Forged in the industrial crucible of 19th-century Britain, the &SONS Curtis Donkey Jacket (£350) arrives as a modern reimagining of a garment that once defined the working class and subcultures alike. This time around, there’s no compromise on authenticity or style: the PVC panels of old have been swapped for soft, premium sheep leather yoke accents and extended elbow patches, ensuring that this jacket stays firmly in the spotlight whether you’re treading city streets or trudging across the damp fields of the countryside.

Taking notes from the donkey jacket’s historic first appearance in 1888—when it was crafted to protect labourers on the Manchester Ship Canal—the Curtis is rooted in the same spirit of resilience that made the original a badge of honour for shipbuilders, navvies, and rebellious youths throughout the decades.

The wool blend is a heavyweight 650-680gsm, with 74% recycled wool in the mix and a smattering of polyester, acrylic, and nylon for extra durability. This means you’ll feel a reassuring heft when you shrug into it, without fear of surrendering your comfort on a cold morning commute. The casual fit lends itself to layering, whether you’re going for a contemporary vibe with a hoodie underneath or leaning into its old-school workwear charm by pairing it with a chunky sweater.

The collar, underlined with a leather undercollar adorned by a Van Dyke topstitch, is a subtle detail that quietly commands respect. If that wasn’t enough to turn heads, the premium black Corozo buttons and debossed leather label seal the deal, ensuring that not even the tiniest flourish has been overlooked.

Inside, the Curtis has been kitted out with a cotton canvas binding for a rugged feel and added durability, alongside an extra internal pocket for your everyday carry essentials. While the original donkey jackets were built to be purely practical, &SONS has taken the time to refine every inch of this design for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you find yourself caught in an unexpected drizzle or simply on the hunt for a piece of clothing that tells a story, the Curtis steps up to the plate. Its timeless lines and storied heritage are just as at home in the beer garden as they are on a weekend ramble across muddy fields. And with the donkey jacket’s roots steeped in the grit and graft of Britain’s working class—later spilling over into subcultures like rockabillies and skinheads—it’s a conversation piece as much as it is a practical garment.

The &SONS Curtis Donkey Jacket stays true to everything that made the donkey jacket iconic, yet delivers just the right dose of contemporary style to ensure you’ll want to wear it every chance you get.