Calendar Icon 21st August 2025

Why timeless outdoor style starts with the right materials

There’s something special about clothing that feels like it belongs – in the countryside, by the fire, or walking through a rain-soaked field under a grey British sky. The right piece doesn’t just look good; it works hard, weathers well, and tells a story as the years pass. 

That’s what sets proper outdoor wear apart. It’s not about fashion for fashion’s sake – it’s about substance, tradition, and fabric that lives with you. 

A legacy woven into every thread

Look closely at a well-made wax jacket or a piece of genuine Irish linen, and the story begins to unfold – one of heritage, expertise, and makers who still believe in doing things the right way. 

Many of the finest outdoor garments begin with British-made or Irish-milled fabrics. These aren’t mass-produced textiles. They come from places where craft is handed down through generations – from the mills of Yorkshire and Antrim to workshops built on tradition. 

It’s not just about how something looks. It’s how it feels to wear it – and how long it stays with you.

Waxed cotton: the original outerwear icon

Waterproof, wind-resistant, and made to last – waxed cotton has been the go-to choice for farmers, walkers, and explorers for over a century. 

The best versions, like those from British Millerain, have been developed and refined for more than 140 years. Originally made for the armed forces and seafarers, this fabric remains unmatched for durability and character. 

Waxed cotton softens over time, moulds to the body, and only gets better with age. It’s the kind of thing you reach for every season – because it always does the job

Looking for dependable, heritage-inspired outerwear? Explore our waxed jacket range. 

Tweed that tells a story

There’s no mistaking real tweed. Rich texture. Earthy tones. A sense of British tradition that feels both classic and current. 

Whether it’s a tailored blazer, a warm waistcoat, or rugged field jacket, tweed balances style and strength like nothing else. And behind that herringbone or check pattern? Mills like Mallalieus Mills and Harris Tweed, which still produce their cloth using old-age methods on British soil. 

Tweed doesn’t follow trends – it transcends them.

Timeless layers, build to last? See our tweed blazers and waistcoats.

Irish linen: cool, clean, and naturally refined

For summer months or layered warmth, Baird McNutt’s Irish Linen is a standout. Breathable, beautifully textured, and surprisingly durable, it’s ideal for long weekends, garden parties, or warm country afternoons. 

Linen isn’t just elegant – it’s practical too. It regulates temperature, absorbs moisture, and wears beautifully with age. And because it is made from flax, it’s one of the most eco-friendly fabrics you can choose. 

Linen’s charm lies in its softness, its texture, and the fact that it’s real. Not over-designed. Not over-complicated. Just honest, hardworking fabric – like the best outdoor wear. 

Linen that lasts more than a season? Explore lightweight country staples

Finish the Look: Heritage Headwear

From wide-brim waxed cotton hats to classic flat caps, the right headwear does more than protect from the elements – it anchors an outfit. 

These aren’t throwaway pieces. They’re thoughtfully constructed, built to handle rain or shine, and give your look that unmistakable country feel. 

Many include crushable linings, natural fibres, and feather trims – nods to traditional outdoor pursuits, updated for today. 
Cap off properly: Browse traditional and practical hats

It’s not just clothing. It’s a way of life

British country wear isn’t about putting on a look – it’s about putting on something that works, and feels right. Whether you’re out walking the dog, heading to the pub, or off for a weekend away, it’s clothing that adapts. 

There’s beauty in investing in garments that age well, hold their shape, and come with a bit of story sewn in. And while the world of fashion moves quickly, real style – rooted in quality – doesn’t need to. 

So, if you’re drawn to clothing that works hard and looks good doing it – you’re in the right place.

Recent Posts

Calendar Icon 9th December 2025
The Walker and Hawkes friend gift guide 
Calendar Icon 9th December 2025
The Walker and Hawkes family gift guide
Calendar Icon 23rd October 2025
For brisk days and wagging tails
Calendar Icon 6th October 2025
The craft of warmth: fabrics built for autumn
Calendar Icon 23rd September 2025
The British outerwear icons you’ll wear every autumn
Calendar Icon 3rd September 2025
Summer countryside clothes you couldn’t get enough of
×
Your bag
Your bag is empty.
Fill your bag with amazing items
Shop Now
$0.00
Shipping & taxes may be re-calculated at checkout