The Hilltrek Blog

Customisation of outdoor clothing is one of the services we offer to customers.  We receive many questions on the topic of customisation so we asked our designer Susan Griffiths  to explain.

Tell us about customisation Susan

'We are often asked to customise outdoor clothing. This ranges from questions such as 'can you make a copy of this old favourite jacket which I can't get anymore'  to can you leave the chest pocket off the Braemar Ventile Smock etc. Well, the simple answer is that we don't copy jackets but we do customise clothing'

What does that mean?

'Customisation involves the modification of our standard garments to add or remove features specified by the customer.'

Can this mean any feature specified by the customer?

'Not really, we offer several standard modifications on our base designs.  We call standard modifications  'options'.' These are well proven modifications which have been tested in the field and do not impact the performance of the garment in any way. Occasionally a customer may ask for a modification which we have not done before.  We will look at the design implications both for the ability to manufacture and for the integrity of the garment. We don't want our customers comfort  or safety compromised by a modification. '

How does the customer know which customisation options are available?

'We offer several customisation options on our website. For example the Braemar Ventile Smock can currently be ordered with extra pockets, side zips, made to measure and in double ventile. We have many more options available for the Braemar Smock and several other garments and our plan is to make these options available on our website in the near future. It is difficult to display all the options available on the website and still make it clear and not confusing to the customer because for example not all options are possible at the same time. '

What about the cost of options?

'The cost is published on our website and if it is not on the website we have a price list available - just ask.  The cost of a non-standard modification depends on the time taken to design and complexity of manufacture. We have to take it on a case by case basis.'

What new options will be available for the Braemar Smock?

'They are not necessarily new options. If you look at our blog and Facebook page you will see customised Braemar Smocks with options which have not yet been published.  Options include  Double Ventile hood, reinforced shoulders, snow skirt, snow cuffs, chest bellow pockets, waist drawcords etc. In fact you can build your own Braemar to get a unique garment'

Any final comments Susan?

Our customers are the source of inspiration for our clothing range and for the modifications we offer as standard options.  We have been designing and manufacturing outdoor clothing for over 35 years and Ventile Clothing has been our core clothing range for a significant period. In this time we have built up expertise in customisation initially through local outdoor users and then in the last few years from users around the world.

Thank you Susan.