A new wardrobe drawn from the sea
Henri-Lloyd has launched Originals for Autumn/Winter 2026, returning to familiar jackets and knitwear shaped by its sixty-plus years of involvement with sailing. The collection became available online from 28 September, according to a 30 September British Marine announcement. It is presented as a contemporary wardrobe informed by the originals rather than a selection of literal reproductions.
The company was founded in 1963 and built much of its reputation on marine clothing developed in demanding offshore conditions. The new range revisits that identity for people who spend time beside the sea as well as afloat, where functional outerwear can move between an early departure, a harbour walk and an informal evening ashore.
The Consort carries a particular history
The original Consort jacket used Bri-Nylon, then a breakthrough in lightweight flexible weather protection. Sir Francis Chichester wore the style during his solo circumnavigation aboard Gipsy Moth IV. The AW26 Consort Original keeps the recognisable form but uses diamond quilting, polyester insulation and a PFAS-free durable water-repellent finish.
Henri-Lloyd quotes 10,000 millimetres of waterproofing and 3,000 grams of breathability for the current Consort, which comes in navy and light olive. Those are manufacturer test claims and should not be interpreted as a substitute for a dedicated foul-weather suit when conditions become severe. Its appeal is heritage-inspired protection for everyday coastal use.
Reviving the RWR and Jib shapes
The Consort RWR was introduced in 1987 by designer Olmes Carretti, and the new interpretation uses recycled nylon with updated fit and water-repellent treatment. The brand also returns to the 1970s Jib jacket, retaining its characteristic lightweight insulated silhouette. Other pieces include rugby shirts, textured knits and the Viking Shore Smock.
Different items serve different conditions, so a customer should assess warmth, freedom of movement and construction rather than expect identical technical performance across the range. A familiar shape can be attractive, but its practical value still depends on the way it is worn and the kind of sailing or travel intended.
Photographed aboard a classic yacht
Henri-Lloyd photographed the range aboard Eileen II, the Alfred Mylne-designed yacht dating from 1934, during a trip to Norway. The choice underscores the company's emphasis on products that remain useful and recognisable across many seasons. It also connects the fashion collection with a tangible object from sailing history rather than a studio backdrop.
For yacht owners, the range offers a bridge between specialist marine apparel and everyday dressing. The October story is the availability of a heritage-led seasonal collection, with clear distinctions between technical garment claims and personal style. Shoppers should consult each piece's care instructions and specific weather-performance details before choosing it for prolonged exposure. In choosing a garment for travel, the pocket arrangement and ability to layer with other clothing can be just as important as its published waterproof rating.
