What Makes British Country Clothing So Beloved?
Step into the British countryside, and you’ll notice something familiar: a tweed jacket draped over a pub chair, a pair of wellies holding their own against the rain, or a flat cap perched just so on a passerby.
For many people, including the Holland family, this feels like home. Country clothing has a way of making you feel a certain way: comfortable, confident, and connected to tradition.
But there’s more to this style than meets the eye. Each piece carries a story - of heritage, craftsmanship, and the unique demands of life outdoors. In this post, we’re celebrating what makes British country clothing timeless, sharing its history, iconic pieces, and why it remains beloved by so many today.
A Brief History of British Country Clothing
So, how did it all begin?
In the 19th century, the British countryside was a hive of hard work, with farmers, gamekeepers, and landowners facing everything from driving rain to icy winds. Their clothing needed to withstand these challenges, and tweed quickly became the fabric of choice. With its tightly woven, water-resistant texture, it offered warmth, durability, and practicality - qualities that remain iconic today.
Before long, tweed transcended its working-class roots. The aristocracy, inspired by their love of hunting, shooting, and other rural pursuits, embraced tweed as part of their outdoor wardrobes. It became a symbol of country life, blending practicality with understated elegance.
Waxed cotton followed a similar trajectory. Initially developed to keep sailors dry at sea, its water-repellent properties made it invaluable for farming and other land-based activities. Today, a wax jacket remains a quintessential staple for anyone living, or dreaming of living, the rural lifestyle.
Royalty also played a role in elevating country clothing. Figures like Queen Victoria and King Edward VII not only championed rural traditions but brought country styles into the spotlight, making them synonymous with British heritage and culture.
What Defines British Country Clothing
At its heart, British country clothing is built for the outdoors. And this makes sense when you consider country folk are known for working the land and enjoying recreational activities that take them into the fields and beyond.
Our weather has always been quite unpredictable (although "rain" is usually a sensible forecast!) so making sure the clothing us farmers, shooters, horse riders, and outdoor workers dress in can withstand all types of elements is especially important.
You'll usually find materials and beautiful fabrics such as tweed, corduroy, moleskin, and waxed cotton used throughout men's and women's country clothing.
Popular Country Clothing Brands
When it comes to country clothing, British brands truly lead the way. Whether you’re gearing up for a day in the fields or simply embracing a countryside-inspired wardrobe, these names offer excellent choices for everyone.
- Hoggs of Fife: You can literally stock up your wardrobe with the fantastic range of Hoggs of Fife clothing. Their wax jackets and leather boots are always in high demand.
- Alan Paine: Renowned for their impeccable tweed clothing collections, Alan Paine’s commitment to quality shines through in every piece. They are often the go-to option for many come shooting season.
- Jack Pyke: Their versatile range covers everything from waterproof smocks to practical fleece gilets and wellies; perfect for shooters and farmers. Jack Pyke is particularly celebrated for its everyday clothing that comes at accessible price.
- Laksen: For those who appreciate luxury in their country wardrobe, Laksen offers exceptional craftsmanship and timeless style. Their designs marry tradition with modern-day refinement, perfect for country sports.
Of course, these are just a few of the standout names in British country clothing. With so many brands offering beautiful, functional designs, there’s no shortage of options to explore.
Iconic Pieces of Country Wear
Tweed Jackets
Perhaps the most recognisable example. You’ll see them worn everywhere, from the misty moors of the Scottish Highlands to on popular TV programmes like Downton Abbey.
Here are a few simple styling ideas:
- Pair a classic herringbone tweed coat with a crisp white oxford shirt and a knitted tie. Add tailored dark trousers and brogues for a timeless, elevated ensemble.
- For outdoor occasions or country sports, layer a tweed jacket over a tattersall shirt and a V-neck jumper with a wool or silk tie. Finish the look with tweed trousers or breeks, wellies, and long shooting socks.
- Ladies can style a long tweed coat over a sweater dress for effortless sophistication. Add tights and heeled boots for a look that works from town to country.
Two of our most popular picks:
- Alan Paine Mens Combrook Field Coat: A true classic with all the features you’d expect from high-quality countrywear.
- Alan Paine Combrook Ladies Mid Thigh Coat: Perfect for a smart yet practical countryside wardrobe.
Wax Jackets
Another rural favourite. You won't get far in the countryside without seeing one of these! Fantastically, there are even fully waterproof wax jackets these days.
Firstly, a few easy styling tips:
- Layer a wax jacket over a chunky cable-knit sweater for a rugged look. Pair it with leather dealer boots for a countryside-meets-modern style. Add a wool scarf for extra warmth.
- Throw it over a checked shirt, jeans, and wellies for a simple yet practical farm-ready look.
- Opt for a belted wax jacket styled over a floral midi dress. Pair with knee-high boots or even sandals during the warmer months.
- Combine a wax jacket with a roll-neck sweater, skinny jeans, and Chelsea boots. Add a leather crossbody bag to finish the look that's perfect for a weekend walk.
Secondly, a couple of our popular choices:
- Hoggs of Fife Padded Waxed Jacket: A warm, practical option that has been a continual bestseller.
- Laksen Ashley Wax Coat: Timeless elegance is at the heart of this Laksen jacket, making it an easy favourite for country women.
Flat Caps
Of course, the classic flat cap has to be on here. Tweed, moleskin, wax flat caps - this is proper headwear through and through.
Here are a few ways to style yours:
- Pair a tweed flat cap with a wax jacket, corduroy trousers, and sturdy leather boots for a quintessential rural look.
- Style a flat cap with a long trench coat, a roll-neck sweater, and tailored trousers for a gender-neutral outfit.
- For a relaxed vibe, wear a wax flat cap with a quilted jacket, jeans, and Chelsea boots - ideal for weekend outings or walks with the dog.
A couple of our timeless pieces:
- Heather Highland Harris Tweed Flat Cap: Crafted from genuine Harris Tweed, this country cap is as authentic as it gets.
- Jack Pyke Wool Blend Tweed Flat Cap: A versatile and durable option that farmers absolutely love.
Brogues
We country folk like to dress up a bit sometimes too!
A pair of brogues is a staple in a country gent's wardrobe, ready to pair with jeans, moleskin trousers, or chinos if you're maybe a bit more on the younger side.
Here are a few ways to style them:
- Style with jeans or chinos, a check shirt, and a quilted gilet for a contemporary yet timeless vibe.
- Brogues look just as good with your moleskin trousers. Add a chunky knit jumper or a wax jacket for an outfit that’s both practical and smart.
- Pair leather brogues with tailored trousers, a tattersall shirt, and a tweed blazer for a classic countryside formal look.
A couple of our top picks:
- Trickers Bourton Leather Sole Country Shoes: Known for their craftsmanship and durability, these are a true investment piece.
- Woodland Leather Brogue Gibson Shoes: Stylish and comfortable, these brogues are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your everyday wardrobe.
Wellies
We've got muddy fields and lots of rain to contend with, so waterproof boots are a must. Wellies are by every front door in the countryside, keeping our feet nice and dry as we go about our days.
Firstly, a few easy styling tips:
- Pair wellies with waterproof trousers and a padded jacket for the farm or exploring woodland trails.
- For a more relaxed look, wear wellies with jeans, a cable-knit jumper, and a wax jacket.
- Style colourful or patterned wellies with denim shorts and a lightweight raincoat for an outfit that’s perfect for festivals and outdoor events.
Secondly, a couple of our popular choices:
- Hoggs of Fife Field Sport Neoprene Lined Wellingtons: Just what you need for the farm - proper soles, reliable waterproofing, and a comfy fit.
- Muck Boots Arctic Sport Tall II: These neoprene wellies are incredibly versatile for rural life, so you can wear them for walking the dog, on the farm, or on snowy days!
Tattersall Shirts:
No mens country clothing wardrobe is complete without a tattersall shirt - mine is certainly packed full of them.
Recognised by its distinctive checked pattern, this countryside classic is as versatile as it is timeless. You can go for short or long sleeves, and they can be worn for farming, shooting, fishing, dog walking, and just about everything else!
Below are some easy ways to wear one:
- Tuck a tattersall shirt into moleskin trousers, adding a leather belt and a pair of leather boots for a smart yet comfortable look.
- Wear a tattersall shirt under a heavy wool jumper and pair it with corduroy trousers. Finish with a wax jacket and wellies for a classic, weather-ready outfit.
- For a more formal look, tuck a tattersall shirt into tailored trousers, pair it with a tweed blazer, and finish with brogues for an outfit that works for everything from country weddings to smart dinners.
And a couple of go-to options:
- Hoggs of Fife Inverness Pure Cotton Tattersall Shirt: Simply everything a good tattersall shirt for men should be.
- Laksen Zac Sporting Stretch Shirt: A slightly more luxurious choice, ideal for if you want to push the boat out and look the part on a shoot.
The Appeal of British Country Clothing Today
There’s something about country clothing that feels like more than just a wardrobe choice. It’s practical, yes - but it’s also steeped in history, quality, and a love for the great outdoors. That’s why it’s as popular now as it’s ever been, with new generations embracing what makes it so special.
Here’s why we think it’s so beloved today:
- Built to last: Many pieces are made by heritage brands who know the value of quality materials and craftsmanship. A well-made wax jacket or tweed blazer isn’t just for this season, it’s for years to come. Many people are drawn to the idea of owning fewer, better pieces, especially those with a story behind their making.
- Classic Style: Country clothing doesn’t follow fleeting trends, and that’s what makes it so enduring. The muted tones, earthy greens, and classic patterns don’t demand attention but instead reflect a refined, self-assured identity.
- Rich Heritage: Country wear often signals a love for the countryside and a sense of belonging to a particular way of life. Whether it’s a flat cap that reminds you of childhood walks with your grandparents or a pair of wellies you use for farming everyday, it speaks to who you are.
- Modern Twist: You get traditional styles that also adapt effortlessly to modern lifestyles. A pair of brogues can pair just as easily with a wax jacket for a Sunday walk as it can with chinos for a work meeting.
Our very own Matthew Holland talks you through some fantastic country style looks!
Country Wear's Role in Popular Culture
There is also the popular culture appeal, of course. British country clothing has global appeal, in part because it’s seen as quintessentially British. It conjures images of Jane Austen novels or iconic countryside scenes that feel aspirational to people from all walks of life.
Downton Abbey was mentioned in our list of iconic country wear earlier on, but there are plenty of other programmes on the telly which show country clothing in all its glory. For example, Netflix's The Crown and The Gentlemen, the latter of which you can see our very own Harkila clothing in a starring role. Even a quick flick through ITV’s Emmerdale will reveal characters clad in field jackets, tattersall shirts, and wellington boots - a perfect nod to their rural setting.
Celebrities and royalty have also embraced country clothing. You often see King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales dressed in classic country wear like tweed and waxed cotton, and even David Beckham loves his tweed flat caps!
Clearly, it’s British style that tells a story, whether you’re wearing it for practical reasons or simply love its timeless look.
Summary
It’s funny how much a jacket, a pair of boots, or a shirt can say about life in the countryside. These pieces aren’t flashy, but they don’t need to be - they’ve got a job to do, and they do it well. Maybe that’s why they’ve found their way into our wardrobes and our hearts.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our full range of men’s and women’s country clothing and find something to make your own.
About the Author
Mark Holland has a keen eye for all things men's country clothing. Living amidst the fields and farms, he understands the practical aspects of rural living and the timeless style that accompanies it. His advice reflects a genuine appreciation for the comfort and connection that come with country wear. If you're looking for down-to-earth recommendations, then trust Mark to guide you through kitting out your wardrobe with firm favourites and classic designs.
