Ahead of the Glorious Twelfth, now’s the time to get your sporting kit in order — and discover the latest additions to the Purdey Sporting Collection.
There’s anticipation in the air ahead of the upcoming season, that unmistakable hum of excitement as the countryside prepares for the Glorious Twelfth. With it comes the annual ritual of brushing up on skills (our Shooting School team are the best in the business to help you do just that, find out what they’ve lined up this summer, here), polishing equipment (last minute services can be booked, here), and taking stock of your field attire. Whether you're a seasoned Shot or preparing for your first day out, dressing the part never fails to up your levels of confidence, comfort, and style.
A well-appointed sporting wardrobe begins with the fundamentals. Our traditional kit — field coat, breeks, shirt, waistcoat, gun slips, ear defenders, socks, boots and hat — has been honed over centuries, the result of countless days in the field and feedback from generations of sportsmen and women.
Purdey Field Coats are the most practical choice, with internal storm cuffs, breathable linings and deep, roomy cartridge pockets (read more about the team’s favourite Field Coats here). Our breeks come in a range of weights and materials, from classic wool to technical blends, offering warmth, mobility and durability. And layering is key: a brushed cotton shirt, Merino or cashmere knitwear under your coat ensure adaptability across changing conditions.
Equally important are the accessories. A cap, whether a peaked or contemporary baseball style, ensures your line of sight is uncompromised. Knee-high knitted socks, perhaps with a garter for that nod to tradition, and boots that prioritise resilience in varied conditions and and all-day wearability are a Purdey forte. And don’t overlook our gun slips and cartridge bags in hand-finished bridle leather, as luxurious as they are practical out in the field.
A Sporting Classic: In Praise Of Tweed
No cloth is more emblematic of British shooting than tweed — and few take it as seriously as Purdey. From the bold statement of a full set to the subtlety of a single piece, tweed offers enduring heritage and adaptability.
While the aesthetic appeal of a head-to-toe look is undeniable — and indeed, our new Tom Purdey tweed is very much designed with this in mind — it’s often a different story in the field. Many seasoned shooters prefer to mix and match depending on location, terrain and weather. This practical approach allows for a more personalised, responsive kit.
This season introduces several new tweeds, all woven in Scotland in colours that reflect the changing landscape, autumnal leaves, frosted fields and rustling hedgerows – muted tones to help you blend in, not stand out. Among them is a super soft and warm cashmere version, tailored for comfort and performance in colder conditions; and the light and luxurious Percy and traditional and sophisticated Alum designs, which you can read more about here.
We’ve also introduced three new styles of sporting vest, each one designed to provide maximum freedom of movement, with reinforced shoulders, cartridge pockets and weather-smart fabrics that respond to your environment. Purdey vests are renowned for their utility, elegance and ergonomic fit — whether worn as a mid-layer on colder days or over a shirt in late summer and early autumn, they strike the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. Choose one to complement a favourite tweed or rotate them across the season to suit different conditions.
The Purdey Approach: It’s All About Versatility
Our philosophy of mixing and matching tweed sets in the field extends to our full collection – everything we design is intended work together.
When putting your personal sporting wardrobe together, take a modular approach. For early-season grouse days, lightweight layers and breathable materials are essential, while later in the season, insulation and weather-proofing become key. Our new additions include the updated Vatersay Cape – which ensures you’ll only need one rather than the usual three coats on any given shoot day in the UK – alongside versatile everyday pieces that seamlessly take you from shoot to supper.
As the first days of the season draw near, there's no better time to take stock. Does your coat need reproofing? Are your boots ready for another season’s walking? Do your breeks still fit after a summer’s pause? This ritual is part of the sporting tradition: checking, adjusting, replacing, refining.
Explore our new arrivals, consider your own collection, and if in doubt, seek advice — our team is always on hand to help you build a sporting wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
Shop the latest Sporting Collection here.