Imagine the scene: you’re in the ring about to face an opponent. Despite the hours of training, the support from your coaches and the team cheering you on from the corner, it’s down to you to do the right thing for the win. It’s moments like this that define self-satisfaction. When you’re battling to meet your own approval and exceed your personal expectations. Where self-satisfaction is the only marker for success. 

It is this kind of agency that is at the heart of ThruDark. The brand, created by former UK Special Forces operatives, is built on a philosophy of performing to a high level and looking as stylish as possible as you do. And this is where its new Dissident range of heavy-duty staples comes in. 

Featuring overshirts, jackets, trousers and shorts in heavyweight canvas and selvedge denim, the Dissident range is a tribute to those with a grit and determination like no other. It lets the wearer’s personality do the talking – a lesson in not just what you wear but how you wear it. 

‘We have spent the majority of our military careers within the United Kingdom Special Forces,’ says co-founder Louis Tinsley. ‘In this time, we’ve endured some of the world’s most arduous environments in extremely demanding circumstances. ThruDark was born out of our constant requirement for the best clothing and equipment to assist us in this “Endeavour Through Adversity”.’

Tinsley’s co-founder Anthony “Staz” Stazicker agrees: ‘Our background gives us firsthand experience in developing our products for a broad spectrum of climates, from extreme cold tundra, humid jungle to searing, arid desert.’ 

At first glance, the pieces are robust and simple, but a closer inspection will reveal unique style points such as the overlapping double breast pockets on the denim overshirt. Made from 100 per cent cotton selvedge denim, it offers durability, comfort and style in one fell swoop. 

Just as hard-wearing is the khaki canvas jacket. Made for everyday utility, it is functional, with multiple external and internal pockets, and durable, made of 100 per cent heavy cotton canvas.

These versatile pieces feature the ThruDark insignia on the sleeve and can be thrown over various ensembles, especially the Dissident waffle long-sleeve T-shirt with stretch rib-knit neckline and sleeve cuffs. 

‘Our Dissident range is about giving you something to wear in your downtime that remains durable and retains that ThruDark DNA,’ says Stazicker. ‘We recognise that not everyone spends their weekends climbing mountains or hitting the peaks and this range is for those who want the same ThruDark look and feel that they can wear day to day.’ Dissident is a “range to be embodied, not just worn”. 

‘Dissident is a chance for us to level the playing field,’ adds Tinsley. ‘That’s why we’ve chosen heavy canvas and the best selvedge denim; it’s about doing the simple things right to create a dependable day-to-day range.’ 

This is proof that style is more than just a selection of quality staples, it’s an attitude. An attitude that helps you reach that personal victory and leaves you satisfied when the final bell rings. And you can’t ask for more than that.

Dissident collection, from £65; thrudark.com