Countryproof Means Waterproof
Rain, hosepipes, water troughs, muddy paws - if you’re living the rural life in the UK, getting wet is just part of the lifestyle. A soaked-through morning on the farm, mid-dog walk when a downpour sets in, or simply another soggy session with the hose, whatever kind of damp day you’re having, staying dry is non-negotiable - and reliable rural lifestyle clothing can make all the difference!
After taking a dive into Swanndri with our Swanndri: How the New Zealand Brand is Turning Heads in British Country Clothing blog post, we’re heading back over the pond to introduce another Kiwi favourite that’s earning its place in British country life: Line 7.
Joining Hollands with its high-performance waterproof apparel, Line 7 fits right into the fields, farms, and country lanes of the UK, and in this blog post, we’re going behind the seams to explore exactly what makes Line 7’s seam-sealed gear the new waterproof winner of the British country wardrobe.
Line 7: A Quick History
The name may be new to many, but Line 7 has been crafting all-weather gear since long before waterproofing was a given, and long before performance wear became a rural essential!
Born out of New Zealand’s workwear industry and introduced to the sailing world in 1963 by founder Barry Wilson, Line 7’s roots are firmly planted in places where staying dry is part and parcel of the lifestyle- see where we’re going with this?
With this nautical heritage, Line 7 became pioneers in PVC and PU welding technology, creating some of the most reliable wet-weather gear of their era. Even the name itself derives from maritime folklore, with the ‘seventh line’ on a captain’s palm said to reveal the luck of the bearer. We think it’s pretty fitting, then, that Line 7 has earned a reputation for gear you can depend on, even when the skies (or the sprays) don’t cooperate.
Now part of the LBH/Swanndri family following its acquisition in 2018, and with a refreshed workwear range launched in 2022, Line 7’s high-quality waterproof collection is proving to be a natural fit for British country life, bringing with it decades of New Zealand expertise, from the sea, right to the soil.
What is Seam-Sealed Apparel?
Waterproof fabric is a great start, but Line 7 knows that when you’re working in relentless rain or facing a proper downpour, it’s the construction that really counts- especially at the seams, where water is most likely to sneak in.
Seam-sealed apparel takes it a step further, utilising specialist technology to make sure not a single drop gets through, and here’s how it works:
- High-performance waterproof fabric is stitched together with strong, durable thread. Every stitch, however, creates a tiny hole, meaning potential water weak points.
- To tackle this, a specialist waterproof tape is applied directly over each seam and bonded with heat, forming a watertight seal. This technique is known as tape sealing or heat welding and reinforces those sneaky seams!
- Like any good technology, the garment is then put through rigorous testing to make sure it’s up to seam-sealing standard.
The result? Outerwear that’s not just water-resistant but built to handle everything from steady rain to high-pressure hose downs, so you know you’re covered, whatever the weather!
The Benefits of Seam-Sealed Designs
If you’re looking to invest in your country wear, seam-sealed apparel is more than just rainy peace of mind; it offers:
- Complete Waterproof Protection: Meaning water stays out - and we mean really stays out!
- Enhanced Durability: Not only does it keep water out, but it also means seams are less likely to fray or fail over time, bringing extra longevity for your hard-working wardrobe.
- Breathability: Heavy-duty but light and breathable, seam-sealed designs allow heat and moisture to escape, keeping you dry from the inside, too!
- Versatility: Performing across the seasons and settings, so when the British weather takes a turn, you’re protected without looking out of place.
- Comfort: Ready to wear all day long, whether hopping from job to job or spending hours in the wet, you know you’re fully covered and completely comfortable.
The Line 7 Lineup
Whether you’re out on the farm, hiking through the hills, or simply need clothing that can handle a day’s work in the wet, Line 7 doesn’t hold back, and neither should your outerwear. At the heart of the Line 7 range:
Waterproof Overtrousers
Waterproof and seam-sealed with an easy-over design, you can pull on a pair of Line 7 Overtrousers as fast as the weather changes. And with adjustable waistbands, cuffs, and articulated knees, they offer flexibility and comfort for durable, everyday use.
Waterproof Bibs
Sometimes, you need a little extra protection. In classic Bib Overtrouser style, with adjustable straps, consider yourself well-protected in a pair of Line 7 Bib Overtrousers - perfect for when the rain doesn’t stop, but the veggies still need picking!
Waterproof Jackets
Last but not least, every country wardrobe must have, a waterproof jacket. Complete with storm flaps, adjustable hoods and practical pockets, a Line 7 waterproof jacket proves itself tough enough for work, but smart enough for a trip into town.
Seam-sealed and Sustainable
More than just staying dry, Line 7 is a brand committed to staying responsible, too, with its clear sustainability agenda. Many products come equipped with repair kits, so small fixes can be handled at home (ideal for that busy schedule), and, engineered for longevity, their ‘build-to-repair, built-to-last’ approach keeps garments in use and out of landfill.
By also using recycled and natural materials, and partnerships with forward-thinking organisations like Polygiene and Better Cotton, Line 7 is designed to withstand years of real weather, real work, and real life. And for those who know that real country clothing is about quality, Line 7 ticks every box.
From Sea to Showers
Born on the water and built to face it, Line 7’s seam-sealed waterproof clothing has made the seamless transition from sea spray to countryside showers, fitting effortlessly into the British country wardrobe by keeping water out and strength stitched in.
An investment in comfort, durability, and day-to-day dependability, Line 7 isn’t just for sailors; it’s for everyone. As they say themselves: “From farmers and fisho’s to hikers and dog walkers—and everyone in between.”
With a mission to give people the confidence, curiosity, and the gear to master their own voyage, now’s the time to discover the full Line 7 range and find your next wet-weather winner.
About the Author
Matthew Holland
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on how to enjoy the British countryside, whether it’s through family-friendly activities or connecting with nature. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matthew is a proud advocate for our British farmers and the importance of eating local, seasonal food. He combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons and embrace the beauty of country living.
