Circa 1970s, a Aquascutum single-raglan soutien-collar coat, Made in England.
A rare single-sleeve piece in Aqua5 (100% cotton).
Bearing a double name with LODEN-FREY, the venerable German heritage brand.
Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by tailor John Emary in London.
The name itself is a Latin construction—Aqua (water) and Scutum (shield)—meaning "waterproof."
In the era of its founding, the gentlemen of the upper classes weathered rain beneath capes layered in multiples, stacked atop overcoats. The innovative fabric Aquascutum developed was met with such demand that orders accumulated almost instantly.
Most Aquascutum coats employ either set-in sleeves or raglan sleeves—the conventional two-piece configuration. Without precise fit, the shoulders rise unnaturally, creating a silhouette as though padded. Conversely, the single sleeve is celebrated for the remarkable fall of the shoulder line itself.
In the standard two-piece raglan, seaming runs along two points: the upper sleeve and the underarm.
The single sleeve, however, wraps the arm in one continuous length of cloth, placing the seam at only one point: the underarm.
This subtle difference yields profound consequences for silhouette.
The single-sleeve fabric descends perpendicular to gravity itself, creating a more pronounced drop shoulder and, consequently, a more refined line.
That this piece accommodates oversized wearing while remaining thoroughly contemporary in its ease is, perhaps, why so many seek it.
This example employs Aqua5, the proprietary fabric that Aquascutum developed—precisely what many collectors pursue.
Aqua5 is a specialised fabric developed in 1959: 100% cotton with water-resistant properties woven throughout.
At its introduction, it was regarded as "the greatest technical advancement in raincoat history," such was its influence.
Pure cotton reads differently than cotton-polyester blends. The hand is crisper, the presence more refined.
And for those who value vintage on principle, constructing a garment from natural fibres alone carries a particular weight.
In 100% cotton pieces, wear manifests across the surface as a patina distinctive to the fibre itself.
Considered alongside this natural evolution, the piece reads more casually than its blended counterparts—a versatility that serves many forms of dress.
The colour presents initially as beige, yet in natural light a subtle lustre emerges—a beige with iridescent depth, what might be called a shot tone.
Though nominally neutral in palette, this iridescence grants it distinction; where others fade into sameness, this coat holds its own.
There is wear present—surface abrasion from use—yet nothing of consequence that would compromise wear. There is life remaining in this piece.
When coat season arrives, those seeking single-sleeve examples emerge in number, and scarcity becomes apparent.
Single-sleeve coats summon Burberry to mind for many searchers, yet genuine examples in circulation are vastly fewer still. The rarity is pronounced; market availability approaches almost nothing.
We felt this piece warranted greater recognition, and have acquired it in hopes of conveying that value.
A Aquascutum single sleeve of historical consequence.
If you have been seeking such a piece, we would suggest not letting this pass.
【Size Details】
Length: 107.5cm
Shoulder width: —cm (raglan construction; not measurable)
Chest width: 56.5cm
Hem width: 70.5cm
Sleeve length: 86.5cm
※ Minor variance in measurement is inevitable.
【Condition】
USED
※ Surface wear present.
【Fit Notes】
Model proportions: 165cm tall, 50kg
【Returns and Exchange Policy】
Due to the nature of vintage pieces, we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Please review all details carefully before purchase, and contact us with any questions or concerns.
Damage and wear resulting from age and use are not grounds for return or exchange.
Colour variations between image and physical piece are possible and are not returnable.
Sizing concerns or differences in personal expectation do not qualify for return under any circumstance.
We ask only those who understand and accept these terms to proceed with purchase.
【Inquiry Code】
C062
