Introduction
Aquascutum is one of Britain’s most historic fashion houses, a brand built on innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. From pioneering waterproof fabrics in Victorian London to creating the trench coat that became a global style icon, Aquascutum has been worn by royalty, politicians, and film stars for more than 170 years.
At Saxumo.com, we celebrate this legacy by offering our customers the latest pieces from Aquascutum. Explore the collection here and discover why this heritage brand continues to define British luxury.
Origins The Vision of John Emary
Aquascutum was founded by John Emary, a British tailor born in Kent in the early 1800s. By 1851, Emary had opened a menswear shop on Regent Street in London, at the heart of the city’s fashion scene.
In the 1850s, he developed and patented a new process that made fabrics water repellent while still soft and wearable. This was revolutionary at the time, as traditional waterproof clothing was heavy, stiff, and uncomfortable.
To reflect his invention, Emary renamed the business Aquascutum, taken from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “scutum” meaning shield. The name perfectly captured the idea of protection with elegance.
Aquascutum quickly attracted attention, with Londoners embracing its practical yet stylish outerwear. By the late 19th century, the brand had become a favourite of high society and British royalty. In the late 1870s, Emary and his son George handed over control of the business, but the founder’s legacy of innovation lived on.
British fashion heritage
The Birth of the Trench Coat
Aquascutum’s most enduring contribution to fashion is the trench coat. First developed for British officers during World War I, it combined durability with a smart, tailored silhouette. The belted waist, storm flaps, and epaulettes became defining features.
Made from gabardine and waterproof wool, the trench coat was practical on the battlefield and effortlessly elegant off it. After the war, it transitioned into civilian wardrobes and quickly became a timeless symbol of style.
Even today, the Aquascutum trench coat remains a classic piece of outerwear, instantly recognisable and forever associated with British refinement. Explore our collection here.
Trench coat history
Timeline Aquascutum’s Journey
1851 Foundation
John Emary patents a waterproof textile and opens his Regent Street menswear shop.
1850s Royal Approval
Aquascutum gains recognition from the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family.
1900s The Trench Coat
Aquascutum designs trench coats for British officers during World War I.
1950s Hollywood Connection
Film stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Sophia Loren wear Aquascutum, bringing the brand international attention.
1980s Political Prestige
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is often photographed in Aquascutum tailoring, reinforcing the brand’s image of power and authority.
2000s Global Expansion
Aquascutum grows its presence in Asia and the Middle East, becoming a truly international luxury brand.
Today Heritage Meets Modern Fashion
Aquascutum continues to offer trench coats, shirts, polos, and accessories that combine tradition with contemporary design.
Cultural Impact
Aquascutum’s trench coat became more than just clothing, it was a cultural symbol. On screen, it represented mystery, authority, and sophistication, appearing in countless films.
The brand’s signature check lining and classic tailoring have also become subtle markers of status, influencing both luxury fashion and streetwear culture.
Innovation and Craftsmanship
From day one, Aquascutum stood for technical innovation. John Emary’s waterproof fabric was a 19th century breakthrough, and the trench coat showed how design could balance functionality with timeless appeal.
Just as important was craftsmanship. Each garment carried the hallmarks of expert tailoring, attention to detail, and carefully chosen materials. Today, that tradition continues, with collections that honour Aquascutum’s heritage while adapting to modern fashion.
Aquascutum Today
Now recognised worldwide as a British heritage label, Aquascutum remains a benchmark of style and quality. Its trench coats are as iconic as ever, but the brand also offers modern collections of ready to wear apparel and accessories.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to carry Aquascutum’s latest pieces. Explore the collection here and experience a piece of fashion history for yourself.
FAQs
Q: When was Aquascutum founded?
Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by London tailor John Emary.
Q: What does the name Aquascutum mean?
It comes from the Latin words for water and shield, describing the brand’s waterproof fabric.
Q: Where can I buy Aquascutum today?
You can explore the full collection here.
Final Thoughts
Aquascutum’s journey from a Regent Street tailor shop to a global fashion brand is one of innovation, heritage, and timeless design. Its waterproof fabric and iconic trench coat reshaped menswear, while its craftsmanship has kept it relevant for more than a century and a half.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to bring Aquascutum to our customers. Discover the collection and own a piece of British fashion history.
The History of Aquascutum From London Tailor to Global Luxury Icon
Introduction
Aquascutum is one of Britain’s most historic fashion houses, a brand built on innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. From pioneering waterproof fabrics in Victorian London to creating the trench coat that became a global style icon, Aquascutum has been worn by royalty, politicians, and film stars for more than 170 years.
At Saxumo.com, we celebrate this legacy by offering our customers the latest pieces from Aquascutum. Explore the collection here and discover why this heritage brand continues to define British luxury.
Origins The Vision of John Emary
Aquascutum was founded by John Emary, a British tailor born in Kent in the early 1800s. By 1851, Emary had opened a menswear shop on Regent Street in London, at the heart of the city’s fashion scene.
In the 1850s, he developed and patented a new process that made fabrics water repellent while still soft and wearable. This was revolutionary at the time, as traditional waterproof clothing was heavy, stiff, and uncomfortable.
To reflect his invention, Emary renamed the business Aquascutum, taken from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “scutum” meaning shield. The name perfectly captured the idea of protection with elegance.
Aquascutum quickly attracted attention, with Londoners embracing its practical yet stylish outerwear. By the late 19th century, the brand had become a favourite of high society and British royalty. In the late 1870s, Emary and his son George handed over control of the business, but the founder’s legacy of innovation lived on.
British fashion heritage
The Birth of the Trench Coat
Aquascutum’s most enduring contribution to fashion is the trench coat. First developed for British officers during World War I, it combined durability with a smart, tailored silhouette. The belted waist, storm flaps, and epaulettes became defining features.
Made from gabardine and waterproof wool, the trench coat was practical on the battlefield and effortlessly elegant off it. After the war, it transitioned into civilian wardrobes and quickly became a timeless symbol of style.
Even today, the Aquascutum trench coat remains a classic piece of outerwear, instantly recognisable and forever associated with British refinement. Explore our collection here.
Trench coat history
Timeline Aquascutum’s Journey
1851 Foundation
John Emary patents a waterproof textile and opens his Regent Street menswear shop.
1850s Royal Approval
Aquascutum gains recognition from the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family.
1900s The Trench Coat
Aquascutum designs trench coats for British officers during World War I.
1950s Hollywood Connection
Film stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Sophia Loren wear Aquascutum, bringing the brand international attention.
1980s Political Prestige
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is often photographed in Aquascutum tailoring, reinforcing the brand’s image of power and authority.
2000s Global Expansion
Aquascutum grows its presence in Asia and the Middle East, becoming a truly international luxury brand.
Today Heritage Meets Modern Fashion
Aquascutum continues to offer trench coats, shirts, polos, and accessories that combine tradition with contemporary design.
Cultural Impact
Aquascutum’s trench coat became more than just clothing, it was a cultural symbol. On screen, it represented mystery, authority, and sophistication, appearing in countless films.
The brand’s signature check lining and classic tailoring have also become subtle markers of status, influencing both luxury fashion and streetwear culture.
Innovation and Craftsmanship
From day one, Aquascutum stood for technical innovation. John Emary’s waterproof fabric was a 19th century breakthrough, and the trench coat showed how design could balance functionality with timeless appeal.
Just as important was craftsmanship. Each garment carried the hallmarks of expert tailoring, attention to detail, and carefully chosen materials. Today, that tradition continues, with collections that honour Aquascutum’s heritage while adapting to modern fashion.
Aquascutum Today
Now recognised worldwide as a British heritage label, Aquascutum remains a benchmark of style and quality. Its trench coats are as iconic as ever, but the brand also offers modern collections of ready to wear apparel and accessories.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to carry Aquascutum’s latest pieces. Explore the collection here and experience a piece of fashion history for yourself.
FAQs
Q: When was Aquascutum founded?
Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by London tailor John Emary.
Q: What does the name Aquascutum mean?
It comes from the Latin words for water and shield, describing the brand’s waterproof fabric.
Q: Where can I buy Aquascutum today?
You can explore the full collection here.
Final Thoughts
Aquascutum’s journey from a Regent Street tailor shop to a global fashion brand is one of innovation, heritage, and timeless design. Its waterproof fabric and iconic trench coat reshaped menswear, while its craftsmanship has kept it relevant for more than a century and a half.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to bring Aquascutum to our customers. Discover the collection and own a piece of British fashion history.