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The Napapijri Skidoo Colourway Guide: Which Are Worth Finding Pre-Owned
Words by Heather June Coombs
The reissue is fine. The original is better. Here is why.
The Napapijri Skidoo Colourway Guide: Which Are Worth Finding Pre-Owned
The Napapijri Skidoo jacket has been a cold-weather staple since 1990. Initially designed for extreme conditions, its anorak silhouette and signature front pocket quickly became an unlikely fashion statement. The key differentiator, beyond its robust construction, has always been colour. Some shades are ubiquitous. Others, genuinely rare. Knowing the difference matters when you're buying pre-owned.
Foundational Tones: The Everyday Skidoo
Black, navy, and charcoal grey Skidoos are the bread and butter of the Napapijri line. They're consistently produced, season after season, and form the core offering. These are reliable choices for warmth and functionality. Their prevalence means they're usually the easiest to find on the pre-owned market and often at the most accessible price points. For everyday wear, they are excellent. The build quality on an older black Skidoo will often surpass a newer equivalent. But they rarely generate collector interest. Don't expect to flip a black Skidoo for a profit. Buy it to wear it.
The Autumnal Palette: Olive, Brown, and Rust
Napapijri has always lent itself to earth tones. Olive green, various shades of brown, and rust reds appear frequently. These richer, more muted colours often have a more substantial feel, even if the material composition is identical to their brighter counterparts. They age well, too. A slightly faded olive Skidoo still carries an appeal that a faded primary colour might lack. Demand for these is steady. They bridge the gap between pure utility and considered style. They are a safe bet for pre-owned purchases – good value, consistent desirability. Look for these to have held their shape well, with minimal wear showing around the cuffs and pockets.
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The Primary Brights: Red, Blue, Yellow
For a period, particularly in the late 90s and early 2000s, loud primary colours defined the Skidoo. Bright red, electric blue, and sunny yellow jackets were common sights. These were statements. They cut through the drab winter landscape. On the pre-owned market today, these are more divisive. A clean, vibrant primary colour Skidoo can be a strong find, especially if it's an older model with original branding. However, these colours are also more prone to fading and discolouration from sun exposure. Inspect them carefully. A tired red Skidoo looks exactly that: tired. A pristine one, however, is a genuine piece of the brand's history.
Limited Editions and Collabs: The Collector's Hunt
This is where the real value often lies. Napapijri has a history of collaborations and limited-run colourways. Think of the Patta collaborations from 2017, which often featured unique branding and colour blocking. Or earlier, more subtle special editions that might feature a different interior lining or a unique patch. These are harder to identify without prior knowledge. Research specific seasons or look for variations in the logo, zipper pulls, or internal labels. They won't always be loud. Sometimes, it’s a subtle shift in a common colour with a specific detail that makes it rare. These are the ones where pre-owned prices can exceed original retail, even years later.
The White and Cream Skidoo: A Statement Purchase
White and cream Skidoos have always been produced in smaller numbers. They are high-maintenance. Any scuff, mark, or stain is immediately visible. They are a confident choice. But their rarity makes them interesting on the secondary market. Finding one in truly excellent condition is rare. If you do, it will command a premium. This isn't a jacket for trudging through mud. This is pure aesthetic. Assess condition rigorously. A stained white Skidoo is a project, not a score. But a clean one? That's a trophy. The right Skidoo pre-owned isn't just about the jacket itself, but the story that particular colour tells. Some are workhorses, some are statements, and some are rare finds. Choose accordingly.
