch the budget but need functional winter jackets that are designed to be durable and last a long time, Eddie Bauer won’t disappoint. Some of their most popular styles are not discarded for years. But if budget is not an issue and you prefer the most premium jackets with innovative fabric and weather-resistance technologies along with high perceived value, The North Face checks all boxes easily. And so they remain one of the biggest names when it comes to winter jackets in the United States.
Which brand is warmer, Eddie Bauer or The North Face?
Both brands offer jacket styles that deliver exceptional warmth. There will be differences in pricing, features, fabric technologies, and weather-resistance technologies. But ultimately they are designed to do their job offering warmth really well. For example, Eddie Bauer’s WeatherEdge and The North Face’s DryVent technologies ensure excellent weather-resistance. The warmth is about the same for comparable styles. DryVent is generally considered slightly more advanced due to convenient traits like taped seams and lightweightedness. You won’t feel a considerable difference in warmth.
Are Eddie Bauer jackets waterproof?
Not all Eddie Bauer jackets are waterproof. ShirtsBargain’s Eddie Bauer collection features jacket styles for everyday use as well as weather-ready styles. Some styles like rain jackets are waterproof. Many others are water-repellent only. Then there are styles that are designed for warmth without waterproofing.
Why are The North Face jackets more expensive?
The North Face has a high perceived value, and the brand positions itself as a premium source of weather-ready jackets built for the outdoors. Their jackets feature some of the world’s best weather-resistance technologies, including patented ones like DryVent. These jackets look and feel premium in every sense, and command a higher price compared to offerings from brands like Eddie Bauer and Port Authority.
Which brand is better for hiking and backpacking?
Both brands offer styles that suit hiking and backpacking trips. We’d recommend The North Face for the technology and advanced features specifically incorporated for outdoor activities.
Can you customize The North Face jackets in bulk?
Yes. ShirtsBargain specializes in apparel decoration, with years of experience in customizing high-end apparel including The North Face, Carhartt, and more for our customers. We can customize any style of your choice to perfection, from our selection of The North Face jackets at competitive costs. This is a transparent process designed to work with you and for your requirements, so you get the jackets customized exactly the way you want.
