Champion Clothing

A recognised clothing brand for over 30 years, Champion now offer quite an extensive range of outdoor and leisure wear. All are carefully designed and manufactured to offer maximum performance and reassuring comfort. Although the clothing line is far greater, certain key items from their ‘Country Estate’ range are distributed by John Rothery Wholesale. Here I’m highlighting apparel that has caught my attention due to the obvious attributes and performance properties. All featured are available in Navy or Olive in sizes S – 3XL.

Nice and warm

Two very appealing fleeces in the range are of identical specifications, but the Saunton is cut as a Gilet while the other, named the Otley, is designed as a full-body fleece with arms. Both are manufactured using 100% polyester with 440-grams of microfleece insulation. They have a very comfortable Sherpa fleece lining that extends all the way up to cover the inside of the very high collar.

Incidentally, Sherpa Fleece is made from a stretchy polyester fabric that has a textured look, like fleece from a sheep. It’s also very warming and soft to the touch. They both utilise the same two lower zipped pocket layout with a drawcord toggle adjust at the hem.

Lighter build, different look

Another fleece in the Champion range that’s well worth a look at is the Berwick. It has a 100% Polyester bonded 320- gram microfleece build and features two lower zipped pockets with zips, a stylish top stitch pattern across the back and front of the shoulders, plus a drawcord hem. To add more countryside character, it also has faux suede trim. In use, it’s a valuable garment for layering or can be used as an outer when the weather isn’t too inclement.

A Right Royal

Now for a more generalpurpose and weather-resistant type of jacket; the Champion Balmoral. It has a breathable, microfibre polyester shell that is 100% waterproofed, has fully taped seams and a polycotton yard dyed lining.

The jacket has a strong, double zip opening with cover flap, plus heavy-duty press studs for closure. The high fasten up collar has a detachable, fully lined hood and the arms boast adjustable cuffs. For storage, there are two inside pockets, two outer upper chest pockets and two lower pockets with extra side entry. All of the outer ones have heavy-duty press stud cover flaps.

Conclusions

Having no previous experience of the Champion brand, I was certainly impressed by all the garments, particularly the fleeces. Now, although this type of outdoor clothing is of a style that’s generally termed as traditional country wear, it wouldn’t look out of place worn casually at any time when the weather dictates. In that respect, you can be assured they’re all manufactured to a high standard, fulfil the roles they’re intended for and are incredibly well priced, considering the quality and build.