Category: Blog Archives

There’s a particular kind of optimism to live in Britain. 

We’ll look at a sky the colour of slate and decide it’ll probably blow over. We’ll plan lunch outside in September. We’ll leave the house in sunshine and somehow find ourselves standing in a field twenty minutes later wondering where the rain came from.

And yet, most of us have quietly learnt the trick.

There’s a jacket in the back of the car. A jumper gets thrown over a shoulder even when it feels unnecessary. The dog walk requires sensible shoes regardless of how blue the sky looked from the kitchen window. And someone, usually the person who has been doing this longest, remembered the waterproof.

It isn’t fussing. It’s simply being prepared.

Country clothing has always been shaped by that same thinking. Long before anyone talked about performance wardrobes, people working and living outdoors needed clothes that could adapt: wool that kept its warmth, waxed cotton that stood between you and the weather, pockets where they were actually useful, and layers that could be added or abandoned as the day changed its mind.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve spent more than four decades designing for those days. 

Because being prepared doesn’t mean knowing exactly what’s coming. 

It means being able to carry on when you don’t. 

Prepared long before the forecast

Of course, dressing for unpredictable weather isn’t a modern problem. 

For generations, the people who spent their days outdoors couldn’t simply abandon them when the weather turned. Farmers still had fields to cross. Fishermen still had boats to take out. Shepherds still had livestock to tend. What they wore had to work around the day, rather than the other way around.

Many of the materials we still rely on grew from that necessity.

Wool provided warmth while remaining naturally breathable. Tweed offered a dense, hard-wearing layer against exposed landscapes. Waxed cotton developed from the simple need to keep water out, eventually becoming synonymous with British outdoor clothing.

There was no great desire to make these things fashionable.

They simply had to work.

Perhaps that’s why they’ve endured. Centuries later, our days may look rather different, but the requirements haven’t changed as much as you might imagine. We still want to stay warm without feeling weighed down. We still need protection when the heavens open. We still appreciate a pocket exactly where a hand naturally reaches for one.

The best solution, it turns out, rarely needs reinventing. 

Sometimes they just need carrying forward. 

The layer you nearly didn’t bring

There’s always one. 

The jumper you almost leave at home because the morning feels warm. The wax jacket you throw into the car “just in case”. The cap that comes along because experience has taught you that sunshine at breakfast says very little about the rest of the day.

By late afternoon, they tend to feel like remarkably good decisions.

Layering has always been one of the simplest ways to prepare for life outdoors. Not piling on everything you own before leaving the house, but choosing pieces that work together as the day changes.

A country shirt might be enough for the morning. A gilet adds warmth without restricting movement. Knitwear takes over as the temperature falls, while a wax jacket provides the final layer when wind or rain arrives.

It’s an uncomplicated system, and perhaps that’s why it has worked for generations.

At Walker & Hawkes, we design our clothing with that relationship in mind. Shirts that sit comfortably beneath knitwear. Gilets that work just as happily over one layer as beneath another. Jackets cut with enough room for the colder months, without becoming something you only reach for in the depths of winter.

Because the most useful piece in your wardrobe is often the one you weren’t entirely sure you’d need. 

Until you do. 

A good pocket is worth its weight in gold

Preparation isn’t always about the weather. 

Sometimes it’s knowing where you put the keys.

Country clothing has always been full of details that make far more sense once you actually spend a day wearing it. Deep pockets. Hand-warmer pockets exactly where cold hands naturally land. Two-way zips that let you move more freely. Adjustable cuffs when the wind picks up. Collars that can be turned up when suddenly September feels rather more like November.

None of these details are particularly glamorous.

That’s rather why we like them.

They exist because somebody, somewhere, needed them. And over time, those practical decisions became part of the character of British country clothing itself.

It’s something we think about when designing at Walker & Hawkes. Not simply how a jacket looks standing still, but what happens when you leave the house in it.

Where will your hands go when they’re cold? Is there somewhere for the dog lead, phone and keys? Can you add another layer underneath? Will you still be comfortable several hours from now?

Because good design doesn’t always announce itself. 

Quite often, you only notice it when exactly what you need is already there. 

The things that live by the door

Every home seems to have them.

The things that never quite make it back to the wardrobe because there wouldn’t be much point.

A wax jacket hanging by the back door. A pair of boots underneath it. The cap that somehow has its own hook. Perhaps a gilet draped over a chair because somebody will be wearing it again before the day is out.

They’re rarely the most carefully stored things we own.

They might, however, be the most useful.

These are the pieces that become part of the rhythm of family life. Pulled on for the school run. Borrowed for a quick trip outside. Stuffed into the car for a weekend away. Reached for when the dog starts looking hopefully at the lead.

Nobody stands at the door considering whether they’re technically dressed for the weather. They simply grab the thing they know will work.

As a family business, perhaps that kind of usefulness means more to us than most. We don’t want Walker & Hawkes to be something you have to think about wearing. 

We’d rather it became the thing you don’t think twice about taking with you. 

Because sometimes being prepared is simply knowing exactly which hook to reach for. 

Ready for whatever the day decides

Being prepared has never meant carrying everything with you. 

Quite the opposite. It’s about knowing what works.

The right jacket. A layer you can add when the temperature drops. A hat that earns its place when the wind gets up. Clothes you’ve worn enough times to trust without having to think about them.

Perhaps that confidence is the real art of it.

Since 1982, our family has been designing clothing for people who spend their lives getting on with things. People with dogs to walk, horses to tend, places to be and plans that won’t be cancelled simply because the forecast has changed.

We can’t promise to know what the British weather will do next.

After more than four decades, we’ve given up trying.

But we can make sure you’re ready for it. 

Whatever the outdoor pursuit, we’ve got you covered. 

There’s a particular point when a piece of clothing stops feeling new and starts feeling like yours. 

The wax jacket has softened at the elbows. The leather buttons have lost a little of their shine. A favourite shirt no longer needs thinking about; you simply reach for it. Even the cap by the back door has taken on a shape that seems to belong to one head and one head only.

We rather like that point.

Because somewhere along the way, we’ve been taught to see signs of wear as something to avoid. A crease, a softened edge, a little character in the cloth,  reasons, perhaps, to start looking for something new.

But some of the finest materials don’t work like that.

Waxed cotton develops a patina. Good wool settles beautifully with wear. Linen becomes softer and more relaxed. Tweed seems entirely comfortable picking up a little countryside along the way.

And perhaps that’s how good clothing should be.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve never wanted to make clothes that spend their lives waiting for the right occasion. We want them out there. Walking the dog. Leaning against the pub garden wall. Sitting around a fire. Packed into the car for weekends away. Worn through unexpected downpours and those rare British afternoons when nobody remembered to bring a coat.

Because after enough years, the little marks we once might have worried about start to tell a rather better story.

Not of something worn out. 

Of something well lived in. 

When wear becomes character

There was a time when a jacket showing its age was considered a rather good thing. 

It meant it had done its job.

A wax coat might have been reproofed at the kitchen table more than once. A tweed jacket softened where hands had repeatedly found the pockets. A jumper developed that familiar shape around the shoulders. Nobody expected these things to look untouched forever. In fact, that was rather the point.

Clothing was bought to be worn.

We think there’s something worth holding onto in that idea.

Take waxed cotton. Fresh from the wardrobe, it can feel structured and almost unfamiliar. Give it a few seasons of rain, cold mornings and being thrown onto the back seat of the car, and something changes. The fabric softens, creases settle into the places you naturally move, and the finish begins to develop a character entirely of its own.

It’s why caring for a wax jacket doesn’t mean trying to return it to the day you bought it. Reproofing restores the protection of the fabric, but the years remain, exactly where they should.

Perhaps the real luxury isn’t keeping something looking new. 

Perhaps it’s owning something long enough to watch it become yours. 

Some materials were never meant to stay perfect

Not every fabric improves by being left alone. 

Linen is a good example. Freshly pressed, it can look wonderfully smart, but give it a summer of wear and it becomes something else entirely. Softer, easier, a little more relaxed. The creases stop looking like something to apologise for and start becoming part of its charm.

Wool has its own way of settling into a life. A Merino jumper becomes familiar around the shoulders. Tweed loses some of its newness without losing the strength that made it such a dependable outdoor fabric in the first place.

And then there’s waxed cotton, perhaps the best example of all. Every fold and faint change in finish records how the jacket has been worn. Look after it, reproof it when it needs it, and those signs of age don’t disappear. Nor should they.

These materials existed long before wardrobes became quite so disposable. They were chosen because they could work hard, be cared for and come back for another season.

It’s one of the reasons we continue to choose them at Walker & Hawkes. 

Not because we expect our clothes to remain exactly as they were on the day you bought them. 

But because we rather hope they won’t. 

The best clothes collect stories

There are things a care label can tell you about a garment. How to wash it. Whether to iron it. How best to keep the fabric looking its best. 

What it can’t tell you is what happens next.

The jacket was bought for one particularly wet holiday that somehow became the dog-walking jacket for the next ten years. The waistcoat that appears in photographs from birthdays, Christmases and weekends away. The cap that has been left in the car, retrieved from the pub, packed into suitcases and borrowed so often that nobody is entirely sure who it belongs to anymore.

Those are the details we love.

As a family business, there’s something genuinely special about knowing that the clothing we first designed here at Walker & Hawkes goes off and becomes part of somebody else’s family life.

We might choose the fabric, consider the fit and fuss over the details. 

But you give it the stories. 

And we think that’s when a piece of clothing becomes worth far more than the sum of its parts. 

Looking after something is part of owning it 

Perhaps we’ve also lost a little of the pleasure that comes from caring for the things we own. 

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about reproofing a wax jacket. Brushing down a favourite hat. Folding good knitwear away properly when winter finally gives way to spring.

They’re small acts, but they change our relationship with our clothes.

A wax jacket doesn’t need replacing because the finish has faded; it needs another coat of wax. A good wool jumper doesn’t become redundant when the season changes; it gets put away carefully until the first cold morning brings it back out again.

For generations, this was simply how clothing was treated. You bought well, looked after what you had, repaired what you could and expected good things to stay with you.

It’s an approach we still believe in.

Because when something has already travelled through years of walks, weekends, weather and family life with you, replacing it with something new can feel rather beside the point. 

Sometimes, the old one is better. 

Made to be worn, not preserved

We don’t expect a Walker & Hawkes jacket to spend its life on a hanger. 

Quite the opposite.

We hope it gets caught in the rain. We hope there are dog treats forgotten in the pockets and a little mud around the hem. We hope the shirt underneath gets rolled at the sleeves when the day warms up, and the cap gets thrown onto the passenger seat ready for tomorrow.

Clothing designed for country life should be allowed to have one.

That doesn’t mean treating it carelessly. It means trusting good materials to do what they were chosen to do, and accepting that a few signs of the journey are part of the bargain.

After all, there’s very little satisfaction in reaching the end of ten years with a perfectly pristine jacket and no stories to tell about where you wore it. 

We’d much rather see one that looks like it’s had a good time. 

A life well lived leaves a mark 

Perhaps that’s what we really mean when we say something gets better with age. 

It isn’t that the fabric stays perfect. It’s that perfection stops being the point.

The softened cuffs, the familiar creases, the places where a jacket has moulded itself around you, they’re evidence of all the ordinary days it has been there for.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve been making clothing for those days since 1982. And more than four decades later, we still think the best compliment you can give something we’ve made is simply to wear it.

Wear it well. Look after it. Take it with you. 

And give it a life worth showing. 

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from something made well. 

You feel it in the weight of a favourite jacket as you pull it from the hook by the back door. In the familiar softness of a shirt that’s been worn so often it feels like it belongs to you alone. In a cap that’s travelled countless miles and somehow seems to look better for it.

These are the things that quietly become part of our lives. Not because they were the newest or the most fashionable, but because they were made with care, chosen with purpose and trusted time and time again.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve always believed that’s how clothing should be.

Since 1982, we’ve been a family-run business, and while the world around us has changed, the principles behind our collections haven’t. We still seek out heritage mills whose reputations have been built over generations. We still choose natural fibres because they’ve spent centuries proving their worth. We still design clothing for real life, for muddy boots by the back door, late summer evenings that call for an extra layer, weekends away, and the traditions that return year after year.

For us, doing things properly has never been about looking backwards.

It’s about creating something that will still feel just as relevant, just as dependable and just as loved many years from now.

Because the best things aren’t simply made to last. 

They’re made to matter. 

Some reputations can’t be rushed

Trust isn’t built overnight. 

It’s earned slowly, through years of doing the same thing exceptionally well. That’s as true for the people who wear our clothing as it is for the people who make the fabrics we choose to work with.

That’s why we’ve never believed in chasing the newest material or the latest innovation simply because it’s new. Instead, we’ve always looked towards makers whose names have become synonymous with quality, not through clever marketing, but through generations of craftsmanship.

Whether it’s Harris Tweed, handwoven in the Outer Hebrides, British Millerain waxed cotton, or the exceptional Irish linen woven by Baird McNutt, every fabric has a story long before it reaches our workshop. These are mills that have spent decades, and in some cases centuries, refining their craft.

We don’t choose them because of their history alone. 

We choose them because that history has been earned.

Clothing should fit around your life

Some of the best ideas are surprisingly simple. 

Clothing shouldn’t ask you to change your plans. It shouldn’t need to be saved for special occasions or carefully matched to a particular moment. Instead, it should quietly become part of your day, ready for wherever it happens to take you.

That’s always been our approach.

Whether you’re heading out before sunrise, meeting friends for lunch, walking the dog after work or enjoying one of those long evenings that somehow stretches into sunset, we believe what you wear should move effortlessly with you. Comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it, practical enough to handle whatever the day brings, and timeless enough to feel just as right next year as it does today.

Perhaps that’s why our collections have never been designed around passing trends. They’re designed around real lives, lives outdoors, where no two days are ever quite the same. 

Nature still knows best

Long before performance fabrics and technical finishes, people relied on the materials the countryside had already perfected. 

Wool kept generations of shepherds, farmers and fishermen warm through unforgiving winters. Linen became the fabric of voice for warmer days because it breathed naturally, softened with every wear and somehow looked better the less you worried about it. Waxed cotton earned its place by providing protection against changing weather, with a  finish that can be replenished through reproofing.

We never believed these materials have stood the test of time by accident. 

They’ve earned their place because they simply work. 

That’s why you will still find Merino wool, Harris Tweed, Irish linen and British Millerain waxed cotton at the heart of our collections today. Not because they’re traditional for tradition’s sake, but because after all these years, they remain some of the finest materials you can wear. 

Some things are still worth doing personally

There’s something reassuring about knowing the people behind a brand genuinely care. Not because they have to, but because that’s how they’ve always done business. 

Walker & Hawkes began as a family business in Birmingham, in 1982, and although we’ve grown, we’ve never lost sight of what mattered in those early days. Looking after our customers, long before it becomes part of a Walker & Hawkes garment that we design, make and select,  believing that trust is earned one conversation, one order and one recommendation at a time. 

We know that when someone chooses Walker & Hawkes, they’re not just buying a jacket, a cap, or a shirt. They’re placing their trust in us. 

That’s something we’ve never taken for granted, and never will. 

Doing things properly never goes out of style

Perhaps that’s why we’ve never felt the need to chase every passing trend. 

We’ve always believed that good clothing begins with good decisions: choosing the right fabrics, working with people who care about their craft, and designing garments that quietly become part of everyday life. 

Those ideas have guided Walker & Hawkes since 1982, and they’ll continue to guide us for many years to come. 

Because doing things properly isn’t about looking backwards. It’s about creating clothing that’s still worth reaching for tomorrow, next season, and years from now. 

There’s something satisfying about a wardrobe that’s been built over time. 

Not because it’s overflowing with clothes, but because every piece has a reason for being there. The shirt that’s been with you through countless summers. The cap you instinctively reach for before heading out. The jacket that’s travelled from country shows to coastal walks and still looks right at home.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve always believed the best clothing isn’t the kind that shouts the loudest. It’s the kind that quietly earns its place. Made well, worn often and trusted season after season, these are the garments that become part of your everyday life rather than simply hanging in the wardrobe.

As a family-run business since 1982, that’s the philosophy behind everything we create. We don’t chase passing trends. Instead, we focus on timeless pieces, quality fabrics and thoughtful craftsmanship, clothing designed to be lived in and enjoyed for years to come.

In this journal, we’re sharing a handful of the pieces we think every considered country wardrobe is built around, and why, once they’ve earned their place, they’re very rarely replaced. 

The shirt that never stays in the wardrobe 

There’s always one. 

The shirt that’s on the back of a chair instead of hanging in the wardrobe. The one you pull on for an early start, keep on for a walk with the dog, and somehow end up wearing into the evening. 

At Walker & Hawkes, we think that’s exactly how a good country shirt should be. Comfortable enough to wear all day, smart enough to take you almost anywhere, and practical enough to become part of your routine. 

The best aren’t saved for the best. They’re simply worn the most. 

For us, you can’t beat the Burton and the Brocton

The cap that lives by the door

It rarely makes it back to the wardrobe.

Instead, it’s hanging by the back door, resting on the passenger seat or picked up without a second thought on the way out. A good cap quickly becomes less of an accessory and more of a habit.

That’s why we’ve spent over 20 years perfecting ours. Whether it’s authentic Harris Tweed, British Millerain waxed cotton or classic tweed, a Walker & Hawkes cap is designed to be worn often, trusted completely and taken wherever the day leads.

One of our bestsellers is a flat cap, like the Braxton.

The layer you never regret bringing

If you’ve spent enough summers in Britain, you’ll know one thing for certain: the day rarely ends at the same temperature it began. 

A lightweight jacket, waistcoat or cardigan is often the difference between heading home early and staying for one more drink as the evening cools. They’re the layers that spend more time over a shoulder than on a hanger, and somehow become the ones you rely on most.

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve always believed the best layers don’t get in the way. They simply make every plan a little easier.

In the summer months, a favourite for us to carry is Banbridge.

The jacket you didn’t think you’d need

British summers have a habit of changing their mind. 

One minute you’re enjoying the sunshine, the next you’re reaching for an extra layer as the evening rolls in. That’s why the best jackets aren’t just for winter, they’re the ones that quietly earn their place all year round.

From lightweight Harringtons to classic wax jackets and shooting coats, we’ve spent decades designing outerwear that’s ready whenever the weather decides otherwise. 

For many a dog walk, we will reach for Salsbury. 

The waistcoat you end up wearing more than you expected

It usually starts with one occasion. A wedding. A day at the races. A weekend away. 

Then, before long, it finds its way into everyday life. Worn over a shirt on cooler evenings, layered under a jacket when autumn arrives, or simply thrown on because it finishes an outfit without trying too hard.

We’ve always believed a good waistcoat shouldn’t  feel reserved for special occasions. It should be the piece that quietly elevates the everyday, and the one you’re always glad you packed. 

Cue a summer hero, Corbet. 

The hat that comes with you

Some things are packed with intention. Others are picked up without thinking. 

A favourite hat usually falls into the second category. It’s there for long walks, weekends away, afternoons in the garden and every plan that somehow ends up lasting longer than expected. 

The best ones don’t just finish an outfit. They become part of the memories you make while wearing them. 

A wide-brim hat is usually there for a very good story. 

The piece that changes everything 

Not every item in a wardrobe is practical. Some are simply transformative. 

The blazer you reach for when the invitation says “smart casual.” The three-piece that reminds you there’s still something satisfying about making an effort. The linen jacket that somehow feels just as comfortable at summer weddings as it does over dinner on holiday. 

We’ve always believed confidence starts with feeling comfortable in what you wear. That’s why our tailoring is designed to feel timeless rather than intimidating – pieces you’ll look forward to wearing, not save for a special occasion that never comes. 

Looking for something particularly special? Meet Blakemore. 

The best wardrobes are never finished

There’s no such thing as the perfect wardrobe. It grows with you. 

One trusted shirt. A favourite cap. A dependable jacket. A waistcoat that earns more outings than you ever imagined. A blazer that makes every occasion feel that little bit more memorable. 

At Walker & Hawkes, we’ve spent over 40 years creating clothing that fits into those moments, not because it’s the newest thing in your wardrobe, but because it’s the piece you instinctively reach for. 

After all, the clothes that earn their place are rarely the ones you buy on impulse. They’re the ones that quietly become part of your story. 

Fewer fabrics are as closely associated with summer than linen. 

For centuries, it has been worn across Europe during the warmer months, valued for its comfort, practicality and effortless appearance. While fashion, fabrics and trends have come and gone, linen has remained a constant. Today, it continues to be the fabric of choice for everything from weddings and garden parties to holidays, country shows and everyday wear. 

At Walker & Hawkes, we are proud to work with Irish Linen woven by Barid McNutt, one of Ireland’s most respected linen mills. Their fabrics combine generations of expertise with the qualities that have made linen a trusted favourite for so long. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Irish linen, what makes it unique, and why it continues to earn its place in modern wardrobes. 

A brief history of Irish linen

Ireland’s association with linen stretches back hundreds of years. 

The industry flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Northern Ireland, where the climate proved ideal for processing flax, the plant from which linen is made. Towns and villages became centres of textile production, with generations of skilled craftspeople perfecting techniques that would establish Irish linen as one of the world’s most respected fabrics. 

Today, Irish linen remains synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. While manufacturing methods have evolved, the attention to detail and commitment to excellence that built its reputation continue to define the fabric. 

One of the mills carrying that tradition forward is Baird McNutt, based in County Antrim. Renowned for producing exceptional linen fabrics, they combine traditional expertise with modern innovation, creating cloth that is admired around the world.

What makes linen different?

Unlike many modern fabrics, linen is made from a natural fibre derived from the flax plant. 

The structure of these fibres gives linen many of the qualities that have made it so popular for generations. 

It is naturally breathable, allowing air to circulate freely through the fabric. This helps to regulate body temperature and makes linen particularly comfortable during warmer weather. 

Linen is also remarkably strong. In fact, it is often considered one of the strongest natural fibres available, allowing garments to withstand years of regular wear when properly cared for. 

Another characteristic many people appreciate is linen’s ability to absorb moisture without feeling damp. This contributes to its reputation as one of the most comfortable fabrics to wear during the summer months. 

The character of linen

Part of linen’s appeal lies in its character. 

Unlike some fabrics that strive for perfect smoothness, linen embraces a more relaxed appearance. Its natural texture gives garments depth and personality, while gentle creasing becomes part of the fabrics charm rather than a flaw. 

This is one reason linen has remained so popular for generations. It offers a balance that few fabrics achieve: smart enough for formal occasions, yet relaxed enough for everyday wear. 

A linen blazer can look perfectly at home at a summer wedding, while a linen flat cap feels equally suited to a stroll through the countryside or an afternoon in a pub garden.

Why linen works so well in summer

British summer can be unpredictable. 

A day may begin cool, become surprisingly warm by lunchtime, and require an extra layer again by the evening. Linen adapts particularly well to these changing conditions. 

Its breathable nature helps the wearer comfortable during warmer parts of the day, whilst its versatility allows it to be layered with ease when temperatures fall. 

This flexibility makes linen one of the most practical fabrics for summer dressing. Rather than reserving it for special occasions, many people find themselves reaching for linen garments throughout the season. 

Irish linen at Walker & Hawkes

Our Irish Linen collection celebrates the qualities that have made this fabric a favourite for generations. 

The Bambridge Blazer offers a refined approach to summer tailoring, combining classic styling with the comfort and practicality of premium Irish linen.

For those seeking a versatile layering piece, the Corbet Waistcoat provides timeless style that works equally well for formal occasions and relaxed summer gathering. 

The Beltoy Cap brings the heritage of traditional British headwear together with the lightweight comfort of Irish linen, making it an ideal choice for warmer weather, and if you want a hat that oozes style – the Gleno Safari Hat is the one. 

Each piece is crafted using linen woven by Baird McNutt, reflecting the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship that has defined Irish linen for centuries.

A fabric that endures

The continued popularity of Irish linen is no accident. 

Its combination of comfort, durability, versatility and timeless style has ensured its place in wardrobes for generations. While trends may change, the qualities that made linen desirable centuries ago remain just as relevant today. 

For those looking to invest in clothing that feels as good as it looks, few fabrics can rival the enduring appeal of Irish linen. 

Shop the collection here. 

Every season has its staples. 

The pieces that earn their place year after year. The ones that get packed first for a weekend away, thrown on for a walk with the dog, or reached for before a summer gathering. 

At Walker & Hawkes, we’re fortunate to spend our days surrounded by clothing and accessories designed for country life. Yet there are always a few pieces that stand out from the rest. 

Here are some of our favourite summer essentials and why they continue to come with us wherever the season takes us. 

The Gleno Safari Hat

If we had to choose one summer hat, the Gleno would be high on the list. 

Part of its appeal is its versatility. It looks just as at home at a garden party as it does on a coastal walk, a day at the cricket, or an afternoon spent exploring somewhere new. It’s one of those rare pieces that feels smart without ever feeling formal. 

We’re particularly fond of the fact it’s crafted from 100% Baird McNutt Irish Linen. During the warmer months, breathability becomes just as important as style, and Irish linen has long been trusted for its ability to stay comfortable when temperature rises. 

The Gleno is also the sort of hat that quietly wears its place. The wide brim offers welcome shade on bright days, while the lightweight construction means you’ll happily wear it from morning through to evening without a second thought. 

For us, it’s the hat that always seems to find its way into the car before a summer weekend away. And once it’s there, it rarely makes the journey home without a few new stories attached to it.

The Canterbury Shirt

Every summer wardrobe needs a shirt that can do a bit of everything. 

The Canterbury is that shirt for us. 

Whether it’s worn for a day in the garden, a trip to the coast, a family barbeque or simply an afternoon spent enjoying the sunshine, it’s the pieces we find ourselves reaching for time and time again. Smart enough to look put together, yet relaxed enough to feel comfortable all day long. 

Made from lightweight 100% cotton, it’s particularly well suited to warmer weather. The short sleeves and breathable fabric help keep things comfortable when the temperature rises, while the classic check pattern ensures it never feels out of place. 

What we appreciate most, however, is its simplicity. No fuss, no unnecessary details just a well-made shirt that does exactly what you need it to do. 

Some summer favourites are reserved for special occasions. Canterbury tends to become a part of everyday life, and that is precisely why we like it so much.

The Corbet Waistcoat

There are some occasions where a T-shirt simply won’t do. 

Summer weddings, garden parties, race days and long lunches in the sunshine all call for something a little more considered, and that’s where the Corbet Waistcoat comes into its own.

Crafted from 100% Baird McNutt Irish Linen, it offers the kind of effortless refinement that linen is known for. Smart without feeling formal, and comfortable without looking casual, it strikes a balance that can be surprisingly difficult to find.

What we like most about the Corbet is its versatility. Worn with a shirt and chinos, it creates a relaxed yet polished look for summer events. Pair it with the matching Banbridge Blazer and it becomes something altogether more distinguished.

It’s one of those pieces that has a habit of receiving compliments, not because it’s loud or attention-seeking, but because it simply looks right. Timeless, understated and exceptionally well made, it’s a waistcoat we find ourselves returning to whenever the occasion calls for making a little more effort.

The Cambridge Cap

Every collection has those dependable pieces that quietly ge tmore wear than anything else. 

For us, the Cambridge Cap is one of them.

Whether it’s an early morning dog walk, a trip into town, a day at a country show or simply a weekend spent outdoors, it’s the cap that seems to suit almost ever

y occasion. Smart enough to look considered, practical enough to wear without a second thought.

Its traditional tweed design gives it a timeless character, while the Teflon-treated fabric helps protect against everyday marks, light showers and the inevitable wear that comes with regular use. In other words, it’s built for real life.

What we appreciate most about Cambridge is that it never feels like an accessory. It quickly becomes part of the uniform,  the piece hanging by the door, ready to grab on the way out.

Some hats are bought for a particular season. Cambridge has a habit of staying with you all year round.

The Banbridge Blazer

Every summer benefits from one blazer that can do it all. 

For us, that’s Banbridge.

Crafted from 100% Baird McNutt Irish Linen, it has become a favourite for those occasions where you’d like to look smart without feeling overdressed. Whether it’s a summer wedding, a day at the races, a special dinner or simply an excuse to make a little more effort, the Banbridge always feels appropriate.

What sets it apart is the ease with which it can be worn. Linen has a naturally relaxed character, meaning the blazer never feels stiff or overly formal. Instead, it offers the kind of effortless elegance that summer dressing is all about.

We also appreciate its versatility. Worn with chinos and an open-collar shirt, it creates a refined yet relaxed look. Pair it with the matching Corbet Waistcoat and it becomes a complete outfit capable of carrying you through the season’s most memorable occasions.

If the Canterbury is the shirt we reach for most often, and the Gleno is the hat that accompanies us on summer adventures, then the Banbridge is undoubtedly the piece we choose when the occasion calls for something a little more special.

Timeless, comfortable and unmistakably elegant, it’s a blazer we expect to be wearing for many summers to come.

Every village seems to have one.

The gentleman whose favourite tweed jacket appears in every family photograph. The one whose flat cap has seen more county shows than most people have attended. The one who still reaches for the same trusted coat every autumn, despite having plenty of newer options hanging in the wardrobe.

You might spot him at a local show, standing by the livestock ring. You might pass him on a Sunday morning dog walk. Or perhaps he’s sitting outside the village pub, enjoying a quiet pint after a long afternoon in the countryside.

His clothes are never flashy.

They don’t follow trends.

And yet somehow, they always look right.

While fashions come and go, quality country clothing has always followed a different set of rules.

Built for life, not just a season

For generations, country clothing wasn’t purchased with the expectation that it would be replaced a year later.

It was bought to be worn.

A good tweed jacket needed to withstand years of wear. A wax jacket had to cope with rain, wind and countless miles across fields and footpaths. A flat cap wasn’t a fashion statement, it was a practical part of everyday life.

The countryside has always had a way of exposing poor quality.

Clothing either performs or it doesn’t.

Perhaps that’s why so many traditional country garments remain popular today. They were designed with purpose in mind, combining practicality, comfort and durability in a way that still resonates with modern life.

Many of us have experienced the disappointment of buying something that looks good initially but quickly loses its shape, comfort or appeal. Quality country clothing takes the opposite approach. It is designed to improve with age, becoming more comfortable and developing character over time.

The gentleman at the village show understands this.

That’s why he’s still wearing the jacket he bought years ago.

The difference between fashion and craftsmanship

Fashion is often concerned with what’s new.

Craftsmanship is concerned with what’s lasting.

The distinction matters.

Country clothing has always been rooted in craftsmanship. From the selection of materials to the construction of the garment itself, the emphasis has traditionally been placed on creating something that serves its owner for years rather than months.

Few fabrics demonstrate this better than Harris Tweed.

Handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Harris Tweed is one of the most respected fabrics in the world. Every metre is woven by islanders using pure virgin wool and inspected to ensure it meets strict standards before receiving the famous Harris Tweed Orb mark.

In fact, Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world protected by an Act of Parliament.

That’s not marketing.

That’s heritage.

It’s a commitment to preserving quality, craftsmanship and tradition in an increasingly fast-moving world.

When you wear a Harris Tweed blazer or waistcoat, you’re wearing more than a garment. You’re wearing generations of skill, expertise and pride.

Why Harris Tweed continues to endure

The remarkable thing about Harris Tweed isn’t simply its history.

It’s how relevant it remains.

In an age where many fabrics are designed to be lightweight, disposable and inexpensive, Harris Tweed stands apart. It offers durability, warmth, character and timeless style.

The fabric develops beautifully over time. Rather than looking worn out, it often looks better after years of use.

The colours soften.

The wool settles.

The garment begins to reflect the life of the person wearing it.

This is something many country people appreciate instinctively.

A Harris Tweed jacket worn to a wedding may later accompany its owner to race meetings, family celebrations, countryside lunches and countless other occasions. Over time, it becomes associated with memories rather than simply outfits.

That’s difficult to achieve with clothing designed to last a single season.

The country tradition of buying well

There is an old saying that the cheapest purchase is rarely the most economical.

Country people have understood this for generations.

Buying quality often means buying less frequently.

Rather than replacing a garment every few years, many people prefer to invest in pieces that can be relied upon for decades.

A well-made tweed blazer can be worn formally with a shirt and tie or dressed down for more relaxed occasions. A quality waistcoat adds warmth during colder months while maintaining a smart appearance. Even a classic flat cap can become a trusted companion throughout the seasons.

Versatility matters.

Longevity matters.

And perhaps most importantly, confidence matters.

There is a certain reassurance that comes from knowing your clothing is built to last.

The return of timeless style

Interestingly, many younger generations are beginning to embrace this philosophy once again.

After years dominated by fast fashion, more people are looking for clothing with substance. They want to understand where products come from, how they are made and whether they will still be wearing them years from now.

This shift has helped fuel renewed interest in traditional fabrics, heritage brands and timeless country style.

The appeal isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake.

It’s practicality.

It’s sustainability.

It’s an appreciation for craftsmanship.

Quality country clothing offers all three.

Rather than chasing fleeting trends, it provides something more enduring: confidence that what you’re wearing today will still feel appropriate tomorrow.

And next year.

And perhaps even twenty years from now.

Clothing that becomes part of your story

The gentleman we began with probably isn’t thinking about sustainability, heritage or investment dressing.

He’s simply wearing clothes that continue to do their job.

The jacket still fits.

The waistcoat still looks smart.

The cap still keeps the weather at bay.

So why replace them?

Perhaps that’s the lesson quality country clothing continues to teach us.

The best garments aren’t defined by how they look on the day they’re purchased.

They’re defined by where they go afterwards.

The weddings they attend.

The countryside walks they accompany.

The family gatherings, village fêtes, race meetings and quiet afternoons they become part of.

Over time, they stop being items of clothing and start becoming part of a story.

And that’s why quality country clothing never truly goes out of style.

Discover timeless country style

At Walker & Hawkes, we believe great country clothing should be made to last. From authentic Harris Tweed blazers and waistcoats to classic country essentials, our collections combine traditional craftsmanship with timeless style, creating garments designed to be worn, enjoyed and relied upon for years to come.

For many people, the weather determines whether they spend time outdoors. For dog wonders, it’s often the other way around. 

Whether the sun is shining, a light drizzle is falling, or the forecast can’t quite make up its mind, your four-legged companion will still expect their daily walk. That’s why choosing the right clothing for summer dog walks is less about dressing for the weather forecast and more about dressing for whatever the say might bring. 

British weather sure can be wonderfully unpredictable. A walk that begins in bright sunshine can quickly turn into a breezy afternoon or an unexpected shower. The key is to wear comfortable practical clothing that keeps you prepared without feeling over-dressed. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential clothing and accessories every dog walker should consider this summer. 

Start with Comfortable, Lightweight Layers

Layering is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay comfortable during summer dog walks. 

Early mornings and late evenings can still feel surprisingly cool, especially in rural areas, while midday temperatures often rise considerably. Rather than relying on one heavy outer later, lightweight clothing allows you to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. 

A quality country shirt provides comfort and breathability while maintaining a smart appearance. Paired with a lightweight gilet, it creates a practical combination that offers warmth when needed without restricting movement.

This approach is particularly useful for longer walks where you may move between open fields, shaded woodland paths and exposed hilltops, each with their own microclimate. 

Recommended Products:

• Country Shirts
• Shop Mens Gilets
• Shop Ladies Gilets

Why Every Dog Walker Needs a Reliable Hat

A good hat is often overlooked when building an outdoor wardrobe, but it can make a significant difference during summer walk. 

On sunny days, a wide-brim hat helps protect your face and neck from prolonged exposure to the sun. During light showers, the brim can help keep rain away from your eyes and glasses, improving visibility and comfort. 

For those who spend hours outdoors with their dogs, this added protection quickly becomes invaluable. 

The Walker & Hawkes Wax Outback is a popular choice thanks to its practical wide brim, durable waxed cotton construction and comfortable fit. For those who prefer a more traditional country look, a classic flat cap offers timeless style while providing protection from light showers and bright sunlight. 

Whatever your preference, a reliable hat is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort on every walk. 

Recommended Products:

• Ladies Hats
• Mens Hats

Preparing for Britain’s Unpredictable Summer Showers

Every experienced dog owner knows that summer doesn’t mean sunshine. 

One of the biggest mistakes dog walkers make is assuming warm weather eliminates the need for waterproof clothing. In reality, sudden showers are a regular feature of the British summer, particularly in the countryside where weather conditions can change rapidly. 

A lightweight waterproof or waxed jacket provides peace of mind without adding unnecessary bulk. Modern country outerwear offers protection from rain while remaining breathable enough for active use. 

Practical features such as secure pockets, storm flaps and durable fabrics can also prove useful when carrying leads, treats, waste bags and other essentials. 

A dependable jacket allows you to continue enjoying your walk rather than cutting it short at the first sign of rain. 

Recommended Products:

• Mens Country Jackets
• Ladies Waterproof Jackets & Coats

A season of quiet shifts

There’s a moment, somewhere in May, where things begin to feel different. 

Not all at once. Not dramatically. Just… lighter. 

The mornings arrive earlier, often before you’re ready for them. A pale light creeping through the curtains, the kind that makes it harder to justify staying inside. Outside, the air still carries a chill, but it’s softer now – less biting, more forgiving. The sort of cold that disappears as soon as you start moving. 

It’s the time of year where the day  feels like it’s waiting for you. 

Early starts come naturally again. 

Boots by the door. Jacket pulled on without much thought. Something reliable – light enough to move in, but steady enough to handle whatever the morning brings. Whether it’s walking the dog along damp paths, opening gates, or simply stepping out with a cup of tea in hand, it’s the layer that meets you where you are. 

Not overdone. Just right. 

Somewhere along the hedgerows, everything feels like it’s waking up. Birds are louder than before. Fields shifted from brown to green almost overnight. And you realise you’ve stayed out longer than planned – not because you meant to, but because you could. 

By mid-morning, the rhythm changes. 

The chill lifts, slowly. Sleeves get pushed up. Layers start to feel optional. 

This is where the in-between pieces come into their own. 

A gilet thrown over a shirt. Something that gives you freedom to move – whether that’s fixing something in the yard, heading into town, or just getting on with the day. Practical, easy, never in the way. It’s the kind of layer that ends up living by the back door or in the back of the car, ready for when it’s indeed again. 

Because it always is.  

Afternoons stretch out in a way they haven’t for months. 

There’s time for the things that get forgotten in winter. Sitting outside. Walking a little further than usual. Stopping off at the pub, not because you have to but because there’s no reason not to . 

This is where lighter fabrics start to earn their place. 

Shirts that breathe. Linen that moves with the air. Pieces that feel as good at the table as they do out in the field. Nothing heavy, nothing restrictive – just clothing that works with the day, rather than against it. 

Easy. Comfortable. Uncomplicated. 

Evenings don’t rush anymore. 

They settle. 

And with them, the temperature dips just enough to remind you it’s still spring. Not quite summer yet. There’s always that moment – standing outside as the light fades – where you reach for something warmer again. 

A knit, perhaps. Something soft, familiar. Thrown over whatever you’ve been wearing all day. It doesn’t change the look, just finishes it. Adds that last bit of comfort as the air cools and the day winds down. 

It’s a small thing, but you notice it. 

And then there are the details that carry you through all of it. 

A cap pulled on as you head out. Keeping the sun from your eyes when it finally shows itself or the breeze off when it turns again. A piece that becomes part of the routine without ever needing to be thought about. 

Or the trousers that take you from morning jobs to afternoon walks without a second thought – built to handle a bit of everything, and better for it. 

These aren’t statement pieces. They’re the ones that quietly do their job, over and over again. 

Because that’s what this season really is. 

Not a dramatic change. Not a complete reset. 

Just a gentle shift in pace. 

Longer days that don’t feel rushed. Layers that come and go without fuss. Clothing that moves with you – from early mornings to late evenings – without ever asking for attention. 

And somewhere in all of that, you realise. 

It’s not about dressing for the season. 

It’s about dressing for the life you’re actually living it in. 

Explore the pieces that carry you through every part of the day. 

Spring, done properly. 

There’s something about this time of year that changes how we dress, not drastically, but subtly. 

The days stretch out a little longer. The air softens, but never quite settles. One moment it feels like spring has arrived properly, the next you’re reaching for an extra layer again. It’s not a season for complete wardrobe shifts. It’s a season for relying on what already works. 

Because the truth is, not every piece in a wardrobe earns its place. Some are worn once, maybe twice. Others – the good ones – become part of your routine. The ones you reach for without thinking, because you know exactly what they’ll do. 

Spring has a way of bringing those pieces to the front. 

The jacket that always works

There’s always one jacket that carries you through this time of year. 

Not too heavy, not too light – just enough to handle whatever the day decides to do. It’s the one you throw on early in the morning without checking the forecast, and keep on long after the sun’s out. 

A good jacket doesn’t feel seasonal, it feels reliable. It moves with you, layers easily, and settles into your routine without ever needing to be reconsidered. 

That’s what makes it worth having – not just for spring, but for everything that follows. 

Shop our easy to wear, easy to style jacket 

The layer that fills the cap

Spring rarely gets it exactly right. There’s always a moment – usually mid-morning or late afternoon, where you’re caught between too warm and not quite warm enough. 

That’s where the right layer comes in. 

A good gilet doesn’t try too hard. It simply fills the gap. Easy to throw on, easy to take off and never in the way. It gives you just enough warmth without restricting movement, making it one of those pieces you end up relying on more than expected. 

Often overlooked, but always appreciated when it’s there. 

A Gilet is Always a Good Investment

The knit that stays year-round

There’s a tendency to pack knitwear away as soon as the weather shifts. But in reality, spring is when a good knit proves its worth. 

Light enough to wear through the day, warm enough when the temperature drops – it’s the kind of layer that adapts without fuss. Especially when made from natural fibres like merino wool, it does exactly what it’s supposed to: holding warmth when needed, releasing it when it’s not. 

It’s not about bulk. It’s about balance. 

A proper knit doesn’t belong to a season. It belongs to your routine. 

Browse Our Collection of Colours and Variety

 The finishing touch

There;s always one detail that pulls everything together. 

Not the first thing you think about, but the thing you notice when it’s missing. A good cap does more than finish a look – it serves a purpose. Keeping the sun out when it appears, the wind off when it turns, and adding that final bit of structure to whatever you’re wearing. 

In spring especially, it’s the kind of addition that makes the difference between being dressed, and being properly put together. 

Find a Hat To Suit Any Occasion

The pieces that earn their place

Spring doesn’t demand a new wardrobe. It simply reveals which pieces are worth keeping close. 

The ones that work across changing days. That feels right without overthinking. That holds their own, year after year. 

Because in the end, it’s not about having more. 

It’s about having the right pieces – 

The ones you keep coming back to. 

Explore the pieces that carry you through the season.