Daiso’s new 5,000 KRW (about $3 USD) windbreakers are the affordable closet refresh everyone’s buzzing about as spring approaches.
On Feb. 23, Daiso rolled out three nylon windbreakers: a lightweight zip-up, a hooded zip-up, and a cropped windbreaker. Each style is priced at 5,000 KRW (about $3 USD).
That price is a game changer compared with typical brand windbreakers, which can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of KRW. Many outdoor and sports labels charge well over 100,000 KRW (about $66 USD) for high-performance options.
The lightweight zip-up folds into an internal pocket for easy carrying and has a waist drawstring to keep drafts out. The hooded style features banded cuffs and a roomy hood, making it a handy, no-fuss outer layer. The cropped version leans casual with a shorter cut and a kangaroo pocket. All three come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Shoppers snapped them up quickly. Stores reported rapid sell-through right after they hit the shelves, and several items and sizes on Daisomall were briefly out of stock.
In-store shoppers said the designs look comparable to name-brand pieces, the fit is surprisingly decent, and the jackets are great for layering or wearing casually to work. Online reviewers echoed that the items are far cheaper than other budget options yet still feel well made.
The windbreakers’ popularity ties into a broader surge in Daiso’s apparel business. The retailer reported that apparel sales from January through November last year rose about 70% year over year, and its clothing assortment has expanded to roughly 800 items.
Industry watchers say the trend reflects shoppers prioritizing value amid high inflation and a sluggish economy. Statistics Korea notes that sales of semi-durable goods—like clothing, shoes, and bags—fell for three straight years from 2023 through 2025, marking the longest contraction since records began in 1995.
Daiso says it will continue expanding its clothing lineup, including pieces for spring and fall.
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