We chose a navy cotton gabardine for this simple raincoat. Gabardine was created as an alternative to the heavy woollen overcoats worn in WWI trenches because it is lightweight, strong, shower proof opposed to the wool coats that would get waterlogged. Gabardine cottons went from being used in war to being used in early sport’s clothing, especially fishing as a fishing hook would never get caught in a gabardine cotton jacket unlike its woolen predecessor where it would snag on the loose fibres
The lining is a 50/50 viscose cupro twill; a high-quality and robust choice from Bernstein & Banleys, a British lining company founded in 1953.
We offset the navy cotton gabardine with black lip mother of pearl buttons. Taken from the troca shell, these dark buttons occasionally catch the light and harmoniously reflect the cloth they sit on.
This coat is all about ultimate function and simplicity. Fastening high on the neck with an antique brass clasp and in cotton gabardine it acts as all year-round protection from light showers and moderate winds. It’s light enough to be worn over a t-shirt in warmer temperatures but tough enough to guard you in colder climates. The front pockets are storm pockets where a pocket welt overlaps the natural direction of entry keeping contents and your hands drier and out of the elements. Its sharp cut and softly tailored structure enables it to transition from shielding a suit to accompanying denim and trainers.
