Nike just unveiled its most innovative outerwear yet - the Therma-FIT Air Milano jacket that athletes can inflate or deflate in seconds to regulate body temperature. Set to debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, this isn't your typical puffer jacket. It leverages Nike's signature air bladder technology from sneakers to create adaptive insulation that transforms from heavy winter coat to lightweight hoodie at the push of a button.
Nike is rewriting the rules of Olympic outerwear with technology that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie. The company's new Therma-FIT Air Milano jacket can transform from full winter insulation to lightweight layer in seconds, giving athletes unprecedented control over their body temperature without the hassle of adding or removing clothing layers. Team USA will debut these adaptive jackets during medal ceremonies at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, marking a new chapter in performance athletic wear.
The breakthrough lies in Nike's decision to apply its decades of air cushioning expertise from footwear to apparel. The jacket uses a soft but durable two-layer composite laminate material embedded with air bladders that can be inflated or deflated on command. When fully inflated, the jacket provides maximum insulation by trapping body heat. Deflate it, and you're left with something comparable to a lightweight hoodie, according to Nike's official announcement.
This isn't Nike's first dance with inflatable apparel. The company originally tested these waters in 2008 with the ACG Airvantage, which required manual inflation like blowing up a balloon. That early experiment laid groundwork for today's sophisticated system. Earlier this year, Nike refined the concept with its ISPA Adapt Sense Air jacket, introducing the compact motorized air pump that now powers the Milano design.
The timing couldn't be more strategic. With climate-controlled venues becoming standard at major sporting events, athletes need gear that adapts quickly to temperature changes between outdoor ceremonies and indoor preparation areas. Traditional puffer jackets stuffed with down or synthetic insulation force athletes to choose between being too hot or too cold, with no middle ground.
Nike's solution addresses a practical problem that extends beyond elite athletics. The Air Milano compresses significantly smaller than traditional puffers when deflated, making it easier to pack for travel. For athletes constantly moving between different climates and venues, this space-saving feature could prove as valuable as the temperature control.
The technology represents Nike's broader push into smart athletic wear, following recent innovations like and . These developments signal Nike's commitment to integrating technology directly into athletic performance rather than treating it as an afterthought.
