If you've watched Premier League football over the past few seasons, you've likely noticed something beyond the tactics and touchline drama: the sharp, minimalist jackets worn by some of the world's top managers. Erik ten Hag's sleek black coat at Old Trafford. Pep Guardiola's understated technical jacket at the Etihad. Both are wearing UBR.
The Norwegian outerwear brand has quietly become the jacket of choice for Premier League managers who need performance, style, and the ability to look sharp in front of millions of viewers, often while standing in torrential Manchester rain.
Why Premier League Managers Choose UBR
Managing a top-flight football club means spending hours on exposed touchlines in unpredictable British weather. You need outerwear that performs under pressure, looks professional on camera, and doesn't restrict movement when you're frantically gesturing at your full-backs.
UBR was designed for exactly this environment. Founded in Norway and shaped by Scandinavian winters, these jackets offer:
- 20,000mm waterproof rating - the same level used in mountaineering gear
- 20,000g/24h breathability - prevents overheating during intense 90 minutes
- Tailored, minimal design - looks as good in the boardroom as on the touchline
- Lightweight technical fabrics - unrestricted movement without bulk
For managers like ten Hag and Guardiola, who are constantly under the spotlight, this combination of function and form is non-negotiable.
Erik ten Hag's UBR Regulator Jacket
The Jacket: UBR Regulator Jacket in Black
Manchester United's previous manager has been spotted consistently wearing the Regulator. It's become as much a part of his touchline presence as his tactical adjustments.
Why This Jacket Works: The Regulator is UBR's flagship piece. A clean-lined, mid-length coat that balances protection with mobility.
Key features include:
- PrimaLoft® Black insulation - superior warmth-to-weight ratio
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating - rain beads off the surface
- Magnetic closures - easy to adjust without fumbling with zips
- Stretch panels - freedom of movement
- Internal device pockets - keeps tactics boards and phones protected
The Regulator sits at that perfect intersection of technical performance and understated elegance. It doesn't scream for attention (very Scandinavian), but anyone who knows outerwear recognises quality when they see it.
Styling Off the Touchline: While ten Hag wears his over a suit, the Regulator is versatile enough for:
- Smart-casual with chinos and a rollneck
- Weekend wear over jeans and a hoodie
- Commuter wear for cycling or walking in wet weather
Pep Guardiola's UBR Titan Parka
The Jacket: UBR Titan Parka
Guardiola has been photographed in the Titan during Manchester City's colder fixtures - a longer, more insulated option for deep winter matches.
Why This Works for Pep: The Titan is UBR's most protective piece, designed for harsh Nordic conditions. Features include:
- Down insulation with PrimaLoft® panels - maximum warmth
- Extended length - protects against wind and rain
- Technical shell fabric - fully windproof and waterproof
- Clean silhouette - no unnecessary bulk despite the insulation
- Adjustable hood - can be stowed when not needed
Guardiola's choice reflects someone who understands that looking sharp and staying warm aren't mutually exclusive. The Titan maintains UBR's minimal aesthetic while offering serious cold-weather protection.
The Technology Behind UBR: Why It Outperforms
UBR isn't just another fashion brand slapping a logo on generic outerwear. The technology is what sets it apart:
Regulator™ Membrane System:
Waterproofing:
- 20,000mm (for context, anything above 10,000mm is considered "highly waterproof")
- Breathability: 20,000g/24h (prevents that clammy feeling during intense activity)
- Windproof construction
Fabric Innovation:
- PrimaLoft® Black Insulation Eco - warmth even when wet, made from 60% recycled content
- Four-way stretch fabrics in strategic zones
- Ripstop reinforcements in high-wear areas
Thoughtful Design:
- Magnetic closures instead of velcro (quieter, smoother)
- Device-specific internal pockets Laser-cut ventilation zones Ergonomic cut based on body mapping
- This isn't outerwear designed by a fashion house and engineered later. It's engineering-first design that happens to look exceptional.
Other Managers in the UBR Club
While ten Hag and Guardiola are the most visible adopters, they're not alone. Other managers and sports professionals have been spotted in UBR:
- Various Premier League coaching staff NFL coaches during UK games
- International rugby coaches
- High-performance athletes across disciplines
The common thread? Professionals who need reliable performance and can't afford to look dishevelled on camera.
How to Style UBR Jackets: Beyond the Touchline
The Regulator Jacket:
For Work: Layer over a suit or tailored separates. The mid-length design works perfectly over a blazer without adding bulk. Pair with leather shoes or clean trainers.
For Weekend: Throw it over a crew-neck sweatshirt, dark denim, and leather boots. The minimal design means it won't clash with casual pieces.
For Active Use: Hiking, or dog walks in rough weather. The technical specs mean it'll actually protect you, not just look good.
The Titan Parka:
For Winter Commuting: Over a shirt and jumper for serious cold-weather protection without looking like you're heading to the Arctic.
For Travel: Perfect for unpredictable European city breaks where you might face rain, wind, and cold in the same afternoon.
For Outdoor Events: Football matches, outdoor concerts, or any situation where you're stationary in cold weather for extended periods.
Why UBR Works for the British Climate
Norway and the UK share something crucial: utterly unpredictable weather. UBR was designed for Oslo's harsh winters and rainy summers, which translates perfectly to Manchester, Liverpool, or Newcastle conditions.
British weather demands:
- Waterproofing that actually works - not just "water-resistant"
- Breathability - because you're cycling to the station, then sitting on a train, then walking through rain
- Layering capability - morning might be 5°C, afternoon could be 15°C
- Durability - you need one jacket that handles all of it
UBR delivers on all counts. It's why you see it on Premier League touchlines and increasingly on the streets of British cities.
The UBR Difference: Investment vs. Fast Fashion
Let's address the obvious: UBR jackets aren't cheap. The Regulator typically retails around £550-650. The Titan pushes towards £800-900.
But here's the value proposition:
Per-Wear Cost: If you wear it 100 times a year for 5+ years (entirely realistic given the durability), that Regulator works out to less than £1.50 per wear. Compare that to replacing a £150 high-street jacket every 18 months.
Performance That Lasts: The technical fabrics don't degrade like cheaper alternatives. The DWR coating can be refreshed. The insulation maintains loft even after hundreds of wears.
Timeless Design: UBR deliberately avoids trend-driven design. A Regulator bought today will still look current in 2030 because it was never "trendy" to begin with - it's just well-designed.
Resale Value: Quality outerwear from respected brands holds value. A well-maintained UBR jacket will likely sell for 50-60% of retail even after several years.
Shopping UBR at Ragazzi: Why Buy From Us
As an official UBR stockist, Ragazzi currently (as of January 2026) offers:
- Full UK range - including styles not available everywhere
- Expert sizing advice - call us and we'll help you get it right first time
- Free UK delivery on orders over £50
- Next day delivery available for urgent needs
- Hassle-free returns - try it at home, return if it's not perfect
- Established since the 1990s - we understand premium menswear
Unlike buying from faceless online retailers, when you shop UBR at Ragazzi, you're getting decades of menswear expertise. We stock these jackets because we genuinely believe they're the best technical outerwear available, not because of margin calculations.
The Premier League Effect: From Touchline to Street
There's something satisfying about wearing the same jacket as a Premier League manager - not because of celebrity worship, but because it validates your choice. If Pep Guardiola, who has access to unlimited sponsorships and free gear from every brand on earth, chooses to pay for his own UBR jacket, that tells you something.
The Premier League touchline has become an unexpected showcase for functional menswear. Managers can't hide behind filters or clever photography. They're filmed in 4K for 90+ minutes in real weather conditions. If a jacket looks good and performs well under that scrutiny, it'll work for the rest of us.
Final Thoughts: Is UBR Worth It?
If you need outerwear that:
- Actually keeps you dry in proper rain
- Looks sharp enough for professional contexts
- Doesn't restrict movement
- Lasts for years rather than seasons Reflects Scandinavian design sensibility
Then yes, UBR is worth every penny. If you want a jacket with obvious branding, trend-driven design, or "look at me" details, you'll be disappointed. UBR is for people who appreciate quiet quality and engineering-first design.
Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola aren't wearing UBR for sponsorship deals. They're wearing it because when you're managing a football club worth billions, standing in front of millions of viewers, in unpredictable weather, you need outerwear that simply works.
And increasingly, that's what British men are discovering too.
Shop the UBR Collection at Ragazzi
Browse our full range of UBR jackets, including the Regulator, Titan, Storm Coat, and Sonic Gilet. All backed by expert advice and hassle-free returns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What jacket does Erik ten Hag wear?
Erik ten Hag wears the UBR Regulator Jacket in black. It's a mid-length technical coat with 20,000mm waterproofing and PrimaLoft insulation.
Q: What size UBR Regulator should I buy?
UBR fits true to size with a tailored cut. If you plan to layer over suits or heavy knitwear, consider sizing up. Contact us for personalised sizing advice.
Q: Are UBR jackets worth the price?
Yes, if you value durability, technical performance, and timeless design. UBR jackets typically last 5+ years with regular wear, offering better value-per-wear than cheaper alternatives.
Q: Do UBR jackets ever go on sale?
Occasionally, yes. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified of any UBR promotions or new stock arrivals.
Q: What's the difference between the Regulator and the Titan?
The Regulator is a mid-length jacket ideal for everyday wear. The Titan is a longer parka with heavier insulation for extreme cold. Both offer the same waterproofing and build quality.
Q: Can I wear UBR jackets for outdoor activities?
Absolutely. While they look sharp enough for urban wear, the technical specs (20,000mm waterproofing, breathability, insulation) make them genuinely capable for hiking, and outdoor pursuits.
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