Shackleton Clothing

For Men of Action

Anything with Shakleton's name attached and we're interested, particularly a clothing company that has the involvement of his granddaughter, the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, and bases its modus operandi on Shackleton's maxim: 'I hold that a man should strive to the uttermost for his life's set prize.' 

The clothes from Shakleton are intended to equip today's men of action. I suppose men of inaction can also present a more dynamic impression of themselves if they're wearing such clothes.

For the anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-1916 Endurance expedition, Shackleton brings out the Canvas Box Jacket (above and below). The jacket is made in Britain from heavy duty cotton canvas and has a leather collar and patch pockets.

Base Layer

You might want to throw a Shackleton Signature Jumper underneath the jacket at this time of year, so make sure the size of jacket you buy can accommodate one.

The sweater is made from British wool that is undyed with a natural brown fleck (nepp).

The basket weave and roll neck of the sweater take direct inspiration from the sweaters worn by Sir Ernest and his team of explorers.

Shackleton describes the sweater as 'an investment in comfort; a dependable companion that is built for life'. If you look after it, it will look after you for a long, long time.

They call the wool Jacob's nepp, so I wonder if it comes from the Jacob sheep. I hope so, as they're wonderful-looking things (see also Jacob Sheep Association). I'll get my people to speak with their people and find out.

The Jacob's sheep is an ancient breed, with an attractive piebald fleece and multiple horns, which survived largely because it was used as ornamentation in the grounds of English stately homes. Apparently, they make good 'guard dogs', too. You can see one of the largest preserved flocks in the country at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire, where lamb and hogget from the flock are sold by the National Trust.

Shackleton’s Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition