Sailors need suitable clothing – something Colin Howell, a mariner with the Coastal Exploration Co, knows well. His company advocates for slow and sustainable living and offers environmentally friendly adventure, meaning Howell often leads surveys of the Norfolk coastline and salt marshes onboard reclaimed and restored wooden fishing boats that employ the use of traditional sails.
Howell is also the company’s creative director, a role he describes as ‘a blend of creativity, leadership and hands-on engagement with both the natural environment and clients’. It’s a unique dual role that gives him ‘a good balance between a laptop and the great outdoors’.
The epitome of a modern classic, Sunspel’s loopback sweatshirt is a staple piece in Howell’s wardrobe. ‘It’s perfectly suitable for sailing adventures while on the boat. It also works as a great piece to relax in at home, paired with some loose joggers or my linen slacks,’ he explains. ‘It’s perfect to sling on after a salt marsh swim, as it’s warm and insulating, or to carry in my dry bag as an extra layer in the winter or a solo piece for a summer evening.’
Reimagined for Sunspel by Jonathan Anderson – who was recently appointed creative director for Dior – the loopback sweatshirt features a slimmer cut than the classic athletics sweater it is inspired by, which gives a smarter silhouette and makes it easy to layer under a jacket.
‘Like everything we design, the goal with this sweatshirt was to take a timeless staple and perfect it,’ says Sunspel design director David Telfer. ‘We wanted to elevate something as familiar as a sweatshirt while keeping it effortless and wearable.’
Anderson chose a cotton loopback fabric from Sunspel’s archive, which has a soft, brushed finish and features gentle “loops” that give the inside a cosy texture.
‘The loopback construction adds breathability, making it lighter and more versatile than a traditional fleece-backed sweatshirt,’ explains Telfer. ‘We’ve kept subtle references to classic athleticwear, with details like ribbed trims and the v-insert at the neckline but the overall silhouette is more refined and modern.’
Comfortable, moisture-wicking and versatile, the loopback sweatshirt has fast become part of Sunspel’s permanent collection, and is available in a range of colours, from earthy neutrals to vibrant blues and pastel pink.
‘It’s a soft, casual, laid-back piece that delivers comfort and functionality while embodying the carefree life of my coastal living,’ says Howell. An all-season classic, from sea to shore, the loopback sweatshirt makes dressing for any activity plain sailing.
coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk; sunspel.com
Words by Gemma Klasmer; photography by Adam Whitehead
Gemma Klasmer is a writer and editor specialising in luxury lifestyle
