British country clothing grew up on the estates, moors and farms of England, Scotland and Wales, worn for shooting, fishing, riding, walking the dog and long Sunday lunches at the pub. It is practical, weather-proof and designed to last generations (quite literally, as many tweed jackets are handed down from father to son). Today the look has spread far beyond the countryside. Waxed jackets, quilted gilets and flat caps are just as common in London, New York and Tokyo.
The spirit of country style
Country dressing follows a few unspoken principles:
- The weather decides. Everything must cope with rain, wind, mud and brambles.
- Old is better than new. A slightly worn, patched jacket shows it has done real work. Looking too new is a faux pas.
- Colours from the landscape. Browns, greens, russets and heather tones blend into the countryside.
- Understated quality. No logos, no flash. Just very good wool, leather and waxed cotton.
The essential country pieces
| Piece | Description |
|---|---|
| Waxed cotton jacket | The icon, popularised by British brands such as Barbour. Waterproof, with big pockets, a corduroy collar and olive, navy or brown colours. Gets better with age and re-waxing. |
| Tweed jacket | Thick, warm, hard-wearing wool in herringbone, houndstooth or estate checks. Harris Tweed from Scotland's Outer Hebrides is the most famous. |
| Quilted jacket / gilet | Lightweight insulation, often in olive or navy. Worn alone or under a waxed jacket. |
| Tattersall shirt | Cotton or brushed cotton shirt with a small check pattern, traditionally on a cream background. |
| Knitwear | Shetland or lambswool crew-necks, cable-knit and quarter-zip sweaters, knitted wool ties. |
| Corduroy and moleskin trousers | Warm, tough and comfortable, in tan, olive, brown or burgundy. |
| Flat cap | Tweed cap, the unofficial crown of the countryside. |
| Brogue boots and country shoes | Heavy leather, thick commando or Dainite soles, often with a storm welt. |
| Wellington boots | Rubber boots for mud and fields, traditionally green. |
What they wear for shooting
Traditional driven game shooting in the UK has its own dress code, and it's one of the last places where formal country dress survives:
- A tweed shooting suit: jacket, waistcoat and breeks (knee-length trousers) all in the same estate tweed
- Long wool shooting socks with coloured garter ties (flashes) at the knee
- A checked shirt and a wool or silk tie, still expected on many formal shoots
- Leather boots or wellingtons
- Flat cap, leather gloves and a waterproof coat
You don't need to shoot to borrow the look. A tweed jacket with a tattersall shirt and knitted tie is perfect for a country wedding or autumn weekend.
How to wear country style in the city
As with all heritage styles, one or two pieces at a time is the key to looking modern rather than in costume.
- Waxed jacket over a navy crew-neck, grey trousers and brown suede boots, perfect for a rainy commute.
- Tweed jacket with an oxford shirt, dark jeans and brogues.
- Quilted gilet over a shirt and sweater under an overcoat for extra warmth.
- Corduroy trousers with a cream fisherman sweater and chukka boots.
- Flat cap with an overcoat and scarf on a cold day. Just the cap, not the full tweed suit.
Never machine wash or dry-clean a waxed jacket. Sponge off mud with cold water, let it dry naturally, and re-wax it once a year (usually at the end of the season) to keep it waterproof.
Colours and patterns
Country style loves checks and textures: herringbone, houndstooth, glen check, tattersall and estate tweeds. Colours come from nature: olive, moss, bracken brown, rust, heather purple, mustard and navy. Mixing several patterns is traditional, but keep them in the same colour family.
Related heritage styles
British country style overlaps with military clothing (both love olive and practical outerwear) and with American workwear (both value durability over fashion). Combining pieces from all three, such as a waxed jacket with raw denim and moc-toe boots, is one of the most stylish heritage looks you can wear today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the English wear for hunting and shooting?
Traditional shooting attire includes a tweed jacket, waistcoat and breeks, a checked shirt and tie, long wool socks with garters, leather boots or wellingtons and a flat cap.
How do you wear a waxed jacket in the city?
Wear it over a simple sweater or shirt with chinos, grey trousers or dark jeans and leather boots. Keep the rest of the outfit uncomplicated.
Is tweed only for older men?
No. A tweed jacket worn with jeans, an oxford shirt or a roll-neck looks modern and works at any age.
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