The weather is looking good, the shooting season is about to begin and our new collection is ready for anything…
In the British countryside calendar, August is where it all begins with the Glorious Twelfth and the start of the shooting season. Whether you’re heading out on a shoot, planning a weekend in the countryside or just looking forward to more time walking the dogs, the latest Purdey pieces cover all bases.
We’ve often said that the holy grail when it comes to sporting kit is a piece that’s simple, clever and effective. And nothing epitomises this sentiment more than our iconic Field Coat. As far back as the beginning of the 19th century, in paintings by artists like Henry Thomas Alken, those in the very earliest days of driven pheasant shooting can be seen in their field coats – or, at least, the nascent versions. It’s a piece that’s built into our heritage, one that inspires every collection.
The fundamental appeal of wearing a Field Coat is in its functionality – both to protect against the elements and, via its trademark sizeable pockets, to store the various all manner of useful accoutrements for long walks or days in the field. Fabrics have evolved with the seasons to be ever more technical, breathable and multi-faceted – and additions such as box pleats, waterproof linings and sports backs mean that their practical application at the peg is never compromised.
Take the Raglan Field Coat, for example, with versions in Scottish Tweed or Loden, a fabric that combines lambswool and alpaca. A masterclass in melding form and function, they also feature wool wadding (for extra warmth) and a technical drop liner membrane (for extra protection against the weather). Useful pockets abound: a large internal stow, cartridge pockets trimmed with fleece for the full hand-warmer effect, and zipped pockets for security. All cut in a classic fit, they are designed for layering, long in the sleeve to allow for gun mounting, and finishing at a low hip height to cover the back and reduce chilly drafts.
Whether yours is a newer version, a technical iteration, or a classic you’ve had for years, our Field Coats made for all weathers, wearers and seasons – as the Purdey team will attest to…
Dan Jago, Purdey CEO & Chairman
“It sounds simple, but what I love most about the Field Coat is the pockets. Lots and lots of pockets! Zip ones both inside the coat and also accessible ones under the flap down the front. More than anything, I fear losing my car key somewhere out in the middle of a moor, and these ensure this won’t happen! Great big cartridge loading pockets on the front that have straps and poppers to hold them open, and hand pockets on the chest to keep your fingers warm whilst waiting for the first flush. From cashmere to technical, there is one for every occasion.
“On cooler winter days that are dry, I love the tweed field coat as my outer layer. But equally, it works just as well when waiting for the bus in Balham on a dark windy morning in February. For warmer days, the Yorkshire Technical Field Coat is probably the best all round, lightweight and good-looking jacket in our range.
“When it comes to other favourites, I’m a late arrival to the new Vatersay Cape. I’ve had a cheap imitation version for a long time, but have now bought the ‘OG’ as there is simply nothing else out there like it. It goes from the fitted hood right down to your boots and is guaranteed to keep you bone dry in even the heaviest of downpours. And it has proper loading pockets as well, so no excuses.”
Annika Purdey
“I absolutely adore the Purdey Field Coat, not just because of its iconic status within the brand, but because I actually never go out shooting without it. It’s immensely practical for a day in the field, especially when you never quite know what the weather may throw at you. It’s warm, durable and the perfect weight. It’s the attention to detail that I find so pleasing too, the suede or leather detailing on the collars, the piping details, pockets with buttons to keep them open, thoughtful warm fleece lined pockets for cold days, and sturdy hidden zips.
"I love the way it’s reimagined each season, whether in a fresh tweed, Loden or luxurious cashmere, everything about it feels reassuringly reliable yet stylish. I’m lucky enough to own several, including vintage ones I have inherited from my mother. They are an investment piece truly worth making as even the styles I wear that are 30 years old still look incredible.
“Even at the beginning of the season when it can still be warm, I always take one with me, as the last drives are often chilly and I just pop it on over a shirt. My field coats have regularly saved me on snowy, freezing January days in Scotland when I wear lots of thin cashmere layers underneath and the field coat on top, which definitely keeps the wind chill out. I also often wear mine on more casual autumn weekends away, over a cashmere roll neck and jeans. I love them so much, I can spot a Purdey Field Coat at a hundred paces! The cut has a wonderfully understated but distinctive Purdey elegance to it.
“There are a number of pieces that I’m just never without in the field. I love the Purdey high waisted breeks as they are not only comfortable but incredibly flattering, which is not easy to find in tweed breeks! I also love our cashmere sweaters, both long sleeve and the tanks; they’re super soft, in great colours and styles, and fantastic for layering over shirts and blouses. I loathe getting rained on, so I would say my favourite and most useful piece would be the Vatersay Sporting Cape, which you can pop over literally everything you are wearing and you will remain bone dry. It’s light, folds down to almost nothing and is nice and long, with useful side zips so you can still climb over a gate or style. The detachable hood is key for arriving at lunch not looking like a drowned rat! It’s a definite must have.”
Gordon Robinson, Purdey Sporting Agency
“Apart from the look, style and feel of the Technical Yorkshire Field Coat, the one single thing I love most is that it is 100% waterproof and protects against the worst possible conditions. On shoot days in severe rain it is not unusual to have to change coats at least once during the day, but I can honestly say that this will withstand any conditions and keep you dry without the need to have a reserve stashed in the car.
“Generally speaking I wear mine whilst hosting the many shoot days throughout the season, as well as days where I am lucky enough to shoot as a guest, as it allows plenty of movement and does not restrict in any way when swinging the gun. It also protects from the cold, with the layers working to keep the heat inside but remain breathable, so I also wear it to winter sporting events as well as for my dog walks.”
Andrew Ambrose, Purdey Director of Gun Sales
“Ultimately a Field Coat needs to keep you dry and warm and the Purdey Field Coat does just that. Aside from the excellent functionality, the added bonus is that I do get admiring looks and very positive comments from many people when I wear it – mostly for shooting, though it is just a very good outdoor coat, whether for walking or going shopping.
“Although mine is several seasons old, they are designed for longevity – though, the new materials and different options available in the latest Field Coats are very difficult to ignore! I am also very impressed with the new Gloucestershire Lightweight Jacket. It’s very clever; you can wear it underneath a shooting vest to keep you dry, whilst still using the functionality of the shooting vest over the top. Equally you can also wear it on non-shooting days when the weather is milder, or underneath a coat when it is cold. It is another extremely versatile jacket.”
Shop our new collection, here.