Exploring the Modern Advancements in Shooting Coats
Shooting clothing has evolved significantly over the years, combining functionality and fashion like never before.
Advancements in materials and design has seen a new era of shooting jackets. This evolution has taken the shooting world by storm, revolutionising the way individuals dress and perform out on the field.
In this blog post, we explore how these jackets offer unparalleled comfort, mobility, and style, allowing shooters to truly excel in their sport.
What Was the First Shooting Jacket?
The term "shooting jacket" has its origins in the broader category of "sports jackets."
The concept of sports jackets can be traced back to the Norfolk jacket, which is believed to be named after either the county of Norfolk in England or the Duke of Norfolk. However, unlike the advanced shooting jackets available today, the Norfolk jacket had a much simpler design.
Its primary purpose was to allow the wearer's elbow to have unrestricted movement when raising their weapon to shoot. This design feature was crucial for shooters as it ensured a comfortable and unhindered shooting experience.
This style gained its popularity in the 1860s among a closely bonded circle of hunting companions of the [then] Prince of Wales.
What Features Make a Jacket Suitable for Shooting?
By incorporating certain features, a shooting jacket becomes a practical and reliable garment that enhances the shooter's performance, protection, and overall shooting experience.
This rural attire tends to be characterised by the following:
- Oversized front pockets to hold cartridges and other shooting accessories
- Special cuts at the shoulder for easy movement and to help lift the gun higher to shoot flying targets
- Waterproof shooting jackets offer protection against the elements - ideal for unpredictable British weather
- Concealed zips that help to avoid scratching of the gun.
To Tweed or Not to Tweed?
Shooting encompasses a rich history and deep-rooted traditions, with tweed serving as a fundamental element.
Donning tweed, along with a shirt and tie, is a symbolic gesture of reverence towards the quarry to be shot that day. It pays homage to the efforts of the keepers who have diligently prepared for the shoot. Upholding this tradition recognises that shooting is more than just a sport, but rather a way of life.
Our top tip: if you discover a tweed jacket that you adore and anticipate no change in size, make every effort to acquire the entire set at once. Sometimes certain patterns and designs can be discontinued, so you don't want to end up with the perfect jacket and no matching breeks or waistcoat!
Ultimately, the decision to wear tweed for shooting is a personal one that depends on:
- Climate & Weather Conditions: Tweed s known for its warmth and breathability, which can be advantageous during cooler seasons or in colder climates. It can provide insulation and protection against the elements, keeping you comfortable during long days in the field
- Shooting Environment: If you're participating in a traditional driven shoot or partaking in formal shooting events, tweed is often the preferred choice. It not only adds a touch of traditional elegance but also helps you blend in with the surroundings
- Specific Activity: For example, if you're engaged in clay shooting or other types of shooting that involve higher levels of physical activity, you may prefer lightweight and more flexible clothing options. In such cases, tweed might not be the most practical choice.
Whatever you choose, the most important consideration should be comfort, functionality, and appropriate protection.
Which Brands Do the Best Shooting Jackets?
Several brands are known for producing high-quality hunting jackets and shooting coats.
The fantastically huge selection of jackets available in the market demonstrates the commitment of renowned brands to using high-quality materials and incorporating contemporary designs.
Brands such as Laksen and Alan Paine like to showcase classic styles, such as tweed, and combine this with advanced fabrics and superior designs. Harkila and Deerhunter, on the other hand, are the perfect option for those wanting high-tech, performance-driven garments that suit a more modern take on hunting.
It's important to note that personal preferences and specific shooting requirements may vary, so it's recommended to research different brands and their respective shooting coats to find the best fit, features, and performance for individual needs.
How Have Shooting Jackets Evolved Over Time?
Shooting jackets have undergone significant evolution over time, adapting to changes in fashion trends, advancements in technology, and the specific needs of shooters.
For example, in England, shooting in the late 18th century did not involve the practice of driven birds known as "battue." It was Thomas Coke of Norfolk who introduced this French tradition in 1796, where men would line up and await the birds driven towards them by beaters. This shift in shooting methods also led to a transformation in the attire worn by gentlemen during shoots. Previously, men would shoot either on horses or on foot, accompanied by pointer dogs to locate the birds.
To understand how shooting coats have evolved, it can be broken down into the following factors:
- Fabrics and Materials: Traditionally, these jackets were made from heavyweight, durable fabrics that focused on just getting the job done. Nowadays, brands will utilise lightweight, breathable materials that offer better comfort and functionality
- Styling and Design: The focus on aesthetics became more prominent as shooting jackets transcended their utilitarian roots and attracted a wider audience. Simple, boxy silhouettes have been replaced by sleeker profiles, modern cuts, and a range of colour options
- Specialised Features: These reliable jackets have become equipped with an array of features designed to provide efficiency, convenience, and maximum freedom of movement. This includes innovative pocket designs, adjustable cuffs, and reinforced patches on the shoulders and elbows, plus noise reduction and scent control
- Camouflage and Concealment: This type of pattern has become popular, especially for hunting jackets. Various camouflage designs are incorporated into the jackets to help shooters blend into their surroundings, making them less visible to game or targets
- Technological Enhancements: Shooting jackets have embraced technological advancements to improve their performance. This includes the integration of moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the wearer dry, thermoregulation technologies to maintain optimal body temperature in varying conditions, and noise-reduction features to minimise disturbances during shooting activities.
What Advancements in Technology Have Influenced Shooting Clothing?
Advancements in technology have had a significant impact on shooting clothing, improving its performance and functionality.
Some notable advancements that have made a difference to modern shooting jackets are:
- Development of Gore-Tex, a revolutionary fabric technology widely used throughout shooting brands. This innovative technology provides excellent weather protection while maintaining breathability, making it ideal for prolonged periods spent outdoors
- Increase in fabric treatments, such as DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings. These treatments enhance the water-shedding capabilities of clothing, ensuring that water beads up and rolls off the fabric instead of being absorbed. This helps to keep the wearer's clothing lightweight and dry, without compromising breathability
- Insulation technologies have also enhanced designs. Brands now incorporate synthetic insulations like Thinsulate™ or PrimaLoft®, which provide excellent insulation properties while being lightweight and moisture-resistant. These insulating materials retain warmth even in wet conditions, ensuring optimal comfort during cold weather shooting.
In addition, individual brands have made advancements in their own proprietary fabric technologies for shooting clothing.
For example, Deerhunter's Deer-Tex is a membrane-based technology that offers high waterproofness, wind resistance, and breathability. It keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during shooting activities, even in harsh weather conditions. Laksen's CTX (Comfort Technology Xtreme) technology is also highly regarded and provides exceptional levels of waterproof protection for shooters.
Summary
From the classic tweed shooting jacket to the technologically advanced waterproof options, shooters now have a wide range of choices to suit their specific needs.
Gone are the days of sacrificing freedom of movement for durability. Today's shooting jackets are designed with the active shooter in mind, offering unmatched flexibility and comfort while ensuring optimal protection against the elements. This is particularly crucial when engaging in outdoor activities that require quick reflexes and precise aim.
As technology and innovation continue to shape the world of shooting clothing, we can only expect the evolution of modern shooting jackets to continue. With an ever-growing emphasis on performance and style, shooters can look forward to an even further extensive range of options that blend tradition with cutting-edge advancements, ensuring that every outing is met with the perfect balance of functionality and elegance.
About the Author
Matthew Holland brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the world of shooting. Residing and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matthew not only writes about shooting experiences but lives them firsthand. As a member of a regular shoot, he draws from his personal experiences to share insights and recommendations for this country sport. Combining his practical knowledge with a genuine love for country living, Matthew is your trusted guide to all things shooting and hunting.
