For sale here is a field coat from the S.E.H Kelly label, a pretty small-scale manufacturer based in London. S.E.H Kelly is unique in a couple of ways. For one, their clothing is produced entirely in the UK. That is, all aspects of their clothing are sourced from British manufacturers. The designer, Sara Kelly, originally started out on Saville Row in London and was able to make a number of contacts with British fabric mills, button makers and traditional manufacturers. This is an increasingly rare thing, where these days many labels outsource to the developing world. Not only is S.E.H Kelly’s clothing imbued with British history, but many of these textiles are otherwise largely impossible to get outside of exclusive made-to-measure British tailoring.
Another unique aspect of S.E.H Kelly is their business model, where they are currently only available directly from their own shop (with very limited operating hours) or online. They used to have some Japanese distribution, which seems to no longer be the case. The label is kept intentionally very small, just a two person operation, with very small production runs given the scale and the type of materials involved. Still, S.E.H Kelly present an entirely unique take on classic British clothing, where their materials are some of the best available, while the designs tend toward the more casual. It’s a niche that few others are able to occupy, and really none as well as S.E.H Kelly.
As the name implies, this coat is made with being in the field in mind, made to take the worst of what the notoriously cold and rainy British climate can throw at you. The coat comes in a heavy weight (13oz) waxed cotton canvas. The wax is impregnated in the fabric rather than simply rubbed on, which results in a much longer staying power for the wax. You do not need to re-apply it and the jacket should maintain its water and wind proof capabilities for a very, very long time.
All kinds of details are incorporated as well. Front features six brass snap buttons for closure, which are hidden from view when closed. Cuffs also have snaps, and the belt (not pictured) has brass adjusters. I have photographed the coat without the belt, although it is included, and runs discreetly under the front pockets if you would like to add it. There is a wrap around collar that can be worn up for additional weather protection. Front has two large side pockets that are semi-detached, as well as two hand warmer pockets hidden in the seams. Your storage needs should be well covered with this coat. Shoulders have gussets to increase range of movement. My personal favorite detail here, which is included in all S.E.H Kelly outerwear, is that the fabric is double up throughout. There are actually two layers of fabric in the body (and sleeves are lined), which further increases the heat retention and waterproof properties.
In all this is a pretty heavy duty coat. It is not insulated, although you can certainly wear a liner underneath in the coldest of months, but it is substantial, heavy and warm on its own. Between the hearty fabric and the doubling up on the interior this should keep you both warm and nicely dry. Retail price is about 760 pounds, and this model is now completely sold out. These aren’t likely to come back anytime soon either.
Size is labeled a small and fits a small or potentially a slim medium in my opinion. The measurements make it look substantially larger, but the thick fabric accounts for the discrepancy. I measure the chest at 22”, shoulders at 18”, length at 32” from the base of the neck, and sleeves at 25” from the shoulder. The jacket comes in used, good shape. There is some fading of the fabric, including a bit of sun fading on the left shoulder, but no holes, tears or stains. The fading is to be expected with this kind of material and a part of the development process. Made in the United Kingdom.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $40.