Back in the 1930s, most people couldn’t imagine a female racing driver competing alongside men. Nor could they conceive of a lone woman motorcycling around the world. And piloting a plane was the last thing they thought a lady could do. Back then, there were few opportunities for women to adventure and attempt the impossible, and even fewer companies manufacturing gear for them to do it in.

This is what makes Belstaff’s story so special. The brand from Staffordshire, England, that had gained a reputation for its men’s weatherproof attire in the 1920s, swiftly realised there was no reason why it shouldn’t outfit women, too, and began a long history of offering the right kit for female explorers when no one else was.

Take a look at photos of pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart from the era – the flightsuit she’s wearing was made by Belstaff, as was the one that legendary Amy Johnson donned when she became the first woman to fly from London to Australia. Doreen Evans, a renowned racing driver of the same era, was also known for her reliance on the brand’s gear. Later, Gracie Fields recruited Belstaff to create her custom outerwear as she travelled through war zones to entertain the troops during WWII. Then, in the ’80s, when Elspeth Beard decided to embark on a solo motorcycle trip around the world, she chose a Belstaff jacket. Remarking on the 35,000-mile journey years later, she explained that her choice wasn’t just because its outerwear hit the right mark for style and protection, but because, even then, Belstaff really was one of the only brands creating these clothes for women.

Today, at 98 years old, the brand continues to uphold that spirit of adventure. You can see it in the water- and windproof Gore-Tex jackets from its autumn/winter 2022 collection, which is less about biking or aviation and more about being able to go anywhere, in almost any climate. Other adventure-appropriate materials in the range include shearling, merino wool and technical jersey. It’s also evident in the special motorcycle jackets that you see the Brummell team wearing here in these photos, taken on a special ride-out at the height of summer in London. Each jacket is designed and constructed for optimal durability, fitted with a detachable insulating liner and armoured with CE-approved D30 shoulder and elbow protectors. Style and substance indeed.

Things have certainly changed since the ’30s and, happily, garments for all genders are readily available from lots of brands these days. But there are few, if any, that can outfit the most daring women among us with the finesse of Belstaff.

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