Timeless Style and Technical Edge Country Sportswear for Every Outdoor Pursuit
Google Questions: What to wear in the British countryside? What clothes do you wear for hunting? What clothes to wear when shooting? What to wear when dog walking? What outfits do farmers wear?
When the skies clear and the light turns golden, the British countryside feels like paradise itself. But if you limited your visits to good weather days only, you would find yourself here only rarely. By learning to embrace the countryside in all its moods, you get to experience its beauty year-round, come rain or shine.
As the English polymath and writer John Ruskin once observed, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” The key lies not in waiting for the perfect conditions, but in arriving properly prepared for whatever the ever-changing forecast may throw your way.
Dressing for the Countryside
Timeless Style and Technical Edge Country Sportswear for Every Outdoor Pursuit
No one understands this better than those who spend their lives outdoors. Hunters, hikers, farmers, and others attuned to the land who venture out regardless of mist, rain, or wind. How do they do it? There’s no secret to it. It’s only a matter of choosing reliable country sports clothing designed for protection, comfort, freedom of movement, and last but not least, style.
For British outdoorsmen, clothing is never just about appearance or performance. These two are never mutually exclusive, but rather complementary, both deeply rooted in centuries of sporting tradition.
Refined style that reflects your respect for the land, for the occasion, and for the community and practicality that keeps you warm, dry, and safe. So, how does one navigate all these demands when choosing what to wear in the British countryside?
Country Sports Clothing Brands That Blend Tradition and Innovation
Given how much country sportswear is expected to deliver in terms of form and function, it’s wise to turn to brands that consistently rise to the challenge. Here are a few respected names to help guide your choice.
Hoggs of Fife
Founded in rural Scotland in 1888, Hoggs of Fife is a brand trusted by generations who work and walk the land. From its beginnings in farmwear, Hoggs has grown to cover clothing and footwear for hunting, shooting, and everyday country life, while maintaining a strong focus on durability and value.
Härkila
Härkila is a Swedish brand, operating at the advanced technical end of countrywear. Founded by hunters, for hunters, it offers high-performance stalking and hunting gear built for demanding outdoor conditions.
The brand is known for employing durable materials like leather and wool, GORE-TEX membrane technology, and technical, field-tested designs. While affordability is not Härkila’s primary focus, delivering uncompromising quality certainly is.
Sitka Gear
Sitka Gear develops premium technical hunting garments that excel in cold and wet conditions. Its collections feature base, mid, and outer layers that suit various outdoor pursuits. The brand utilises GORE-TEX for superior waterproof protection and PrimaLoft insulation for lightweight warmth.
Swazi
Swazi emerged from New Zealand’s rugged backcountry. The brand is respected for its extremely durable garments that deliver unfailing protection in the harshest weather. From heavy-duty jackets and waterproofs to technical fleeces, Swazi offers a wide range of gear for hunters, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts who spend extended periods exposed to the elements.
Building the Perfect Ensemble for Any Outdoor Pursuit
Timeless Style and Technical Edge Country Sportswear for Every Outdoor Pursuit
Every outdoor pursuit places subtle nuances or completely different demands on what you wear. Clothing suited to a day on the peg may not perform as well on a long walk across rugged terrain. If you’re new to field sports or working on the land, you should also try to avoid the common mistake of either wearing too much or setting out underprepared.
Hiking
When out on a hike, you need lightweight layers that breathe well and allow you to move easily. Since the weather is unpredictable, it’s smart to kit up with waterproof outerwear as well. Comfort matters more the longer you are on your feet, which makes well-fitted trousers and supportive footwear equally important.
Stalking and Hunting
Timeless Style and Technical Edge Country Sportswear for Every Outdoor Pursuit
What clothes do you wear for hunting? Stalking requires quiet fabrics that won’t spook the animals and clean silhouettes that won’t restrict your range of motion. During strenuous pursuits, breathability is also essential to preventing unpleasant cold chills that can turn dangerous. When stopping for extended periods, insulation becomes paramount, providing the warmth needed to remain still and focused.
If you need to blend into your natural surroundings, choose garments with earth-toned colours. Some of the brands mentioned above, like Sitka Gear, design specialised camo patterns based on the animal vision to maximise stealth and effectiveness.
Shooting
If you’re asking what clothes to wear when shooting, put freedom of movement on top of your list of priorities, regardless of whether you’re at the range or out in the field. Even small restrictions can throw off your mount or timing.
Here, it should also be noted that shooting attire varies by occasion. For more formal country pursuits such as driven shooting, traditional three-piece tweed suits are still widely worn, typically paired with a shirt, tie, and leather boots. If you’re unsure what’s expected, it’s always best to check with the host or estate beforehand to ensure you arrive appropriately dressed.
Dog Walking
What to wear when dog walking comes down to simple, no-nonsense practicality. Think lightweight waterproof jackets and durable trousers with smart pocket placements. You’ll also need a good pair of boots to safely navigate those muddy paths and woodland tracks.
Farming
What outfits do farmers wear? Farming clothing needs to withstand the rigours of physical work, exposure to the elements, and frequent washing. Comfort and flexibility are also important as you need to be able to move, bend, and lift without restriction. On top of that, appearance still matters. Choose farmwear pieces in clean, functional designs that can transition from work to everyday life.
Fleece sweatshirts, ribbed knit pullovers, and flannel shirts are versatile tops that work just as well when tending to the farm as they do when running errands in town. For outerwear, the choice depends on the weather and the task at hand. Practical gilets, waterproof and windproof smocks, and lightweight jackets are smart additions, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions.
How to Spot a Reliable Country Sports Retailer in the UK?
Knowing where to buy your country clothing is just as important as knowing what to buy. Ensure you’re getting genuine products and trusted value by choosing an official UK retailer of the brands you’re planning to shop.
A good retailer should provide expert, friendly advice on selecting the right items for your needs, not trying to pull you into unnecessary purchases. Positive reviews are usually a clear sign that you’re in safe hands.
And for added reassurance and peace of mind, especially when ordering online, look for stores that offer clear size guides and a no-quibble returns policy. This will have you covered if something doesn’t fit as it should or isn’t what you were expecting, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket.
Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.
