Spring Essentials - the Buffalo Jacket

You only need to look outside to see that spring has officially sprung, which means your wardrobe needs to transition away from the warm winter wools, big silhouettes and chunky knits to a more versatile aesthetic consisting of light- and mid-weight fabrics that can be easily layered according to the weather. One non-negotiable piece of menswear spring kit is the trucker jacket, that rugged slice of Americana that comes in the shape of a short, cropped blouson.

This season, Oli took the traditional silhouette of the trucker, and elevated it with the use of soft cotton canvas to create our iconic Buffalo jacket. This unlined blouson is constructed with a regular fit in a mid-weight washed cotton for a worn-in effect, and features two welted waist pockets, one patch chest pocket, front yoke detail, single-button cuffs and twin-needle topstitch detailing. 

Buffalo Jacket Helford Ecru

Buffalo Jacket Kildale Sky Blue

Buffalo Jacket Kildale Indigo Rinse

Why we love it

The Buffalo jacket is one of those styles that goes with just about anything you have in your wardrobe. Layer it over a fine knit on cold days, or a polo shirt when the sun decides to shine. It's unstructured too, which enables it to function like an overshirt, albeit with a boxier shape. Hence you can throw it over an OCBD for a preppy look, or a simple white tee for a timeless take on casual style. We've created the Buffalo jacket in a number of different tones, including ecru, sky blue, and a beautifully rich indigo-dyed version, all of which are great tones to complement with other neutral hues. The understated palette of these styles really complements bolder patterns such as a Breton stripe, or if not pattern then certainly different textures such as our terry towel corduroy fabrics.

A casual two-piece

Whereas the traditional trucker has always been a standalone jacket, our Buffalo jacket can also be worn as a contemporary "suit" with matching ecru and indigo trousers (and even shorts for a considered resort look), which completely changes the jacket's dynamic from rugged workwear icon to something altogether more elevated. Combined with a patterned tee or polo it’s an effortless play on smart-casual when paired with some suede loafers, chukkas or boat shoes.

Drawstring Trousers Helford Ecru

Judo Trousers Kildale Indigo Rinse

Drawstring Shorts Kildale Sky Blue

Keep on trucking

What's more, the Buffalo jacket is more than merely a spring blouson - it'll have your back right through the summer too thanks to its lightweight construction. Styling it up with a soft linen shirt and tapered chinos is a smarter way to wear it, especially for evening occasions this summer. Come early autumn you'll be able to slide your knits underneath it with heavier denim jeans or wool trousers , making the Buffalo jacket a truly multi-seasonal piece.