Eddie Bauer is an American brand with over 100 years of heritage, making it a household name.
The namesake brand was established by Eddie Bauer in Seattle, Washington, and has grown to almost 400 locations across the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Although Eddie Bauer began as a sportswear store, its rich heritage and focus on classic designs have led it to develop a full apparel range.
The namesake brand is synonymous with high-quality outdoor clothing and sporting goods and is believed to have created the first down jacket in 1936 (Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock)
After celebrating its 100th anniversary, Eddie Bauer is shifting its focus to becoming more inclusive and sustainable, using materials and methods that minimize impact and open the outdoor culture to everyone.
Some Edie Bauer jackets use goose down insulation to provide warmth and insulation in cold weather. Goose down is made from the soft, fluffy under feathers of geese and is known for its high-quality, lightweight, and insulating properties.
We’re exploring everything you need to know about Eddie Bauer and the type of jackets that it makes.
Exploring Eddie Bauer’s Legacy: Innovations and Milestones in Outdoor Apparel
Eddie Bauer made history when it became the first independent company to use its logo on Army-issued uniforms for the United States Army.
The B-9 Flight Parka was manufactured for over 50,000 airmen during World War II to keep them warm at high altitudes. The brand also provided backpacks, sleeping bags, and pants to American troops.
A new, waterproof edition of the groundbreaking down flight jacket that Eddie Bauer built for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II
This quintessential American brand is linked to milestones in outdoor adventures, from outfitting the first team to spend the winter at the South Pole in 1957 to outfitting the first ascent of Mt. Everest’s Kangshung (east) face in 1983.
In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Eddie Bauer switched its focus to casualwear. While the brand is known for its everyday apparel, its focus remains on meeting the needs of outdoor enthusiasts to enable them to thrive.
Its recent “(Re)Adventure program” is the brand’s attempt to meet demands for more accessible and sustainable outerwear.
Eddie Bauer created the Re(Adventure) program, offering like-new items to extend the lifecycle of its outdoor products
Tracing the Global Footprint: The Manufacturing Journey of Eddie Bauer Products
Eddie Bauer products were originally made in Seattle, Washington, in its early development years. However, the brand now lacks transparency for its factories and manufacturing.
A 2014 article by Bloomberg suggests that most Eddie Bauer products are now made in Asia, particularly China and Vietnam.
Eddie Bauer manufactures most of its products in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam (Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock)
It’s worth noting that most American brands are now exporting their manufacturing to Asia, including brands at a similar price point to Eddie Bauer.
Behind the Brand: A Look at Eddie Bauer’s Ownership History
Eddie Bauer is owned by the Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and SPARC Group LLC. In February 2023, Simon Property Group traded its ownership of Eddie Bauer for a larger stake in ABG. So, technically, ABG controls the Eddie Bauer brand, while SPARC operates the core business.
After Eddie Bauer declared bankruptcy in July 2009, the brand was purchased by Golden Gate Capital before being acquired by its current ownership in 2021. Spiegel acquired Eddie Bauer in 1988, after it was owned by General Mills since 1971.
For a couple of years, Eddie Bauer and PacSun operated as one company, but they are no longer affiliated. PacSun is still owned by PSEB (Golden Gate Capital).
Eddie Bauer is owned by the Authentic Brands Group and SPARC Group LLC
Some of the other brands owned by ABG include:
- Aeropostale: A retail clothing company that sells casual apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children.
- Juicy Couture: A fashion brand known for its trendy and stylish clothing, accessories, and fragrances.
- Nine West: A fashion brand that sells clothing, shoes, and accessories for women.
- Frye: A fashion brand known for its high-quality leather boots, shoes, and accessories.
- Spyder: A sportswear brand that sells ski and snowboard apparel and equipment.
- Hickey Freeman: A high-end men’s clothing brand known for its tailored suits and sportcoats.
- Nautica: A fashion brand that sells clothing, accessories, and home goods with a nautical theme.
- Judith Leiber: A luxury handbag and accessories brand known for its sophisticated and glamorous designs.
- Tretorn: A fashion and sportswear brand known for its high-quality footwear and outerwear.
- Prince: A sports and fitness brand known for its high-performance tennis, squash, and badminton equipment.
Assessing Value for Money: Understanding Eddie Bauer’s Pricing and Quality
Eddie Bauer is not a cheap brand. You can expect to pay prices like athleisure brands like Lululemon when shopping at Eddie Bauer.
The brand’s jackets range in price from $80 to $550, depending on its performance technology and material. You can expect to pay more for Eddie Bauer jackets designed for outdoor adventures, including extreme sports and low temperatures. The most expensive Eddie Bauer jacket is the women’s “BC Fineline” jacket.
Eddie Bauer’s most affordable jacket is the Momentum Upf 50+ (left), retailing for $79, while the most expensive is the BC Fineline (right), which sells for $549
The recognizability of the Eddie Bauer brand is why it offers selective licenses for non-apparel products, including eyewear and furniture.
Eddie Bauer is a uniquely American brand with over 100 years of adventure under its belt. While it’s not a cheap brand, it won’t set you back the same price tag as a luxury brand.
It’s worth looking out for sales and discounts to save money on your next Eddie Bauer jacket.
Eddie Bauer vs. L.L.Bean: Distinguishing Between Two Iconic Outdoor Brands
No, Eddie Bauer and L.L.Bean, an American privately held family-owned retail company, are two separate and distinct companies.
L.L.Bean, founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, is known for its practical and durable products. Eddie Bauer tends to focus more on fashion-conscious consumers.
While not necessarily considered a preppy brand, Eddie Bauer has a classic and timeless aesthetic often associated with preppy style.
he Jacket Portfolio: A Guide to Eddie Bauer’s Diverse Outerwear Collection
Eddie Bauer jackets are designed to take you from ski slopes to mountain climbing and everyday winter sports. Its best-selling EverTherm down jacket was launched in 2017 with a focus on no quilting or cold sports, focusing solely on the down.
What sets Eddie Bauer apart is its inclusive range of jackets for men and women, with plus, petite, and tall options available. We’re rounding up some of Eddie Bauer’s six most popular jackets to help you find the right one for you.
1. First Ascent – BC Fineline Jacket, $549 at Eddie Bauer
Fineline is a waterproof, breathable, and water-resistant jacket made using recycled materials.
It’s the newest generation of Eddie Bauer’s premier ski jacket and is designed for world-class skiers. This jacket is designed to fit over midweight layers for a classic and universal fit.
Developed with world-class big mountain women skiers, the BC Fineline is fully waterproof and made with recycled ripstop polyester, 3-layer WeatherEdge Pro seam-sealed tech, and StormRepel Super DWR
2. First Ascent – BC Stormday Down Jacket, $499 at Eddie Bauer
The Stormday jacket is part of Eddie Bauer’s ‘First Ascent’ range and is made using recycled materials and insulated with responsibly sourced down.
It combines sustainability with contemporary design for an ultra-warm premium jacket.
The ultimate ski jacket, BC Stormday is updated with a 100% recycled WeatherEdge Pro waterproof shell and insulated with responsibly-sourced 800-fill down
3. First Ascent – MicroTherm 1000 Down Hoodie, $399 at Eddie Bauer
Take your jacket with you on the go with this compact design. The MicroTherm hoodie packs into a pocket and is made using premium 1000-fill down insulation.
It’s a lightweight jacket that packs a punch, helping you stay warm in even the coldest of temperatures. This jacket is one of Eddie Bauer’s most athletic fits and is made using 100% recycled nylon.
The MicroTherm 1000 Down Hoodie is stuffed with premium 1000-fill down insulation and made with recycled ripstop fabric
4. CirrusLite Down Jacket, $95 – $99 on Amazon
The CirrusLite jacket is ultrawarm and ultralight as a silhouette that’s easy to pack for taking on the go.
It’s one of Eddie Bauer’s best-selling jackets and features a recycled shell and lining, making it one of the brand’s most sustainable options. This jacket features a higher neckline to keep you warmer for longer.
The CirrusLite down jacket is Eddie Bauer’s bestselling jacket made with responsibly-sourced 650-fill premium down and a new recycled shell and lining
5. First Ascent – Downlight 2.0 Hooded Jacket, $183.99 on Amazon
Stay cozy even in freezing weather with the Downlight 2.0 jacket, designed for temperatures of up to -28 degrees.
This premium jacket is designed for climbing, mountaineering, and all cold-weather activities. The Downlight 2.0 ticks all the boxes with its durable, windproof polyester shell and ultra-compressible comfort.
Eddie Bauer’s premium alpine hooded down jacket, guide-built for climbing, mountaineering, and all cold-weather activities
6. Sun Valley Down Duffle Coat, $215 – $289.99 on Amazon
Meet Eddie Bauer’s long-coat version of its best-selling down parka. It’s the ultimate jacket designed with warmth in mind.
It has a water-repellent nylon and polyester shell that uses premium down insulation to keep you warm without weighing you down. This jacket has a classic fit that allows you to wear midweight layers underneath.
The Sun Valley Down Duffle Coat features a water-repellent nylon/polyester shell with Premium 650-fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, and StormRepel DWR finish
Eddie Bauer is an American outerwear brand offering high-quality jackets at an affordable price point. It’s one brand that deserves a spot in every adventurer’s closet.