LifecanbetoffI’ve been surrounded by tweed through my job for the last 8 years. I’ve never been a tweed wearer and country style hadn’t been ‘very me’, usually opting for quirky and jeans. However, after 8 years I’ve slowly succumbed to the country style and have been introducing it a little at a time.
Around 18 months ago after a promotion, I had a sudden urge to buy a tweed coat. I felt it would be a staple wardrobe piece for my country pursuits.
I had a very specific style in mind, long enough to cover my bum, warm, pockets and a hood. Most of all, I wanted it to still be stylish. Unfortunately, a massive electricity bill put an end to my tweed coat fund.
Enter the Helmsley Tweed coat from Rydale which I was recently sent for the purpose of this review which most definitely fit my strict criteria.
When this coat arrived, I was surprised by how lovely it was. It comes in two tweed colours, one with a lilac stitch the other with a lighter baby pink. I have the Lucinda which is the lilac.
The coat is described as being “a sophisticated and stylish country jacket. Using our fine wool tweeds, soft pheasant patterned linings and serious attention to detail;”
And they aren’t wrong. The pheasant lining features throughout the coat, from the main lining, down the arms, inside the hood and even inside the pockets. It has a very luxurious feel at what could be considered a budget tweed price.
Attention to detail
This is reflected in what the coat is made up of, when compared to high end similar style tweed coats which are around 96% wool.
The Helmsley Tweed Coat is made up of:
Outer:
60% Wool
25% Polyester
10% Acrylic
5% Other Fibres
Lining:
100% Polyester
Though this is reflected in the cost – priced at £125 compared to circa £450 for a similar style, it doesn’t lack in quality and attention to detail – or style.
With several useful pockets and good stitching (mum made me video call her to show her the stitching), paired with the snazzy lining, Rydale have also paid attention to the style itself.
With plenty of branded buttons, useful, deep pockets and with funky elbow patches and synching at the back. There are toggles on the inside that allow you to synch the coat in for a closer fit.
This timeless style looks as good in the middle of a field as it would in the city. A friend at work, astounded by my sudden appearance in a tweed coat, said: “It’s actually a really stylish tweed so I’ll let you off”.
A seal of approval!
The hood lends itself to those rainy days but can be unzipped and removed if it’s not required.
I am yet to see if the coat is waterproof. I guess that as it is 60% wool it should be to a certain degree. Water resistance isn’t listed as a feature of the coat on the Rydale website.
The Roadtest!
We decided that there would be no better place to take the Helmsley Tweed for a roadtest than to Woodchester Park, a National Trust woodland and lake trail.
It was cold and really bloody windy, yet I remained nice and snug and protected from the wind.
I was able to carry around with me a map, my purse and my phone in the coat pockets and not feel paranoid that they would get lost or fall out – these are really deep pockets!
Size wise – I’m currently between a 14-16UK and from the reviews on the Rydale website, I selected a size 14. This coat definitely comes up on the larger size with a size 14 being comfortable and roomy. As you can synch it in, it becomes incredibly flattering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this is an incredibly stylish, warm coat that has been well made with a good attention to detail.
The hood could be a little smaller – the only time I have had to use it so far I did find it fell over my eyes a little. This does help keep the rain out of your hair but does mean you have to hold it up to see where you’re going.
If you’re looking for a lovely stylish tweed coat, then I would highly recommend taking a look at this coat.
Most importantly, I expect to see many years of wear in this coat both through its quality and style.
I’m really pleased I’ve popped my tweed cherry!
About Rydale
Rydale is a Yorkshire based British manufacturer of country clothing and footwear. Established in 1954 by John Nichols, the company boasts 47 years of experience in the manufacture of country wear.
Now in its third generation, the company has listened to its customers and developed collections based on customer feedback.
Rydale is passionate about British manufacture and farming with its extensive range of ladies waxed jackets, men’s Tweed coats, body warmers and flat caps are all being made in the North of England.
As well as being found online, Rydale has a presence at the leading agricultural and country Shows across the UK – I recall seeing them when I worked at the Royal Welsh Show.
I was gifted the Helmsley Coat for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and are honest based on the product and service I received.
Peace out!
Jangles x
Great Rydale coat and looks great on you. I have to say they make great country tweee coats. Also great article and very well writen, thankyou gteat read.