The Mackinaw.

The Mackinaw is a prime example of excellent product development.

The R&D began in 1811 when the British soldiers of Fort St. Joseph, near Mackinac Island, needed new coats. The great coats they received some four years earlier were not up to the challenge of successive Huron Winters (they can be unforgiving I’m told). 

Originally, the coats were conceived as ankle-length great coats. The first batch of 40 were made from Navy blue point blankets but more coats were needed, since the supply of blue fabric became exhausted. Enter red and black tartan. Let’s call this Breakthrough #1.

Over the years, soldiers and frontiersman realized it’s very difficult to trudge through three feet of snow in an ankle-length great coat. The coat was shortened. Breakthrough #2.

Now it’s starting to look familiar.

Years later, a few others key advances were made, such as the double-shoulder feature, which adds a layer of protection against falling snow, wind, and the rough cut 4x4 you’ve thrown over your shoulder to haul up to the cabin.

I came across a double-shoulder mackinaw on my travels. I especially loved the complexity, drama, and color of the oversized tartan. I liked it so much, we not only reproduced it in a coat, we made Breakthrough #3—a vest.

Double-Shoulder Mackinaw Coat (No. 6254). A substantial and conversation-starting coat for fall and winter. Diamond-quilted lining for warmth. Front and back yoke overlay (front has pocket flaps with button closure). Rounded chest patch pockets, rustic rounded tab with button closure at wrist, interior rib sleeve cuff. Durable and warm wool and poly blend. Corozo buttons, silver metal zipper. Imported.