The Private White V.C. appreciation thread

[SirThopas]

I thought I’d start a thread in appreciation of this excellent British brand (made in Britain by craftspeople in Manchester, rather than merely a British-based brand getting its garments made elsewhere).

I have about a dozen pieces from Private White, ranging from a raincoat and travel blazer which use Loro Piana fabrics to corduroy overshirts, not forgetting their gorgeous shearling flying jacket.

Quality and workmanship are excellent. They’re the sort of wardrobe staples you appreciate more with time. Overall probably better for autumn, winter and spring than for summer, but I’m today, as London once again swelters, wearing a roomy yet pretty elegant pair of Private White linen shorts.

Would be intrigued to hear from fellow lovers of the brand.

 

[SilentPartner]

I've been watching them for a while, but their lack of physical stockists outside their Manchester store makes it really hard to try stuff on. The ventile macs look particularly great, and their harrington jackets. I like that they have the ethos of a Nigel Cabourn (pro-British manufacturing, heritage-oriented, interesting fabrics) but with less polarizing silhouettes.

Overall they might be a tad too "basic" for my needs, but I can absolutely see that if/when something in my basic wardrobe wears out, I'd be checking them out. If they can sort out the physical stocking issue for those of us with non-standard sizing.

 

[Cliffnopus]

I have two pieces that work well. One is a Ventile trenchcoat and another is a navy linen Harrington Jacket (both Simon Crompton collaborations).

 

[SirThopas]

I've been watching them for a while, but their lack of physical stockists outside their Manchester store makes it really hard to try stuff on. The ventile macs look particularly great, and their harrington jackets. I like that they have the ethos of a Nigel Cabourn (pro-British manufacturing, heritage-oriented, interesting fabrics) but with less polarizing silhouettes.

Overall they might be a tad too "basic" for my needs, but I can absolutely see that if/when something in my basic wardrobe wears out, I'd be checking them out. If they can sort out the physical stocking issue for those of us with non-standard sizing.

Whereabouts are you based? If outside the UK, I can see this would be a significant issue. If inside the UK, as I am, it should be less of one, as they’re very accommodating about returns. I’m between a 6 and a 7 in their sizing, so typically order the 7, and if it’s too roomy I send it back. This isn’t ideal, but it works, and I’m a 7 about 70% of the time.

They are, as you say, in a sense basic. But I find I often get compliments on my Private White clothes. I would suggest that their main area of strength is coats/jackets, a section of my wardrobe where I want a certain straightforwardness and timelessness. They have a sale on currently, so now might be the time to check them out.

 

[SilentPartner]

Whereabouts are you based? If outside the UK, I can see this would be a significant issue. If inside the UK, as I am, it should be less of one, as they’re very accommodating about returns. I’m between a 6 and a 7 in their sizing, so typically order the 7, and if it’s too roomy I send it back. This isn’t ideal, but it works, and I’m a 7 about 70% of the time.

I'm from Brighton in the UK but I now live in Missouri, USA—which makes the process of handling returns quite painful. I visit London & Brighton every now and then, so if they had a stockist there I could try stuff on. But alas.

 

[mrthanh]

Im looking this mod size 4 anyone have this?

 

[TrustyGoose]

Does anyone have the reversible suede bomber? I love the look but am worried about sizing. I’m located in NYC, so obviously can’t try it on.

 

[WaIIace]

Does anyone own their Submariner parka?

 

[jmiller123]

I've only handled (and own) their Navy Peacoat but it is one of my favorite items in my wardrobe. Seriously built like a tank and worth the retail price. If you get your sizing correct, it's a lifetime piece. I'm a US Medium/40 and got the 4. Works great with a sweater, but also is fine with something lighter. Wish they would be a bit more directional with their offerings as I do find most of the items pretty boring which has prevented me from grabbing more.

 

[PairOfDerby's]

I've just bought the Submariner Parka. What did you want to know?

 

[PairOfDerby's]

Does anyone own their Submariner parka?

I've just bought the Submariner Parka. What did you want to know?

 

[WaIIace]

I've just bought the Submariner Parka. What did you want to know?

Which color did you buy? Is it very lightweight? Also, is it possible to take some photos?

 

[PairOfDerby's]

Which color did you buy? Is it very lightweight? Also, is it possible to take some photos?

I bought the indigo. I would not call it lightweight. I think, on a warm but rainy day, it might be too warm. I am out this evening but will try to take some photos tomorrow evening.
I am very happy with it. It's a tough jacket and will last a long time. I would prefer it slightly more fitted but it will be useful in autumn with thicker layers underneath.

 

[WaIIace]

I bought the indigo. I would not call it lightweight. I think, on a warm but rainy day, it might be too warm. I am out this evening but will try to take some photos tomorrow evening.
I am very happy with it. It's a tough jacket and will last a long time. I would prefer it slightly more fitted but it will be useful in autumn with thicker layers underneath.

Thank you! Judging from the measurements, it runs a little big, so I am planning to size down. By the way, does it have a "wax" feeling to it?

 

[PairOfDerby's]

Thank you! Judging from the measurements, it runs a little big, so I am planning to size down. By the way, does it have a "wax" feeling to it?

It doesn't feel like a wax jacket like a barbour does but I can tell that it will gain a nice patina. It is a bit stiff at the moment (I haven't worn it yet) but I think, as it softens, it will drape a little better. I can see that it will get a lot of use and the colour is a nice change for me from my usual black, sage, olive jackets.