The Glorious Twelfth is the official start of the game shooting season, which takes place annually on the twelfth of August. The very British tradition which dates back centuries, but which grew in popularity in the Victorian era, is beloved by aristocrats and royals alike. Naturally, sartorial elegance is a feature however, as shooting attire is worn outdoors for long periods, fabric construction is as crucial as design.
The natural properties of wool combined with the traditional aesthetic of tweeds and tartans is perfect for the shooting season. Tweed, made from wool, is naturally water-repellent and evokes a nostalgia that modern waterproof textiles such as Gore-Tex just can’t match. Shooting will inevitably evoke images of earthy tones as outfits are somewhat required to camouflage with the countryside. However, each tweed has its’ own unique pattern and character just like each individual shooter will have their own technique and style so, when choosing a tweed, you can be as loud or as muted as you desire.
I’ve personally handpicked a wide range of different tweeds including the world-famous Harris tweeds and we source our fabrics from the finest British mills, including Dugdale Bros and co. Founded in 1896, Dugdale offers a love letter to Yorkshire in their Caldonaire collection – named for the rivers that are the backbone of Yorkshire’s industrial power. The collection is more tonally modern, for those clients that aren’t afraid of a stylish splash of colour in their hunting attire.
The Hardy Minnis Alsport collection offer traditional checks and houndstooth tweeds in a rich, earthy selection of greens, reds and navies synonymous with Autumn dressing. Or, if you prefer an alternative to plaids and checks, Porter and Harding Harris tweeds are in a more muted herringbone and offer a slightly cooler palette of greys and blues.
The twill woven construction of tweed means that it is one of the most strong and durable fabrics, allowing your outfit to last season after season. However, the variety of tweed that we carry at Richard George means that there is bound to be the perfect one for your jacket or pair of trousers even if hunting is not your sport. Tweed has that timeless quality; it never goes out of style.
In the video below, I chat to you in more detail about the history of tailoring and the Glorious Twelfth.
I would be delighted to welcome you to our exclusive showroom in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside by appointment only, this shooting season.
For enquiries, please contact us via email hello@richardgeorge.uk or by telephone 01926 695206
