Paladrin returns to the ring for round two

I wrote about Paladrin a year or so back when they were just starting out with their “Made by London” idea, where the clothes were designed and made in London, using British fabrics. Well, it’s no surprise that after the initial success they are back again with the sequel. You know how it is when you’re onto a good thing? You keep going. Work your strengths, tweak your designs, source better and apart from that just keep on keeping on.

Paladrin are very much champions of two core ideas: traditional fabrics and boxy cuts. When it comes to the traditional fabrics there are some that get mentioned a lot, and others not so often. Denim and tweed are pretty much always popular, linen has also enjoyed a recent popularity, but others, such as moleskin and corduroy not so much. And corduroy and moleskin might be considered the Paladrin house fabrics. Granted, corduroy is currently enjoying something of a general boost in popularity, but amidst the usual geography teacher and social worker jokes. Really though, those of us with more open and inguisitive minds know that both corduroy and moleskin have historical aspects that make them very interesting indeed.

Moleskin was obased on a twilled cotton fabric known as fustian and was developed as the workwear fabric of choice for dealing with the cold and damp British climate, both indoors and outdoors, in Victorian times. Corduroy, also a cut cotton, also evolved from fustain. Fustain was notoriously subversive as well, being the choice of supporters of the radical working class in the 19th century. Reason enough to view the meek geography teachers with fresh respect! Both are very pleasant in use though, being both soft of handle and warm.

Last year saw canvas and corduroy jackets and moleskin and corduroy shirts, this year they’re back with more corduroy jackets, this time wider of wale, as in heavier grade, and more shirts. A nice looking wool melton has also been added to the mix. Being staunchly anti-fashion and doing their own thing, there’s no skinny fits or flashiness, it’s still boxy, classic workwear silhouettes. As mentioned, for this season the patterns have been reworked and evolved for a more ergonomic and comfortable fit. Evolution based on experience is a good thing, this way lies progress. The design and production is still in London, using British fabrics and details.

If there is a problem with Paladrin it’s the short runs. Once announced, you need to get in there quick if you want something. This season I instantly fell in love with the green corduroy jacket. Can I say fell in love with a jacket? Sounds silly, but you know what I mean. Let’s just say I adore heavy corduroy and this one ticked lots of boxes for me. And it sold out double quick. I also wanted one of the revised moleskin shirts, as they are just great for cold weather use. Or as a transitional layering garment, as your local menswearist no doubt would put it.

Construction wise I’m pleased to see all tidily felled seams and buttons that are firmly attached. This again proves that short run productions made in Britain using quality materials need not be wildly expensive. Well, at least not when you can buy direct. It’s a good deal for both Paladrin, the maker and the customer though.

One word of advice: Read the sizing details carefully. The sizes are larger than usual. I’m normally a large, occasionally a medium, but in Paladrin I’m a small.

Available now from Paladrin. Jackets from 185 to 230 130 to 150 pounds, shirts 75 to 110 45 to 65 pounds. There’s a sale on!