The British outerwear icons you’ll wear every autumn

Every autumn in Britain, the same sartorial ritual plays out. 

The air cools, the light softens, and wardrobes across the country awaken from their summer slumber. Out come the classics – the faithful companions that have weathered decades of drizzle, wind, and woodland walks. 

The wax jacket, with its rain-slick heritage and quiet confidence. 

The tweed coat, woven with stories of countryside escapes and windswept picnics. 

The wide-brim hat, tipping elegantly against the rain, its silhouette as timeless as the skyline of an old market town.  

They are more than garments – they are heirlooms in motion. Pieces you don’t just wear, but live in. Season after season, they return, reminding us that style isn’t about chasing trends, but about honouring what works – what lasts. 

This is the story of the British outerwear icons you’ll reach for every autumn. Some of you already know by heart. Others may just be your next great investment. 

The wax jacket – Britain’s ultimate weatherproof icon

There’s a reason the wax jacket has earned a place in every British wardrobe worth its salt (and rainwater). Born from necessity and refined into an icon, it’s as at home striding through windswept moors as it is weaving through cobbled city streets. 

Its secret? A hardy cotton shell, steeped in wax, that laughs in the face of drizzle and deflects the autumn wind like a seasoned pro. The longer you wear it, the better it looks – each crease, mark, and softening in the fabric telling the story of seasons past. 

From country shoots to dog walks to spontaneous pub lunches, the wax jacket moves effortlessly between worlds. Pair it with well-worn boots and a scarf for the Sunday ramble, or throw it over a jumper and jeans for a sharper, town-ready look. 

Why it’s iconic: The wax jacket isn’t just outerwear – it’s a rite of passage. Durable, timeless, and effortlessly practical, it has been shielding Britons from autumn weather for over a century, while somehow never going out of style.

Not just one choice – explore the full lineup of wax jackets built for wherever autumn takes you here.

British outerwear icon #2: the tweed blazer

When the air turns crisp but the days still hold a hint of warmth, the tweed blazer steps up as the ultimate layer. With its rich textures and classic patterns, this isn’t just a jacket – it’s a heritage piece that carries decades of British countryside charm and city sophistication. 

Crafted from finely woven wool, the tweed blazer blends style and function: smart enough for the office, rugged enough for a stroll through the autumn woods. Its versatile cut pairs effortlessly with tailored trousers or your favourite jeans. 

Why it’s iconic: The tweed blazer is a timeless symbol of British elegance and practicality. Its roots stretch back to hunting and country estates, where it was built for both style and resilience. The classic herringbone or check patterns are instantly recognisable, carrying stories of tradition, craftsmanship and understated confidence. It’s the jacket that says you respect your heritage but live in the now. 

Your next classic? It’s right here – from wax jackets to gilets, all made to last.

Icon #3: the classic Merino jumper 

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, the Merino jumper steps up as your ultimate autumn companion. Crafted from soft, breathable Merino wool, it offers the perfect balance of warmth and comfort – keeping you cosy whether you’re wandering country lanes, watching the morning mist rise over the fields, or meeting friends in town. 

Why it’s iconic: Merino wool has been cherished for centuries thanks to its natural ability to regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odours. Our jumper pays homage to timeless Aran knitwear traditions, featuring the cable stitch – a nod to fisherman’s ropes symbolising safety – and the diamond stitch, representing wealth and success. It’s not just knitwear, it’s wearable heritage. 

Ideal for layering under a wax jacket or wearing solo on milder days, its relaxed fit and exceptional warmth make it perfect for long countryside walks, early mornings by the shoot, or cosy fireside moments. Lightweight yet insulated, it moves with you and breathes with you, making every outdoor adventure feel effortlessly stylish. 

Discover our full jumper collection and step into the season with heritage and warmth. 

Icon #4: the layer pro – a gilet 

When the mornings bite but the day promises sunshine, the gilet is your go-to layering hero. Lightweight yet packed with warmth, this sleeveless classic lets you stay nimble while keeping your core cosy. Whether you’re navigating misty moorlands, chasing dogs across the fields, or taking a brisk autumn stroll, the gilet offers unmatched freedom of movement without sacrificing style or function, 

Why it’s iconic: The gilet has roots deep in British outdoor tradition – a practical piece designed to protect your torso while keeping arms unrestricted for the tasks at hand. From gamekeepers to weekend explorers, it’s been a trusted staple for generations. Crafted with durable fabrics and thoughtful details like secure pockets and smart stitching, it’s the perfect blend of ruggedness and refinement. 

Pair it with a classic wax jacket on chilliers days, or layer it over a jumper for those in-between moments. Ready for whatever the British countryside throws your way, the gilet is the understated essential for autumn adventures and beyond. 

Layer smart, move free. Explore our gilet range and complete your autumn armour.

Icon #5: the flat cap – classic cool, every time

The flat cap isn’t just a hat – it’s a testament. Perfect for those crisp autumn days, it’s lightweight yet warm, and its timeless silhouette pairs effortlessly with everything from tweed jackets to casual layers. Whether you’re strolling the countryside or making a city sidewalk your runway, the flat cap brings that unmistakable touch of British heritage to your look. 

Why it’s iconic: Born from working class roots and embraced by country gentlemen and city sophisticates alike, the flat cap is a symbol of effortless style and practicality. Thanks to its protected cotton option, it’s weatherproof enough to keep you dry while maintaining breathability – ideal for unpredictable autumn weather, but all year’s garment, you’re not going to pack away at the end of a season. 

Ready to top off your look? Explore our full range of headwear and find the perfect flat cap to crown your autumn wardrobe.

Now’s the time to make your autumn iconic. Explore our full collection and find the piece that will see you through this season, and many more to come.