Triple F.A.T. Goose is considered to be an original urban outdoor brand that was founded in 1987 at the height of the “Golden Age of Hip-hop.” With F.A.T. standing for “For Arctic Temperatures,” the outerwear brand originally sought to manufacture engineered jackets to withstand the harsh weather of New York City and other metropolitan areas in the US.

With its introduction to the jacket industry during the time, the company reportedly did not invest in any marketing campaigns, but let its products speak for themselves.

Triple F.A.T. Goose jackets are said to be one of the biggest fashion trends for men in the 80s, thanks in part to rappers and hip-hop artists at the time who donned the jacket in their performances and music videos.

80s Triple F.A.T. Goose Jackets

To understand why and how these jackets became a 1980s cultural icon, we need to understand how they came to be. Founded in 1987, with the ethos, “For Arctic Temperatures,” Triple F.A.T. Goose was a manufacturer of puffer jackets that were lined with actual goose down to provide warmth to its wearer. The collar also sometimes had fake fur to add style and more warmth, with the outer fabric consisting of bold colors and patterns, as well as unique details such as pockets and vents.

Triple F.A.T. Goose was also the very first brand to produce goose leather jackets, which were popular with New York hustlers, whose style hip-hop artists in New York emulated. Because it was a jacket that was worn heavily by urbanites in metropolitan cities, rappers and hip-hop groups famously wore them, which fans also copied throughout the US for the rest of the late 80s and well into the early 90s.

The jackets were referred to as “Gooses,” in the 80s, and rappers casually mentioned them in their songs, which translated to sales, and thus, fuelling the popularity of the jacket even more. It was the jacket of choice for men who braved the cool climates of America’s cities at night, particularly performers who had to endure the chilly fall and winter nights to perform on stage. Even rappers today sometimes wear Triple Fat Goose coats as an homage to the earlier rap scene.

Aside from providing warmth to the wearer, the jackets were also designed with bold colors and patterns, but they were also affordable, which was something the average individual could purchase. And because the quality was high and the jackets were durable, people could buy one and could continue to wear them for years.

Run DMC was one of the popular artists to don Triple F.A.T. Goose jackets in the 80s, as they represented the true epitome of New York street style. The jackets weren’t just worn for function as men rode the subway or hung out in streets in the cold New York winters, but they became a fashion statement, together with baggy pants and trainers.

Triple F.A.T. Goose Jackets’ Influence

Aside from being a jacket popularly worn by New York hustlers and rappers, ski fashion was also hip and trendy in the 80s, which added to the clothing’s popularity during the decade. And because it was so popular at the time, countless brands copied the style, which included high fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren.

However, it was the original Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket with its heavy insulation, and their original Goose leather jacket that really represented true fashion icons in the 80s. Today, old-school and retro Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket collections are still being made by the brand, which still represents the brand’s original ethos, which was to make engineered jackets “For Arctic Temperatures.”