A brief history of the men’s Mac
A national treasure and the last jewel in the British crown, the mac is the product of a history of pragmatism and innovation. Famous long before the apple brand, this waterproof coat came into being at the beginning of the 19th century thanks to Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh.
A prolific inventor, the Glasgow native was 53 when he developed naphtha, a mixture of hydrocarbons used to light flares. Continuing his research, he discovered a few months later that dissolving rubber in this liquid made it possible to develop a water-repellent material that was completely waterproof. He imtely saw an opportunity to offer his contemporaries armour against the elements (no small feat in the United Kingdom of the Industrial Revolution).
Without hesitation, he traps this material between two layers of fabric and finds that he has just developed a textile impervious to wind and rain. He imtely patents this process "making the texture of hemp, linen, wool, cotton, silk, as well as leather, paper and other substances impermeable to water and air." It is 1823.
The problem: the material developed by Charles Macintosh hardens in the cold, softens slightly in the sun and smells terribly bad.
It would take a few years and the help of English engineer Thomas Hancock to iron out these imperfections. Success was imte: the two men opened a garment factory in Manchester and the mac (sometimes spelled “mack”) entered legend for good. A long coat, enveloping, waterproof and insulating, to which we pay vibrant tribute today.
Mac and trench: six of one, half a dozen of the other?
Often confused, the mac and the trench have comparable origins and functions. It must be said that Aquascutum and Burberry, the two brands that claim to have invented the trench, were both inspired by the Mack of Charles Macintosh and Thomas Hancock.
At heart, both are full-coverage, fairly long raincoats, waterproof and windproof, historically made from rubberised natural materials.
Yet the trench has a far more pronounced military dimension. Literally, trench coat means “coat for the trenches”, a legacy of the First World War, when the British Army decided to equip its officers with one.
For the occasion, orders were placed with these two houses to adapt the mackintosh to the demands of the front. Double-breasted front, ring belt, epaulettes, storm flaps, cuff adjusters: the trench established itself as the combat-ready version of the minimalist mackintosh.
Even today, the two coats coexist in the wardrobes of gentlemen (and not only them); one substantial and structured, the other understated and refined.
If the difference seems imperceptible to you, we recommend taking a look at the final scene of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”; there, you will see Audrey Hepburn elevate the former and George Peppard enhance the latter.
The mac, revisited and modernised
Historically, the mac embodies the meeting of innovation and functionality. At sea, for leisure or on the front line, these garments had to deliver reliability, practicality and efficiency.
At Hast, it is precisely this dual heritage that we wanted to elevate by adapting this iconic reference to contemporary needs.
Historically coherent, bold and resolutely modern, our interpretation of the mac is more than an invitation to travel: it is a declaration of love.
Two-sided elegance
Perhaps you had seen through its double game: our Mackintosh is reversible. Far from insignificant, this unique feature allows you to wear yours right side out or inside out with equal success; not every garment can claim as much.
The result of masterful craftsmanship, this feat relies on a complex, demanding construction process at the assembly stage. Unlike most double-faced pieces, its two sides are not bonded but subtly joined, ensuring a clean, precise drape on either side. Goodbye to asymmetry, tension and unsightly creases.
On one side, you have 130 gr/m2 of water-repellent cotton, ideal for facing the elements in style. On the other, a mulesing free certified wool weave awaits. With its delightful herringbone pattern and 260 gr/m2, it will offer serious protection from the treacherous chill of the in-between seasons.
And for twice the pleasure, we offer you two versions of this spectacular reversible Mac: a navy model paired with anthracite herringbone wool, and another in beige paired with an ecru herringbone pattern and muted khaki. Understated, fresh tones or warm, luminous ones: the choice is yours.
Balmacaan-inspired
In tribute to its clean, pared-back design, we worked on the proportions of our reversible Mac with the utmost care. For us, who value balance and precision, it was essential to respect its restrained, distinguished lines without falling into caricature.
To achieve this, we boldly cut our Mac to the Balmacaan pattern. Straight fit, raglan sleeves, buttoned cuff adjusters, side pockets, three-quarter thigh length: you will find all the details that made the Balmacaan the revelation of our autumn-winter collection.
By combining the traditional codes of the Mac with the beauty of the Balmacaan, our reversible coat captures the very best of both worlds: classic elegance and a gentle irreverence.
Wearing the reversible Hast Mac
With a pair of undyed ecru herringbone trousers, you will recall its sporting past across the Channel, golf games and hunting days; paired with a sailor jumper, you will revive its days spent sailing the seas of the world; over chinos, you will aptly play the military-style card; alongside a suit, you will strike a chord of distinction; while you will make the most of its cheek by wearing it over a sweatshirt.
This is all the more true of this lightweight reversible coat, whose two sides enhance its versatility and multiply the possibilities. Does your outfit lack texture to your taste? Show off its washed wool herringbone. Is a light shower or a formal occasion on the horizon? Turn it inside out and reveal its water-repellent cotton. Has a drop in temperature come with the March showers? Return to the woolly side of the force. And so on.
Jeans or chinos, pleated trousers or cargo trousers, hoodie or polo shirt, fine roll neck or chunky knit: it will work with your entire wardrobe and effortlessly elevate even the simplest of your outfits.
You will love turning your jacket inside out
A feat of ingenuity and a small marvel of craftsmanship, our reversible Mac strikes the perfect balance between heritage and innovation. Inspired by the Balmacaan you so warmly embraced this winter, it offers two equally appealing sides: water-repellent cotton to keep you dry and washed wool to keep you warm. An essential for the in-between seasons, available now.
