British country clothing

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Man in full matching tweeds

British country clothing or English country clothing is the traditional attire worn by men and women in rural Britain; it is the choice of clothing when taking part in outdoor sports such as equestrian pursuits, shooting or fishing and during general outdoor activity, such as walking, picnicking, or gardening. It is also worn at events such as horse races, country weddings, beer festivals and country fairs.

The form of dress although worn throughout Britain is mostly associated with England and is sometimes considered a historical form of dress or national costume, often worn to represent the English gentleman and lady.[1] It is still considered countryside leisure wear and due to the durable, practical, comfortable and fashionable style, some people choose to use elements of country clothing for general usage in Britain.

History

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, what is regarded as traditional country clothing was a popular choice for wealthy people living in the British countryside as well as those who travelled there for leisure. Members of the British upper classes would go to the countryside for sporting events organized by the owners of

royal warrant.[3][4]
Where it was once basic and usually just worn in the country, the popularity of the style has led to productions on the high street, as well as variations in the colours used as opposed to just natural.

Many elements of British country clothing have even been used by designers to develop styles which are suitable for everyday wear; today people also choose to use elements of country clothing mixed with modern designs, such as a tweed jacket with denim trousers. It has also been influential in the development of preppy and Ivy League styles of dress in the United States and Canada.

Country attire

Headwear

The

trilby hat[5]
are some traditional forms of headwear used in the country. The flat cap is often made of tweed or cotton, whilst a trilby is traditionally made from felt material. A feather pinned to the side of a trilby is a traditional accessory for both men and women, and can also optionally be attached to a jacket lapel.

Footwear

Footwear usually depends on the activity in which the wearer is taking part, the weather and conditions underfoot, and the social circumstances. Some of the most common forms of footwear are

brogues
are usually a choice of footwear; however, this also depends on the activity or event.

Jackets and coats

A men's green waxed jacket with brown corduroy collar.

English country jackets usually include

Fleece
jackets and gilets have also become part of country attire in Britain.

Tweed suits and sports jackets

The material

Balmoral tweed long before he laid the first bricks of Balmoral Castle. Tweed uses natural colours to blend into the natural environment; Prince Albert designed the Balmoral Tweed to resemble the granite mountains of Aberdeenshire for stalking.[7] Original country styles include a Norfolk jacket and tweed breeks
.

Tweed suits, normally consisting of a jacket, waistcoat and trousers (or skirt) have been an icon of the English country gentleman and lady since the 1840s when Catherine, Lady Dunmore began to provide for the British aristocracy and landed gentry; it soon proved popular as it provided a practical but also smart-casual style.[8] Today tweed suits remain popular, with some choosing the style for business as well as pleasure. However, people very rarely wear the full three piece when outdoors, usually only at events; the suit is traditionally worn with a Tattersall or Gingham shirt and optionally a tie or neck scarf for women. Some also choose to wear a knitwear sweater or jumper for warmth and to remain casual.

  • Tattersall shirts, along with gingham, are often worn in country attire.
    Tattersall shirts, along with gingham, are often worn in country attire.
  • Tweed fabric in a herringbone weave, used for suits and hats
    Tweed fabric in a herringbone weave, used for suits and hats

Popularity

The popularity of country clothing surges periodically as a result of television period dramas such as

Dame Helen Mirren in her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006).[12]

In popular culture

English country clothing has featured in many media works, usually when scenes are filmed in the countryside or in an

English garden
.

Film

Literature

Television

See also

References

  1. ^ "When style becomes costume". A Suit That Fits. Archived from the original on 2019-04-04. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  2. ^ "Barbour". Barbour.com. Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  3. ^ "The History of Cordings - The Legendary British Heritage Brand". J C Cordings and Co Ltd. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  4. ^ "J. Barbour & Sons Ltd - Royal Warrant Holders Association". Royalwarrant.org. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  5. ^ "Hat Styles & History". Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2015-05-10.
  6. ^ "Quilted Jackets Guide - How to Buy, History & Details — Gentleman's Gazette". gentlemansgazette.com. 25 November 2015.
  7. ^ "Tweed Guide - The Curiously Compelling Story of Tweed — Gentleman's Gazette". gentlemansgazette.com. 7 December 2016.
  8. ^ "A brief history of the Harris Tweed men's jacket". harristweedscotland.com. Archived from the original on 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  9. ^ "Music blog - Music - The Guardian". theguardian.com.
  10. ^ POPSUGAR Fashion UK (19 February 2008). "D&G collection is inspired by HRH Queen Elizabeth II". POPSUGAR Fashion UK. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  11. ^ "New York Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren autumn/winter 2012". telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2015-02-23. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  12. ^ Catherine Elsworth in New York (21 October 2006). "New Yorkers fall for Queen Helen and her Barbour". Telegraph.co.uk.
  13. .