waterproof jacket
I’ve recently started a new clothing brand and I’m exploring the idea of designing a women’s waterproof jacket inspired by the old British & Irish donkey jacket.
I’m not interested in recreating the original jacket exactly — more the heritage, shape and story behind it.
30–40 years ago, donkey jackets were worn daily by truck drivers, dock workers, railway workers and coal workers across the UK & Ireland. I love the honesty and practicality of that era of workwear and I’d like to reinterpret it into a more feminine, modern silhouette.
The vision is:
- bright colours instead of dark industrial tones
- eco-friendly materials
- waterproof outer shell
- warm, comfortable inner lining
- minimal branding
- practical but still stylish
I want it to feel like a modern everyday jacket with roots in working-class British & Irish heritage rather than a technical outdoor jacket.
I’d really appreciate constructive feedback from anyone with experience in:
- fashion design
- outerwear manufacturing
- sustainable fabrics
- women’s fashion
- waterproof garments
Especially interested in:
- eco-friendly waterproof materials
- non-toxic insulation/fabric options
- whether the donkey jacket inspiration feels fresh or too niche
- any brands I should study for construction/fit inspiration
Open to honest criticism — still very early in the design stage.