Country Clothing – What to Wear
13th August 2024 by Ellie Taylor
Country Clothing – What to Wear
Clothing is a deeply personal choice, and at Allcocks, it's the topic we hear about most. Whether you're a countryperson, angler, gardener, or simply someone who values individuality, traditional clothing offers a way to express who you are. It communicates traditional values and a desire to stand out from the crowd, allowing us to resist the dictates of mainstream fashion.
Know Yourself and Who You Want to Be
Your clothing should reflect your identity. Traditional clothing often falls outside the realm of fashion trends, which is what makes it unique. Wearing something different from the norm, especially in urban settings, may attract attention, but it’s essential to stay true to yourself. Embrace your quirks and stand proud in your choice of attire. Confidence in your beliefs and style sets you apart and can make a significant impact. If traditional clothing helps you achieve this, then it’s worth embracing.
Schoffel Ptarmigan Classic Hunting Coat in Hunter Green
Why Wear Traditional Clothing?
Traditional country attire helps us express our connection to deep-rooted country values and a love for the natural environment. It reflects a bygone era's fashions and allows us to showcase our individuality. Such clothing is comfortable, durable, and functional, allowing us to feel proud of who we are and communicate our affinity with the countryside. Those who grew up surrounded by fields and woods often develop a strong sense of identity tied to the land and the traditions that come with it.
Dubarry Carrickfergus Waxed Cotton Jacket in Black
The Criteria for Selecting Traditional Clothing
First and foremost, country clothing must be functional. It should keep you warm and dry, or cool and comfortable, depending on the conditions. While many stores offer practical outdoor clothing, traditional country clothing is distinct in its use of natural fabrics and timeless styles that have evolved over generations, particularly since the Edwardian era.
Clare Haggas Men's High Flyer Tie in Violet
What is Traditional Country Clothing?
Traditional country clothing uses natural fabrics like wool and cotton, styled as tweed, moleskin, or corduroy. These garments celebrate the rich heritage of British fashion and are often featured in countryside and shooting magazines like *The Field*. The shooting community, in particular, has preserved the tradition of wearing old-fashioned country clothing, and it looks splendid.
Schoffel Country Aldeburgh Tailored Shirt in Navy/Red/Ecru Check
Your take on Traditional Country Clothing
Country attire varies depending on your activities. For example, if shooting is your hobby, especially driven game, you might opt for a more dapper look, complete with fine tweed garments that often come with modern waterproof linings. However, for those who live and work in the country, clothing choices tend to be more relaxed and practical, influenced by the need for comfort and durability.
Knowing your identity helps in selecting the right clothing. For instance, my style blends vintage attire with country clothing, reflecting my background as an estate gardener and my lifelong love of angling. This balance between traditional and functional attire suits my needs and helps me stay true to myself.
Musto Hunting Light Washable GTX Tweed Jacket in Balmoral Tweed
Who Makes the Best Country Clothing?
These are the top suppliers of traditional country clothing I would (personally) choose:
- Norfolk jackets and tweed suit: Schoffel Hunting
- Everyday wear, including light gardening: Hoggs of Fife
- Country wear and waterproofs: Laksen or Schoffel Country
- Footwear: Hanwag
- Headwear: Olney or Alan Paine
Are There Any Rules?
While there are no strict rules, some guidelines can help you refine your style. Blue jeans, baseball caps, jog bottoms, and white trainers are generally not considered part of traditional country wear. Decide how formal or informal you want to be, and which era of fashion resonates with you. The journey to find the right garments is ongoing and enjoyable, as you discover new tailors, retailers, and outfits that suit your personality. Vanity? Perhaps, but there's no shame in being proud of who you are.
