Moleskins, not always

From Futtner's Family Farm

The J. Peterman Company in their effort to compose a telling story for each of their goods writes "Moleskin trousers are what you might see on a man driving a 27 year old tractor, purring along over the velvety-green groundswells of England, lost in thought, totally unaware that soft rain has been falling on his head for a good 40 minutes."

During this past week I have found myself wearing my favorite loden moleskins, driving a 10 year old iron horse over a leafy brown forest floor in Mayberry, happily lost in thought yet fully aware of the soft rain falling on my head, and I have this to say:

Moleskins are horrible things to wear while conducting business on tractor seats.  The soft fabric is too slick for backsides on tractor seats and does not lend itself to safety as you change direction or incline.  I had the toughest workout of my week just hanging on.

When the weather gets tough wear moleskins, just not while tractoring.

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moleskins

It didn't snow in Mayberry last weekend. I'm not ungrateful. It did finally turn cold though and for that I may be thankful.

Finally, it's chilly enough to drag out the moleskins, the perfect pants for cold weather.

To the uninitiated, moleskin is the soft fluffy fur surrounding little rodents. It makes terrific pants since its .... No, no, no, what? Oh.

Moleskin is a brushed cotton fabric, similar to an extremely heavily woven flannel, which is luxuriously soft, durable, nearly wind resistant, and looks great. It's the perfect winter antidote for those sick of looking at men in khaki's. It's nearly impervious to wrinkles which makes it near nirvana for those of us with a more casual air. The downside is it won't hold a crease.


While shod in suede, moleskin is a terrific complement. The suede chukka boot mirrors the brushed fabric finish. Save for white or black, most of the suede boot tones work perfectly.



Adding to the cool factor, most moleskin mills are in Britain. The pants generally come in fall shades ranging from gray through the greens and browns. I've never come across a bad color.

Their durability and wind resistance make them comfortable hunting pants. Mixed with a Barbour and pair of wellies you can hunt or be in the field all day.

Later, change your shoes, add an old tweed or tartan jacket with perhaps a Fair Island sweater and you're ready for cocktails.

Heaven in a closet.

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