"Military jacket using VENTILE®"
This phrase alone is enough to not only Nigel fans, Fashion enthusiasts will surely be thrilled.
The story of VENTILE®︎ dates back to the late 1930s in Britain.
British Royal Air Force pilots, if they crash into the freezing North Sea, they faced the harsh reality that they could lose their lives in just a few minutes. In an attempt to resolve this tragic situation, the British government in Manchester "The Shirley Institute" was given a massive national budget to develop groundbreaking materials to increase the survival rate of pilots.
That's where VENTILE®︎ came into being.
This fabric, woven with extra-long staple cotton to its absolute limit and at an ultra-high density, exhibits an astonishing property: when wet, the fibres swell, and the weave becomes even tighter, preventing water from penetrating. This dramatically extended the pilot's survival time at sea. Indeed, VENTILE®︎ has saved the lives of many soldiers as a "life-saving fabric."
This product uses the "L24 VENTILE®," which is positioned as the highest-end model in the VENTILE® lineup.
VENTILE®︎ comes in grades based on its thickness, including L34, L27, and the top-of-the-line L24. The smaller the number, the thicker it is, and the rarer and more valuable it becomes.
The L24, which was chosen for this project, is truly in a class of its own within the VENTILE®︎ lineup. Its overwhelming density and the resulting suppleness continue to fascinate many fashion enthusiasts.
And now, here's the little-known production background.
In fact, the VENTILE® material changes its appearance depending on the season and environment in which it is woven. This is because it is related to temperature and humidity.
While it may sometimes feel stiff or heavier, the VENTILE® used in this product is surprisingly "soft and supple." The moment you put it on, it might completely change your perception of VENTILE®.
This texture is something you can only encounter in this particular batch, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Furthermore, the inside is lined with soft cotton. This lining, which supports the VENTILE® outer fabric, further enhances ease of putting on and taking off, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience. Above all, it significantly elevates the product's overall quality and prestige.
The design is based on the tropical field uniform, commonly known as "Jungle Fatigue," adopted by the US military during the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
With its functional design featuring four gusseted pockets, this jacket is a masterpiece that can be considered the prototype of the military jacket. Nigel Cabourn added this twist to the design. That is the evolution to "tailored craftsmanship."
This jacket combines a military style with tailored lapels, a hallmark of British brands. Combined with the VENTILE®︎ aesthetic, it resulted in a refined and elegant look. With the lapels laid flat, it becomes a "gentleman's battle jacket," and with the collar turned up and the top button fastened, it becomes "authentic military wear."
This luxury of enjoying both sides in one piece is precisely what aligns with the military style that modern adults seek.
Height: 187cm / Wearing Size: 52
For me, a size 54 is the correct size, but this time I wore a size 52. This size is fine if you plan to wear it with a T-shirt or shirt underneath, but if you intend to wear it for a longer season, a size 54 would be preferable as it allows you to layer a sweatshirt or knitwear underneath.
The colour options include the brand's iconic Dark Orange, the traditional Navy, and Green, which is my personal recommendation.
My reason for recommending Green is its excellent compatibility with the Jungle Fatigue design. This allows you to enhance the design while also clearly differentiating it from the original through the use of different fabrics. It can be described as the ultimate "tailored military" garment, possessing both dignity and strength.
Due to the current global situation, raw material prices and transportation costs are steadily rising. Nevertheless, there's a reason why Nigel Cabourn continues to use this expensive Ventile fabric as its British-made origin. Just as silk and cashmere are recognised as luxury materials, Ventile, with its combination of functionality and history, is a fabric that offers comparable "investment value."
Fabrics born in the UK, manufactured in UK factories, and shaped by UK brands.
This consistent storytelling is what gives it its persuasive power—the "proof of authenticity" that makes it a product you can cherish for 10 or 20 years.
Although the delivery date was later than initially anticipated, we believe the finished product will still make you think, "It was worth the wait, and I'm glad I bought it." This product is rare, being made in the UK, and therefore, stock is limited.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact your nearest store. Our entire staff looks forward to your visit and inquiries.
Kon
