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Be prepared with proper winter storage
Ok, we seem to be back in that ridiculous in-between-y weather again. The bank holiday weekend may have been a complete washout (at least there was chocolate. Chocolate always makes things better) but many of us are starting to see faint hints of sunshine again, and whilst you shouldn’t be packing away your winter clothes just yet it might be worth spending some time prepping your winter clothing storage options. Do it now and when the sun finally does come out to stay you’ll be ready for it, and it needn’t take that long to tick this part of spring cleaning off your list.
It’s the perfect time of year to thoroughly go through your wardrobe to see what you’ve actually got in there. Be ruthless and chuck out or donate anything you’re convinced you’re not going to wear again, thereby freeing up space for all those lovely summer clothes currently clogging up the high street (shopping trip anyone?). Once that’s done it’s often worth cleaning the wardrobe itself—make sure there aren’t any lingering pockets of dust or musty smells emanating from the depths, because keeping it fresh and clean can be the best way to ensure your clothes stay in top condition.
You’ll want to start making sure your bulky winter sweaters and coats are thoroughly cleaned before you store them away—perfume or deodorant could get trapped in the fabric and attract moths—and then you need to consider the storage options themselves. You might not have room to store all your bulky winter gear in the wardrobe itself, and that’s when it’s time to get creative.
You might have an extra wardrobe or chest of drawers in the spare bedroom for this very reason, or you could even utilise one of those plastic vacuum bags to squish down your clothes and slash the amount of storage space you need. Make sure to invest in as many bags as necessary and always buy a lavender scented sachet for each storage area to keep everything fresh and sweet-smelling, so start the prep work now and all you’ll have to do is chuck your clothes in the desired space when the time comes.
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Stay warm yet stylish this Easter Weekend
The long weekend is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing—it’s time to get ready for Easter! It’s the perfect opportunity to get away from the desk and spend some quality time with the family, and that often means you’ll be heading out a fair bit. Unfortunately the miserable weather we’re contending with means you could well be wary of heading outside so you’ll need a coat that can cope in such treacherous conditions, and our duffle coats could provide the perfect solution.
Our coats can be a great addition to your Easter frivolities. If you’re heading out for the day they can provide the perfect barrier against all that wind and rain, ensuring the damp weather doesn’t have to dampen your spirits. They can be just as suitable if you’re planning an Easter egg hunt in the garden—you’ll have to spend ages strategically placing the eggs and will spend just as long outdoors as the kids hunt for them, so you’ll need a coat that can cope in the cold.
But, unlike some coats, with a duffle you’ll be stylish as well. They’re incredibly popular with people of all ages and celebs and mortals alike wear them throughout the winter months, meaning you’ll have a coat that will meet the standards of fashionistas everywhere. It’ll look just as good being casual as it will covering that outfit for a night on the town, letting you enjoy the delights of bank holiday clubbing whilst keeping cosy between bars.
So, if you want to stay warm and stylish this Easter, make sure to grab your trusty duffle coat. It’s just the thing for the miserable weather we’re experiencing and means you can enjoy the long weekend without having to so much as shiver, leaving nothing else to worry about but how many chocolate eggs you can get through…
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The Duffle Coat- Your cold snap saviour!
What did we tell you? After being treated a run of unseasonably glorious temperatures the cold snap is back with a vengeance. Yep, the good old British weather has foiled us again—no sooner were we getting used to a bit of pre-season sunbathing than we’re back in the jumpers, and if you were too quick to pack away your winter clothes it’s time to liberate your coat from the depths of the wardrobe pronto.
Your trusty duffle will be your cold snap saviour. It’s warm enough to cope with even the most biting of winds and the oversized hood will add extra protection against the rain and snow that’s set to descend over the next few days (snow in April?!), and it’ll be ideal for those chilly evenings when you’re stuck at the office.
Don’t be fooled by the thermometer either—it may say that it’s 6-9°C but the windchill factor will make it feel closer to zero, and you wouldn’t want to be caught without a coat in that! It’ll feel even colder after you were starting to adapt to warmer climates and if you haven’t got many jumpers close at hand your duffle coat will be a lifesaver, and if you keep it close by for a few more days you’ll be able to see through the cold snap without having to be a shivering wreck.
But, fear not. Temperatures are set to rise again by the weekend and we could be seeing some sunshine start to break through just in time for Easter Monday, so you never know, we might even have a warm-ish bank holiday! Your duffle coat could still be needed for a fair time to come though so always keep it handy, and you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve got a superhero-style coat at your side.
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Give your duffle some TLC
Ah, your trusty duffle coat. It’s been your constant companion throughout those long winter months, providing warmth and comfort on even the coldest of days. It’s been there through thick and thin, becoming more of a friend than a coat (we may be getting carried away here), so isn’t it time that you returned the love? It’s almost time to relegate it to the back of the wardrobe and whip out your summer alternative, but if you want to make sure it’s in tip-top condition come autumn then a giving it a bit of TLC will be well worth it.
The most important thing you can do is give it a good old clean, and dry cleaning will be the only option. Yes, it’s expensive but the results you’ll get will be more than worth it, helping to ensure you can enjoy your duffle for years to come. Make sure to pay close attention to any stains and if necessary pay extra to have them removed—you wouldn’t want an unsightly mark to suck the joy out of your beautiful coat, and when you get it back you’ll find it looks as good as new.
Make sure to store it carefully as well. Don’t just shove it in the wardrobe, creased and unloved, because if you do it certainly won’t look its best when autumn comes around. Ideally you’ll want to keep it covered so there’s no chance of it getting dusty (your dry cleaner might have provided a suitable coat bag) and always hang it up so it keeps its shape, and if possible keep a lavender-scented bag in your wardrobe as well.
It may seem old fashioned but your granny did it for a reason—not only will it keep your wardrobe sweet-smelling (thereby avoiding the dreaded muskiness) but it can help keep moths at bay too, because you wouldn’t want your lovely coat to be ruined by those perilous creatures. Spend some time on these few simple processes and you can be confident that your coat will stay looking good for longer, giving you many more happy seasons with your beloved duffle.
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Don’t ditch the Duffle just yet!
Take a look outside your window and you’re sure to be met with an unseasonably pleasant surprise. Who’d have thought we’d have bright blue skies, glorious sunshine and 20°C+ temperatures in March? It’s just what you need to put a spring in your step, but whilst it may be tempting to put away those winter clothes for good, don’t be too hasty just yet—not wanting to put a dampener on things, but we’ve all been burned in the past…
Just think of all those times when you’ve thought summer was on the way only for the grey, dark, cold weather to return a week or two later. The good old British weather is notoriously tricky (the current conditions being further proof of that) so it’s important to be prepared until you’ve got firm evidence that winter is well and truly behind you, and that means you should hang onto your trusty duffle coat for a little while longer. Just in case. A good rule of thumb is to remember the saying “Ne’er cast a clout till May be out”—in other words, don’t get rid of the winter clothes (at least until the end of May).
You’ll still need to be prepared with a good few layers because a cold snap could be just around the corner, and if you don’t want to freeze you’ll want to carry around a coat with you at all times. It’s even more important to remember in the evenings—it may be t-shirt weather during the day but if you’re caught out at night you’ll quickly feel the chill, so don’t ditch the duffle just yet. Keep hold of it for a few more weeks until you can be sure the warm weather is here to stay, and then you can treat it to a good old clean so it’ll be ready and waiting for you in the autumn.
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Put some colour in your wardrobe
The sun’s out, the days are getting longer and the clocks go forward this very weekend—yep, spring is definitely here. That means that it’s the perfect opportunity to take a look at your wardrobe, so get rid of those drab winter clothes and put a splash of colour in your wardrobe. What better excuse do you need for a shopping trip?
This season it’s all about colours, prints and patterns, being the perfect antidote to all that cold winter weather we’re finally seeing the back of. It’s the ultimate look for spring and will really make you feel like you’re ready for all that lovely warm weather, because who can feel summery in blacks, browns and greys? It’s all about making the most of the season and updating your wardrobe accordingly, whether you’re after a brightly coloured top or want to make a statement with a bright pair of jeans (or chinos for the boys), and with so many gorgeous spring clothes out there you’re bound to find something that’s right up your street.
But, if you’re not used to so much colour you could be finding it difficult to take the plunge, and that’s where accessories really come into their own—by opting for a brightly coloured bag, scarf or pair of shoes you could bring an instant pop of colour to your outfit without having to go too dramatic, being the perfect way to adjust to all those lovely spring brights. You could even go for paler tones if you’re not quite brave enough to go for full-on colour—pretty pastel and floral shades are a key look for spring, so you’ll be able to stay bang on-trend whilst bringing a delicate wash of colour into your wardrobe.
Of course, you could still need a coat for those chilly evenings until the summer sun really starts to make an appearance, and choosing one of our colourful duffle coats could be the perfect way to stay warm whilst sticking to the colour requirements of the season. So, get out there and see what you can find, and you could bring a pop of colour to your wardrobe to see you through spring in the best way possible.
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The makings of a Montgomery
The original Montgomery duffle coat really has stood the test of time. It first appeared in the 1890s and since then has gone from strength to strength, yet it hasn’t changed much in design since the very first Monty coat was produced—that, we think, is a testament to the quality and sheer functionality of this kind of coat.
The Montgomery was originally designed for Naval use but it soared in popularity during the First and Second World Wars, with its warmth and practicality making it a key piece of clothing for military personnel, and in fact it was the famous wearer of Field Marshall Montgomery who eventually gave the coat its name. After the war the Monty coat became popular with the public too and it continues to be so to this very day, with the best and original Montgomery coats (such as ours) being proudly made in England.
This kind of coat is made with only the finest of fabrics to ensure its quality and suitability for the job in hand, with its heavy, warm material being a key part of the Monty design. The oversized hood and adjustable neck fastening provide additional warmth whilst offering space for a hat underneath (the hood was originally designed to accommodate a Naval cap), and the toggles allow for easy fastening in even the coldest of conditions. True Montgomery duffle coats are made from double-sided fabric that’s been woven together rather than being stuck or glued, offering a weatherproof barrier for a superior and durable result.
Every single Montgomery duffle coat is based on the original Monty design from all those years ago, and we’re proud to say that we still manufacture all of our coats in England. We’re one of the few companies who can claim that level of quality, and if you want to experience the makings of a Montgomery then make sure to take a look around and you’ll soon appreciate the years of history that have gone into your purchase.
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Office staples to see you through the spring.
Whilst it’s easy to dress for spring on your own time, when it comes to the working week you might be slightly more limited in your choice. The need to look smart and professional can often get in the way of comfort and style, but if you invest in a few key pieces you’ll be able to look good whilst meeting the company’s dress code.
To begin with, it’s worth thinking practical. Layering is key to the whole thing because we’ve all been stuck in an office where the air con is on the blink, so always carry a thin cardigan for added warmth or you could style-up your look with a blazer. But, the accessories will be where you can really show your spring style credentials. Adding a belt to your usual outfit can instantly put you bang on-trend, and as for bags, shoes and jewellery you’re spoilt for choice—the tribal look is big this season or if you want something a bit softer then stay stylish with sorbet colours, or you could even stick to the tried and trusted monochrome look with hints of white in your shoes or bag.
As for the men—well, you might think that a suit and tie will be the order of the day, but if you play it right you might get away with a little bit more. Smart, dark jeans can often take the place of work trousers for a bit of added comfort, or if you really want to stay on-trend you could keep a lookout for ultra-smart chinos. Again, you might like to play around with colour and blazers are big all-round, so there are plenty of opportunities to experiment.
Of course, it all depends on your specific place of work—different companies will have different expectations from their employees, so you might be given more or less free rein accordingly. It all comes down to hitting the high street and seeing what’s out there to suit your place of work, but don’t forget about the coat just yet—those early mornings and late nights can still be chilly, so you’ll still want your trusty duffle coat to see you through a little bit longer.
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Mens everyday trends for spring
Okay, so a lot of men might not enjoy fashion the way many women do – but it’s still worthwhile to look at the best men’s trends for the season, if only to make shopping that little bit less painful! Though the runway might not show many fashions that would work on a daily basis, there’s still many useful things to be learned.
Men’s fashion doesn’t have to be all greys and blacks – though you might not be a fan of that salmon pink tee, that doesn’t mean you’ve got to stick to monotone. Colours that were once accents, such as blues, oranges, greens and mustard yellows are now coming out as the focus of many designer collections. Though the fashion week shows might push this a bit far, there’s nothing wrong with adding a splash of colour into your outfit. Our duffle coats look great in navy and indigo, and are a classic way to introduce some colour into your everyday wardrobe. Pairing this with a retro scarf adds some extra colour and interest.
Jeans, the staple of any wardrobe, are unfortunately being overshadowed by a new competitor – chinos. This is a key look for both men and women, and chinos are great for the warmer spring weather. Though jeans are an essential staple, it’s worth experimenting with lighter trousers for the new season. Depending on the style, they can also be smarter than jeans – so you might even get away with them in the office. White is also coming back in a big way, and with more colour variants than might be expected. From bone, off white, dirty white and creamy white, these colours have a more relaxed feel than crisp and bright white.
So, if you want to look your best this spring – and avoid looking like a fashion victim – try adding as few splashes of colour alongside your normal outfits. Now all that’s left to do is look forward to the summer sunshine.
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How to Choose a Well-Fitting Coat
With the days getting warmer and thick woolly jumpers being relegated to the winter clothing drawer, you might be starting to think about getting a new coat. You can afford to get something a bit more fitted at this time of year—layering is still necessary but they’ll be thin layers rather than thick ones—so a tailored look could be just the thing to welcome in the new season. But just how can you choose a well-fitting coat?
Well, whilst you can sometimes take a coat off the rack and have it fit perfectly, it won’t always be that simple. The key is making sure you’re getting a snug fit around every part of your body with no part of the coat looking too tight, and particular areas of concern tend to be across the back and chest as well as the upper arms. But, finding a coat to suit can sometimes be a challenge. They tend to be made to generic sizes without taking things like muscle into consideration and some styles (such as our duffle coats) are specifically made to be roomy so you might find you need to choose a smaller size than normal, but there are some things you can do.
Trying several on will of course be a given, but if you really want to make sure you’re getting a proper fitted look you could always take your coat to a tailor to have a nip and tuck or two. Or, you could even go all-out and have a coat tailor-made to your exact size, in which case you’ll need to be even more specific in your measurements—you’ll need to consider everything from the size of your neck and upper arms to the desired sleeve length, ensuring that everything is a perfect fit and totally suited to your dimensions. This could be ideal if you’re getting a coat for a special occasion but you don’t always have to be that fancy, and as long as you make sure to try on several options before you make your decision (and ideally have someone with you who can see the fit across your back, for example) you could find the perfect well-fitting coat to suit.