Brompton Oratory Jacket unveiled

02 Aug '11

3 min read

The design team behind the iconic, award-winning Brompton bicycle has unveiled the Brompton Oratory Jacket – an innovation in cycling apparel that can be worn throughout the day straight from bike, to boardroom, to bar.

Combining bespoke tailoring and intricate detailing with high-tech durable materials, Brompton's innovative men's jacket has the functionality of performance clothing but presented with classic British sartorial elegance.

The Brompton Oratory was the view that Brompton founder, Andrew Ritchie, had from his bedroom as he developed the original Brompton prototypes in the mid-70s. And Brompton's latest concept product is based around the same approach to design and the same principles of freedom and independence that inspired their now world-famous bike; like the Brompton itself, the Oratory Jacket is intended to make cycling more feasible, more often, for more people.

A relaxed light brown cord traditional two-button style jacket, the Oratory Jacket has been designed with a host of concealed features and is cleverly cut to ensure it is robust enough for both city commuting and all-day use. It is made from Epic cotton, which provides total protection from the elements whilst also offering sufficient poise for more formal occasions.

Reflective panels under the lapel, a pull-out lightweight Hi-Viz rear panel and fold-down cuffs provide outstanding visibility for cyclists as the autumn nights draw in, while a pop-up storm collar (with felt trim, neck fastening and underside reflective material) and adjustable cuffs provide protection in bad weather.

Pit zips provide additional ventilation and an innovative but discreet 'action back', taken from traditional shooting jackets, gives freedom of movement and flexibility while riding. Alongside a quintessentially British style, Brompton has incorporated modern technology with an inbuilt Oyster®card sleeve pocket, internal zip-up valuables pockets, headphone port and cable loops. The Oratory Jacket is lined with a wicking bamboo fabric, printed with a specially-commissioned drawing of the Brompton Oratory by acclaimed Sheffield graffiti artist, Kid Acne.

Brompton's Head of Design, Will Carleysmith, commented: “Brompton designs are solution-oriented. Having designed a bike that cyclists can use wherever and whenever they want, the natural next step for us was to design a Brompton apparel range that was equally flexible.

“The Oratory Jacket has been designed to meet the disparate needs of people who want to use a bike in daily life without having to change into or out of garish cycle attire or waterproofs. It's about giving cyclists greater choice but also about normalising cycling.

“The jacket can be worn from the bike straight into the boardroom; in a world where cycling is increasingly encouraged as an effective and sustainable form of urban transportation, it's important that we make cycling as easy as possible.”

Artist Kid Acne commented: “Sometimes my work is bold and brash, but I'm also interested in the subtle nuances of things. When I first visited the Brompton factory, I discovered the hidden detail is what's important. Intrigued by the name and heritage of the company I chose to visit the Brompton Oratory for inspiration. The lining of the jacket was a great opportunity to do something different and was essentially a blank canvas. I wanted a quintessentially British aesthetic with a modern twist. I'm really happy with the result on the final product and have enjoyed collaborating with Brompton.”

The Brompton Oratory Jacket will be available to purchase in the UK through the Brompton website and selected Brompton dealers from 1st September 2011.

Brompton Bicycle Ltd's products are sold in 33 export markets. In the UK, USA, Canada and Ireland, we sell directly to carefully-selected bicycle retailers; in other territories, we sell to distributors who operate their own dealer networks.

Brompton Bicycle Ltd

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