I’ve always had a fondness for the donkey jacket, simple, practical and durable, an unsung wardrobe staple. First worn by workers building the Manchester Ship Canal in the late 19th century it got its name from the ‘donkey’ engine, a small steam engine used to replace the work formerly done by horses or donkeys.
Popular throughout the 20th century with everyone from miners to construction workers, they disappeared when hi vis safety jackets took over. Typically made of super hardwearing heavy wool cloth with an abrasion resistant leather shoulder and yoke (later versions which had synthetic shoulders).
Our version, the Arthur, is made in a mid-weight Yorkshire made wool melton from A.W. Hainsworth, sewn in Blackburn.
Patrick Grant
Founder, Community Clothing
I’ve always had a fondness for the donkey jacket, simple, practical and durable, an unsung wardrobe staple. First worn by workers building the Manchester Ship Canal in the late 19th century it got its name from the ‘donkey’ engine, a small steam engine used to replace the work formerly done by horses or donkeys.
Popular throughout the 20th century with everyone from miners to construction workers, they disappeared when hi vis safety jackets took over. Typically made of super hardwearing heavy wool cloth with an abrasion resistant leather shoulder and yoke (later versions which had synthetic shoulders).
Our version, the Arthur, is made in a mid-weight Yorkshire made wool melton from A.W. Hainsworth, sewn in Blackburn.
Patrick Grant
Founder, Community Clothing
