The Best Country Clothing for Winter Chosen by the Holland Family
If you've been following our blog for a while (and if you haven't, welcome!) you'll know that the four of us at Hollands Country Clothing tend to share our knowledge on different areas of "rural expertise".
Sarah, for example, is our resident dog walker - mainly because she has a very energetic golden retriever who keeps her on her toes! Then Robert is the one always out in the sticks on our farm, so he's the go-to guy for what's the best for keeping the rain firmly on the outside of your coat and the mud firmly on the outside of your boots. Next, we've got Matthew, who is a member of a regular shoot, so all things country sports, he's definitely your man. And myself, well, I'm a bit of an all-rounder.
We often take it in turns to put together something for our blog, and I had an idea floating around about suggesting some winter warmers, particularly now the temperatures have well and truly dropped outside. But then came, what I would say is, a spark of inspiration. Instead of just my brain on the job, why not get us all involved?
So, for one blog only, here's the Holland Family Collaboration on our can't-live-without, comes-highly-recommended country clothing for the winter season.
Sarah
I've been asked to start things off, and the first thing that popped into my head when Mark asked was my Deerhunter Heated Gilet.
I wrote about heated gilets myself on one of our previous blog posts because they've honestly improved my dog walks so much. My dog, Billy, loves getting outside for his walk no matter what the weather, but we all know, for us humans, winter mornings can be difficult at the best of times! Now I've got my heated gilet though, I feel like I've got a bit more control over the temperature. I can get that warmth all around my core, which lasts as we walk around the fields, and it's so lovely to basically be walking around with the body warmer version of a hot water bottle!
The second item that springs to mind is the Buff Norval Merino Wool Headband. Merino wool is one of my favourite materials, and I've always loved headbands because of how practical they are for keeping those annoying wisps of hair out of your eyes (if you live up in the hills like I do, you'll know what I mean!). This particular design gives off chic country style too, which is great as I'm always dressed head to toe in country clothing.
Finally, my Muck Boots Womens Arctic Sport II Tall Wellingtons. Neoprene wellies are a cold weather essential in our household, and what's fantastic about these ones is that they aren't bulky. Sometimes you get that clompy feeling with wellies, but I never find that with these. Which is ideal when I have to chase Billy across the fields!
Now, over to you, Robert.
Robert
The Icebreaker Mens Merino 260 Tech Crewe Thermal Top. Without a doubt. The Kiwis definitely know what they're doing when it comes to base layers!
I'm often out in the early morning, sometimes joining Sarah walking the dogs, or helping out in our warehouse when things get a bit busier. In the winter, I need something under my regular shirt to keep me warm, and Icebreaker has been an instant hit for me.
Speaking of regular shirts, that actually brings me nicely onto item number two. Being farm born and bred, of course my immediate choice of shirt has to be a tattersall shirt. And the Champion Ayr Heavyweight All Cotton Tattersall Shirt is brilliant, as it's made with a slightly heavier material than your standard shirt, as well as being ever so lightly brushed on the inside. Even better, it goes over the top of my Icebreaker base layer, so I get double the warmth. Win, win.
Last one on my list would have to be the Hoggs of Fife Knitted Thinsulate Waterproof Beanie. I love caps and hats in general, so you'll usually spot me in a baseball cap over the summer and then I switch to a beanie in the winter. The reason I rave about this one from Hoggs of Fife is that it has the waterproof membrane, which you don't often see. So if it suddenly starts tipping it down, I know I'll be okay.
You're up, Matthew.
Matthew
I would go with my Swazi Bush Shirt. I lead quite a busy lifestyle, juggling work and young children, so a warm shirt that I can pull on for anything has definitely make a difference. If I'm nipping down to the village or picking the kids up, it works perfectly, either on its own or under my waterproof jacket. Or if I'm doing jobs around the farm or helping out with deliveries at the warehouse, again, it's just an easy throw on that I know will keep me warm.
Next, the TuffStuff Touch Screen Gloves are a great piece of kit. As I'm always out and about, often outside, I need to have a decent pair of gloves to keep my hands warm. TuffStuff has included the clever touch screen feature with these, so if you get a phone call, you don't have to faff around taking off your gloves to answer.
Lastly, I'll bang on about a great pair of socks any day of the week. For the shoot, I will usually go for something like the Jack Pyke Harlequin Socks. I like it when things do what they say they're going to do, and Jack Pyke never fails on that front for me.
Come on, Mark, you can't get away without answering the question yourself!
Mark
Saving the best until last, some would say...
People often wonder how to keep their legs warm over the winter. It sounds like a strange comment to make, but jeans can sometimes feel a bit cold due to the denim material, and you don't always want to be wearing waterproof trousers, particularly if it's not raining for once! So that's why the Hoggs of Fife Monarch II Moleskin Trousers are what I would recommend for the winter. Moleskin is a fantastic fabric for the colder months, and the classic style goes with all types of shirts.
The Champion Cartmel Micro Fleece Lined Tattersall Shirt is my second tried and tested. Fleece lined shirts are always a winner for anyone who works outdoors in the winter, and I like the micro fleece versions because they are great for layering under, say, your waterproof coat or wax jacket. The Cartmel has a nice checked design that creates lots of neutral outfits, so if you're a fan of the simple look, it's up there with a top choice.
And if we're thinking of those downpours, it's hard to move past the classic Didriksons Waterproof Sou'wester Rain Hat. Although these types of hats used to be primarily associated with life at sea, they are also fantastic for life on land too. "Flame" and "Saffron Yellow" are some of the brilliant colours available from Didriksons if you are also a fan of the sou'wester, but, don't worry, you can also go for a standard Black or Navy for something a little more subtle.
Summary
I love it when a plan comes together! We hope you have enjoyed our collaborative piece, and if you also own any of the items Sarah, Robert, Matthew, or I have recommended, let us know in the comments below (we promise we're not in a competition!)
Or if you've been inspired to pick up some new pieces of your own, our full winter clothing collection is packed with even more fantastic country wear, so have a browse through as we're sure you'll find your own can't-live-without, comes-highly-recommended country clothing to rave about.
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.
