Gloverall — The Original British Duffle Coat
Gloverall began in 1951, when Harold and Freda Morris bought up surplus stocks of Royal Navy duffle coats and started selling them to the British public. The Monty, named after Field Marshal Montgomery who wore one through the Second World War, became their flagship and remains the most recognisable duffle coat in the world. Made from heavy Italian wool, with horn or wooden toggles, leather loops, and a tartan lining, the Monty is built for proper winter weather and has barely changed in seventy years. English Brands stocks the heritage Monty and other Gloverall classics.
What we stock
The Gloverall range at English Brands focuses on the duffle coat heritage:
- Monty Mid Length Coat in Navy — the heritage duffle coat that defined the category
- Other Gloverall duffle and overcoat styles as stocked
All Gloverall coats use the brand's signature heavyweight wool blend, with traditional toggle fastenings and tartan linings.
Why Gloverall
The original duffle coat brand — Gloverall did not invent the duffle coat (that credit belongs to the Royal Navy), but they brought it from military surplus into civilian fashion and made it the defining piece of British winter outerwear. The Monty design has been continuously produced since 1954.
Field Marshal Montgomery's coat — the Monty is named after Bernard Montgomery, who wore a similar duffle through the Second World War. The brand has held this association for over half a century without changing the design.
Heavy Italian wool — Gloverall coats use a dense Italian wool melton that is genuinely warm in British winter conditions. This is not a fashion coat with light fabric and synthetic insulation; this is a coat built to keep the wearer warm in genuinely cold weather.
Heritage detailing — horn or wooden toggles, leather closure loops, tartan lining, large patch pockets. Every detail dates back to the original 1950s production.
Caring for your Gloverall
Wool duffle coats need straightforward care:
- Brush regularly — a soft clothes brush after each wear removes surface dust and lifts the wool nap
- Spot clean only — never machine wash. For stains, use a damp cloth with cold water; for stubborn marks, professional dry cleaning
- Allow to dry naturally if wet — never use direct heat. Hang on a broad-shouldered hanger in a well-ventilated space
- Store on a broad-shouldered hanger in a breathable garment bag — never plastic. Wool needs to breathe.
- Treat the wool for moths in summer storage — lavender bags, cedar blocks, or a sealed garment bag for long storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gloverall duffle coats made in England? Some Gloverall production is in England; some has moved abroad over the brand's history. Verify the specific product on the individual product page or contact English Brands for confirmation.
Why is it called a Monty? The Monty is named after Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who wore a similar duffle coat through his command in the Second World War. The name has been associated with Gloverall's flagship duffle since the 1950s.
Are Gloverall coats warm? Yes. The heavy Italian wool melton used in Gloverall duffle coats is genuinely warm in cold British and European winters. The double-breasted construction adds another layer of insulation across the front of the body.
How do Gloverall sizes run? Gloverall coats generally fit true to size with room for a jumper underneath. The design assumes layering — a chunky knit, a jacket beneath, even a suit jacket. If you plan to wear it over thin layers only, your usual size is right.
