An outdoor jacket by Grenfell, dating to approximately the 1970s.
Grenfell is an iconic British coat brand.
The distinctive Grenfell cloth emerged from their work developing garments capable of withstanding polar conditions.
Grenfell cloth is a densely woven cotton fabric renowned for its water resistance, wind resistance, and durability.
It possesses a smooth hand akin to Ventile, with an exceptionally pleasant tactile quality.
Where Ventile employs a plain weave, Grenfell cloth is woven in a twill pattern.
One might reasonably think of it as the twill-woven counterpart to Ventile.
The fabric quality speaks for itself, evident even to the untrained eye.
For those who have yet to experience it directly, we would encourage you to feel it against your skin.
The brand holds a Royal Warrant from the British royal household—an honour notoriously difficult to attain—testament to its standing.
This particular piece does not employ the iconic Grenfell cloth that defines the brand, yet the fabric quality remains exceptional.
It is constructed from a cotton and Terylene blend, a crisp, structured blend fabric.
Terylene is a trademarked name for polyester-based synthetic fibre; you may think of it simply as cotton and polyester.
While not a signature silhouette, this piece embodies Grenfell's characteristic design sensibility, fabric quality, and colouring—a thoroughly wearable piece with a distinctly contemporary character.
Worn without affectation, casually layered, the piece reveals its true appeal.
From our perspective, it functions beautifully as a counterpoint to more formal arrangements—consider it a counterbalance to tailored dressing.
This example features a Yamatagg label and AERO-manufactured zip, marking it as a scarce piece from the 1970s era.
Moreover, the vibrant blue tone—itself a rarity within the brand's archive—proves challenging to locate elsewhere.
Examining the collar interior reveals the fabric's original depth of colour, now tempered by time into a subtle patina. Such chromatic evolution speaks uniquely to the character of vintage pieces.
The sizing runs somewhat compact, suiting those of slighter build.
The piece carries marks of wear—soiling and fading—yet remains entirely wearable, with no substantive damage that would impede use.
An exemplar from one of Britain's most esteemed names.
Should you have been seeking such a piece, this may well be the moment.
