7L, or Seven Layer, create some of the most versatile clothing on the market combining military level practicality with a huge amount of style. Not two concepts that often find themselves put together. The Manchester-based technical wear specialist first came to our attention in a big way with the launch of the ORIGIN collection last year and we can’t wait for the new SS21 MTP System collection to drop in April.
If you’re not familiar with 7L, the core principle of their collections is based on the military system of layering garments to give a soldier the ultimate protection from the elements. If it’s hot you can shed layers, if it’s cold you can add layers – it’s an easy concept to understand that’s fool proof in practically any situation. And it works just as well if you’re a civilian doing a bit of exploring.
The inspiration behind the new MTP collection is the New British Forces Multi-Terrain Patter (MTP) Camouflage, a pattern that works in the forest, on a mountain or even in urban environments – the perfect ‘fashionflage’. The design is perhaps best seen on the MTP 3L Field Shirt, a waterproof outer that’s made of Italian fabric produced by Majo Tech. The colours are a combination of light greens, light browns, yellows and a few dark patches that create the effect of shadow.
Also in the collection are a Mid-Layer Eco Textile Field Jacket, a Thermal Layer sweater and hoodie made from English Fine Cotton, a Field Layer Dry Wax Parka with detachable insulation layer made at Cookson and Clegg, some shorts, an ArkAir x 7L Impedance Smock and a Cold Layer Jacket made from eco textiles and primaloft silver insulation.
Literally capping off the range is a Boonie hat available in a couple of variations – made in collaboration with ArkAir, an Exeter-based technical gear brand that has a similar vision to 7L of adding style to outerwear. The hats are made from Irish Ripstop cotton and have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. There is a military green one, a coyote brown one and a nightcam version and they all pair really nicely with the body layers – the green goes wonderfully with the Impedance Smock while the coyote suits the 3L Field Shirt.
Looking back, ORIGIN was really the test run for MTP, seeing if the layer system would be popular – meaning the clothes themselves were left fairly plain with block blacks and oranges. The MTP collection feels like a natural progression from that, adding more daring designs and bringing the range home by referencing the British military more closely.
At the same time, the new garments don’t lose any of the charm that we loved about ORIGIN, the clean and unfussed lines, the simplicity of the pockets and absence of too many zips or toggles that are the bane of technical wear. The new SS21 System is ideal for exploration, outdoor sport or scratching that ‘fashionflage’ itch.
Select items from the MTP System are available for pre-order now from the 7L website and the full collection will be available in April.
More details at Seven Layer.
