When it comes to country clothing, we think it is always better to invest in a few really good pieces rather than constantly buying things that only last a season.
The right coat, pair of boots or jumper can stay in your wardrobe for years and often ends up being something you reach for all the time. Although investment pieces can cost a little more to begin with, they normally work out better value when you think about how often you will wear them.
Here are five classic country wardrobe pieces that we think are worth investing in, with an option for both men and women.
1. A Classic Tweed Coat
A tweed coat is one of those pieces that never really goes out of style. It is ideal for country shows, race days, shooting, outdoor events or simply when you want something a little smarter than your everyday coat.
Tweed is also much easier to wear than people sometimes think. It looks great with jeans, boots, knitwear and shirts, so you do not have to save it for special occasions.
We would recommend choosing a classic brown, green or bracken tweed, as these colours are easy to wear and will not date quickly.
For Men
Hoggs of Fife Kinloch Men's Technical Tweed Field Coat
The Kinloch is a traditional-looking tweed coat with plenty of practical features. It is a great option for shooting, countryside days and outdoor events, but it still looks smart enough to wear casually too.
For Women
Hoggs of Fife Roslin Women's Technical Tweed Field Coat
The Roslin has a really flattering shape while still being practical and comfortable. It is waterproof, windproof and breathable, making it a good choice for British weather.
2. A Wax Jacket
A wax jacket is probably one of the most useful things you can have in a country wardrobe.
You can throw one on for dog walks, weekends away, trips into town, country shows or everyday jobs. They also look just as good with jeans and boots as they do layered over smarter clothes.
One of the best things about a wax jacket is that it can be reproofed and maintained rather than replaced. A little bit of wear often adds to the character of the jacket rather than ruining it.
For Men
Barbour Classic Bedale Wax Jacket – Olive
The Classic Bedale is a proper country staple. It has a relaxed fit, so there is plenty of room for layering, along with practical pockets and the classic Barbour look.
For Women
Barbour Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket – Olive
The Classic Beadnell is based on the traditional Bedale but has a more fitted women's shape. It is easy to wear, practical and a style you are unlikely to get bored of.
3. A Good Pair of Leather Boots
A good pair of leather boots can easily become the most worn item in your wardrobe.
For men, a classic Chelsea boot works with almost everything. You can wear them with jeans at the weekend, chinos for work or smarter trousers for an evening out.
For women, a tall leather country boot is perfect for everything from dog walks and muddy fields to country shows and race meetings.
The main thing with leather boots is looking after them properly. Regular cleaning and conditioning will help prevent the leather from drying out and keep them looking good for much longer.
For Men
RM Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots – Chestnut
The RM Williams Comfort Craftsman is a timeless Chelsea boot that can be dressed up or down. Each pair is made from a single piece of leather and designed to be worn regularly for years.
For Women
Dubarry Galway Women's Leather Country Boots – Walnut
The Dubarry Galway is one of the most recognisable country boots around. It is waterproof, comfortable and smart enough to wear beyond the muddy dog walk.
4. A Merino Wool Jumper
A good merino wool jumper is something you can wear for most of the year.
It is lightweight enough for cooler summer evenings but warm enough to layer under a coat during autumn and winter. Merino wool is also naturally soft, breathable and comfortable, so it is a really useful option for everyday wear.
We would normally choose a simple quarter-zip or crew-neck style in navy, charcoal, cream or olive. These colours are easy to match and will not go out of fashion.
For Men
Alan Paine Barton Men's Quarter-Zip Merino Wool Sweater
The Barton is a simple quarter-zip jumper that can be worn casually or over a shirt for a smarter look. It is warm without feeling too bulky, which makes it useful for layering.
For Women
Dubarry Shanley Women's Merino Wool Sweater – Cream
The Shanley is a lightweight merino wool jumper with a classic shape. It is easy to layer, easy to style and works well with jeans, country boots or smarter trousers.
5. A Proper Waterproof Jacket
A reliable waterproof jacket might not be the most exciting thing to buy, but it is definitely one of the most useful.
British weather is unpredictable, so it is worth having a coat that can actually cope with proper rain rather than just a light shower.
Look for a waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane, a good hood, adjustable cuffs and enough room to layer underneath. A simple green, navy or brown style will also be easier to wear year after year.
For Men
Härkila Orton Tech HWS Jacket – Willow Green
The Härkila Orton Tech is waterproof, windproof and lightweight. It has plenty of practical pockets, an adjustable hood and enough room for layering, making it a good option for shooting, walking and everyday countryside use.
For Women
Härkila Pro Hunter GTX Women's Waterproof Jacket – Willow Green
The Pro Hunter GTX is a durable waterproof jacket designed for proper outdoor use. It has a GORE-TEX membrane, a detachable hood and plenty of adjustment so you can get a comfortable fit.
How to Choose an Investment Piece
An investment piece does not always have to be the most expensive item in the shop. It should simply be something that you will wear regularly and that fits in with the rest of your wardrobe.
Before buying, think about:
- How often you are likely to wear it
- Whether it works with clothes you already own
- Whether the colour and style will date quickly
- How easy it is to clean or maintain
- Whether it can be worn across different seasons
It is also worth following the care instructions. Reproofing wax jackets, conditioning leather boots and washing waterproof coats correctly can make a huge difference to how long they last.
Build a Wardrobe You Will Actually Wear
A classic tweed coat, wax jacket, pair of leather boots, merino wool jumper and reliable waterproof jacket give you a really strong base for a country wardrobe.
They can all be worn in different ways, across different seasons and for a range of occasions. Most importantly, they are the sort of pieces you will still be happy to wear years from now.
Explore more men's and women's country clothing at A Farley Country Attire and find pieces that are made to be worn, enjoyed and looked after for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clothing is worth investing in?
Outerwear, boots and knitwear are usually worth investing in because they are worn regularly and need to cope with plenty of use. Wax jackets, waterproof coats, tweed coats, leather boots and wool jumpers are all good places to start.
Is a tweed coat a good investment?
Yes. A good tweed coat has a timeless look and can be worn for country shows, shooting, outdoor events and everyday countryside life.
How long should a wax jacket last?
A wax jacket can last for many years when it is properly looked after. Cleaning it correctly and having it reproofed when needed will help maintain the finish.
Are expensive leather boots worth it?
A good pair of leather boots can be worth the money when they fit well and suit your lifestyle. The key is to clean and condition the leather regularly.
What colours are best for investment clothing?
Neutral colours such as olive, navy, brown, cream and charcoal are usually the easiest to wear. They work well with other clothing and are less likely to go out of style.