Men's Shooting Jackets & Coats
Our extensive range of shooting jackets and coats is brought to you by a team who know a thing or two about shooting and country life. We have a stunning collection of shooting jackets for men in tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton which will cut a dash at the most classy of shoots and with no compromise to practicality, functionality and weatherproofing. This is the benefit of allowing those that really do shoot to select the pick of the crop and share them on our website.
Shooting coats need to accommodate long days in British weather and so that’s the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter all rolled up in an eight hour period, as anyone who shoots will readily testify to! Comfort and keeping out the cold weather is key and let’s face it, most shooting does take place in the winter months. There is nothing worse than inadequate clothing on a long day in the English countryside.
Our collection features traditional fabrics such as tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton and also more modern quilted materials which can be lightweight and easier to wear. The usual classic countryside colours of green, brown and black prevail but we have also strayed into tan and olive to mix it up a little, just in case that photographer from ‘Country Life’ is lurking somewhere in the undergrowth waiting to take a pot shot, with their camera of course.
So whether you shoot occasionally or regularly, for fun or for competition or whether your bag is clay shooting or game shooting, our shooting coats and jackets will dress you well and stand the style test out in the field. Waterproof, windproof, practical, hard-wearing and very stylish, you will be spoilt for choice so let our handy hints help you decide.
How Do Shooting Coats and Jackets Differ from Normal Coats?
Shooting apparel is designed to be worn out in the field so it tends to be very robust as it is designed to withstand wind, rain and brambles so it needs to be weatherproof and tough.
Shooting wear tends to be made only out of certain fabrics, principally tweed or waxed cotton for less formal shoots. Because you won’t want to carry anything other than your gun and cartridge bag, shooting coats need to have lots of handy pockets for small ear defenders and that all-important hip flask.
Coat or Jacket - What’s the Difference?
That’s simple. A shooting coat is generally longer and squarer, often bulkier, whereas a jacket is shorter and more fitted. Both types will feature roomy pockets but the longer shooting coats are probably warmer and will have more capacity for storage as they simply have more capacity for pockets. Have a look at how shooting clothing has changed in the last century:
So coat or jacket is really down to personal preference. Clearly, if you are wearing a three-piece tweed number then a well-cut jacket is the only option.
A Quick Canter Round Fabrics
The shooting fraternity is very traditional and so you will see an abundance of green and brown colours, checked shirts, flat caps and really one of two main fabrics, tweed or moleskin. On less formal occasions or rough shooting, you may see waxed cotton clothing and for clay shooting, padded or quilted garments.Tweed
The iconic British countryside look, tweed is traditional, hard-wearing, warm, breathable, tough, showerproof and reasonably lightweight. It is the perfect fabric for a day in the field and a three-piece tweed suit is ideal for shooting. And tweed doesn’t have to be dull and boring; there are some amazing weaves and colours available if you want to make a bit of a statement. And remember if you are shooting in Scotland, then a kilt is an alternative tweed option in addition to trousers or breeks.Moleskin
Moleskin is a sheared cotton fabric, usually made using heavy cotton which is then repeatedly sheared to create a totally smooth surface, rather like the very smooth skin of a mole, hence its name. Moleskin is favoured for its softness and durability, ideal for a day in the field.Moleskin is lighter weight than tweed but still very tough and practical. It is only really permitted on less formal shoots where moleskin trousers can be worn with a tweed jacket or shooting coat.
Waxed Cotton
Associated with the British countryside, waterproof, practical, tear-resistant and with seemingly endless amounts of pockets. Now endlessly imitated, waxed cotton would not be the warmest choice on a frosty morning in the field but it can easily be teamed up with a quilted or tweed waistcoat for an extra layer. Again, this type of coat would only be seen on a more casual game shoot or clay shoot.
Quilted
Quilted clothing is the new kid on the block and rather borrowed from the riding fraternity who also want something warm, stylish and easy to wash. Waterproof it is not but it is lightweight and warm as toast, ideal for shooting with friends.
Etiquette
Guns usually wear brown or green. At formal/prestigious shoots, it would be customary to wear a three-piece tweed suit with a dark-coloured checked shirt and normally a flat cap. Headwear is essential. On formal shoots, it would also be usual to wear a tie. At less formal shoots, it is acceptable to wear moleskin trousers alongside a tweed coat or jacket. If in doubt about the dress code, always ask the host. Lighter weight quilted garments would usually only be acceptable on clay or skeet shoots.
This article from that iconic journal of British country sports, The Field, will provide some amusing insights into what and what not to wear - hilarious if not just for the pictures.
Key Points When Choosing Shooting Clothing
- Comfort - whichever type of jacket you choose, it is very important that the garment is comfortable and you have adequate room to move in it, hence the popularity of the three-piece suit as the waistcoat adds a further warm layer but does not hamper arm movement
- Freedom of movement - a bulkier jacket can offer padding and support in the shoulder area when shooting and help support the gun but could inhibit freedom of movement. Equally, a very well-tailored jacket may look the part but not quite permit the quick range of motion that is required on a game shoot
- Deep storage pockets – ear defenders, a hip flask, mobile phone, you want your arms to be free for the gun and so anything you carry other than the cartridge bag will need to be stowed away in pockets. Most shooting coats and jackets are well endowed in this respect and have good roomy inner pockets which keep items dry as well
- Don’t forget sensible footwear - traditionalists favour either a stout shoe or short walking boot teamed with long socks which are tied with garters rather than elastic. There is a bit of a move now towards Wellington boots in the field but these are not very comfortable for long periods spent walking and standing and can be rather cold.
The right clothes for the right occasion. Shooting is all about tradition and so your apparel should reflect the type of shoot you are attending but still tick all the major boxes of colour, comfort, practicality and style.
