We offer different sizing depending
on the product type:

 Jackets:

We have two kinds of jackets:
• Ready-to-Order Jackets – These have already been produced and are available in the size shown on the product page.
• Tailor-Made Jackets – These are made to order from recycled kitesurf sails. Before we cut the material, you can select your preferred size based on your chest measurement. Once we receive your measurements, you can place the order and production begins.

 T-Shirts:

Our tees have a relaxed, oversized ordering one size down from your usual size.

Hoodies:

Hoodies follow standard sizing. Simply order your usual size for the best fit.

More detail:

For detailed measurements, check out our [Size Guide] before ordering.

Our Upwind product starts with a real kite that’s lived its share of waves and wind. Before transforming it into something new, we go through a careful preparation process:

1. Cleaning: The sails are first rinsed with fresh water to remove sea salt, sand, and any residue from the ocean.

2. Disassembly: We take the kite apart piece by piece — removing the lines and the bladder.

3. Material sorting: Each kite is made from two main fabrics — Dacron and Ripstop. We reuse them differently across our products depending on their strength, texture, and colour.

By respecting the material’s story and structure, we ensure every Upwind item keeps a bit of the spirit of the sea it once sailed. 🌬️

Jackets & Caps:

A kitesurf sail is made of two key materials: about 85% Ripstop and 15% Dacron.

• Ripstop is light yet incredibly strong — it forms the canopy of the kite and catches the wind.

• Dacron is dense and sturdy, built to resist abrasion from sand and friction when the kite lies on the beach waiting to take flight.

Once the kite has been cleaned and dismantled, we map it out in 2D and import it into our design software. There, we visualize and design the jacket digitally to see exactly how it will look — pattern, color, and layout — before making the first cut. Since every sail is unique and cutting cannot be undone, this step ensures precision and preserves the kite’s original beauty in its new form.

We use Dacron to reinforce high-friction zones like elbows, pockets, and armpits, ensuring both strength and longevity. The rest of the Ripstop and Dacron is transformed into our signature caps, giving each piece a distinct pattern and story.

Bags:

Since April 2024, we’ve partnered with a factory in Sri Lanka that manufactures kites,
parachutes, and windsurf sails. Together, we recycle their production off-cuts — materials that would otherwise go to waste — into unique, durable Upwind bags. Each accessory carries the same DNA: built for adventure, born from purpose.

Absolutely. We love helping riders give their old kites a second life to make their unique jacket.Once we receive your kite at our workshop, our team will contact you to schedule a video call. Together, we’ll design
your own unique jacket, choosing the layout, size, and key details before production begins.

Your kite already carries stories of wind and waves — we simply help it keep flying, in a new form.

If you’re interested, book your transformation here

Note: To create a jacket, we need a sufficient amount of usable fabric. If you’re unsure whether your kite is too old or too torn, please email us at upwind.world@gmail.com with a few photos and details about your kite — we’ll be happy to help you assess if it’s suitable for transformation.

We’d love that — thank you for helping us give more kites a second life.Simply fill out the contact form with a few details about your kite and your location. Our team will get in touch to organize the collection that works best for you.

Every donation helps us turn more wind and waves into purpose.

Most of our products are proudly made in Sri Lanka, where we collaborate with a network of trusted local partners — each specialized in a different part of our production, from jacket making to bag manufacturing.

Sri Lanka is also where it all began for Upwind. It’s where Dimitri first recycled his own kite, bringing it to a small tailor near his local kite spot. From there, he connected with a larger factory in Colombo, and over time, built relationships with several factory owners who now help craft every Upwind piece. We’ve chosen to keep production there not only for the craftsmanship and expertise in technical textiles, but also because it’s home to the factories where most kites are originally produced — closing the loop where it all began.

The cotton from our T-shirts is made in Bangladesh and we make the designs and do the printing of the t-shirts in France.

Jackets:

Each Upwind jacket is crafted from authentic kitesurf sails that have spent years under the sun, wind, and sea salt.Because of this, the original waterproof coating on the Ripstop fabric naturally wears off over time — meaning we cannot guarantee full waterproofness. Every kite has its own history and level of wear, making each jacket uniquely resistant to rain.

After production, we apply a waterproofing treatment to improve protection against light rain and splashes. However, if you’re caught in heavy rain, you’ll likely get wet — part of the charm of wearing a piece that’s truly lived the elements. 🌦️

Caps:

Our caps are crafted from the same upcycled kite materials as our jackets, giving them a natural resistance to light rain and sea spray, but they’re not fully waterproof.
The back panels are made from recycled cotton, adding comfort and breathability though this material isn’t water-resistant. 

Bags:

Our bags are made from factory off-cuts that haven’t been exposed to the elements. The material is in near-new condition and retains its original waterproof coating, making our bags fully waterproof and ready for any adventure.