Distressingly, polo necks are performing well on the high street. The roll neck is tipped to be jockeying for top slot as Christmas looms. The dominance of market leading labels is unlikely to be interrupted, say industry insiders. We are seeing strong sales by Martinique, Par 2 and French Connection. Duffel coats and parkas head overwear sales this winter.
Minimalism is the buzzword.
The single breasted look is back. Something in the duffel coat's enduring populism seems to defy contemporary notions of style and fashion. Whatever - it's comfort that counts. The key, it seems, is in finding a happy medium between formal and funky. Witness the take-off in svelte crombeys with red threat stitching or camel with black stitching.