Clothes of the Eighties, Breezin' Jackets
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Description
Sex: M/F
Type of clothing: waist-length ski jacket
When it was popular: 1980-1982
Description: A pull-over ski jacket that went to just below the waist and had a zipper that went from the collar to mid-chest. Breezin' Jackets were typically a solid dark color (most often blue or black) with a three-color horizontal band across the chest and back. These were required articles of clothing for popular middle-schoolers in colder climates during 1981.
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User Stories and Comments

The following are comments left about Breezin' Jackets from site visitors such as yourself. They are not spell checked or reviewed for accuracy.

Terri - December 15, 2007 - Report this comment
They were actually made in my hometown of Kirkland, WA. They were VERY popular here! I loved that coat!!!
Scott - February 13, 2008 - Report this comment
We used to go to the Breezin' factory and get super cheap stuff. I remember the water park in Issaquah was sponsored by Breezin'. Huge fad. Short lived.
bellevuee - October 10, 2008 - Report this comment
TOTALLY! You could buy them down at the Squire Shop! The three color band was the first, and then a few years later they came out with the two-tone checkerboard stripe. The pullovers also had a cool side-zipper from the waist up. I think the uber-cool pose was to wear the jacket with the front of the collar down, and the back sticking up to show the breezin' pastel square logo? What, did they only sell these in the Seattle Metro area? I never ever saw them anywhere else.
iniquity - October 25, 2008 - Report this comment
and i been lookin out for a 'breezin' pullover for atleast 7 yrs on the net with noe luck. used to be the pimpinest jacket ever. lil side zip and FIRST HIDDEN POCKET EVER!!! sicc!!
80's chick - February 17, 2009 - Report this comment
I found one at Value Village 4 days ago in Edmonds. Women's size Large, white with blue/greenish stripes around the middle to the waist - colored checkered square logo on back of neck "breezin'" logo tag inside neck - only $7...I almost bought it...
WAKE UP OR DIE! - June 15, 2009 - Report this comment
Lets save our country, lets save the World! http://www.wakeupordie.com/html/menu1.html
RustyZipper.Com - October 27, 2009 - Report this comment
We have one at Rusty Zipper.. probably won't last long, can't say we've seen many: http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm/rz/viewpartnum~143475/breezin.cfm
John L. - November 20, 2009 - Report this comment
Just add a pair of "muddy" high rise britania jeans to the mix and goody comb.....lol Yes, I admit I did all those things. OH, an Ozzy shirt as well. Make it a GREAT day!!!!
adam g - December 30, 2009 - Report this comment
where can I find a breezin jacket?
jcgwood - January 25, 2010 - Report this comment
ha adam - you know where mine is!!
FHM - April 07, 2010 - Report this comment
great stories, I was told Scott Breezing started making his own ski clothes in home economics class in school cause all other ski gear sucked.then all his friends wanted them, thus Breezin was born. I still have my black one with the grey stipes that go from sleeve cuff down the arms to the other sleeve cuff. if you ever see someone on the mountain wearing one its me :P yes I still wear mine. hell I still have long hair and play loud rock music too :P
Jeffrey G - October 25, 2010 - Report this comment
I collect all 1980's stuff. I have a mint 1980 P.K. Ripper & a Hutch pro star. I am looking for a Breezin jacket. Size large. Blue or black with stripes. Please email me if you have one you want to sell. jeffgopal@hotmail.com
Matt C - October 28, 2010 - Report this comment
I've wanted one of the checkerboard versions for years. No one on ebay has them. Anybody got a green medium or large for sale? I can be reached at matt@mcsquarebuild.com
Beej - December 23, 2010 - Report this comment
I just picked up a Black and Blue checkered pullover in mint condition from a friend of mine. He was going to sell it in a garage sale. Dude! How much? You can have it!!! YES!!!!!
Chase - January 04, 2011 - Report this comment
My dad, Michael, actually started Breezin, he and Drew are still good friends, its great to hear all this stuff, I still have a Breezin Jacket, they really are great
Chase - January 04, 2011 - Report this comment
And Paul Arnson but you might know him as Krak who was the designer
Randy D - June 14, 2011 - Report this comment
Please!!! If anyone out there still has a Black Breezin jacket they want to sell, I will pay!!! I have been looking for years!!! (L) or (X-L) Thank you! e-MAIL ME @ STP667@CABLESPEED.COM.
Randy D - June 14, 2011 - Report this comment
Actually... I don't care what color it is... black, red, blue... it doesen't matter! Stripes or checkerboard.
Carrie - August 03, 2011 - Report this comment
My mom has one in bright purple. It's my favorite thing to wear. I hope one day she gives in and let's me take it home!
Jake - September 09, 2011 - Report this comment
I, also, would love to find the 3 stripe pullover in any color - XL. I want to wear it to work and see how many people freak out. Email me: jbrenneman(at)hotmail.com
Randy D - October 06, 2011 - Report this comment
Really... Nobody has one? Please!!!!!!
Leah - January 04, 2012 - Report this comment
I am married to Drew Merklinghaus, one of the founders of Breezin. We were just talking this morning about bringing Breezin back. Ya think???
Matt - January 16, 2012 - Report this comment
Breezin was the official outfitter for Bellevue Ski School instructors. My older brother was lucky enough to have both coat and bibs, all custom fit. Seems like I had to buy off the rack a couple years later. Bring back Breezin!
Randy D - January 26, 2012 - Report this comment
Bring it back!!! Don't change a thing, how can you improve perfection! I have been looking for one for years, after I had to finally throw mine away. It was the red with blue stripes around the chest and upper arms. I would realy like to find a black one with the grey "digital" blocks around the chest, probably the most popular in 1981. I still remenber the day my mom purchased it for me in Bellevue!! I would outfit the entire family, my 12 year old son loves the retro style of the coat too! Bring back Breezin!!! (I also remember being up at Ski Acres and Snoqualmie Summit, all you saw was Breezin Ski Wear.)
Andrew - February 22, 2012 - Report this comment
Anyone here from Bensonhurst Brooklyn? In the late 1970's and early 1980's there was a corner store at 69th Street and 13th Avenue. It was a fruit store as far as I can remember, but at one time it was apparently a clothing store. On the side of the store - remember when local businesses would paint stuff on the side of their buildings? - was a mural that said "Breezin'" painted as what appeared to be a store logo. The illustration with the logo was a guy on bike shedding all manner of clothes. Was this a store that sold Breezin jackets? forfeedback@hotmail.com
steve - April 03, 2012 - Report this comment
I had one too; blue with the stretch three blue stripes across the pits. That was a sweet coat. Never knew the history till an internet search & found this site. Got mine at Olympic Sports in the Overlake area.... old school one that's a thrift shop now. Would love to have one.
Randy D - April 03, 2012 - Report this comment
I bought mine at the same place. What do you think Drew?!!!
Donilko - April 11, 2012 - Report this comment
Please bring them back!! :)
Philip O - July 12, 2012 - Report this comment
I grew up in Bellevue in 1981 (go Ardmore Eagles!), and I obsessed over my 2 breezin jackets. I am in a position to help fund the comeback. Wanna discuss?
Jeff K - August 21, 2012 - Report this comment
Hey Philip O, that is what I was thinking. I have sweat to contribute. Jeff@yourlifestyleteam.com
Wally - September 06, 2012 - Report this comment
My wife has lime green breezin parka But it is made in hong kong ????????? I'am LOST
Kari - September 21, 2012 - Report this comment
Growing up in Kirkland, I had one too!! EVERYONE had a Breezin jacket. YES - bring them back!!
Greg - December 18, 2012 - Report this comment
How about the breezin warehouse sales that they held at the warehouse in Redmond? Those were awesome. The jackets were normally in the $110 range I think, but at the sale they were down to 35-50. The pants were great too. My favorite jacket was black with 2 white stripes.
JJ - December 22, 2012 - Report this comment
I had the red with blue stripes and the navy blue with the checker stripe. I believe my parents bought them at Stertvants in bellevue. I can't seem to find one online. I cam across this site when looking for one. Pretty cool!
Randy D. - December 28, 2012 - Report this comment
Seriously Drew... what do you think the chances are of bringing back the Breezin line? I think a few people have spoken here, and this is a testament of how passionate people were and still are about the brand. I still have yet to see a better looking design on a coat yet, do you want to chime in on this one????
Michelle S. - December 31, 2012 - Report this comment
Would love for Breezin' to make a comeback. Everything old is new again and this trend would do so well!
Mike - January 15, 2013 - Report this comment
Bring it back! Had no idea it was just a Kirkland thing. Check out Freezin hats from CoalHeadgear.com. The logo and stripe style is already back!
Randy D. - February 17, 2013 - Report this comment
Bringing back the Breezin line would leave people saying " The North Face...Who?)
Marty Mar - April 01, 2013 - Report this comment
This wasn't just an Eastside thing. Kids were rocking these jackets all over South Seattle too. I remember my buddy having a fleece one & I had a gray one with 3 horizontal stripes of different shades of gray. If you put these in Nordstroms today for $150, they would sell out in 5 minutes! At least get a website going where people could buy them. Bring back BREEZIN'!!!!!! Seattle was killin' the 80's with the fashion scene. Zebraclub, Intl' News, Shah Safari, Breezin'. When I was a kid I had no idea that all these dope companies came from the Seattle area. Bring em back!
Paul Krak Arntson - April 17, 2013 - Report this comment
I was just sent this link today, and I am impressed at the number of comments. My name is Paul Bradford Krak Arntson, the original owner and founder of Breezin'. My middle name is "Krak" (norwegian spelling). I grew up in the greater Bellevue area of Washington state. Given the interest expressed here I believe I owe an explanation about the origins of Breezin'. The Very Beginning: The roots of the brand first started when I was 18 years old and was about 6'2" and 145lbs. I was having a difficult time finding skiwear that would fit my tall lean frame. I was competing in freestyle skiing which at the time was a relatively new sport, and as a judged sport, it was important that you looked good. My interest in excelling in this sport and in my athletics was the motivation that began a most unexpected journey. Since that time period was the "do your own thing" era, and alive with everyone having some type of hobby craft, I took apart a nylon ski wind shirt that I had been wearing, bought a zipper and some nylon stretch knit, and cut and cobbled together a shell skiwear jacket of my own design. It was pretty hideous and bit of a frankenstein, but it was only an experimental prototype. I wore it a couple times just for testing and then went about redesigning it, making a pattern, buying new materials and making a new prototype jacket. This jacket was actually successful and very unique. I started wearing it skiing and in competition. It drew a great number of comments and interest from my fellow skiers. (I still have both these items today) A few ski friends found this jacket interesting and asked me to make them some, and so I did. One of my friends (Drew Merklinghaus) said I should have a label on the jackets, he said I should call it "Crackwear" because my name was "Crack" and I wear them.... it was kind of a joke, but with a sense of humor I went down to the local sewing store and found out I could order 30 labels,,,, and so I did. It was a bit of a joke and rather funny at the time when I put the "Crackwear" label in the next few shell jackets. These jackets were fun to wear, but not a complete outfit or altogether practical in all weather conditions. The idea as well inspired my brother, and he and I discussed making our own full ski outfits, not just shell jackets, but insulated jackets and nylon pants instead of woolen stretch ski pants. Ski outfits that would be warmer and dryer in the snowy and wet Pacific Northwest Cascade mountains. The two of us set about designing patterning acquiring material cutting and sewing our own jackets and pants. We had very different ideas about jackets but very similar ideas about the pants or "jumpsuit" overall. To be fair my brother started his first and I worked up my own version with a different variation. When I went out an wore my outfit I got rave reviews...... it was a lot of work but it was really nice compared to what else we had available in those days. It seamed that the first day I wore it I was asked to make an outfit. I did and he wore it and two more people came in for outfits and then 4, 8, 16 you know how it goes, I had to hire seamstresses to work out of their homes, I cut the material in my basement, and in short order I had this little custom skiwear company that was making me enough money so that I could afford to go to the national freestyle competitions... after all it is important to understand, that I was really just trying to be a more accomplished athlete and climb the ladder in competition. Well that is quite a bit for now, and we still havent gotten to the part of how the name Breezin' came about. I there is interest let me know and I will tell the next part of the story.
Randy D - April 24, 2013 - Report this comment
Do tell! I find it very interesting. While you are at it, please find another seamstress to make me a black XL with the gray stripes (with the digital blocks) around the chest and upper arms! LOL! I have been feverishly looking to replace my Breezin jacket that My mom bought me in Bellevue back in JR. High. It literally rotted off of me! Impossible to find! I will put this out there for anyone reading this post... there is a red Breezin jacket on Ebay right now with the blue stripes around the armpit area, size is xl. There are also some blue ski overalls too. What a great find!! I am trying to hold out for a black one, but may have to cave for the red one! Bring back Breezin!!!!!!!!!!
thattrup - June 11, 2013 - Report this comment
Krak - finish your freakin' story, will you? I just found this link after a friend from Bellevue asked for a black XL for father's day. I told him the best he could do was one of Gumby's Freezin' hats.
Fred S - July 20, 2013 - Report this comment
Krak - Yes, please continue the story. I wonder it a revival through Kickstarter would be of interest to anyone.
Randy D. - October 19, 2013 - Report this comment
TapTapTap,,,We are waiting...
crapshootcorner - December 05, 2013 - Report this comment
I have been finding Breezin coats lately and have a couple for sale on ebay, look for my store crapshootcorner, search breezin ski coat. I love the design of these coats. Sooo 80's!
Deann M - March 31, 2014 - Report this comment
I still have my black with orange, yellow and red stripe ski school coat from the 1979/80 ski season. Wish it fit. Maybe it will again someday. Loved this coat!
Rob K - April 12, 2014 - Report this comment
Ha! I Googled Breezin' jackets just to relive being a kid in Bremerton, where all the cool kids from Central Kitsap School Dist. wore Breezin' ski jackets in ski school at Stevens Pass every Saturday. I wasn't lucky enough to have one, but boy did I want one... enough to Google it 30 years later to see whatever happened to them. Um, I can afford one now. Hillarious! Finish the story!
Jennifer D. - April 22, 2014 - Report this comment
Aha - no wonder no one else I know remembers Breezin jackets like I do and when nostalgic topics come up (I'm from Bellevue but relocated to the midwest). Every boy I had a crush on in 6th and 7th grade had one of them, either blue or black. I'd love to have one now...
Nate T - May 26, 2014 - Report this comment
would love to buy one - these need to come back! Where did Paul go? Need part 2 of his story
JG - September 26, 2014 - Report this comment
When will you start making them again?
Suzanne - October 04, 2014 - Report this comment
I too want the rest of the story! I think my Aunt and Uncle, Jeanne Marie and Rhoady Lee, were investors in the original Breezin' company. I also have searched for images of the striped/checkered pullovers for years. Can't believe there aren't hundreds of photos out there, they were so popular in the early eighties. I grew up on Capitol Hill.
Rob - March 23, 2016 - Report this comment
Someone needs to start making these again, I think they would be very popular
Brandon - July 30, 2016 - Report this comment
Well, I had the black pullover, was awesome. If you eventually come on here and finish your story (which is very jacked that you ended it prior to finishing btw), please let me know how you guys dropped the ball on this brand. It was THE thing we needed to have in JR. High.
Kathy - November 18, 2016 - Report this comment
As I'm watching the UofA game their shorts reminded my of the Breezin jackets we all wore in Woodinville in high school. I wanted one so badly back when they had the horizontal stripped version but I never got one. Until..... the next year Christmas came and even better to my surprise, the best yet, black and purple checkered!!!! After trying to look up images on line with zero luck I found this web site. I was asking my husband if he had one. He knew nothing about Breezin. I had no idea it was just a Pac Northwest thing. I would have thought it was global for how popular these were. Please post some images.
Ed - December 07, 2016 - Report this comment
Those were the best days. My parents got me a custom made suit in black with multi orange vertical stripes down the side of the jacket and jumpsuit. Loved it. Wore it proudly as a student of Drew's Freestyle Unlimited ski school based out of Ski Acres. Also remember Paul's ski ballet program he taught at night up at the Pass. Those kinds of programs and experiences just don't exist today. Like I said - the best times!
Mary - January 24, 2018 - Report this comment
I loved Breezin Skiwear and Mike Black President of Breezin once upon a time šŸ˜Š - I did some modeling for the company down in Las Vegas - those really were the days. Many great memories of the house on Lake Sammamish and the parties. Fun times xoxoxoxox. Mary
Dreedw - February 10, 2018 - Report this comment
I had a black pullover with grey checkers across the chest in jr high. I loved that jacket. I later taught at Bellevue Ski School. Another poster mentioned those jackets were made by Breezin, which I had apparently forgotten. Anyone else remember the hilarious washing instructions? ā€œFor best results, wash in warm water ..... For not so good results: dunk jacket in a creek, beat wth a stick and hang to dry on limb of tree.ā€ Or something along those lines.
Joe - March 07, 2018 - Report this comment
Wow, really cool to see the comments and stories here. Man, I really loved my Breezin' gear back in the day, especially for skiing. My ski outfit consisted of Breezin shell pants and a full zip fleece lined Breezin' jacket. My brother wore the jacket to work one time to Billy McHales and it was stolen off the coat rack. I still give him crap for it to this day. :D
Rob - May 01, 2018 - Report this comment
Please bring them back,I think they would sell like crazy,especially with internet now (which obviously wasn't around in the 80s).I would buy at least a couple. Growing up in Bellevue in the 80s(and still live here) I always wanted one,but was never able too.
r f - May 24, 2018 - Report this comment
Man, I remember wanting one of these so badly. My grandmother actually made me a pretty damn good replica.
Floyd Murrill - January 24, 2019 - Report this comment
I still have my black & grey pull over,was given to me by my best friend Greg Morcom. i need to find a seamstress & have it refurbished. im all about old school. any suggestions?
Randy - March 16, 2019 - Report this comment
Hahaha! I finally found a blue Breezin Jacket in XL! I just listed my size large blue Breezin jacket on EBay if anyone is interested.
Ski Guy - April 16, 2019 - Report this comment
I looked up the patient and it looks like Union Bay clothing brand in Seattle bought the brand name and rights. It's time to bring this brand back, I had a navy pullover with blue stripes. I've been trying to find a LG or XL in navy, but they don't seem to exist anymore. @ Randy I checked ebay, I must have been too late. @Paul - Seriously there's got to be a box of these sill in your garage somewhere. Can we resurrect Breezin V2? Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Indiegogo, something.
Jake - June 05, 2019 - Report this comment
Funny, got it in my head to look for a Breezin' jacket again and while I couldn't find any pictures or for sale links, I once again found this thread. Still dying to get one of the 3 stripe model in any color. Email me if you want to sell one in XL - jbrenneman(at)hotmail.com. Could someone who has one at least email me a link to a photo of the jacket... Maybe possible to find someone on Etsy to craft one from picture?
Randy Dellinger - March 27, 2020 - Report this comment
I just scored a size 11/12 Breezin jacket, blue with the light blue stripes on Ebay, for my grandaughter. Ahe is going to be so excited!
Bryan - June 29, 2020 - Report this comment
Favorite brand of all time! Have 20+ coats, numerous shirts and sweatshirts, pants, shorts, ski suits, stickers and buttons. My kids love my old school clothes.
Bryan - July 07, 2020 - Report this comment
There is a Breezinā€™ group on Facebook.
MM - April 10, 2021 - Report this comment
I had the wazzu red pullover side zip a favorite, the navy blue with thin white stripe heavy winer coat with mid bicept velcro pocket if it was sold today i would buy 5, for the life of me I cannot believe my navy blue with white stripe goretex powderhound one piece suit cannot be seen on the slopes today, the chessmate waist tie velcro fly pants were so comfortable, my little league baseball coach worked for breezin used to get us everything from the outlet I designed a baseball uniform with breezin logo and stripes that would have been my million dollar idea
Heather A - May 27, 2021 - Report this comment
My parents wouldn't buy one for me back when because they said it was a fad! Ha! A fad that lasted at least 6 years. I want one so bad!! Bring it back!!!!!!
Bud Bakker - November 10, 2021 - Report this comment
I love seeing all these comments, and YES, a re birth of Breezin would be great! I had a Navy Blue with Horizontal Blue stripes for all my days of skiing at Stevens, Crystal, and Sun Valley. I also wore that darn jacket every day from October through early May when I went to college in Michigan. I never saw another jacket like mine in Michigan and I couldn't for for more than a few days without someone asking me where I got my Jacket! Oh, btw,, I bought it at The Squire Shop, and of course the gal helping me said, "oh man,, that coat looks great on ya". Being a long haired High Schooler and having a gorgeous "Older" (I was 16 and she was like 18 so a real older woman lol) I figured hey, I better get the Jacket. Anyway,,,, yes,,, bring em back. I'll buy at least 2 :). Maybe an XL this time (and please dont have that elastic waist band this time as my, um, errrr, shoulders seem to be a bit wider ). Think I'll check out the Breezin FB group. Have a great day everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Bud

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