The Goggle Jacket is perhaps the most recognisable design by C.P. Company: a jacket with integrated lenses in the hood. When you hear the name C.P. Company, you almost immediately think of those characteristic goggles — a detail that started as functional and grew into a design icon. In this buying guide, we discuss the brand's origins, explain the Goggle Jacket in detail, go into materials and garment dyeing, provide sizing advice and care tips, and compare C.P. Company with Stone Island — so you can choose the right C.P. Company jacket with confidence.
The origins: Massimo Osti and C.P. Company
C.P. Company was founded in 1971 by Massimo Osti, a self-taught designer who would forever change Italian sportswear. Osti approached clothing as an engineer: he studied military uniforms, workwear and technical textiles, and translated that functionality into wearable fashion. His designs were not about eye-catching logos, but about thoughtful construction and innovative fabrics. That philosophy made C.P. Company a pioneer of what we now call 'techwear', and laid the foundation for a loyal group of enthusiasts who value the brand for its substance, not its showiness.
The Goggle Jacket explained
The story of the cp company goggle begins in 1988, when Osti designed a jacket for participants in the Mille Miglia, the legendary Italian car rally. The drivers raced in open classic cars and needed protection against wind, dust and rain. Osti's solution was as practical as it was brilliant: he integrated transparent lenses into the hood, so the wearer could continue looking without a separate pair of glasses, and added a second lens on the sleeve to read the watch without unzipping the jacket. What started as pure function became the brand's trademark. The lens-hood now appears on numerous models, from lightweight overshirts to sturdy winter jackets, and it makes every Goggle Jacket instantly recognisable.
Materials, garment dyeing and innovation
No brand is more associated with garment dyeing than C.P. Company. In this technique, the complete garment is dyed after production, rather than the fabric beforehand. The result is a rich, vibrant colour depth with subtle variations, and a worn, personal appearance that is subtly different for each piece. Osti experimented endlessly with technical fabrics: from the tightly woven cotton of the Goggle Jacket to innovations such as the famous coated and laminated materials that the brand continues to refine to this day. Expect thoughtful details on a C.P. Company jacket — robust two-way zips, adjustable cuffs, functional pockets and of course the characteristic lens-hood. Find the full range in the C.P. Company men's jackets.
Sizing advice and fit
C.P. Company generally fits true to size, with plenty of room to wear a jumper or hoodie underneath. Torn between two sizes? For a tight, urban silhouette, choose your usual size; if you want to comfortably layer or prefer a roomier fit, size up. The overshirts and lighter models tend to fit slightly roomier than the tailored jackets, so always pay attention to the specific model. A Goggle Jacket looks best when the hood sits flat and tight, so try on the fit with the hood up if possible.
Care: keeping your jacket in top condition
A C.P. Company jacket will last for years if you look after it properly. Always follow the care instructions on the label, as garment-dyed fabrics and technical coatings require a gentle approach. Wash on a low spin at a low temperature with a mild, colour-protecting detergent and avoid harsh bleach or fabric softeners, which can damage the coating. Close zips and buttons before washing to prevent damage, and let the jacket air dry rather than using a tumble dryer. The transparent lenses in the hood are easily cleaned with a damp, soft cloth — use no abrasive materials. Store the jacket in the summer season loosely, so that the shape and colour depth are retained.
Comparing C.P. Company with Stone Island
Anyone who delves into C.P. Company will inevitably encounter Stone Island — and that is no coincidence. Both brands stem from the work of Massimo Osti, who launched Stone Island under the C.P. Company umbrella in 1982. Yet the two have their own character. C.P. Company is understated and functional, with the goggles as a quiet statement; Stone Island is more outspoken and wears the recognisable compass badge prominently on the sleeve. Looking for a more refined, fashionable alternative in premium down jackets, then a Moncler jacket is worth considering. Explore further in our Stone Island buying guide and the Moncler buying guide, or read how the brands compare in our comparison of men's winter jacket brands. Want a more robust, military-inspired alternative? Then also check out our Parajumpers buying guide.
Buying C.P. Company at Eleganza
Eleganza is an official stockist of C.P. Company. You order with free shipping, fast delivery and easy returns, and with decades of experience in premium fashion, we're happy to help you find the right model and size. Whether you're looking for your first Goggle Jacket or expanding your wardrobe with a technical overshirt: browse all men's jackets or dive straight into the complete C.P. Company collection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the lenses for?
Originally to see through during wind and rain; now mainly an iconic design detail.
What is the difference with Stone Island?
Both brands stem from the work of Massimo Osti. C.P. Company is functional and understated; Stone Island is more outspoken with the compass badge.
View the full C.P. Company collection. Eleganza is an official stockist — free shipping and easy returns.
