At Hast, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional garments. To that end, we continually explore materials to bring you an authentic wardrobe built around impeccably tailored essentials. This season, we introduce our first moleskin work jacket, woven from 100% cotton with a velvety, suede-like handle. Originally used for heavy-duty workwear, moleskin is today the ideal fabric for winter tailoring. A fine balance of softness, suppleness and durability, moleskin exudes timeless vintage appeal.
Looking back at the history of an exceptional material: moleskin.
A little history
Moleskin is a densely woven cotton fabric, occasionally finished with a light, flexible coating. The name "moleskin" comes from the English "mole skin", referencing its soft, velvety touch.
It has long been used for linings, such as those in famous Barbour jackets, or for notebook covers, like the House of Moleskine named after it.
It was only in the 19th century that moleskin was adopted for garment making, beginning in England with Sheffield steelworkers. Thanks to its heavy-duty strength, thickness and water-repellent nature, it offered reliable protection against sparks and molten metal. It is also a fabric that patinas beautifully over time, allowing owners of moleskin garments to keep them for decades.
In France, Alphonse Lafont developed trousers and jackets tailored to each trade in the early 20th century, using a distinct colour for every profession. Black for carpenters, white for painters and blue for mechanics and drivers, giving rise to the traditional French "bleu de chauffe" jacket. Moleskin remained the fabric of choice in France for traditional workwear trousers like the "largeot".
And today?
Today, moleskin has evolved subtly. It has become softer and more pliant, with a refined suede-like texture. It also serves as a natural, plant-based alternative to traditional leather derived from livestock. Moleskin is a sustainable, ethical option made with respect for animals and the environment.
Warm and robust, it is perfectly suited to winter clothing. This season, discover our reinterpreted take on the work jacket, crafted in moleskin.
The moleskin work jacket, the Hast way
Crafted by one of Italy’s most prestigious mills, we designed our first moleskin work jacket. Featuring an elegant suede-like finish, this hard-wearing, iconic piece offers an immaculate drape. A noble, natural and durable cloth, moleskin enhances colour depth, shown here in a rich camel. With two patch pockets, Japanese horn buttons and a 100% cotton composition, our autumn-winter work jacket is an essential, distinctive piece.
Rich in tone and effortless to wear, it pairs easily with seasonal staples: micro-patterned grey trousers, a crew-neck or roll-neck jumper and a dress shirt for a relaxed weekend look. It also layers neatly under a jacket, coat or raincoat on wet days—ideal when temperatures drop—and complements ecru or navy chinos beautifully. For a smarter outfit, style it with a shirt and tie for a sharp, modern silhouette. A garment rooted in workwear heritage, it also lends itself naturally to tailored pieces, adding a contemporary touch.
How to care for it?
To keep your moleskin jacket in prime condition for years to come, proper care is essential. We recommend washing at 30°C maximum on a delicate cycle. Air dry naturally, ideally on a broad hanger. Never tumble dry your jacket, as this may ruin the soft, brushed texture of the moleskin. Dry cleaning by a specialist is also suitable. Finally, we advise gentle ironing below 100°C, using a clean linen cloth as a pressing barrier.
