OUR MATERIALS

DEVELOPED BY SAILORS 

The concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by Scottish herring fishermen, with crews beginning to treat their sails with fish oils and grease in an attempt to waterproof their rigging. Remnants of these waxed sails were then used as capes to withstand the high winds and sea spray, keeping the sailors warm and dry.  

Both our suppliers of waxed cotton; Halley Stevenson’s of Scotland (est. 1864) and British Millerain of England (est. 1880), have pioneered the development of the material. 

The beauty of waxed cotton is in both its durability and longevity, as well as its surprising breathability – with the wax proofing adjusting to ambient temperature, maximizing comfort for the wearer. 

Its coating can be maintained by the end user by re-applying wax to the surface, keeping the material soft, supple, and weather-resistant. The finish ensures that the fabric looks better with age, as wax naturally picks up marks and creases through use – adding to the character of the fabric itself. 

COSSERAT COTTON CORDUROY (est. 1794)

Primarily utilized for men’s workwear, military uniforms, and sporting products throughout the centuries, corduroy remains a durable yet buttery-soft cotton-based fabric. 

Our corduroy, produced in France by The Cosserat Company (est. 1794) – the oldest corduroy producer in the world – is of the highest quality and is designed to stand the test of time.  

For more than 200 years, Cosserat has continued to manufacture its world-renowned corduroy the traditional way in Amiens, France. 

THE PINNACLE OF COTTON

Spun, constructed, and garment dyed in Italy of 100% Egyptian cotton, our spring and summer knit sweaters will be your most trusted companions on the chilly evenings of the warmer months.

GROWN IN TURKEY, DESIGNED FOR BOTSWANA

The pinnacle of warm weather materials, Turkish linen's lightness, breathability, and durability is unmatched. Initially designed after our Field Test on the dirt roads of Botswana, our linen collection has become our 'go to' for all adventures under the heat of the sun.

ORIGINATING FROM MID-CENTURY MILITARY SUMMER UNIFORMS

Inspired by the resilient spirit and functionality of WWII summer uniforms, our use of French cotton twill - lighter, more flexible, and more breathable than our sturdy cotton "drill" fabric - is ideal for movement in the warmer months. Our Cotton Twill uses 100% Better Cotton Initiative cotton grown in the USA.

DESIGNED FOR FIGHTER PILOTS   

Ventile (est. 1930) is a windproof, weatherproof, and quiet material designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions. While capable of handling whatever weather is thrown its way, unlike more artificial materials, Ventile’s chief advantage is found in its breathability – unparalleled by any other weatherproof fabric.  

With its cotton grown in California and its fibers manufactured in Switzerland, the initial design of Ventile dates to before World War II, when the British Royal Airforce required a dry, yet breathable, material for its fighter pilots in the event of a crash landing in the frigid North Atlantic.  

After many trials, the fabric now known as ‘Ventile’ came to be – allowing pilots to remain cool in their cockpits, while protected from hypothermia in the sea. This development increased survival time nearly 10x, with Ventile still preferred for suits in modern Tornado jets by the RAF and other NATO air forces.  

TIMELESS DURABILITY

Originating with British mid-century military uniforms, the durable functionality of Cotton Drill garments gained popularity in the 50s when soldiers repurposed their khaki drill garments for the civilian 'workwear' needs. Using a strong bias and diagonal weave, cotton drill material should last a lifetime if maintained properly.

AUSTRIA'S OLDEST LODEN MANUFACTURER, LEICHTFRIED (EST.1884)

Loden, a specific wool variety woven in Tyrol, Austria, is uniquely characterized by its water resistance. Its manufacturing process ensures that water droplets bead and run off its exterior, while maintaining a soft, felt-like feel.  

These specific technical characteristics answered the needs of shepherds and farmers living in the Alps, who routinely faced extreme conditions throughout the winter. Our specific Loden, made in Austria’s oldest Loden factor, Leichtfried (est. 1884), is of only the most durable and weather-resistant quality.   

OUR FOUNDATIONAL FABRIC

Wool is an essential part of our heritage. We take great pride in using Norwegian wool, renowned for its durability and ruggedness. The wool is harvested from free-ranging sheep living the high-life up in the Norwegian mountains of Hallingdal from June to September. After the harvest, it is thoughtfully spun and knitted in Italy. The tough fibers from the Norwegian sheep are developed to withstand the rugged climate - the same same climate we more thoroughly enjoy under a wool layer.

MERINO FROM BIELLA, 'ITALY'S WOOL CITY'

Our Merino wool is constructed with top quality yarn from the range of Italy's Biella Yarn (est. 1966). The yarn has been produced in an ecologically friendly way and guarantees a luxurious soft touch and unique comfort.

Our Merino products don't only guarantee a luxuriously soft feel, but also benefit from Biella’s gold standard environmental practices.