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| Photos by Salt Water New England |
The covert coat is a uniquely British item, with over a hundred year history.
An equestrian item, it was originally designed to withstand riding through a covert (thicket). Its tightly woven wool twill is still made in the West of England by the original makers, Fox Brothers, founded in 1772, "who were responsible for weaving the original cloth over a century ago."
And no one makes the covert coat better than Cordings, who has been offering such a garment since 1850. The Victoria and Albert Museum has one of theirs in its permanent collection.
Also available in Navy, it is shown here in the original Fawn color, to hide the horse hair.
The Covert Coat lives up to its reputation. It is an outstanding, unique, and beautifully constructed garment.
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| The Men's Covert Coat in 38R |
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| Four Tramline Stitching Around the Cuffs |
"The covert... remains a much cherished and most British garment. Designed to be worn when riding, apparently the ribbed fawn cloth, similar in construction to keeper’s tweed, stops the horsehair from showing up and the lines of stitching at the hem make the coat robust and resistant to fraying." (Country Life)
"Along with country pursuits, the covert coat's popularity took off around 1890." (Paul Keers)
"Daughters like borrowing it." (Peter York)
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| "Covert" is pronounced "cover." |
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| Structured Shoulders |
The Covert Coat is a mid-length, mid-weight overcoat for Men, and sized to go over a jacket.
The glorious silk Chasing Scarf is double sided, printed and made in England.
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| The Under Collar with the Cordings Crest |
One can add a velvet collar, and they offer a selection of colors.
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| A Deep Center Vent in Back Originally to Go Over a Saddle..... |
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| ...Shown Here Unbuttoned, and Four Tramline Stitching Around the Hem. |
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| Internal Poachers Pocket |
How is the word "covert" pronounced in this case? As in "covert operations" or some other way?
ReplyDeleteIt is pronounced "cover."
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit! Such a classic look from top to bottom. I’m sure the navy is lovely, but I always prefer tans, beiges and grays, to hide cat, dog, and horse hair. And the contrasting lining is a very nice touch.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exquisite outfit!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Sadly, I wear petite sizes and would have to have considerable alterations. Are there any vendors in U.S. that produce this quality a product?
ReplyDeleteYes, beautiful. Pardon my ignorance, but it say's Men's; however, it looks beautiful on you. I'm assuming it can be worn by both. I only say this because I wouldn't think to look at Men's when shopping for such an item. And how exquisitely well-made it appears to be.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful look! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between a Covert coat and a Chesterfield coat ?
ReplyDeleteI am not an expert, but I can offer a couple of distinctions. First off, I believe the term "covert" relates to the cloth as much as to the coat -- that tan/green/brown closely woven twill is called "covert cloth." Second, the covert coat is traditionally a 3/4 length coat while the chesterfield is of full length.
DeleteYes, covert refers to the cloth and the coat is intended for country wear, e.g. at race meetings. Traditionally, the colour is fawn so that horse hairs don't show. A covert coat also has tramlines on the bottom of the body and at the end of the sleeves.
DeleteSome retailers offer velvet collars (which look naff) or other colours, especially navy or grey to match business suits. Real gentlemen always wear fawn covert coats, even in the City with pinstripe suits. A navy or grey overcoat should be a Chesterfield or Ulster.
velvet collar looks classy when its colour matches the coat's tone.
Deletewhat looks naff is inconsiderate flashy or cheap style and general lack of proportion.
Nigel Farage, and others, wears velvet collars covert coat and neither he or his style are naff.
Back in the ‘80s I used to see one of these occasionally, usually with a velvet collar, but never today—in the US, that is. A real shame, as it’s a great coat.
ReplyDeletePaul Stuart used to carry this kind of preppy-with-an-English-twist sort of garment, but they seem to be working an entirely different vein these days.
And while everyone has a different sensitivity to price, for my money the Cordings coat at about 500 bucks (for US customers, that is, with VAT deducted) is a great value.
I'm waiting for the return of the classic car coat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, classic look.
ReplyDeleteMaryAnne
Splendid combination! cheers, scotmiss
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have experience contacting Cordings directly from the US? I have a couple of product inquiries regarding size and have not received response from them via email. Thank you in advance for your advice.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - email me at Editor@SaltWaterNewEngland.com and I will send you a direct contact.
DeleteSuzanne, they had/have been replying to you but apparently their emails have not been going through to you for some reason. You may find them in your spam folder.
DeleteSuzanne - Cordings has an excellent customer service department, and Natalia and Catherine have always responded promptly to my inquiries. It must just be a glitch in the system.
DeleteThank you so much
ReplyDeletefor all the who, what, where and why,
the classic fashion ideas, great photos, etc.
Swear just looking makes you crave a spot of tea and scone....
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteThis led to
https://www.cordings.co.uk/news
I’ve worn mine for almost 40 years, Spring and Fall, over a suit weekdays or cords-sweater-OCBD weekends.
ReplyDeleteI have five of these one is Cordings, two Bernard Weatherill and two Chester Barrie. They also look fantastic in navy and charcoal grey. Still on the lookout for black covert coat....
ReplyDeleteThe Nigel Farage version / abomination , is not a covert coat .Tat from god knows where . It strains at the waist and the buttons are not concealed . The velvet collar works best when really muted in olive / fawn ; not screaming .
ReplyDelete