The humble overcoat gets a hard time nowadays. Assailed on all sides by parkas, anoraks, gilets, macs and raincoats, the classic wool coat has to take a back seat. But Jigsaw's Fox Brothers' flannel creation isn't going to take sidelining sitting down (if that's not mixing metaphors). Its bold and oversized Glen check shouts, 'I'm here; wear me!' And wear it I certainly have.
The luxurious flannel, woven in Somerset, where Fox Brothers have been based since the 18th century, is soft, warm and generously cut. Too many coats are made as if cloth is at a premium - slim and mean in construction, they are too short and tight to be proper overcoats. But this is a real man's coat - double-breasted with reasonable length and room in the shoulders for layering on cold days. While looking relaxed and stylishly vintage, I think Jigsaw could have been even bolder by making it a touch longer and over-sized in true classic early/mid twentieth century style. Having said that, I appreciate that there has to be a nod to contemporary styling to make it commercially viable.
It is half-lined, harder to do well than full lining, but this is very well-made in Portugal. With real horn buttons, this was well-priced at £395, but, as I write, I see it is now £275 in the Jigsaw sale - so what are you waiting for?
Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteAt last you have revealed the details of the "fabulous overcoat". Well done and thank you.
I too tend to opt for longer coats but much admire the cloth and pattern of yours. Fox Brothers are great cloth merchants and are the chosen suppliers for Michael Alden of The London Lounge.
I have to confess to owning nine overcoats. The last one puchase is by Brooks Brothers and I got it from a vintage outlet. Yesterday I visited their Regent Street store and saw that by buying vintage I had saved myself £875!
Continue to wear yours with the elegance I always appreciate you for.
Regards,
Snapper
I struggle with this overcoat, mostly because of its strong pattern. Maybe if I lived somewhere where an overcoat was not superfluous, I could warm to it (if you can excuse the pun), with a few to play with. It's certainly striking (in a good way), but ...
ReplyDeleteTony
I whole heartedly agree with the comment about space in overcoats.
ReplyDeleteThe very nature of British weather makes layering one of the pleasures of our winters.