with all the talk of exodus to AAAC - I felt it only fair that I contribute something of some sort of value to the forum- I am guillty more than most of flippancy and frippery - straying far from the subject of clothing- and it would be remiss of me not to at least attempt a post on clothing - after all -Mr.Buff took me in and gave me a home when others wouldn`t.

Call it what you will - the jodphur boot- elastic sided chukka boot-dealers or chelsea chukka`s- there all the same thing.

All the traditional shoe manufacturers carry a version in their line -up also some contemporary manufacturers do.

They can come in tans-dark browns-black they are availlable in suede or  leather (le chameau even do a version in rubber.)

They are availlable in plain- brogued- and cap toed.

they are availlable in sleek -leather soled- highly polished leather, chunky rubber soled nubuck- you can even get safety versions of them with steel toe caps.

I have owned this type of boot for as long as I can remember.

The real success story of recent years though has to be RM williams -I can remember about 20 years ago friends coming back from gap years with these boots that they purchased in Australia - and raving how comfortable they were. www.rmwilliams.com.au

It is in recent years that they have entred the public conciousness - well the conciousness of those who are intrested in that type of thing.

Now wherever you go -as far as country social occasions are concerned -you will see RM williams boots- at the game fairs- the county agricultural shows  or the village fete.

I admit to being an ardent fan myself with a number of pairs.

The Craftsman in chestnut-the comfort craftsman- same boot rubber soled- the buckle boot same shape as the craftsman just a bellowed opening and a strap to secure- in Kangaroo ( my local supplier ordered these in for a customer-they are special order only- the customer never showed back up - so he sold them to me at a considerable discount- I only went in the shop that day for some wax dressing for my coat)
the yard boot -chunkier -waxy leather - rubber soled.

and my favourite RM williams boot at the moment the Arnhem boot - nubuck distressed leather with rubber sole and natural heel.

there are not that many suppliers in the UK who sell rm williams but a few who do are.

www.denewear.co.uk

www.Ptarmiganclothing.com

www.ericspencers.co.uk or has he is known in country circles Eric expensive

the best value for money on line retailer is www.bootsonline.com.au

the only boot simillar to this that I have -that comes close in terms of quality and robustness is the Ian Harold- Brumby boot which is made from bull hide. but is actually more expensive than RM williams offerings- denewear stock this boot. www.denewear.co.uk

The moleskin trousers and jeans by RM Williams represent excellent value for money in terms of quallity- but forget the shirts -they are dreadfull - withthe exceptions of their moleskin shirts and brigalow work  shirt.

I once read an Interview with Otis Ferry - hero of the English hunting fraternity and son of Bryan -in Horse and Hound and he stated he was also a fan because of the versatility of the boot - dress up -dress down- the choice is yours.

so If you want to purchase a look that is reminiscent of traditional English Country clothing and what real country people wear- Buy an Australian boot.

Last edited by Cheeky Monkey (2007-10-12 11:02:43)

Michael -the Rm williams moleskin trousers are a smashing pair of trousers- good rise- tapered leg- (but not drainpipe)- and plenty of room for the baggage -- they wash well without shrinkage-hang them over the aga rail inside out-no need to Iron-I like `em.

They also do a 15oz moleskin 5 pocket jean which I have these are deffinately cut on the slim side-but after wearing for a little while -say 15 minutes they give and are much more comfortable.

the other pair of RM williams trousers I own are their riders cleanskins (insideout moleskins) they have a clip pocket fastening and are Ideal for riding in -which is what I use them for-a touch more room in the seat- I dont think Rm williams are makingthese anymore though.

take a look on the website www.rmwilliams.com.au they do some nice- robust -practical gear many think their stuff is on the pricey side -but I regard it as good value for money -their gear lasts and lasts- I promise you .

Good source for real English country clothes...

http://www.country-outdoor-clothing.co.uk/

David beat me to the punch.

http://www.peregrineclothing.co.uk/

I want something like this:

http://www.brocklehurstsofbakewell.co.uk/acatalog/Thurso.html

Though maybe the ol' Trickers version is more refined.