Three Essential Pillars of Functional Outerwear

This season at Oliver Spencer, our outerwear collection is the epitome of form meeting function, blending heritage menswear shapes with utilitarian details. Rooted in military and workwear history, these pieces were originally designed with durability and practicality in mind, but today, they offer so much more than just functionality. Utilitarian clothing is stylish because it’s inherently versatile - its clean lines, structured silhouettes, and no-fuss details make it easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. Plus, in a time when fashion is increasingly focused on sustainability and longevity, these timeless designs are built to last. Oli has taken these classic silhouettes and elevated them with contemporary fabrics and eco-friendly materials, resulting in outerwear that feels both forward-thinking and effortlessly cool.

The Bomber Jacket

First up is the bomber jacket - originally designed for WWI pilots, these jackets have evolved into an everyday staple. Oli's version this season comes courtesy of the Arlington bomber, which has been crafted from a recycled wool blend, making it both eco-conscious and incredibly warm. It's the perfect layering piece for unpredictable autumn days, pairing effortlessly with denim or our cotton trousers.

Lambeth Jacket Barwell Canvas Black

£379

Made in England

Arlington Bomber Jacket Mosedale Navy

£419

Made in England

Arlington Bomber Jacket Mosedale Tawny Brown

£419

Made in England

Arlington Bomber Jacket Staunton Navy/Ginger

£449

Made in England

The Military Coat

Modern menswear, and outwear especially, has a lot to thank the military for. The timeless pea coat boasts a naval legacy, having traditionally been worn by sailors to combat harsh conditions at sea. The old versions were typically made from Melton wool with a high lanolin content to improve the coat's waterproofing, but today's versions - such as our Albion coat - tend to be made from softer, finer wool. Our version uses a recycled wool blend and features a double-breasted silhouette that feels authoritative yet easy to style with tailored trousers or even joggers and a hoodie for a modern twist. The trench coat is, as the name suggests, born from the necessities of conflict, but is still an iconic and much-loved outerwear piece today. While the originals were made from waterproof cotton, we've used warm wool and corduroy to construct our belted Grandpa coats. Similarly, the military 'Great Coat' was used as inspiration for our new Big Coat style, which is incredibly warm and impervious to even the coldest of winds.

Albion Coat Mosedale Navy

£495

Made in England

Albion Coat Mosedale Tawny Brown

£495

Made in England

Big Coat Barrow Charcoal

£569

Made in England

Big Coat Corday Beige

£569

Made in England

The Chore Jacket

A garment born out of French workwear, the chore jacket has come to the fore in menswear in recent years, reimagined as a piece of contemporary kit. The original chore jackets were pretty simple affairs, featuring a pretty unflattering silhouette and typically made from hardwearing cotton. Today's chores are more refined, with a shorter, more fitted shape. Oli has created a variety of chore jacket-inspired garments this season, all of which feel robust yet refined. Whether you’re styling it over a sweater or a casual shirt, it’s the ideal choice for layering as temperatures drop.