Creeping Past
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,567
- Location
- England
I'm looking for a stylish coat that I can go hillwalking in. It'll need to be warm, windproof and fairly water-resistant, although I only need up to 2 to 3 hours protection to cope with changeable British weather; I'll not be putting my life on the line in the wilderness in this garment.
I've already seen some great posts and pics on on FL, especially on the excellent Adventurer's Gear thread. Now, having researched various styles from the early 20th century to the 1950s that will offer relative freedom of movement and ease of use (wool cruiser, gebirgsjaeger windjacke, cotton ventile smock or jacket, ventile-lined tweed, etc.) my knowledge of clothing history is at its outer limits. And still no coat via the internet or other retailers.
There are a couple of things on the market that come close, including a Purdey shooting jacket that is near, but just misses the mark, and is £650 (about $1300) and the West Winds antarctic smock, which is pleasingly near in tone to a proper Arctic parka but is a little 'technical' and cannot be customised by the maker beyond certain tweaks to the hood and cuffs — not to mention various military repro items that may or may not be waterproof, etc.
Since I can't find a stylish jacket currently on the market offering the three things I need — warmth, windproofing and water-resistance — I'm going to have to get a coat made. So I'm looking for ideas to supplement my initial hunch to have my local tailor run up a version of the Purdey jacket with a bit more style to it.
Has anyone else gone the same route with outerwear? Were the garments successful? Do you still wear them? Do you have any advice on tailoring, cut or fabric?
Edit: Thanks, nobodyspecial. I should have mentioned that this coat will be worn over layers of wool, silk and cotton appropriate to the conditions.
I've already seen some great posts and pics on on FL, especially on the excellent Adventurer's Gear thread. Now, having researched various styles from the early 20th century to the 1950s that will offer relative freedom of movement and ease of use (wool cruiser, gebirgsjaeger windjacke, cotton ventile smock or jacket, ventile-lined tweed, etc.) my knowledge of clothing history is at its outer limits. And still no coat via the internet or other retailers.
There are a couple of things on the market that come close, including a Purdey shooting jacket that is near, but just misses the mark, and is £650 (about $1300) and the West Winds antarctic smock, which is pleasingly near in tone to a proper Arctic parka but is a little 'technical' and cannot be customised by the maker beyond certain tweaks to the hood and cuffs — not to mention various military repro items that may or may not be waterproof, etc.
Since I can't find a stylish jacket currently on the market offering the three things I need — warmth, windproofing and water-resistance — I'm going to have to get a coat made. So I'm looking for ideas to supplement my initial hunch to have my local tailor run up a version of the Purdey jacket with a bit more style to it.
Has anyone else gone the same route with outerwear? Were the garments successful? Do you still wear them? Do you have any advice on tailoring, cut or fabric?
Edit: Thanks, nobodyspecial. I should have mentioned that this coat will be worn over layers of wool, silk and cotton appropriate to the conditions.