A no-nonsense guide to shackets, gilets, overshirts, shirts, waistcoats, and duffle coats
Look, British weather doesn’t mess about. One day you’re in short sleeves, the next you’re layering up against horizontal rain. That’s exactly why pieces like these have stuck around for decades—they actually work here. At Jeffery Green we make everything right here in England. Proper tailors, proper fabrics, none of that overseas shortcut stuff. It costs a bit more, sure, but you end up with gear that lasts.
I’ve pulled together thoughts on our best bits: the shacket (which I reckon is underrated), gilet, overshirts, everyday shirts, waistcoats, and the absolute classic duffle coat (our mens duffle coat line especially—though plenty of women rock the style too, just size it right).
Why the shacket just makes sense right now
The shacket? It’s the love child of a shirt and a jacket, and honestly it’s saved me on so many dodgy spring/autumn days. Not too heavy, but it’ll block a breeze or light drizzle without making you sweat. Usually cotton twill or a wool mix—breathable yet tough.
It started as proper workwear back in the day—think blokes on farms or in factories throwing one on over their base layers. These days everyone’s wearing them, but ours feel different because they’re actually cut and finished in the UK. Our wool versions (basically shacket-style overshirts) sit around £110. Relaxed fit, easy to chuck over a plain tee or under a heavier layer. I’ve worn mine open strolling round the Cotswolds when it’s mild, then buttoned up on windy Cornwall paths. Care’s dead simple: cold wash, air dry, done. Feels good supporting British makers instead of another drop-shipped thing from who-knows-where.
Gilets and waistcoats – the unsung heroes of layering
Can’t talk British outerwear without mentioning gilets and waistcoats. Sleeves off means freedom of movement, but you still get core warmth. A padded gilet is brilliant if you’re out shooting in Yorkshire or pedalling through London traffic when it’s chilly. Our Charlesworth Herringbone Gilet (£150, was £175) has that proper tweed look—quietly countryside without screaming about it.
Waistcoat lean smarter. Something like our Royal Jacquard at £100 adds polish under an overshirt for work in Birmingham, or even for a nicer dinner out. Both handle our flip-flopping temperatures perfectly: pop one on when the heating’s not quite cutting it, lose it when the sun shows up. Adjustable bits, decent linings—those little things add up. Plus you’re keeping jobs here instead of shipping everything abroad.
Overshirts – thicker, tougher, endlessly useful
Overshirts are my go-to most days. Thicker than a normal shirt, usually flannel or wool or denim, they layer without bulk. Artists and tradesmen wore versions of them back in the 50s and 60s; now they’re just practical everyday wear.
Ours (£110 for the wool ones) get hand-finished locally—strong seams, solid buttons. Throw one over a tee for a Lake District weekend, or wear solo in the Welsh hills when it’s not freezing. Tuck for smarter looks, untucked for casual. They shrug off light rain better than you’d expect and soften up nicely over time. Proper British textile revival in action.
Shirts – you can’t skip the basics
Every decent wardrobe starts with good shirts. Ours, like the Darven Check Shirt (£65), are soft cotton that feel right all year. The check pattern’s a nod to old tartans—nothing flashy, just authentic. Roll sleeves at Somerset festivals, layer under everything in a Newcastle winter. Wash cold, iron low—easy. Stitching and cut beat most high-street options hands down, and you’re helping keep those skills alive here.
The duffle coat – still unbeatable after all these years
Then there’s the duffle coat. Naval roots, toggles you can do up with gloves, big hood, proper wool that laughs at rain. It kept sailors warm in the war; it’ll keep you warm in a 2026 British winter no problem.
Our mens duffle coat pieces, like the Aura Navy Duffle (£235, down from £270), are made the traditional way in England. Roomy enough to layer a shacket or gilet underneath when it’s proper grim in the Highlands or Liverpool. Sharp enough for town, rugged enough for walks. (We do men’s cuts mainly, but the shape works great if you’re after duffle coat women or female duffle coat—just go by measurements.)
So why Jeffery Green?
Simple: we’re not rushing to churn out disposable stuff. Slow, careful, British-made. Prices start around £65 for shirts, top out near £350 for the best duffle coats. Free UK delivery over £250, returns are painless. Buy once, wear for years, keep the cash local.
If you’re sick of fast fashion falling apart after a season, have a look at jefferygreen.store. Check the size guides—they’re spot on—and grab something that’ll actually stick with you through whatever the weather throws next.
