What Is Ripstop?

We’ve always had an affinity for war-time design. In our studio, you’ll find bits of memorabilia & books about military-issued uniforms; that unroot the history of many of the classic outerwear shapes & patterns that we recognise today in modern fashion.

Our range of ‘Fatigue’ shirting & bottoms were originally inspired by the ‘fatigue duty’ & summer uniforms that were first issued to servicemen during 1941. However, unlike the original HBT pieces that were made from a heavy herringbone twill, for our spring/summer range, we experimented with another material that originated in the military.

Ripstop was first introduced during WW2 when forces required a light yet strong fabric to replace the delicate & expensive silk parachutes & resist tears on the battlefield. Although the ripstop uniform didn’t take off back then, it continued to be used for sails, sleeping bags and later camping equipment; and since then ripstop has only become stronger, lighter & more wearable.

It’s in the name- it stops rips. While there is no such thing as a completely indestructible fabric, ripstop is extremely durable and resistant to rips, stopping them in their tracks, due to the weaving process. 

Ripstop is created using a blend of cotton and, in our case, polyester- which is woven into ⅛ inch squares. A strong synthetic thread is then cross-hatched over the fabric, interlocking the squares. It is this cross-hatching method that prevents a small rip from travelling past the first square and turning into a larger tear; minimising excessive damage.

Our Fatigue Overshirt was made for both on & off-duty looks. Made from a refined cotton-mix ripstop fabric, in a traditional olive colour-way, it is a durable, yet light-weight piece ideal for contemporary wear.

Its tear-resistant qualities allow for wear & tear, but this versatile throw-on layer with its simplistically timeless design looks good too.

Summer’s getting longer & our trousers are getting shorter. We’ve taken the key styling of our best-selling full-length 304 Service Fatigues and created our first ever pair of P&Co shorts crafted from the same ripstop fabric.

Available in olive & black colour-ways they feature waist adjusters and belt loops to allow you to find the perfect fit. The breathable yet tough material creates a versatile piece ideal for working, walking or lounging.

Online Friday 30th April 2021 4PM BST 8AM PT.