At Hast, we are committed to offering you exceptional pieces. To do this, we are constantly researching materials in order to offer you an authentic wardrobe, made up of essentials with impeccable craftsmanship. This season, we are presenting our first moleskin work jacket , a fabric made from 100% cotton, with a suede effect. Formerly used for making work clothes, moleskin is now the ideal material for making winter pieces. A clever blend of softness, flexibility and resistance, moleskin reveals an elegance with retro charm.
A look back at the history of an exceptional material : moleskin.
A bit of history
Moleskin is a cotton canvas obtained by a very tight weave, sometimes covered with a coating and a soft varnish. The name "moleskin" comes from the English " mole skin ", literally meaning "mole skin", in reference to its silky and soft touch .
It has long been used for linings, such as those of the famous Barbour jackets, or notebook covers, such as the Moleskine House which bears its name.
It was only from the 19th century that moleskin was used for clothing, first in England, by the steel manufacturers of Sheffield. With its very resistant qualities, its thickness and its water-repellent character, it is a fabric that effectively protects against metal and fusion. It is also a material that becomes more beautiful and acquires a patina with age, allowing owners of moleskin clothing to sometimes keep it for a lifetime.
In France, it was Alphonse Lafont who developed at the beginning of the 20th century trousers and jackets adapted to each profession of workers , with a different colour for each profession. Black for carpenters, white for painters and blue for mechanics and drivers, hence the name of the jacket "bleu de chauffe". Moleskin has also remained the material mainly used in France for certain trousers, such as largeots.
And today?
Today, moleskin has evolved slightly. It has become softer and more supple , with a suede look. It is also a plant-based and natural alternative to classic leather , which comes from animal farming. Moleskin is a sustainable and ethical option, made with respect for animals and the environment.
Warm and sturdy , it is a material perfectly suited to winter clothing. This season, discover our reinvented version of the work jacket, in moleskin.
The Hast-style work jacket, in moleskin
Made by one of the most prestigious Italian houses , we have imagined our first moleskin work jacket. Featuring an elegant suede look, this highly resistant iconic piece has a perfect drape. A natural, noble and durable material, moleskin enhances colours , here in a deep camel. With its two patch pockets, Japanese buttons and its 100% cotton composition, our autumn-winter work jacket is an essential original piece.
Bright and very easy to wear, it pairs with the seasonal timeless pieces : grey chipped pants, a round or turtleneck sweater and a formal shirt, for a weekend look. It can also be worn under a jacket, coat or parka on rainy days, in a layering effect (essential when temperatures drop) and goes perfectly with ecru or navy chinos. For a more formal look , you can also pair it with a shirt and tie to create a modern silhouette. A garment with a workwear heritage, it also blends very well with the tailoring style and brings a touch of modernity to the look.
How to maintain it?
To keep your moleskin jacket as long as possible, it is important to take care of it. This obviously involves proper maintenance. Prefer washing at 30°C maximum , on a delicate program. Air dry it, preferably on a wide hanger. Never put your jacket in the dryer, as this can damage the soft, fluffy appearance of the moleskin. If you wish, you can also have it dry cleaned by a specialist. The last step to pamper it is to iron it gently, at temperatures below 100°C, protecting it with a clean linen.