Posted by Tony on Aug 06, 2024
The Glorious Twelfth, celebrated on 12 August, marks the exciting start of the grouse shooting season in the UK. This day is steeped in history, where enthusiasts put on their finest country attire to embrace the thrill of the hunt.
Hoggs of Fife is a top choice for country clothing, known for its quality and classic style. Driven grouse shooting is a challenging sport because these fast-flying game birds are harder to hit. Wearing gear that allows for unrestricted movement will boost your performance, and that’s where Hoggs of Fife excels. We've covered smock options in our Hoggs smocks guide.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Hoggs of Fife clothing enhances the Glorious Twelfth, keeping you stylish and comfortable for the celebration.
What is the Glorious Twelfth?
The Glorious Twelfth, celebrated on August 12th, heralds the beginning of the grouse shooting season in the UK. This date is significant in the sporting calendar, particularly in Scotland and scottish highlands, where it marks the opening of the season for shooting red grouse on moorlands. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century, following the passing of the Deer Forest Act of 1852, which regulated hunting practices and established specific dates for shooting game.
Historically, the day has been a blend of tradition, pageantry, and sport. It’s not just about the hunt; it’s a cultural event that brings together enthusiasts, friends, and family for a day of outdoor enjoyment. Traditionally, shooting estates across Scotland and northern England host grand shoots on grouse moors, where participants often gather for a full day of shooting accompanied by elegant lunches and gatherings.
The typical activities on the Glorious Twelfth include early morning meets where guns and beaters prepare for the day’s shoot. The excitement of the hunt is complemented by a high level of formality and tradition.
Participants usually dress in classic country attire, which reflects both the elegance and functional required for a day in the field. This often includes tweed jackets, breeks, and sturdy shooting boots. The dress code not only serves a functional purpose, providing comfort and protection, but also adds to the overall ambiance of the occasion, honouring the heritage and customs of the sport.
For formal shoot days and traditional field sports occasions, take a look at our collection of Hoggs of Fife Tweeds, featuring jackets, waistcoats, breeks and matching accessories.
Hoggs of Fife: A Tradition of Quality
Hoggs of Fife is a renowned name in country clothing, with a rich heritage that aligns perfectly with the traditions of the Glorious Twelfth. Established in 1888, this Scottish brand has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality garments that blend classic style with practical functionality.
For the Glorious Twelfth, Hoggs of Fife offers a range of products ideally suited to the occasion. For men there are two stylish tweed ranges:
- Kinloch tweed collection is known for its classic design and robust construction. Made from lambswool this range provides warmth and a refined appearance. Included in this range is a classic tweed jacket, with complementing breeks, trousers, waistcoat and flat cap. Plus there is a matching sports jacket that is perfect for wearing on an evening after a day of shooting. Explore the Hoggs of Fife Kinloch tweed range.
- Kingussie tweed collection is made from a blend of wool and technical fibres. The Kingussie tweed range from Hoggs of Fife, tends to have a more relaxed fit compared to the Kinloch tweeds, focusing on comfort and ease of movement while maintaining a stylish appearance. Included in this range is a stylish field coat, sports jacket, field breeks, tweed trousers, waistcoat, dress waistcoat and a baseball cap. View the full Hoggs of Fife Kingussie tweed collection.
Both tweeds represent Hoggs of Fife’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with the Kinloch catering to those who appreciate traditional aesthetics and the Kingussie appealing to those who prefer a modern edge.
Build a practical mens shooting outfit with jackets, breeks, shirts and footwear for the season ahead.
Hoggs of Fife also cater for ladies by offering two classic tweed ranges:
- The Eden Tweed Collection combines traditional country styling with a refined check pattern that works equally well in the field or at country events. Designed for ladies who appreciate classic tweed clothing, the collection includes a smart field coat, elegant hacking jacket, and matching waistcoat. With its timeless appearance and practical design, Eden Tweed is a popular choice for shooting days, country shows, and everyday rural wear. Browse the full Hoggs of Fife Eden Tweed Collection.
- Roslin tweed tends to feature more contemporary and bold patterns compared to the Eden. It includes a brighter colour offering a modern twist on traditional tweed. This tweed has a slightly more relaxed or modern cut, catering to those who prefer a contemporary approach to country attire. Included in this range is stylish field coat, waistcoat, breeks and two styles of hats. Explore the ladies Roslin Tweed range by Hoggs of Fife.
While both the Eden and Roslin tweeds offer high-quality construction and durability, the key differences lie in their design aesthetics, patterns, and fit. The Eden is more traditional and classic, while the Roslin provides a modern twist with bolder patterns and contemporary cuts.
Other Products in the Range
If you're attending a more relaxed shooting day, a full tweed outfit may feel a little formal. Hoggs of Fife also offers a wide range of practical country clothing that works well for the Glorious Twelfth and the rest of the shooting season.
The Struther Collection is available for both men and women and includes waterproof smocks, shooting trousers, flat caps, gloves, and other field-ready clothing designed for comfort in changing weather conditions.
The Green King II Collection is built from durable ripstop fabric, making it a popular choice for shooting, farming, and outdoor work. The range includes waterproof bib and brace trousers, waterproof jackets, smocks, bonded fleeces, and waterproof trousers. The Hoggs of Fife Green King II Waterproof Smock is one of our best-selling products thanks to its combination of weather protection and practicality. Browse our full range of Hoggs of Fife smocks to find the right option for your needs.
Don't forget your layers. A lightweight fleece gilet is ideal for adding warmth without restricting movement. The Hoggs of Fife Stenton Gilet is a popular choice, offering a soft finish and available in five colours that pair easily with shooting and country clothing.
If you would like to see the range in person, visit our official Hoggs of Fife stockist in Ruthin to compare styles and sizes.
For a comprehensive selection of gear, check out our Game Technical Apparel range too!
Wearing appropriate clothing for the Glorious Twelfth and for game shooting is more than a matter of tradition; it significantly impacts the experience. Proper attire enhances comfort and performance while respecting the cultural significance of the event. By choosing Hoggs of Fife, you not only embrace the timeless elegance of country clothing but also ensure that you are well-equipped to fully enjoy the festivities of the Glorious Twelfth.