1851, the English tailor John Emary decided to try to remedy the English gentleman’s longstanding source of concern; weather. In his shop at 46 Regent Street he began to experiment with different techniques to produce a water-resistant wool, and two years later he took a patent on a fabric which he christened Aquascutum, water shield in Latin. He also took the chance to register a company under the same name, and it was not long before the first rain coats from Aquascutum were found on the upper class gents, walking in the areas around Mayfair. Word got around, and a year later when Britain went into the Crimean War, rain coats from Aquascutum were the given choice of officers to protect against the elements.

In 1970 Aquascutum introduced the now famous club check pattern in brown and blue, which has become synonymous with the brand of sophisticated, understated style. Although Aquascutum has been on the fashion radar for several decades, it was not until 2005 that the first catwalk collection was launched, led by designer duo Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler. Aquascutum has also made itself popular in casual circles, alongside brands such as Burberry and Stone Island. Most of Aquascutum’s clothing is still made in England – in Corby, Northants.

Did you know: The Duke of Windsor has been seen in Aquascutum. In addition to King Edward VII, Winston Churchill, Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart.

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