The covert coat is the most practical and adaptable item in the modern shooter’s wardrobe. More weather-proof and protective than a suit-cut shooting jacket, it acts as a top layer in inclement weather or can simply be worn with a sweater underneath.
Beautifully cut, for maximum comfort and movement, its detailing makes it stylish enough for even a very formal shoot, while in practical terms it really is a go-anywhere, do anything outdoor companion for the country sportsman.
Skipton is a bold, orange-yellow check over an olive background, with a subtle fleck of purple heather in it for depth. It is stylish and makes a statement without shouting too loudly but becomes surprisingly well blended from distance, creating a predominantly greenish impression, as the checks blur at around ten yards.
This is a medium-weight tweed, ideal for the shooting season, rugged enough for hard wear in the field and sufficiently protective to withstand the weather, should it turn nasty during the day.
Of course, being 100% wool British tweed, it breathes beautifully and dries in-situ as the wind and sun return to brighten the day following a squall or sudden shower.
The covert coat is packed with useful features. The quality of construction internally matches the beautiful fabric and the cut. Silky, quilted sleeve liners ensure warmth in the field and ease in putting on and taking off the coat; wet or dry.
Raglan sleeves encourage rain to roll-off the shoulders without intruding and storm cuffs stop drafts and water from soaking into you sweater or shirt sleeves, while the  ‘action back’ detailing to the shoulders allows for a smooth mount and swing.
Quality, robust brass zips and press-studs make for easy adjustment and the over-zip front flap and rubber-wrapped studs protect valuable guns from abrasion, while being carried or swung.
The tightly-woven, 100% cotton liner adds another layer of breathable water resistance. A generous, zipped, lined, inner left-breast pocket is low-enough located so as not to interfere with gun mount, even for a left handed shooter, and is big enough to accommodate a ‘phone or shotgun certificate wallet.
Externally there are hip pickets with a slight bellow, to allow for a box of cartridges in each, with flaps which can be held open for loading via tags with press-studs, which extend from inside the slash-cut hand warmer pockets at mid-rib height. The hip pocket flaps can be secured in the closed position with press-studs to prevent spillage, when travelling between drives.
The storm collar folds neatly when three-quarter zipped but forms a protective seal up to the chin when fully zipped. The zip-covering flap, secured by press-studs, continues all the way to the top, ensuring an unencumbered gun mount and no danger of scratching the stock.
All seams are double stitched and cuffs are Alcantara lined at the edges to prevent fraying. The designers have left nothing to chance with this, which must be the most perfect covert coat yet created. It is so well made that if you are over thirty, it is probably the last shooting coat you will ever need to buy.
The two matching Skipton tweed caps offer the option of a stylish, eight-panel baker-boy type, with curved peak and button top, or a traditional flat cap with a straight peak. Both are fully lined in orange satin, with a ribbon-trim inner band to keep the head comfortable and the cap secure.
The Westley Richards Skipton Tweed range brings bespoke levels of detail and quality to off-the-peg convenience. These new additions for 2024 widen its breadth to cover every eventuality the British winter might conjure, be it early season sunshine, November squalls, late December rain or January snow and frost.
Skipton tweeds will face it all down with style and confidence.
Shop the Skipton Tweed collection here.
Alongside its bespoke guns, luxury travel bags and high quality safari clothes, the modern Westley Richards continues a 200-year tradition of outfitting sportsmen and travellers for time well spent in the field. Whether preparing for the Glorious Twelfth, checking into a country house hotel or simply demanding the best shooting kit available, Westley Richards provides the finest outdoor classics. Their luxurious country clothing collection includes a range of house shooting tweeds complimented with an exclusive selection of American and European brand partners, including Habsburg, Meindl, Grenfell, Gitman Vintage and Filson.
