ISPO Award Winner 2025: Kolon Sport Valley Pro Jacket

The Valley Pro Jacket was created with a clear goal, according to the product team: »to merge rugged outdoor functionality with a quiet, design-led aesthetic suitable for contemporary city environments«. Kolon Sport set out to target an audience aged 25–35, who are educated, mobile, and intentional about quality. And who seek garments that transition fluidly between indoor and outdoor situations.

This ambition rests on the brand’s strong heritage in technical outerwear, but the execution prioritizes subtlety. As the team describes it, the jacket embodies a philosophy of “rugged on the outside, refined on the inside.” 

Waist seams, 3D patterning, and a tailored silhouette create clean lines, while visual identity is expressed through four structured pleats rather than bold logos—appealing to users who view understated style as a mark of status.

At the centre of the Valley Pro Jacket’s technical performance is a GORE-TEX PRO 3-layer construction, engineered to deliver four essentials: windproofness, waterproofing, breathability, and water repellency. The microporous ePTFE membrane prevents external moisture from entering, while enabling heat and vapor to escape which is critical for comfort during busy commutes or changing weather. 

A durable DWR further enhances water resistance, ensuring the jacket maintains high performance even during long periods of urban rain or heavy downpours. Unlike conventional shells that can feel stiff or overly technical in daily use, the Valley Pro is designed to handle both weather and wardrobe with equal ease.

Kolon Sport’s design team chose to express identity through construction rather than graphics. Muted colour palettes, refined cuts, and concealed pockets contribute to a minimalist look that remains functional but never loud. The four signature pleats on the front—housing the chest and hand pockets—serve as the jacket’s visual anchor, echoing the linear form of the iconic Kolon Sport tree logo without overt branding. 

Laminated zippers reduce friction noise and create a continuous surface, supporting the jacket’s “quiet outdoor” aesthetic—an emerging trend in urban performance wear where subtlety replaces showmanship.

Real-world usability was central to the Valley Pro Jacket’s development. The back, shoulders, and elbows feature curved ergonomic panels for smoother mobility during commuting, cycling, or light outdoor activity. 3D tailoring minimizes excess material, sharpening the profile while enhancing movement. 

Natural, low-saturation colours allow the jacket to pair easily with office attire as well as outdoor gear, bridging environments without signaling a dramatic aesthetic shift.

Kolon Sport frames sustainability not only through materials but also through longevity. The Valley Pro Jacket uses a recycled nylon 6 in its GORE-TEX PRO construction, reducing CO₂ impact by 23% per m². It is PFAS-free, features solution-dyed components to lower water use, and is bluesign and Oeko-Tex certified.

Strict craftsmanship standards and durable materials aim to extend the product’s life cycle, reducing the need for replacement and encouraging a shift toward conscious consumption. Its versatility across settings further reduces the number of garments needed for daily life—an intentional contrast to fast-fashion turnover.

The Valley Pro Jacket shines in real-world urban weather. Its weatherproof construction shields during heavy rain, while its refined, tailored look maintains a professional appearance. The laminated zippers, subtle pleats, and ergonomic cut ensure comfort in motion, whether navigating public transport, walking across campus, or heading into the hills for a hiking adventure.

Kolon Sport’s approach of balancing protection, subtle identity, and long-term durability makes the Valley Pro Jacket an adaptable companion for daily use.

• GORE-TEX PRO performance tailored for daily and urban outdoor use

• Minimalist identity expressed through subtle pleats and quiet detailing

• Fit optimized for Asian body proportions with refined 3D tailoring

• Recycled and PFAS-free materials with Bluesign & Oeko-Tex certifications

• Long-lasting construction promoting conscious consumption