A INVERTERE herringbone twill wool duffle coat, estimated from the 1990s.
A special item arrival.
INVERTERE is a longstanding British outerwear brand founded in 1904 by Harold Perkin and his two brothers.
The brand holds the distinction of having developed the world's first reversible coat—a revolutionary technology of its time.
The name INVERTERE derives from Latin, meaning 'to turn around,' adopted to express the innovative reversible coats they created for affluent automobile owners.
In 1948, the company was sold to Walter Sorter of Yorkshire, whereupon the new facilities expanded the product range and began exporting to North America.
Though INVERTERE's factory closed in 1986, the brand's legacy continued under former technical director Harold Shaw through Westcountry Clothing Limited, operating under contract with DAKS-Simpson, producing INVERTERE coats.
Subsequently, the company was sold in 1995 to Moorbrook Textiles, which shortly thereafter acquired the INVERTERE brand from DAKS-Simpson.
INVERTERE built an international reputation for exceptional quality and timeless styling. The brand's quintessentially British, era-transcendent design has earned recognition worldwide.
While INVERTERE is often synonymous with the duffle coat, the brand is equally renowned for exceptional design across diverse styles beyond the duffle.
Today INVERTERE enjoys a revival in popularity, yet few know it once ceased production entirely. Those who value authenticity should seek out these vintage exemplars, made in an era of uncompromising standards.
The old INVERTERE represents a commitment to craftsmanship that demands to be experienced.
The piece presented here is a signature INVERTERE duffle coat, crafted in pure wool by Moorbrook, the celebrated fabric producer.
The looms that produced these fabrics operated with intentionally low efficiency, enabling the creation of substantial, plush herringbone twill—textiles distinguished by pronounced surface texture, softness, warmth, and remarkable lightness.
INVERTERE duffle coats constructed from Moorbrook wool are regarded as the finest duffle coats ever made, a judgment affirmed by the market itself.
Even HERMES PARIS, a house defined by its exacting standards, became devoted to Moorbrook's fabrics, utilizing their textiles in duffle coats produced during this same era.
Contemporary INVERTERE duffle coats remain in production, though they now employ Joshua Ellis wool rather than Moorbrook.
While both employ herringbone twill, Moorbrook fabric is regarded as lighter and more luxuriously plush than its successor.
The silhouette, too, differs meaningfully between old and new.
Current production favors a slender, tailored cut with formal character, whereas vintage examples present an altogether relaxed, casual proportion.
Those drawn to vintage pieces or preferring an unstructured, casual wear experience should consider a vintage INVERTERE duffle.
This particular coat bears the distinction of a double label collaboration with M.BARDELLI.
M.BARDELLI, founded as a hat maker in 1941, is a prestigious Milanese atelier renowned especially for entirely hand-sewn shirts.
The detailing follows classical duffle coat convention.
The top fastens with a button; the remainder employ wooden toggle closures. Large flap patch pockets sit at the hem.
The color is navy—a universal classic that lends composed, understated elegance.
The refined restraint of this palette only deepens the coat's inherent sophistication.
Many assume duffle coats to be heavy and cumbersome, but those constructed from Moorbrook wool operate on an entirely different plane.
Lightweight, warm, with a supple hand-feel, they promise effortless wear.
Size is marked "40 L"
This approximates Japanese sizes M through L.
The actual measurements suggest a golden proportion for Japanese frames, accommodating a broad range of builds.
There is visible patina consistent with genuine wear, yet no structural damage impairs function or further wearing.
A garment worthy of the designation "lifetime piece"—the apogee of duffle coat craftsmanship.
One scarcely speaks of the duffle coat form without acknowledging INVERTERE. This is such a coat.
Vintage INVERTERE duffle coats arrive at our shop infrequently.
Those seeking this particular exemplar should not hesitate.
