Story of an Icon: The Vest

Winter weather can be temperamental at the best of times. One minute it’s all clear skies and crisp winds and the next you’re battling a blizzard.

What this season calls for is a flexible approach to dressing. A cozy bit of clothing that will provide that much-needed extra layer of insulation without the bulk. Something that will keep you warm when you can’t face the reality of a winter coat.

What your wardrobe needs is a down vest.

Stuffed with 600-fill power down, our Bolton Mountain Down Vest provides superior warmth without the weight. It’s ideal for a chilly afternoon walk in the park or layered under a lighter jacket in case of a sub-zero emergency.

For our Fall 2015 collection we partnered with Harris Tweed® to revamp this versatile style staple. Their wool, handwoven by artisans in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, dates back to the 1800s and is recognized around the world for outstanding quality and durability, making it an ideal addition to this classic piece of Timberland outerwear.

Wrapped in their iconic pattern tweed, and featuring a contrasting shoulder, this wool vest (known to Brits as a gilet) is a standout piece. So-much-so that it hardly needs dressing up to make a statement: just wear it with blue denim, a white T-shirt and a gray sweater for a look that’s put-together, yet refreshingly simple.

As our Senior Menswear Designer, Barry Grainger, explains: “We wanted to try something unexpected here. Harris Tweed® has a rich history with traditional hunting jackets and blazers, but we decided to fuse it with one of our most popular styles to create a really unusual collaboration. The end result is a fabulous, durable down vest with a stand-out wool shell – unique, but reassuringly familiar and authentic."