The Inspiration
We call it the Responder Coat because the style originates from the world of firefighting. We studied various iterations of the original fireman’s turnout coats, aiming to capture their practicality and hard-wearing spirit while injecting our own design DNA.
You’ll note several nods to the archetype: the storm flap (originally for extra protection against the elements), the contrast collar (a way of denoting a fireman’s rank), and the silhouette (broad at the shoulders, gently flared at the hem, and articulated through the arms for ease of movement).
But we’ve refined key details too: using 100% British wool instead of waxed cotton and horn buttons in place of metal clasps. These changes move the Responder Coat into more polished territory - more enduring, more versatile, and perfectly at home in the OF man’s winter wardrobe.
The Fabrics
The body is made using a sturdy, charcoal wool that hails from one the UK’s oldest and most prolific mills. It’s a premium fabric from the mill’s Heritage Collection and was first used for British Officers’ winter uniform. It has just the faintest hint of grey hair that adds warmth and texture to the compact weave of the 100% wool.
The collar piece is made using a lustrous, deep brown corduroy from British masters of cord, Brisbane Moss. It is an 8 wale fabric, meaning it has 8 ridges per inch. That sits in the sweet spot between fine needle cord and jumbo cord - a nice balance of structure, comfort and aesthetics.
