Our Story
We Build Outerwear for Men Who've Earned the Right to Expect More
Balford was founded on a simple belief: men over 45 deserve jackets that fit properly, last for years, and don't make compromises on quality or style.
"I spent 30 years watching my father freeze in cheap jackets that fell apart. Balford exists because that's not good enough."
Founder
Winter 2019 — Testing our first prototype in northern Minnesota
Where It Started
We Saw a Problem Nobody Was Solving
Walk into any department store and try to find a quality winter jacket for a man over 50. You'll find two options: overpriced designer labels that prioritize fashion over function, or cheap imports that fall apart after one season.
Neither respects the customer. Neither understands what men our age actually need — jackets that fit a mature body, keep us warm without bulk, and don't look like we're trying too hard or gave up entirely.
We started Balford because we believed men who've worked hard their whole lives deserve outerwear that works just as hard for them.
Three years, 47 prototypes, and thousands of customer conversations later — we think we've built something worth wearing.
What We Believe
Three Principles We Won't Compromise
Every decision we make — from fabric selection to customer service — runs through these filters.
Quality Over Quantity
We'd rather sell you one jacket that lasts 10 years than 10 jackets that last one year each. Our margins are lower, but our customers come back — and they bring their friends.
Respect the Customer
No fake urgency. No manipulative marketing. No pretending a $89 jacket is "worth $400." We tell you what it costs to make, why it's priced the way it is, and let you decide.
Stand Behind It
If something goes wrong, we fix it. No runaround, no fine print, no "that's not covered." You took a chance on us — the least we can do is make sure you never regret it.
The Details Matter
Built Different. On Purpose.
We obsess over the small things because that's where cheap jackets cut corners — and where quality jackets earn their keep.
Premium Insulation
Rated to -20°F. Warmth without the bulk that makes you look like the Michelin Man.
YKK Zippers
The same zippers used by premium outdoor brands. They won't jam, stick, or fail.
Reinforced Stress Points
Double-stitched at shoulders, elbows, and pockets. The places cheap jackets rip first.
Water-Resistant Shell
DWR coating sheds rain and snow. Your morning stays dry, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Satisfied Customers
Average Rating
Return Rate
Average Lifespan
From Real Customers
Men Like You, Saying It Better Than We Could
"I'm 62 years old. I've owned jackets from Patagonia, North Face, Barbour — you name it. This Balford quilted jacket is the first one that actually fits my body the way a jacket should. Not too tight in the shoulders, not too long in the torso. Just right. My wife says I look 10 years younger. I'll take it."
"Ordered on Monday, arrived Thursday. Fit was perfect right out of the box. No returns needed. That alone is worth the price — I've wasted more money on ill-fitting jackets than I care to admit."
"Had a small issue with a zipper pull. Emailed customer service at 9pm, had a response by 7am with a replacement already shipped. That's how you do business."
Our Promise
You Shouldn't Need Faith to Buy a Jacket
We know you've been burned before — jackets that looked great online and terrible in person, customer service that disappeared after the sale, "quality" that lasted one season. We get it. So we've removed every reason to hesitate.
30-Day Free Returns
Don't like it? Send it back. We cover shipping both ways.
Lifetime Quality Guarantee
If it fails due to materials or workmanship — ever — we fix or replace it.
Real Human Support
US-based team. Average response time under 4 hours.
Ready to See What Quality Feels Like?
Join 47,000+ men who decided they were done settling for jackets that don't measure up. Your perfect layer is waiting.
