With the Glorious Twelfth just around the corner, we\u2019re sure you\u2019re digging your tweed caps and cartridge bags out for the season \u2013 and whether you\u2019re shooting game or clay, everyone knows you can\u2019t just wear any old thing out in the field. If you\u2019re out on your first shoot, or are just looking to refresh your sporting wardrobe, then take a quick look over our guide to the best sporting clothes and accessories that will keep you on top form this season.<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s your first formal shoot, it\u2019s always wise to ask your host about the dress code. Brightly coloured jackets and fleeces are a major faux pas \u2013 stick to greens and browns to ensure you\u2019re concealed from your quarry on a game shoot and save your colourful delights for feature ties, garters and socks. Although many shots are stylish men and women, comfort, safety, and practicality will always come one step ahead of style in the field, so keep that in mind when purchasing your shooting attire.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re out on a formal shoot, a traditional tweed flat cap is the ideal accent to your outfit, and in colder weather you can find fleece lined, quick drying options to protect yourself from the elements. In extreme cold, beanie hats are becoming more acceptable providing they are in a subtle green or brown. On brighter days, sports caps can be great for protecting your eyes from the sun.
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Ease of movement is an integral factor when choosing a shooting coat; be sure to go for a jacket that has been specifically designed for use out in the field, and features a wide chest and an action back for extra flexibility. Since most shoots take place in the autumn and winter, waterproofs are a must when on a shoot in the British countryside. If you\u2019re on a driven shoot, you may choose to take a packable waterproof in your bag to quickly throw on when the rain arrives. Otherwise, waterproof shooting jackets are readily available if you value convenience over tradition.<\/p>\n
Although many favour the traditional tweed jackets with their ability to stay dry and look smart out in the field, technical jackets have become more and more popular of late. GORE-TEX lined, fully waterproof and easy to move in, brands such as Schoffel, Musto, and Barbour have all created highly technical jackets specifically engineered to enrich your technique. If you\u2019re still a fan of the traditional tweed, then look no further than the Schoffel Ptarmigan Tweed Coat, which fuses the classic lambswool finish with those modern features that will keep you warm, dry, and on top of your game each and every time.<\/p>\n
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On colder days, it\u2019s all about layering up for the shoot. On a formal game day, always opt for a traditional tweed waistcoat, with a sleeveless knitted vest underneath for added insulation. Sleeveless fleeces are also popular as they reduce the bulk around the arms and shoulders during a shoot. Sleeveless fleeces and vests are available in a range of subtle attractive colours, like those found in the Schoffel and Barbour collections. Make sure to choose a vest with added protection on the shoulder to enhance your shot.<\/p>\n
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Tattersall shirts are traditional and easy-to-wear, and look great whether you\u2019re on a formal shoot or not. Ensure you choose a shirt with extra room for movement, and always choose 100% cotton for breathability and comfort. On a formal shoot, a tie is a necessity, but many opt for a tie on more casual days as they keep your shirt neatly in place and prevent any water from dripping down your collar!<\/p>\n
Formal shoots call for tweed breeks or trousers, but on a more casual day, a comfortable moleskin trouser is acceptable. When the weather is wet, or the terrain muddy, you will want to invest in a pair of waterproof and GORE-TEX lined overtrousers to protect your breeks or moleskins from the rain. Make sure you remove them if you\u2019re invited in for lunch though \u2013 muddy overtrousers and upholstery aren\u2019t going to get along! Ladies may choose a straight tweed skirt while out on a formal game day, but trousers and breeks are a fantastic option for warmth and practicality.<\/p>\n
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Your shoes are the most important part of any outfit when it comes to comfort and practicality, but on a shoot, they are especially integral to your stance and overall performance on the day. There\u2019s a great debate regarding whether shoes, boots or wellies are the ultimate shooting shoe \u2013 and while we\u2019re not about to weigh in on that \u2013 we can tell you there is plenty of choice so you needn\u2019t pick just one if you\u2019re serious about country sports. A classic brogue or derby shoe is great for more manageable terrains on a formal shoot \u2013 just ensure you\u2019ve polished them up from your previous game day! Wellies are ideal when the weather isn\u2019t on your side; we love Le Chameau boots for their robust sole and quick drying lining. If you\u2019re really wanting to make an investment in your wellies, then opt for the leather lined Le Chameau boots: we promise you won\u2019t regret it! For a pair of boots that will do it all, a GORE-TEX lined, leather country boot like those from Dubarry will tick both the style and practicality boxes. Always pack a pair of smart indoor shoes on the occasions where you will be invited in for lunch to ensure your outfit always looks well put together and your host\u2019s floors aren\u2019t ruined!\u00a0Shooting socks are the best way to show off a little personal style, and are available in a range of rich colours that will peek out from above boots and shoes wonderfully. Make sure to secure your socks with garters to stop them from slipping throughout the day.<\/p>\n
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No one wants to be weighed down with excessive \u2013 and unnecessary \u2013 bits and pieces while out in the field, but there are some essentials that you\u2019ll certainly need when out on a shoot. Firstly, don\u2019t leave home without a cartridge bag \u2013 even if you think that your pockets can hold all you will need, it\u2019s poor form to be without cartridges before the day is up, and you\u2019ll probably find you use more than you need, so pack a few spares. Ear protection doesn\u2019t take up much space in your bag, and is incredibly important to your health, so don\u2019t forget to take earplugs or over ear defenders \u2013 the latter will keep your ears warm too! Sportsmen and women should also be mindful that they will require eye protection, and although this can be provided by the shooting school, some hosts may not have the appropriate gear and many shots may require prescription eye wear, so make sure you\u2019re prepared. A pair of cotton, high performance gaiters are sure to come in handy when you\u2019re out on tricky terrain: not only will they go some way to keeping you dry, but you can be sure your neat tweed trousers won\u2019t get ruined by thorns and brambles. Finally – don’t forget you wallet to tip the Gamekeeper!<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Men’s Alan Paine\u00a0Compton\u00a0Tweed Cap<\/a>, Men’s Schoffel Ptarmigan Tweed Coat<\/a>, Barbour Waxed Cotton and Leather Cartridge Bag<\/a>, Have a great sporting season!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With the Glorious Twelfth just around the corner, we\u2019re sure you\u2019re digging your tweed caps and cartridge bags out for the season \u2013 and whether you\u2019re shooting game or clay, everyone knows you can\u2019t just wear any old thing out in the field. If you\u2019re out on your first shoot, or are just looking to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6538,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[341,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-guide","category-style-guide"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nPennine Contrast Garter<\/a>, Barbour Waxed Cotton Gaiters<\/a>,
\nWomen’s Schoffel Ghillie Coat<\/a>, Men’s Le Chameau Leather Lined Wellingtons<\/a>, Men’s Alan Paine Shooting Socks<\/a>.<\/p>\n