Histoire d'un tissu : La Moleskine

History of a fabric: Moleskine

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At Hast, we are committed to offering you exceptional pieces. To do this, we constantly conduct research into materials in order to offer you an authentic wardrobe, made up of impeccably crafted essentials. This season, we present our first work jacket in moleskin , a fabric made from 100% cotton, with a suede effect, like suede. Formerly used for the manufacture of work clothing, moleskin is today the ideal material for making winter pieces. A clever mix of softness, flexibility and resistance, moleskin reveals an elegance with retro charm.

A look back at the history of an exceptional material , moleskin.

A little history

Moleskin is a cotton canvas obtained using a very tight weave, sometimes covered with a coating and a flexible varnish. The name "moleskine" comes from the English " mole skin ", literally meaning "mole skin", in reference to its silky and soft touch .

It has long been used for linings, such as those of the famous Barbour jackets, or notebook covers, like the Maison Moleskine which bears its name.

Only from the 19th century was moleskin used to make clothing, first in England, by the steel manufacturers of Sheffield. With its very resistant qualities, its thickness and its water-repellent nature, it is a fabric which effectively protects against metal and fusion. It is also a material that becomes more beautiful and patina with age, allowing owners of moleskin clothing to sometimes keep them for a lifetime.

In France, it was Alphonse Lafont who developed pants and jackets adapted to each worker 's profession at the beginning of the 20th century, with a different color per profession . Black for carpenters, white for painters and blue for mechanics and drivers, hence the name of the “heating blue” jacket. Moleskin has also remained the material mainly used in France for certain pants, such as wideots.

And today ?

Today, moleskin has evolved slightly. It has become softer and supple , displaying a suede appearance. It is also a plant-based and natural alternative to classic leather , from animal breeding. Moleskin is a sustainable and ethical option, manufactured with respect for animals and the environment.

Warm and solid , it is a material perfectly suited to winter clothing. This season, discover our reinvented version of the work jacket, in moleskin.

The Hast-style work jacket, in moleskin

Made by one of the most prestigious Italian houses , we have designed our first moleskin work jacket. Featuring an elegant suede appearance, this very durable iconic piece has a perfect fit. A natural, noble and durable material, moleskin enhances colors , here in a deep camel. With its two patch pockets, Japanese buttons and its 100% cotton composition, our fall-winter work jacket is an essential original piece.

Bright and very easy to wear, it pairs with the season's timeless items : smart gray pants, a round-neck or turtleneck sweater and a formal shirt, for a weekend look. It can also be slipped under a jacket, a coat, or a parka on rainy days, for a layering effect (essential when temperatures drop) and goes perfectly with ecru or navy chinos. For a more formal look , you can also pair it with a shirt and a tie to create a modern silhouette. A garment with a workwear heritage, it also blends very well with the tailoring style and brings a touch of modernity to the look.

How to maintain it?

To keep your moleskin jacket as long as possible, it is important to take care of it. This obviously requires appropriate maintenance. Preferably wash at 30°C maximum , on a delicate program. Air dry it, preferably on a wide hanger. Never put your jacket in the dryer, as this can damage the fluffy and soft appearance of the moleskin. If you wish, you can also have it dry cleaned by a specialist. Last step to pamper it, we recommend gentle ironing, at temperatures below 100°C, protecting it with a clean linen.

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