The Bushveld suit was very much a collaboration between Westley Richards and some of our long-time customers, who had bought safari jackets in the past and had alternative ideas about fabric, based on their own particular hunting situations and experiences.
The original, 2014 version of the Bushveld Jacket was made in a lightweight Italian linen and proved a big hit with hunters and travellers alike, but some of the hunters wanted the same jacket in a more robust tear-resistant material.
Bushveld Safari Jacket in Rifle GreenThey also asked us to create a matching pair of hunting trousers to complement the look and performance of the jacket. After some time designing and experimenting with fabrics, the 2024 Bushveld Jacket emerged and is, at last, ready to buy.
Made from a soft and quiet, yet dense-weave, tear resistant, 100% cotton drill, the Bushveld is made for hunting and will create a barrier between the wearer and the thorns, sticks, stones and insects of sub-Saharan Africa.
The slightly bellows front pockets have plenty of carrying capacity, but the twin chest pockets lie flat to maximize ease of movement and accommodate rifle mounting. The full belt helps bear weight around the waist and keeps the shoulders relaxed and free.
A button cuff allows for rolling up the sleeves and epaulettes stop camera or rifle slings from slipping off the shoulder.
The jacket is un-lined so, while it will repel a shower, it will also dry fast and help keep the wearer cool in 35 degree heat, as the cut allows air to circulate. Counter-intuitively, a relatively heavy grade bush jacket like this can be remarkably cool if worn with only a T-shirt underneath, rather than a conventional shirt. It keeps out the sun and the stiffer material does not cling to the body.
Bushveld Cargo Trousers in Sand
The matching Bushveld Cargo Trousers are cut from the same fabric. They have six pockets in all; two open at the hip and two flapped pockets at the rear, as well as matching flapped pockets on the thighs, closed by Westley Richards horn buttons.
They are roomy, straight-leg in shape with ample space for movement and air circulation. Seams are double stitched and the wide waistband has belt loops, button closure and a quality metal zip fly. For the practical safari hunter, this is the simple solution, every-day, go anywhere, hunting suit. It is available in two classic colours: rifle green and sand.
Finch Waxed-Cotton Travel JacketSlightly less classic in shape and material is the light-weight Finch Waxed-Cotton Travel Jacket, a deceptively simple looking jacket, packed with features and attention to detail. This is a hybrid safari-field jacket, in a beautiful light-olive-khaki wax cotton, which is densely woven, yet surprisingly soft and quiet. It has four external pockets with press-stud closure and two internal pockets, one with zip, one with stud fastenings. The lining is a fine check cotton.
The Finch has the features and aesthetics of a hunting jacket but is so light and beautifully detailed, it would serve as well as top-layer raincoat, worn over a business suit, or with jeans and a sweater.
For a more military look, the Denys Plains Jacket takes styling cues from the WW2 era US fighting uniform and elevates it to the status of icon by selecting premium 100% cotton herringbone fabric, adding concealed buttons and snap fastenings, drawstring waist and four internal, as well as four external, pockets.
Denys Plains Jacket
These jackets are made small-batch in Italy exclusively for Westley Richards, in a family-owned factory, to standards not seen before on this type of garment. It brings an informal, rugged style to your safari look or behaves beautifully as an every-day over-sweater coat, whatever the season.
Shifting the stylistic reference from WW2 to the 1960s, the Harrington is a British classic and the new Aden Suede Harrington Jacket, in perforated goat-skin, is a stunning modern interpretation.
Aden Suede Harrington JacketThe light, supple suede goatskin is a beautiful chestnut hue and brings breathability and maximum comfort as practicalities to complement its high-end look and finish.
Effortless to wear, ideal for flying or driving as well as all-day mooching, it elevates a mod staple to a higher level, with its Westley Richards branding, four pockets and elasticated fabric cuffs and hem.
Like all Westley Richards garments, the Aden takes its cues from well-loved, timeless designs and updates them, while injecting unsurpassed build quality and the finest materials into the recipe. The result is exemplary.
Familiar products, endlessly refined, always stylish, forever practical. The latest Westley Richards collection is sure to inspire your next adventure.
Click here to shop the collection.
Alongside its custom rifles, luxury travel bags and high quality country clothing, the modern Westley Richards continues a 200-year tradition of outfitting hunters and adventurers for the rigours of outdoor life. With an unrivalled heritage of safari wear, the company produces a range of luxury safari clothes for the ultimate safari packing list. Inspired by former clients Ernest Hemingway and Stewart Granger each safari jacket, hunting shirt and cargo trouser reflects Westley Richards ethos of timeless style and exceptional quality. Pair a rugged safari shirt and safari shorts with some world famous Courteney boots and a classic safari hat.
