Henri Lloyd Take It Back To Their 80s Sailing Roots With The Freo Heritage Jacket

The Manchester born brand, Henri Lloyd, puts an updated spin on their legendary Freo Heritage jacket which was famously worn by American Cup yachting champion Dennis Connor in the 1980s.

It's pretty mad really when you think about the Casuals, and the Paninaro, wearing yachting gear. Jackets geared up for sailing worn by the working classes on a water logged matchday was a bit different than some elite yachting club setting sail in a 60 foot catamaran on the Italian riviera. It really had a lot to do with panache, & performance, which is no different to modern day Gorpcore heads wanting only the best GORE-TEX for their jackets. It's the original casual ideology of wanting the very best of something whether it was trainers, the latest offerings from Massimo Osti or in this case sailing jackets. If any jacket was geared up for the UK's dismal weather down Maine Road on matchday it was a sailing jacket, and if it was by a brand like Paul & Shark, Stone Island, C.P. Company or Henri Lloyd it was even better. Each running with its own nautical theme, sailing is just part and parcel of the Casual scene, alongside tennis, football, skiing & golf. It's the original 'casual yachting' brand, Henri Lloyd, that take us back to their sailing roots with the introduction of the Freo Heritage jacket which now arrives at 80s Casual Classics.

Above: The Henri Lloyd Freo Heritage Jacket in aston cream now available from 80s Casual Classics.

Founded in Manchester back in 1963 by Angus Lloyd & Henri Strzelecki, Henri Lloyd has continued to push the boundaries of technical apparel innovation from kitting out American Cup yachting champion Dennis Connor in the 1980s to Danny Dyer in the Football Factory in 2004. Pioneering new garment technology & fabrics such as Bri-Nylon as well the introduction of Velcro closures in waterproof GORE-TEX sailing jackets, Henri Lloyd's premium yachting style had an instant 'casual' appeal. As the late 1980s found a new 'chemical' generation that still liked to dress casual, Henri Lloyd found its spiritual home on the muddy rave fields with performance still at its core. Moving into the noughties and the whole Casual revival, the Manchester born brand famously featured on Danny Dyer in the final fight scene of Nick Love's cult classic The Football Factory. The brand continues to evolve with the latest fabric innovation as well as a cult following of outerwear fanatics.

Above: The Henri Lloyd Freo Heritage Jacket in aston cream now available from 80s Casual Classics.

The Henri Lloyd Freo Heritage jacket revives an original style worn by the American Cup yachting champion Dennis Connor back in the 1980s. The classic yachting silhouette features a recycled nylon fabric that offers superior waterproofing from the elements. The updated version also features the iconic Freo stripe across the front alongside a soft fleece lining for added warmth. Other highlights include adjustable cuffs & a rollaway adjustable hood. As far as classic 'casual yachting' gear it doesn't really get much better. Shop the Freo Heritage jacket now at 80s Casual Classics via the links.