Puffed out: How to work menswear’s quilting trend

Saturday 11 November 2017 15:33 EST

No longer the preserve of the aristocracy, quilting is here – hopefully – to stay (AFP/Getty)

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There may not be an arctic chill in the air just yet but autumn is in full swing and it’s as good a time as any to start searching for the ultimate winter coat.

When it comes to choosing “the one”, function often trumps style, but thanks to a recent runway fixation with off-duty cool, the new season’s must-have coat could mean we get the very best of both worlds.

The comeback of an old favourite, if you’re on the hunt for a super-comfy cover-up that will answer all your winter woes, then you’ll be glad to hear that the quilted jacket has returned to the fashion fold.

Finally, a coat you can reach for when the temperature dips below freezing that won’t completely rescind your style credentials. But, it hasn’t always been that way.

Invented in 1965 by Steve Guylas and his wife, Edna, the first quilted garment was a waterproof, quilted vest made for shooting which soon become popular among friends. Before you knew it, the original Husky jackets became a firm favourite among Sloane Rangers and even the Queen, who sported her corduroy collard number while riding.

Craig Green’s Autumn/Winter 2017 quilted runway look

No longer the sole reserve of British country aristocracy though, the heritage-inspired style made a surprising appearance on the runway this season; from Craig Green’s uniformed fisherman that came arctic ready in quilted smocks, to Topman’s padded pink two-piece inspired by the pubbing and clubbing scene of the Nineties.

Elsewhere, MSGM sought inspiration from the world of athletics – and an unlikely paparazzi shot of the Queen “mean-mugging” in a Range Rover. The juxtaposition resulted in quilted gilet’s splashed with cobalt blue and a two-piece khaki suit made entirely from corduroy.

Liddesdale Quilted Jacket, £89.95, Barbour

The perfect solution for those seeking comfort through the winter is to ditch the idea of a full quilted look and stick to outerwear, for a look that’s insulated for the coldest of weather while sharp enough to stand alone.