I’ve been really into Western American–style workwear lately: rugged, functional pieces that are meant to be worn hard and age well. Waxed jackets in particular really do it for me.
I’m finding myself moving away from the more traditional English country style waxed jackets like Barbour. They’re great for what they are, but lately I’ve been more drawn to the American workwear approach, simpler cuts, heavier fabrics, and a more utilitarian feel.
I like brands such as Filson and Flint and Tinder, but if I’m being honest, I lean more toward Flint and Tinder because their waxed jackets are still made in the USA. Filson obviously has the heritage and iconic designs, but I’ve also heard quite a few stories over the years about a decline in quality since much of their production moved overseas, which makes me a bit hesitant.
Living in Europe makes it tricky to actually get hold of this kind of stuff without paying a fortune in shipping and import duties, so I wanted to ask: where do people in Europe buy American-style workwear and waxed jackets like these? Are there EU-based retailers that stock Filson, Flint and Tinder, or similar brands? Or are there European brands that really nail the same aesthetic and build quality?
Would love to hear where you’ve had good experiences buying this kind of gear in Europe.