Staying dry naturally and stylishly - Barbour, Ventile, British Millerain, Grenfell

Spending a few days in the wild and woolly north disclosed a few gaps in the Grey Fox outdoors wardrobe. I have plenty of clothing suitable for climbing mountains and rambling along country footpaths, but these are mainly made artificial materials such as Gore-Tex. I have no problem with that, they are the best materials for extremes of weather. However, if the going is not so tough, they are rarely as comfortable as natural materials such as wool and cotton which are softer and more breathable. Furthermore, I don't really want to rustle like a paper bag as I walk a country path. It scares off the wildlife and makes me feel like a jolly anorak-clad rambler on a Sunday outing.

So, as autumn approaches, what is available that is stylish, breathable, quiet and made from natural materials to keep off the worst of the weather? Many of the traditional rainproof garments, made from fabrics such as cotton, were first developed here in the UK by Barbour, Belstaff, Ventile, British Millerain and Grenfell among others (many still going strong in the UK). Could this have been something to do with the British weather and our love of being outdoors walking, climbing, shooting, fishing or sport? This long practical heritage has appealed to British explorers and mountaineers, royalty and the quintessentially cool (i.e. Steve McQueen).

Here are a few examples of outdoor clothing made from natural materials (cotton or wool based) that offer stylish alternatives to more technical artificial fabrics.

[Edit: 2016 - I'm pleased to say that the Grenfell shooting jacket, a vintage example of which is shown below, has been recreated by a revived Grenfell, see here].