Gent’s Glorious Twelfth Clothing Guide

The glory of the British game season is nearly here. The Glorious Twelfth is the most anticipated date in the field sports calendar and is steeped in tradition. You may be prepared for the thrill of the shoot but are you ready for the wild moorlands and changeable weather conditions?

We’re here to help. We’ve cherry picked the best country clothing on the market giving you the low down on technical tweeds, classic country shirts and those all-important garter ties. Style and functionality is key. Smart dress reflects tradition but you have to keep warm and dry to ensure you have an enjoyable shoot day.

Shooting Jacket

A good shooting jacket isn’t cheap but you need to see it as an investment. If you’re a keen shot you’ll spend a lot of time in the field during the season so it’s money well spent. We love Musto’s Highland GORE-TEX Lite Jacket. A 2-layer GORE-TEX liner provides windproof, waterproof and breathable protection, while a durable water repellent coating allows water to sit on the jacket’s surface instead of seeping through. Lightweight and durable, this exceptional garment is a shooting staple for seasons to come. 

Shirt & Gilet

A shirt and gilet are usually worn beneath the jacket for extra warmth (or instead of in the warmer summer months). A good shooting shirt is hard to find but the Ilkley style from Alan Paine is a favourite in our field sports wardrobe. It has a classic shooting silhouette which means unhindered movement (no excuses for missing those pesky birds) and is made from a soft, minimal iron cotton fabric.

Look no further than Schoffel for the ultimate gilet. Their Oakham Fleece Gilet is a versatile layering piece or is great worn over a shirt on warmer days. Available in a wide range colours, there’s something for everyone. We think Dark Olive is perfect for wearing on the grouse moors as it’s best to avoid blindingly bright colours (grouse are likely to be spooked and not present a sporting target) and blend in with the rich greens and purples of the moorlands.

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Breeks

Breeks are commonplace in the shooting field – they might seem a little odd but are exceptionally comfortable. ArdMoor have a great selection of tweed breeks to choose from but we recommend the Musto GORE-TEX Tweed Breeks. They are quite expensive but you must pay for quality! They’re made from Lovat Mill tweed and feature a GORE-TEX liner which is fully wind and waterproof. They are also machine washable at 30° – think of the money you’ll save on dry cleaning!

Tweed Cap & Tie

You can’t go wrong with a classic tweed cap – it’ll keep your head warm and dry in all weathers. We love the County Cap made by the lovely and talented bunch at Lawrence & Foster. The quality is fantastic and their products are designed and made in Britain.

No gentleman would willing join a shooting party without his tie – the formality of such an occasion demands it! Luckily there is an abundance of gorgeous ties available these days. Purdey have a great selection, we suggest Standing Grouse Silk Tie the for a classic, yet stylish addition to your attire.    

Shooting Socks & Garter Ties

Where shooting socks and garter ties are concerned, look no further! Made from a merino wool blend, our socks are also fully reinforced throughout the foot to ensure comfort, longevity and value for money. Our range boasts luxury, eye-catching socks in a variety of styles and colours. Our favourite is style Sandringham with matching garter ties – this season’s best accessory. The heather shade will tone in with the grouse moor whilst looking smart with your tweeds.             

Footwear

As we’re not blessed with sunny, dry weather here in Blighty, footwear must be sturdy, comfortable and waterproof. Le Chameau has a variety of beautiful hand-crafted boots for all country pursuits. What do we wear? Our chosen boot is the iconic Chasseur. It is available in 8 calf sizes, is lined, waterproof and has a shock-absorbing, insulated and all-terrain sole. Quick tip: their ‘How to choose your sole’ section offers great advice for anyone needing help choosing the correct footwear.

Here’s to a smashing, stylish and safe season ahead.

The countdown is on…